Dare to Tease (Dare Nation 4.5)

“I’m sorry.” She couldn’t imagine what a hit to his pride it would be to have to ask his father for anything. “It sounds like you have a difficult relationship.” She bit down on her lip then asked, “Why is that?”

He groaned. “Because I had no interest in the family business, and as long as Evan was alive, that didn’t matter. He let me to go medical school and live my life on my terms because Evan was filling the requisite oldest-son role.” His hands squeezed tighter around hers. “Now he wants me to give up my life, come home, and pretend to be someone I’m not.”

Now she understood why asking his father about releasing funds on a new business venture that kept Hudson in Florida and not in New York, where the man could pressure his son into doing his bidding, would be even more difficult.

The flight attendant’s voice sounded on the loudspeaker, letting them know to prepare for landing.

Bri checked her seat belt and glanced at Hudson. “At least I’ll be there for backup or a distraction,” she said with a cheeky grin, unsure of what else to do or say in the moment.

Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips against the top of it, and her skin tingled, her body responding to that small gesture.

“Let’s not dwell on it,” he said, shaking off the black mood that had descended while he explained his situation. “I’m in New York City with a beautiful woman. We came to have fun, and that’s what we are going to do.”

She beamed from his compliment and looked forward to what the weekend had in store.

* * * *

Hudson waited in the outer room of the suite while Bri changed and put herself together in the bedroom and bathroom area. Though she’d all but warned him he didn’t know about women and travel, he was stunned when she unpacked everything in her carry-on. Thank God the bathroom had a sitting area, because the woman had more makeup than he’d seen in a department store as he walked through to find the Men’s Department.

He’d had relationships, but none had reached the point where he’d wanted anyone’s clothing or toiletries stashed at his place. To him, that sent the wrong signal, and until Bri, there’d been no woman who’d tempted him to take things further than a date or two or a one-night stand. So here he was in a luxury hotel suite, surrounded by feminine bottles, makeup, and clothing, and he didn’t mind one bit.

He straightened his black sport jacket he’d paired with black slacks and a light blue dress shirt, forgoing a tie. His father might be in a business suit, but that wasn’t Hudson’s way, and he wasn’t going to bow to his father’s rules just because he needed something from the man that was rightfully his to begin with.

He passed by the room bar, deciding not to drink before he had to deal with his parents, no matter how much he wanted to take the edge off first. Striding to the window, he looked out over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, the view always stunning, and wished any time he visited the city he could relax and enjoy it instead of being stressed and uptight.

After confiding in Bri on the plane today, he’d immediately felt lighter for sharing the heavy burden he carried, wanting to meet Braden on equal ground when they began work on the clinic. Her presence went a long way toward calming him, and he decided to look at her any time his father twisted the guilt-laden knife.

The sound of Bri clearing her throat alerted him to her presence, and he turned to see her standing in the center of the room, waiting for his reaction. No question, she knew not only how to make an entrance but how to make a statement.

She wore a white sleeveless sequined pantsuit that fitted her perfectly but remained classy. A V-neck bared her tanned skin but not the breasts he’d yet to see in person or feel in his hands. The bottom of the pant legs were wide, her silver shoes high, and she clutched a matching sparkling bag beneath one arm, a silver shawl hanging over her other one. Her dark hair flowed in perfect waves around her face, and her makeup was flawless.

She simply took his breath away. “Jesus, Bri. You’re gorgeous.”

Smiling and eyes twinkling, she said, “Thank you, but you haven’t seen the best part.” She slid her hair over one shoulder and pivoted, turning her back to him. Thick straps crossed her tanned back, and the material came to a V at a low but modest point where the pants began.

“How the hell do you expect me to concentrate on what anyone says at the dinner table?” All he’d be thinking about was bringing her home, peeling that pantsuit off her perfect body, and burying himself deep inside her wet heat.