Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

She finally dressed and walked out of Braden’s room. Leaving him in bed, she shut the door behind her.

“Willow!” The sound of Cole’s voice startled her, and she glanced up to see him stepping into the hall from a few doors down, ice bucket in hand.

“Hi.” The need to run her hand through her definitely messed hair was strong, but she refrained.

“I didn’t know you were on this floor.”

She bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I’m–”

Before she could come up with a reply, the door behind her opened, and Braden joined her in the hall … in his boxers. “You forgot your phone,” he said gruffly, his gaze coming to rest on Cole. “Everything okay?”

Cole narrowed his gaze. “I see you didn’t take my advice not to get involved with him.”

She stiffened. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

Braden’s hand came to rest on her shoulder. “I agree.”

Willow didn’t know what Braden’s expression was behind her, but Cole shook his head, turned, and went back into his room, slamming the door behind him.

She flinched at the sound, and Braden turned her to face him.

“You do realize you’re still nearly naked?” And she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his gorgeous body.

He pulled her back inside and shut the door. “I know that’s the last thing you wanted. Someone from work knowing you were with me tonight.”

She sighed. “He already knew we had history. I just don’t get what his problem is or why he’s so angry. He and I weren’t serious.”

Braden raised an eyebrow. “He lost, sweetheart. No man with a healthy ounce of ego likes to know he came in second to another guy. Especially regarding a woman as sexy and special as you.” He ran his knuckles down her cheek, and she shivered at the sensual touch.

“Thank you,” she said, a rush of heat rising to her face. “Still, he’s acting like an ass.” And if he continued to give her a hard time, she’d be having words with him.

A troubled look crossed Braden’s features. “I don’t like him trying to get between us by planting ideas in your head that don’t need to be there.”

Ideas about him leaving again, she thought. She didn’t need Cole reminding her of what Braden was capable of, having already lived through his unexpected departure once before. A subject she didn’t want in the forefront of her mind. It was always there, lingering.

“Don’t worry about Cole. I can think for myself,” she assured him, her tone a little cooler than she’d intended.

Besides, the last thing she wanted was for Braden to get into a male pissing contest with Cole since they worked together. Or rather, Cole answered ultimately to him.

“Good.” His lips lifted in a satisfied smile, which made her relax a bit. “Now kiss me good-night.”

“I already did.” But she wouldn’t mind another long, wet, drugging kiss to keep her warm for the rest of the night.

Reaching up onto her tiptoes, she met his lips with hers, and he gave her exactly that.

* * *

Braden stood on the sidelines watching the game. He still hadn’t gotten used to the sound of clashing helmets and the roar of the crowd from this close to the action, but the play was fascinating from his vantage point. As the hours passed, he became more aware that Willow made a concerted effort to remain far away from him, on opposite sides of the bench, unless an injury on the field brought them together. He understood and had no problem with respecting her boundaries. Not as long as he knew he had a shot.

He glanced over to see her retaping a player’s ankle while Cole smartly kept his distance from them both, his focus on his job as it should be. The Thunder won thirty to twenty-eight, Damon having his best passing yardage total of the season so far. Braden considered the weekend a success.

They flew home that night, and next Sunday was a home game, which meant more rest and less stress. Willow sat beside Steffy on the plane.

Braden joined his brother in the seat next to him and buckled his seat belt. “Good game.”

Damon leaned back against the headrest, turning to meet Braden’s gaze. “I have to say it feels great to be back and playing in top form with that damned scandal behind me.”

“Can’t say I blame you.” He checked his phone, grinned, and typed something in.

“Evie?” Braden guessed.

Still smiling, Damon nodded.

“Why the fuck are you grinning like the Cheshire cat? You’re creeping me out.”

Damon leaned closer. “Evie’s pregnant. We’re keeping it quiet for now because it’s still early, but I need to tell someone or I’m going to explode.”

Now Braden understood his brother’s great mood and shit-eating grin. “Congratulations, man. I am so happy for you. Give Evie my best. If you tell her I know she’s pregnant, that is.”