Dare to Tease (Dare Nation 4.5)

She figured she might as well start at the beginning. “Hudson and I kissed. Twice.”

“What?” Macy’s raised voice caused other customers to turn around and an uppity saleswoman to frown at them.

Bri grinned, ignoring the woman. “After I fell outside the clinic, I couldn’t stand up in my heels. Hudson carried me inside and took care of my palms. I thanked him, one thing led to another … and we kissed, but Braden interrupted us.”

“That must have gone over well.” Macy’s voice dripped sarcasm because she knew how protective the Prescott brothers could be. “And the second time?” she asked.

“Yesterday at my house. He came by to check on me and brought medical supplies to bandage my palms.”

Although he’d wrapped her hands again, before he’d left, he’d shown her the large bandages she’d have an easier time applying on her own, and she’d put the less obvious dressing on her hands today. At night he’d instructed her to let the wounds breathe and leave them uncovered.

“He asked me to be his plus-one this weekend at a family wedding, and after I agreed, we kissed. Again.”

Macy let out a low whistle. “A family wedding? Isn’t that like making a serious statement or something?”

She shook her head. “No. In this case it’s more like he’s letting his family know he’s living his own life and to back off, don’t matchmake or pressure him to come home in any way.”

“Aah. And what does his invitation say to you?” Macy asked. “Or better yet, what does your agreement say to him? Is this a serious thing?” Macy’s question was a valid one.

Bri’s feelings about dating and being used or hurt hadn’t changed, but she couldn’t deny the flutters in her stomach when she so much as thought about Hudson, either. She also understood he needed her as a buffer with his family, but she knew that going in, which made the situation understandable, and there were no feelings of being exploited for her connections or used in any way. She liked the idea of helping him out and making this weekend easier for him.

“Well,” Bri said, picking up a sleek long black dress. “I don’t know Hudson’s views on relationships, but I know mine. And this is a weekend away with a sexy man and the chance to explore things without all my brothers butting in.” She shrugged. “That’s about as far as I’ve thought things through. In other words, we’re going to a wedding, not getting married. It’s all good.”

Macy smiled. “Well, you’re excited, and that’s enough for me. Now let’s pick a dress.”

They sorted through the possibilities and chose some for Bri to try on. There was one large fitting room in the back, and Macy came in with her, talking as Bri tried on one gown after another.

“Do your brothers know about your trip this weekend?” she asked.

“Can you zip me?” Bri turned, lifting her hair so Macy could pull up the zipper in the back. “I certainly haven’t told any of them,” she said, picking up the discussion where they’d left off. “I’m not hiding it, but I don’t need to either get into an argument about my personal life or have them give Hudson a hard time because he’s doing whatever with their sister.” She made a face that expressed what she thought of their interference.

“You do realize Braden is the one who gives Hudson the weekend off from the team? And they work together at the clinic, so he’ll know Hudson is away. And he’ll realize you’re gone, too, and put two and two together.”

Bri rolled her eyes. “Whatever. He’ll get over himself. We’re all adults, and when this thing, whatever it is, with Hudson ends, we can all stay friends.”

She ignored the twinge in her stomach at the thought, be it of things ending, which was silly when they’d barely begun, or just being Hudson’s friend. She shook her head, knowing she was being ridiculous. They were friends before they’d kissed, and they’d be friends after they slept together. Case closed.

“I love that dress on you!” Macy exclaimed.

Bri glanced in the full-length mirror, taking in the rose-gold, embellished, lace-embroidered, illusion gown with a low vee in the front that was flattering yet classy. The lace hugged her curves on top but fluttered beautifully at the bottom.

“Oh, look! There’s a matching scarf to drape over your shoulders.” Macy picked up the piece that had fallen to the floor and handed it to her.

“I love this,” Bri said, smoothing her hand over her hip.

She’d make a statement in this gown while keeping in style and not give Hudson’s parents anything to complain about. Other than her lack of pedigree, she thought wryly.

Macy clapped her hands. “Yay! Perfect choice. Now we go shopping for shoes and a small purse?”

Bri nodded. “Just as soon as I pay.”