Dare to Stay (Dare Nation 4)

“We were all a bunch of goofballs,” he said, coming up behind her, his body warm from his shower.

He smelled like the masculine soap he used, and she turned around and practically face-planted into his bare chest, he was so close. Taking advantage, she breathed in deep, inhaling the scent that aroused her so deeply before stepping back.

She met his gaze and devoured him with her eyes. Between his damp, finger-combed hair, the gray sweats that were made to show off his attributes, and his muscled chest and arms, she couldn’t stop staring.

His lips lifted in a knowing grin.

“Have a good shower?” she asked, ignoring the fact that he’d caught her ogling him.

He nodded. “I needed one. The day just felt too damned long.”

She narrowed her gaze. “You’ve been off since you came to my office. Want to talk about it?”

He hesitated and then said, “I gave Cole a piece of my mind along with a warning.” He eyed her warily, as if he knew she wasn’t going to like what he’d just said.

And she didn’t. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you two to get into it at work.”

“I was careful but he needed to be put in his place.”

She nodded, unable to deny that Cole had been acting irrationally and unprofessionally. “What did you say to him?”

“Basically I let him know he’s been out of line, and if he doesn’t cool it, he’ll be out of a job.” He shrugged. “I also might have told him to stay the hell away from you. Or else.”

She groaned, imagining how Cole would react to threats. “Aren’t you concerned you might push him over the edge? He’s definitely not the rational man I thought he was.”

He braced his hands on her forearms. “He needed a warning and I’m pretty sure he got the message.”

Deciding she didn’t want details, she accepted Braden’s explanation. “Okay. But you don’t need to fight battles over me. I can handle him.”

“But you shouldn’t have to. Now what do you want to do for dinner?”

“It’s not like you have anything for me to cook for us, so how about … Mexican? Sushi? What do you prefer?”

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You choose. I didn’t invite you here to cook.”

“But I would have. Do you ever go shopping? You can’t live on takeout,” she said, taking his hand and leading him to the sofa.

“Between the clinic and work for the team, I have no time. Let me grab my phone and we can order. You pick.” He kissed the tip of her nose and walked away, leaving her to stare at his ass, hugged by his sweats.

In the end, they ordered sushi – a variety of rolls, mostly chef’s specials that sounded delicious and edamame as an appetizer. Now they sat on the sofa waiting for dinner to be delivered, with her in her favorite cross-legged position, facing Braden. They talked easily about a variety of things, from work and player injuries to how little free time the season provided them. The one thing they didn’t discuss was the situation with Aurora, because until Evie verified the Kingstons’ relationship with her, there wasn’t anything they could do.

“Tell me about the clinic,” Willow said. “I know you met Aurora there and you’re busy with patients but I’m curious.”

His gaze warmed at the question, but his brows furrowed, and she could see things weren’t great there.

“Unfortunately it’s a shit show. Hudson and I are frustrated. We don’t have all the equipment we need to treat people. We run short on PPE, the sonogram machine is ancient, and half the time we don’t have an X-ray technician because they can’t afford to pay one.” Obviously discouraged, he uttered a low groan.

She moved closer and settled in his lap. “You care so much. I wish I could help.”

He ran his hand through her hair, the feel of his fingers tugging the long strands delicious.

“I just appreciate your interest. Would you like to come see the place?” he asked.

She nodded, excited. “I’d love to. When?”

“I say we escape during lunch tomorrow. We’ll head over and I’ll give you a quick tour, introduce you to Thomas Anderson, the doctor who runs the clinic.”

“Actually, I’m off tomorrow. I haven’t had a day to myself in forever. I figured I’d do things around the apartment.”

A playful grin teased his lips. “I think I’ll let Hudson know he can handle things, then. I’m playing hooky with you. We can go for breakfast, I’ll take you to the health care center, and maybe we can even end up on the beach. What do you say?”

She sighed, done fighting herself. She was going to enjoy this time with him … really enjoy. Not keep reminding herself of the past. She’d deal with his leaving if and when the time came. There wasn’t much more he could do to prove he cared, and she desperately wanted to be with him while she could.