Dare to Tease (Dare Nation 4.5)

“Dad, this is Brianne Prescott. Brianne, my father, Martin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brianne.” His father looked her over and, seemingly satisfied, gave her a nod. “Can I get either of you a drink?” he asked.

Hudson glanced her way, but she shook her head. “No, thank you.” Alcohol made her tired, and she wanted to be wide-awake for Hudson later.

“None for me, either, thanks.” Hudson declined as well.

His father shrugged. “Well, then. Shall we go straight into dinner?”

If it meant getting this stiff, formal evening over with, Bri was all for food.

The rest of the night proceeded as she’d expected once meeting the Northfields. There were more courses than she could eat in one sitting served by a man and woman in uniform. Martin didn’t ask about Hudson’s career or how he was enjoying his new jobs; instead he bragged about the family trading business and deals he had in the works. He pushed for Hudson to give up jobs that barely earned him a living and instead come home, where he belonged, to which Hudson adamantly put his foot down.

There was something sexy about a man who knew what he wanted and refused to bow to anyone in order to achieve his goals, but this conversation told Bri how difficult the request for investment money was going to be for Hudson. A talk he planned to have on Sunday morning before they flew home later that afternoon.

Nobody asked Bri what she did for a living, nor did they seem interested in her at all, so she ate in silence and grew angry on Hudson’s behalf.

When they were blessedly on dessert and coffee and leaving for the hotel was finally in sight, Lucille spoke up for what seemed like the first time.

“Hudson, darling, I mentioned to Corinne that you would be in town this weekend, and she’s hoping you’ll give her a call. Find time to get together?” She glanced at Bri. “Hudson and Corinne go way back,” she explained, daintily patting her lips with a napkin.

At least Bri hadn’t taken a sip of coffee or a bite of pie, because her mouth opened wide. His mother was actually matchmaking while he sat at the table with another woman by his side.

“You know, I assumed since I was bringing a date, you’d have enough class not to mention this ridiculous request again. Apparently I gave you too much credit.”

“Hudson!” his father said in a warning tone.

Ignoring him, Hudson yanked the napkin off his lap and tossed it onto the table. “Bri is sitting right here, and you’re being rude.” He rose from his seat, taking her hand and helping her to her feet.

She managed to lean down, grasp her purse, then take her shawl off the back of her chair.

“For the record,” Hudson said, “Corinne and I do not go way back. We aren’t even friends. You just keep giving the woman false hope that she can marry into this family, and you need to stop. Now.”

“But … Hudson, don’t leave. I won’t bring her up again. I just thought…”

“You thought you’d try and run my life in your own way, just like Dad is trying to do in his.” Anger vibrated through him, and Bri felt his fury.

She reached for his hand, but her touch did nothing to calm him.

Martin rose from his seat. “Sit down, son.”

Hudson shook his head. “I put up with you both pushing me. I’m used to it, but Brianne is my guest, and I won’t have her dismissed the way you did tonight. We’re leaving, and we’ll see you at the wedding.” He eased out her chair and guided her toward the arched entry and exit.

“Umm, thank you for dinner,” Bri said as he all but pulled her from the room.

She rushed alongside him, waiting until they reached the front door before she came to a halt. “Hudson, go back and make peace. You need something from your father, and this isn’t the way to get it.” Softening the man up would have been a better angle.

“Actually it was exactly the right move. My father respects a man who stands up for himself. I’ll deal with the clinic funds on Sunday. Right now I want to get the hell out of here.”

He pulled open the door, and they stepped outside. Hudson sent a text for the driver, letting him know to pull around to the front of the house because they were ready to go.

On the ride home, she gave him space, allowing him the time to lose his anger and refocus his energy. Meanwhile, Bri went over the evening in her mind. And she couldn’t deny how much she appreciated Hudson sticking up for her and refusing to let his parents treat her badly. He’d put up with it for himself because they were his mother and father, but he’d drawn the line when it came to Bri. And that fury on her behalf turned her on.