Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

When he didn’t move fast enough, she ducked to the side and escaped his cloying presence.

“Willow.”

Closing her eyes briefly, she turned. “What?”

“You should call off your guard dog. He threatened me the other day, you know?”

No, she didn’t know. “No doubt you deserved it. You’re starting to freak me out. What is wrong with you?”

He narrowed his gaze. “I’ve told you before, I’m just looking out for you. And on that note, did you know your new boyfriend had a visit from a colleague from Doctors Without Borders?”

She swallowed hard, but she wasn’t going to let Cole see her worry. Just because Braden had met with a friend from his traveling days didn’t mean he was going back. “So?”

“So he offered him the chance to return and he jumped at the opportunity,” Cole said, his smile smug, the gleam in his eyes showing his pleasure at the pronouncement.

Her stomach twisted in shock and pain, but she didn’t trust Cole. “How would you know this?”

“I went by his office to find out how Damon was feeling, and he was with his friend. They were talking about how much fun they’d had and how they helped people less fortunate. How they were doing good work instead of treating men who earned a fortune and didn’t realize how lucky they were.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Braden wouldn’t say that about people like his brothers.”

He might know his athletic limitations, but he didn’t resent those who had talent. He wasn’t like his father. Like Jesse Prescott.

Cole shrugged. “I just know what I heard. And even if he sticks around, he’s going to come to resent this life when he could be free to do what makes him happiest.”

“You know what? You’re an asshole.” She walked away, her shoulder bumping against his as she passed.

“You just don’t want to face the truth,” he called out to her as she strode to her office, ignoring him despite the fact that her pulse was pounding too hard to be healthy.

She reached her space and was about to close herself inside so she could think when Steffy slipped in behind her. “Hey, friend!”

“Hi.” Willow slid down onto her chair.

“What’s wrong?” Steffy plopped into a seat of her own.

Still trying to make sense of what had just happened, Willow said, “Cole claims Braden’s friend from Doctors Without Borders came by, asked him to return, and he said yes.”

“Do you believe him?” Steffy leaned her elbows on the desk. “Because the guy I’ve seen the last few weeks wouldn’t go anywhere without you.”

Willow placed her hand over her pounding heart, her head torn between what Steffy said and she wanted to believe and what Cole claimed to have overheard.

For the first time in her life, she listened to her heart. If she didn’t, she would have no future, no life, no possibility of happiness. Braden hadn’t spent all his time trying to show her how he felt just to run back to Brazil. He had too much to live for here. His family, the new job, the clinic that he loved … and her if she’d just tell him how she really felt about him.

“No. I don’t believe him.”

She trusted Braden. But that didn’t mean she could let it go without finding out what had really happened. And she also needed to ask him the one question she’d been holding inside her.

“Good because he’s a jealous prick,” Steffy said.

Willow managed a laugh. “I need to talk to Braden,” she said, pushing herself up from her seat.

“I saw him leave with his sister. I think they were going for lunch.” Steffy stood. “Let’s go get something to eat, too, okay? You can talk to him when you get back.”

She paused and shook her head. “Before I see Braden, there’s one stop I need to make. Someone I need to talk to.”

Steffy shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’m going to get a taco.”

Willow burst out laughing. “Of course you are.”

Steffy waved as she started to head out. “Be nice and I’ll bring one home for you.”

“Would you? Please?”

Pausing at the door, Steffy smiled. “Sure thing. And wherever you’re going, good luck.”

Chapter Thirteen

Willow pulled up to Bella’s house, surprising herself, because in the past, if she’d gotten news like Cole had just dropped on her, she’d have not only believed it, she’d have run far and fast before Braden could hurt her by leaving first. She wouldn’t turn to anyone. Trust anyone. But here she was at the home of the woman who’d taken her in and treated her like family.

She strode up the bluestone steps leading to the front entrance and rang the bell.

Bella answered, the shock on her face evident. “Willow! Aren’t you usually at work? Honey, is everything okay?” she asked, pushing open the door and letting her inside.

“I’m okay. I just needed your wise advice. Can we sit in the family room?” Willow asked.