Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

“Give him my best,” Hudson said. “Now we need to talk about the clinic.”

Braden nodded. “I agree. The place needs an infusion of cash, and I’ve been thinking about how to come up with the funds.”

“Same. You want to buy the place, don’t you?” He knew what his friend was thinking, because he’d been considering the same thing.

“What I want and what I can afford to do are very different.” Hudson scowled. “My grandfather left me a trust fund, but my father is trustee. There is no way that son of a bitch is going to give me the funding.”

Braden rested his hands on the desk. “You won’t know unless you try. I’ll have to go to my uncle Paul for a loan.”

Hudson’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Somehow I think the man who’s really your father and has your brother’s kidney inside him isn’t going to say no.”

That made Braden laugh. “Probably not. Besides, he’ll see the merit in helping people who need it. We can turn the place into a one-stop health center with new equipment and qualified professionals who care.”

“Here’s hoping my father sees the same value. It’s all about money to him.” Hudson paused in thought. “This is something I’m going to have to do in person, though,” he said with a definite pissed-off tone and scowl. “Ever since Evan died, he’s been after me to give up medicine to come home and join the family business.”

Braden leaned forward on his desk. He knew it’d been rough on Hudson since his older brother had passed away. They hadn’t been close, because like his father, Evan’s only focus had been the family business, but Hudson missed his sibling. And when Evan had been alive, Hudson’s dad had relied on him for carrying on the family legacy, from the business to providing an heir. His parent was old-fashioned in every way. After Evan’s sudden and unexpected aneurysm, the pressure on Hudson had been heavy and ongoing. Which was why he’d refused to return to New York after their MSF stint.

“I don’t envy you,” Braden said. “We can apply to the bank for a loan?”

Hudson nodded. “We may have to but let me try my father first. The money’s mine. Maybe he’ll see reason.”

“Sounds good. You know I have your back.”

He slid his foot to the floor and rose from his seat. “I appreciate that.”

“Hello?” Bri walked in without announcing her presence and Braden rolled his eyes.

“Ever hear of knocking?” he asked.

“Not when it comes to you. I had to meet with a client, and I was hoping I could grab you for lunch?” Her gaze slid to Hudson, and if Braden wasn’t mistaken, he saw a flash of interest in his sister’s gaze.

Braden and Hudson hadn’t talked much about his past relationships or what he wanted for the future beyond not letting his father dictate his life or his choices. If Bri was interested, Hudson better not hurt her.

“Hello, Brianne.” Hudson turned toward her, and a smile lifted his sister’s lips.

“Hey, Hudson. Want to join us?” she asked.

Braden laughed at her assumption that lunch was definite. “I haven’t said yes yet.”

She leaned against the doorframe, professional in her slacks and blouse, her dark hair like Braden’s pulled into a sleek ponytail. “But you will because you miss me,” she said, sure of herself and him.

And she was right. “Fine, lunch it is. Hudson? You in?” Braden asked.

“Wish I could but I have a patient scheduled who could take a while.” Regret etched his features as he glanced at Bri. “I’ve got to get going. Good to see you,” he said to her before looking over at Braden. “I’ll keep you posted.”

Braden nodded, and with a wave, Hudson left them alone. Bri walked farther inside, leaving the door still partially ajar.

“So where do you want to eat?” she asked, wrinkling her nose in thought. “How’s the deli you love?”

His stomach growled at the idea of a huge sandwich with a variety of meats, cole slaw, and French fries.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Bri said, laughing.

“Knock knock!” a male voice called out.

“What is this place today? Grand Central Station? Come in,” Braden said, and a familiar face stepped into the room.

“Adam!” Braden was shocked to see his Doctors Without Borders colleague who, the last time he’d spoken to him, had still been in Brazil.

Bri glanced at the other man, curiosity in her gaze.

“Bri, this is Adam Niles. We worked together the last two years. Adam, my twin sister, Bri.” Braden gestured between them.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Bri said, shaking Adam’s hand.

“Same here.” Adam smiled at her.

“Listen, I can kill some time before lunch so you two can catch up,” his sister said, rightly realizing he and Adam needed time alone. “I’ll see you later.” She turned to Adam and smiled before walking out.