Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

“Did you ever consider the fact that Katie was young, too? That the thought of being alone so often in an unfamiliar state so far from family was frightening? She hadn’t had the chance to know who she was as a person yet. To define herself or a career or know what she could do to develop her own life apart from you?”

He let that notion float around in his mind before answering. “To be honest, no. Because after we broke up, I shut off the part of me that considered love and relationships, and I certainly didn’t spend any time delving into why Katie did what she did.”

“Hmm.” Macy folded her arms across her chest, and he’d be lying if he said his gaze wasn’t drawn to the cleavage that pushed up as a result.

“Hmm what?”

“Just that by refusing to look back at what happened with Katie, you might miss out on a very different future than the one you imagine.”

“Are we finished discussing this?” he asked. Because he really didn’t want to think about another woman while he was in bed with his wife.

Wife.

With Macy, that word didn’t sound so bad. But despite her nudging him to dissect the reasons Katie had called things off with him, the fact remained, he had a hard time believing a woman wouldn’t grow tired of the life he lived.

And he wasn’t giving up pitching until he had to.Chapter ElevenAs Macy walked toward him in the house, she looked like a goddess in her gown and heels, her makeup done by a professional Bri had called to come to the house. Glam Squad, she’d called it and laughed as she’d informed him she’d just tack it onto his Dare Nation bill.

Hannah had a friend over, and the girls had been made up by the cosmetician for fun. Their excitement had been contagious. Prior to them leaving the house, Hannah had pulled out her cell phone camera and insisted on taking pictures of Jaxon and Macy all dressed up. A funny feeling twisted his stomach as he’d wrapped an arm around Macy’s waist and smiled for the photo, as if they were a real couple, documenting their lives for posterity. The future.

And when Hannah’s friend insisted on taking a picture of the three of them together, that family feeling had increased. Everything he experienced with Macy was fresh and new, and he couldn’t say he disliked the change.

Now, as Jaxon entered the museum where tonight’s gala was being held, he was proud to have Macy beside him. He introduced Macy to his teammates, their wives, and significant others, and she charmed everyone she met with an easy smile and a way of making small talk that kept everyone at ease.

Linc and his wife, Lizzie, made their way over. Since they’d been at the wedding, Jaxon didn’t need to make introductions. “Hello, you two,” he said.

“Hi, Jaxon. Macy.” Linc smiled and hugged Macy while Jaxon did the same with Lizzie, then the women said their hellos.

“What table are you at?” Lizzie, a petite yet voluptuous redhead, asked. With so many team members here, they had a large number of tables where the players were spread out.

“Five. You?” Macy asked.

“Five, too. Excellent! We can talk more there,” Lizzie said. “I’ve been meaning to call you to go out for coffee, but time’s gotten away from me. Work has been busy.”

“You’re a real estate agent, right?” Macy asked.

Lizzie nodded.

“Perfect! I’m thinking about selling my house. Or should I say my father’s old house.”

She was? Jaxon frowned, as she hadn’t mentioned a word. Of course, it made sense. Why pay property taxes, electric, and other things on a place she didn’t need while she was living with him? But where would she go after they were divorced? Only married a week and his stomach cramped at the notion of not seeing her every day.

“Maybe we could do that coffee, and I’ll do a walk-through on the same day,” Lizzie said.

“Sounds perfect.” Macy smiled and he was drawn to the gorgeous way she looked in the gold gown. She’d disappeared for an hour today and returned with a spray tan that made her skin glow.

Linc appeared to scan the room, then spoke. “Oh, I see Garner. I need to have a word with him. See you at the table?”

Jaxon nodded and waited for Lizzie to follow her husband to their next couple before turning toward Macy. “I didn’t know you were considering selling the house.”

She glanced up at him, her big brown eyes done up with shadow and liner, her lashes thick and full. “Living in your house made me realize it was past time for me to move out of my father’s house and buy a place of my own when the time comes. Now that Hannah’s made the break from her routine, it’ll be easier to deal with her emotions then. Besides, we don’t know when that will be. It could be a year or two or six months. I just want to be prepared.”