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Dare to Stay is here!

Dear Reader:

DARE TO STAY IS HERE! You can finally read the last Prescott brothers’ story!

Braden and Willow will steam up your pages!

***** The second chance romance between Braden and Willow was filled with so much emotion from the heartbreaking moments to the heartwarming ones, you can’t help but fall in love with this couple and root for their HEA. Melissa, Bookaddict_Fanatic, Bookbub Review

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Take care and happy reading!

Xo

Carly

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Dare to Stay Chapter 2

Chapter Two

“What time do you get to work in the morning?” Braden asked Willow as she gave him a tour of the facility, doing his best to keep his gaze off her sweet behind as he followed her around.

Instead he’d listened carefully to the information she gave him and focused when she introduced him to people he hadn’t yet met. Ian planned a team gathering for later in the day where Braden would get to know everyone better.

“This way to the gym,” she said, turning a corner as she answered. “I’m in the office by four forty-five a.m. and in the gym by five thirty to start treatments. I go through therapeutic modalities, like ultrasound, joint mobilization techniques, soft tissue massage, stretching, exercise, and the like.”

He nodded, knowing the hours he’d have to be here during the season. “Tough schedule,” he said.

“You get used to it.”

They entered the state-of-the-art workout room, where athletes were on various pieces of equipment, other trainers stretching and working with the players.

Not only did he take mental notes for himself during this tour, he watched Willow deal with the people on her training team, the other physicians, and the players, admiring the mix of professional and joking relationships she had.

Seeing her in her work environment was a revelation. He’d only known her one-on-one or interacting with friends as a couple. On a personal level, she was often reticent to give out much information about herself, but here was different. It was obvious the guys respected her, trusted her judgment, and genuinely liked her as a person, causing Braden’s admiration for her to grow.

He was well aware of the wall she’d put up between them, and he took her warning that they were over seriously. But he interpreted her reactions differently than her words. Hearing the stiffness in her voice and seeing the way she wouldn’t relax and talk to him told him there were still feelings that ran deep. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t be holding in so much hurt. As much as he hated knowing he’d caused that pain, he hoped to work their way through it.

Call him an optimist but he wasn’t giving up. He now had time and space to repair their relationship.

“Hey, it’s my brother!” Damon’s voice rang out in the room.

Braden turned in time to see his sibling stride away from the weights he’d been lifting and walk over to him.

Damon slapped him on the back. “Welcome to the team.” He glanced from Braden to Willow and back again, his curiosity obviously piqued.

Braden held his breath, hoping his brother wouldn’t say something that would make her uncomfortable in front of the guys. Something about their past relationship.

“Has Willow been showing you the ropes?” Damon asked, and Braden released a long whoosh of air.

“He’s going to have to catch up quickly. We’re on the clock. Game in six days,” she said in her proficient voice.

The one she’d been using with him for the last half hour as opposed to her sultry voice, the one he heard in his dreams. “I can handle it,” he assured her.

“It’s not like he was in a cushy place before this,” Damon said. “I think he’ll do all right.” He grinned. “Gotta get back to work. Evie said to invite you for dinner one night soon.”

“Name the night and I’ll be there.” He wanted to get to know his brother’s wife and become closer to all of their significant others.

Damon strode off and Braden turned to Willow. “What’s next?”

“Tour’s over,” she said. “But I’m always around if you have questions about the players or the schedule.”

Holding back his groan because he wasn’t ready to end his time with her, he merely nodded. “I appreciate you showing me around. I know you’re busy.”

“It’s fine. We’re a team here. Ready to head back? Your jacket’s in my office,” she said, obviously eager to get rid of him.

He wasn’t about to let her get away that easily. “Sure.” He walked to the entrance of the gym and pushed the door open for her, following her out. His plan was to invite her to dinner so they could catch up and, he hoped, dig deeper than the surface conversation she’d allowed today.

They stepped back into her office, and once again he was in close quarters with Willow, surrounded by the delicious scent of coconut, his favorite smell since she’d always favored that in shower gel and shampoo. All he had to do was inhale and his cock stood at attention, which gave him a reason to shrug his jacket back on and cover the evidence of his arousal.

Had he been with other women in the last two years? Yes. Did he remember faces or names? No. And he’d always thought of Willow and wished it was her he was with.

“So I was wondering,” he began, intending to ask her if they could get together, as a knock sounded on the open door.

Not ready to share her yet, Braden turned to see who needed her attention. A man he didn’t recognize stood in the doorway. A blond-haired, brown-eyed, well-groomed guy wearing khakis and a short-sleeve Polo shirt.

“Am I interrupting?” the man asked.

Willow blinked, a flush on her cheeks. “No, of course not. Braden Prescott, this is Cole Walsh, one of the team physicians. You’ll be working together.”

Stepping forward, Braden extended his arm and they shook hands.

“My new boss.” The man took Braden in, obviously sizing him up, and Braden did the same.

“Good to meet you and looking forward to working with you,” Cole said at last.

“Same here. I’ll be announcing an official meeting in the morning, after I’ve been introduced to everyone this afternoon,” Braden said.

“Great.” Cole smiled and turned to Willow. “Are you ready for lunch? I know we don’t have much time, but I made a reservation at your favorite place.” His expression as he turned to her was of a man smitten.

That flush in her cheeks deepened as she looked at Braden beneath lowered lashes before glancing at Cole. “Sounds perfect. We’re finished here, right, Braden?” Without waiting for a reply, she opened a drawer in her desk and picked up her handbag.

Shit. She was with another man, one he’d be working with. That was a hiccup he hadn’t anticipated, and jealousy rose fast and furious inside him.

“Have fun,” he said as she walked past him without meeting his gaze.

Son of a bitch. Now what?

*     *     *

“So I gavehim a tour and we went back to my office and Cole interrupted and he and I went to lunch.” Willow took a sip of the wine she’d poured for both herself and Steffy, who’d stopped by on her way home after work.

When Steffy was hired, she’d also been looking for an apartment, and there had been one available in Willow’s building, so she’d mentioned the rental. Steffy had liked the area and the unit and rented it immediately. After they’d become friends, she’d often stop by Willow’s for a drink and a chat and vice versa.

“Hmm.” Steffy settled into the plush sofa in Willow’s living room.

“Hmm what?”

She shrugged. “Just hmm. And how was lunch with Cole?”

Willow glanced at her friend over the rim of her glass, taking another sip before answering. “I don’t know. I was distracted.”

“By a certain hot doctor? And not the one you went to lunch with?” Her friend gave her a knowing look.

“Maybe.” Willow blushed at the admission, hating that Braden had the ability to get to her on any level. “But only because I was in shock that he showed up again and I’ll be working with him, not because I still have feelings for the man.”

“Of course not.” Steffy walked into the kitchen, which was a pass-through from the family room, and poured herself more wine.

“You sound like you don’t believe me,” Willow muttered, knowing her friend was right but unwilling to admit it.

“Oh, that’s because I don’t. I saw the look on your face during that press conference, and it wasn’t just shock. You were drooling.” Returning from the kitchen, she settled onto the other end of the couch, tucking a leg beneath her.

Willow rolled her eyes. “I was not drooling.” Salivating was more like it, and she hated herself for still being attracted to Braden, never mind letting him ruin her lunch with a perfectly nice man.

“Does Cole know your history with Braden?” Steffy raised an eyebrow in question, and Willow’s grip on her wineglass tightened.

She shook her head. “No. I really want to keep my past out of the workplace. Cole and I don’t make a public display, and there’s no whispers about us. I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Which I understand. But that has nothing to do with telling the man you’re dating that the new doctor is your ex.”

She placed her drink on a coaster on the table and groaned. “It’s not an exclusive relationship. I really don’t think it’s a good idea to mention it and have that kind of mess between the three of us at work.”

Steffy narrowed her gaze. “So it’s not serious. And you couldn’t focus on him at lunch. You’re not sleeping with him! How long have you two been dating?” she asked.

“Casually for three months.”

“Well, if you haven’t slept with him before now, I can guarantee you won’t now that Dr. Hottie is back.”

She frowned at her friend, but again, Willow wasn’t about to admit Steffy had a point. Willow had been holding off taking that next step with him, and Steffy was right. Now she’d been reminded of what she was missing and why she hadn’t gone further with Cole.

None of that meant she was interested in rekindling things with Braden, who she could not trust.

*     *     *

The first weekpassed quickly, with Braden getting to know the players and the staff. He discovered he enjoyed the hectic pace of the season, keeping up with each man on the team and their chronic issues and those things that put them on the Injured Reserve List. He actually liked the job more than he’d thought he would, coming off humanitarian work.

Seeing Willow every day was a bonus, even if she treated him to her cool, professional persona that didn’t give him any way to break through her reserve. He didn’t think anyone noticed that they weren’t actually speaking to one another. Only Hudson had caught on quickly, but he knew their history. It was only a matter of time before Willow’s stiffness around him became obvious to others.

Today was Tuesday and the weekend on the road was fast approaching. He planned to travel with the team and be there on the sidelines. He didn’t believe in passing the buck, and though he had other general practitioners who could go, he wanted to show he had the chops for the job, not just Ian’s approval.

Dr. Daniel Barrett, head orthopedic surgeon for the team, had two orthopedists and one surgeon traveling with them, and Braden had tapped another GP to go with them. He hadn’t chosen Cole Walsh. He’d like to say he wasn’t biased against the man or that he didn’t want an open road to Willow, but that would be bullshit and he was man enough to admit it. By the same token, he wasn’t taking Hudson, either, because two new doctors who didn’t know the ropes wouldn’t be smart. He understood he needed to learn on the job and watch the people who’d been around longer than him for protocol. But once and if an injury occurred, his instincts would kick in, and he’d know exactly what to do.

Today was the day the coaches put together game plans, and the rookies had been in the gym working out while injured players were being seen by trainers. Braden spent the day examining various guys, eager to get to know them, and by seven p.m., he was exhausted and ready to get out of here.

But he wasn’t headed straight to the parking lot. He had a pit stop to make first. He’d taken note of what time Willow called it a day, and tonight he was leaving around the same time and hoped to intercept her before she left.

With a little luck, this time there wouldn’t be any interruptions. A certain doctor was working with a particularly tricky patient, and that should keep the man busy, because Braden had a plan.

He headed directly to Willow’s office around the corner from his and stopped in the open doorway, catching Willow mid-stretch. Wearing the type of clothing she favored, fitted black leggings and a body-hugging top, she touched her toes, and her sweet, pert ass teased him.

He couldn’t contain a groan as his cock responded to her position.

She jerked her body up and swayed from the sudden movement. He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close to steady her. The warm scent went straight to his already hard groin.

“Thank you but I’m fine now,” she said, quickly stepping away. “I didn’t realize my office door was open.”

He cleared his throat and hoped the desire she’d triggered didn’t show on his face. He also prayed she didn’t glance down, because the effect she had on him would be glaringly evident.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, gathering up her bag and things to take home for the night.

He met her gaze, her blue eyes narrowed warily. “I came to convince you to have dinner with me. I want to talk and clear the air.” And hopefully put the past behind them.

She shook her head. “Not only is it not a good idea but it’s unnecessary. We’re making do just fine.”

“I disagree. You’re not speaking to me unless it’s about a patient, you’re not relaxed around me like you are around everyone else, and we’re both traveling to Denver this weekend. So we’re going for dinner.”

She hesitated, then seemed to come to some sort of conclusion and nodded. “Fine. But somewhere close to my place and I want to be home early. I have to wake up at four thirty.”

He’d take that as a win. “Fine by me. Do you still live in the same apartment?”

She nodded.

“And is your favorite Mexican place still around the corner?”

He caught the widening of her eyes. “Yes, I remembered,” he said in a gruffer voice than usual. There were many things he recalled about Willow that would surprise her. But there was time to get into that. “Are you ready?”

She nodded, but from her stiff demeanor, it was clear she didn’t want to join him for dinner. He was serious when he said it would be good for the team. They needed to work together without resentment getting between them.

“Let’s go and I’ll follow you there.” He wished he could get her alone in his car just to have her near, but he knew she drove to work. They were stuck with two vehicles.

She stepped past him and walked out of the room. Once he joined her, she locked her office, and they headed to the parking lot in silence.

He had questions about her life, but he was saving them for the restaurant, where nobody they knew would disturb them.

*     *     *

Willow slid intoa booth at El Toro and placed her purse between her outer thigh and the wall. Before she could process his intention, Braden slipped in next to her, the warmth of his big body pressing against hers.

“What are you doing? Go sit across from me,” she said, inching away because everything about him was so powerful and overwhelming.

He slung one arm behind her and turned her way. “This is my seat, remember? We’d share our guac and chips sitting side by side.”

“That was the past.”

“And this is the present.”

Before she could reply, a waitress stopped at their table. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Willow was going to need one to get through this meal. “A margarita, please.”

“Whatever beer you have on tap,” Braden said. “And can you please bring guacamole and chips when you get a chance?”

“Of course.” The brunette smiled at them. “I’ll be back to take the rest of your order,” she said and stopped at another table.

Left alone again, Braden turned back to her. “So how am I doing at work?”

Willow blinked in surprise. “You want my assessment?”

He nodded. “I value your opinion and you’ve been around the team for years. So let me have it.”

She bit down on her lower lip and, for the first time since his arrival, allowed herself to really think about Braden and his first week with the team. He’d blended in seamlessly, the other doctors and therapists deferring to his expertise when necessary. By the same token, he had no problem handing off a player to another doctor if the injury fell under their specialty. He listened and learned the procedure and protocol and asked when he wasn’t sure instead of charging in and giving orders.

Even Cole had mentioned to her how much he liked the team’s new head doctor. Of course, he wouldn’t feel the same way if he knew she had history with Braden, but that was irrelevant to Braden’s question.

So as much as she wanted to tell him he’d done a shitty job, she couldn’t. “You seem to be fitting in well, actually. No criticism from me.”

“I’m glad you think so. Your opinion means a lot to me.” His grin was so hot, gave him such a sexy look, she’d be shocked if it hadn’t incinerated her panties, and she squirmed in her seat.

“Here are your drinks.” Their server returned and placed Willow’s glass down, then Braden’s bottle on the table in front of him. “Can I take your orders?”

“We haven’t had a chance to look at the menu.” He glanced at Willow. “Has it changed?”

“No. I’ll have the pulled pork soft tacos. Thank you,” she said to the server.

“An enchilada for me, thanks.” He ordered his usual choice from when they used to come here as a couple.

Their server picked up the unopened menus and walked away.

Not wanting to sit in uncomfortable silence, Willow decided to start their conversation. “So … how has the adjustment been from being abroad to being home?”

He shrugged. “Not bad. I’m renting an apartment in the same building as Hudson. I treated myself to a new bed, and I have to say it’s been great to be comfortable again. Cots in tents were hard on my back.”

“Are you glad you went?” As soon as the question was out, she wished she could take it back. She didn’t want him to know she wondered if he had any regrets.

He met her gaze, his expression somber. “I’m grateful for the experience,” he said, obviously speaking with care. “I wish I’d handled certain things differently. Like us.”

“It’s in the past,” she said, wishing she didn’t have to keep repeating the refrain.

“Except you’re still hurt and angry.” He lifted a hand and dropped it again.

She knew from their history what he’d intended. He’d liked to play with her hair, and she’d enjoyed it, too. He’d curl a strand around his finger and tug lightly. The sensation would start in her scalp, but she’d inevitably feel the pull between her thighs. She was glad he’d cut off the impulse. She didn’t want to make a scene.

“I washurt,” she admitted. “And I was angry. But I’m fine now. We can work together without an issue.”

“I’ll take your word for it, then.”

“Here’s your guacamole and chips,” the waitress said, returning to place their appetizers on the table.

“Thank you,” they both said at the same time.

“I’m starving.” Having rushed through a yogurt for lunch and barely having time for half a protein bar later in the afternoon, she needed food.

She reached out and picked up a chip, dipped it in the creamy avocado mix, and took a bite, the salty flavor exploding on her tongue. “Mmm. So good,” she moaned at the taste.

His gaze locked on hers. “Do not make that sound around me unless you’re prepared for what happens next.”

She widened her eyes, shocked at both his gruff tone and the words he’d spoken. Until now he’d been careful around her. Tiptoeing and trying to respect her feelings if not giving her her space. Before she could even process the boundary he’d crossed, he asked, “So what’s the story with you and Cole Walsh? Is it serious?” And he crossed another one.

“That’s none of your business,” she said, refusing to discuss her relationships with him.

“I’ll take that as a no, then.” Sounding pleased, he picked up a chip, dipped it, and took a bite, leaving her to grind her teeth in frustration because he’d boxed her into a corner.

If she agreed, he’d up his game and come on stronger. Not that she had any idea what it was he wanted from her, but he was obviously still interested. If she disagreed with him, she’d send out all the wrong signals that might get back to Cole, and she didn’t want him to get the incorrect idea about their relationship. She enjoyed her time with Cole, but it wasn’t serious.

“You’re frustrating,” she muttered, scooping up guac with another chip, then following it with her first sip of her drink.

He winked and lifted his beer.

Ignoring the flutter in her stomach, she concentrated on the food in front of her instead of the man beside her.

The waitress served their meals, and Braden behaved for the rest of dinner. They talked about various topics, and to her relief, they both veered away from anything too personal.

Instead he caught her up on his family’s weddings and engagements.

Jaxon, his baseball-playing brother had ended up in a marriage of convenience with his sister’s best friend, Macy. They’d both had strong reasons to marry and ended up falling in love. Damon married the private investigator who had cleared him of the steroid use accusation and discovered Doc’s complicity, something she’d heard about at work. And Austin had found a baby on his doorstep and called his assistant, Quinn, in to help. The baby had been his, the mother signed over her rights, not without a lot of drama, and he and Quinn were due to marry on Valentine’s Day.

“So all your brothers are married or getting married,” she mused aloud.

He nodded. “Just Bri and I are left.” He shook his head. “Maybe it’s a twin thing and it’ll happen around the same time.”

She did her best not to react to his offhanded comment. The fact that she’d once, almost, let herself dream about a lifetime with him only for him to drop the Doctors Without Borders bomb on her without warning was, as she’d said, in the past. If his future held a wedding with someone else, so be it, she thought, ignoring the cramping in her stomach at the notion.

*     *     *

Braden considered thisdinner the equivalent of a touchdown. It wasn’t a Super Bowl win, but it was another step toward his ultimate goal. He might not be the sports guy in the family, but he could use analogies with the best of them. Just knowing Willow wasn’t serious with another man gave him breathing room.

The server put the check on the table, and at Willow’s hand movement, he shot her a narrow-eyed warning. Though she frowned, she allowed him to grab the check and pay.

He walked her out to her car and paused before she opened the door. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” he asked of their time together.

“No. It was actually … nice.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth before releasing it, and he stifled a groan, wishing he could taste her mouth.

But he’d already resigned himself to a slow and steady pursuit and drew a deep breath to calm himself down. He’d fucked things up, and now he had to go at her pace. It was a road worth traveling. One she didn’t even realize they were on.

So as much as he wanted to pull her into a long, deep kiss, he’d play it slow. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow?”

She nodded. “Bright and early.”

Unable to let her leave without a meaningful moment between them, he reached out, winding a lock of hair around his finger, tugging on the strand before releasing it.

Her eyes flew to his and glazed over in a look he remembered well. One that told him the desire he was feeling wasn’t one-sided.

Taking advantage, he slid his hand around the back of her neck, pulled her close, and kissed her cheek. “Night, Willow,” he whispered into her ear, then stepped back.

Her body trembled and she glanced down, immediately fumbling inside her bag for her keys. Satisfied with her reaction, he waited for her to unlock her car and slide into the driver’s seat.

“Thanks for dinner, Braden. Good night,” she said, her voice huskier than he’d heard it since his return.

He closed the door, hearing the click of the lock, and he waited until she pulled out before walking to his vehicle.

She might try and go back to professional Willow tomorrow, but he had the satisfaction of knowing he’d broken through her reserve.

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The post Dare to Stay Chapter 2 appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Dare to Stay Chapter 1

Chapter One

Braden Prescott’s suitfelt stiff and scratchy, a far cry from the loose scrubs he’d worn for the last two years with Doctors Without Borders. He pulled at the knot on his tie as he waited for the press conference to begin, announcing him as head team general doctor for the Miami Thunder. Beside him was his cousin and team owner, Ian Dare.

“Nervous?” Ian asked, an understanding look on his face.

“More like uncomfortable.” And stressed but Braden wasn’t about to admit as much. Instead he rolled his shoulders in a futile effort to unwind and believe this new phase would work out.

“Excuse me. I need to talk to someone before the press conference starts.” Ian placed a hand on Braden’s shoulder before walking away, leaving him to ponder his sudden life change.

It was ironic that he’d accepted this position considering sports medicine had never been on his list of career choices. And for good reason. He’d steered clear of anything that reminded him of the father who’d raised him, because Jesse Prescott had belittled him for his brain, wanting only sons capable of smashing into other men on a football field.

Four of his siblings had ended up in sports in one way or another, and Braden was proud of all they’d accomplished, but it had never been his calling. However, now that he was back in town, he needed a job as much as Ian needed a general practitioner physician he could trust. The last man who’d held the job had betrayed his oath and the people he was supposed to care for.

From the wings, Braden glanced out into the audience of reporters in the front seats and team members filing into the chairs in the back. He caught sight of Hudson Northfield, his best friend, whose idea it had been to join Doctors Without Borders. He’d returned to the States with Braden and come to Florida instead of heading home to New York, where his high-pressured family resided. At Braden’s recommendation, Ian had hired Hudson as a team physician, meaning he’d be staying in Florida and not moving home.

But Braden wasn’t looking for Hudson when he scanned the crowd. He was searching for a certain blonde-haired, blue-eyed siren he’d left behind. He and Willow James, now head of the Athletic Training Department for the Thunder, had been a couple before Hudson had approached him about joining Doctors Without Border, or MSF as it was known, Médicins Sans Frontières.

He’d been the odd man out at home, the only Prescott brother who hadn’t been into sports, and the opportunity to travel and help people in need, while carving out his own niche in life, had been too much of a lure to turn down. At the time, he’d thought Willow, with whom he’d been in an exclusive but not overly serious relationship, would accept the notion that he’d be gone for two years. That they’d see one another when possible. He’d been wrong.

She’d listened, nodded, told him to have a nice life, and walked out, stunning him with how easily she’d dismissed him. Although looking back and knowing her foster care background, he should have dug deeper into her reaction. Instead he’d left despite knowing he’d hurt her with his sudden pronouncement, not taking into consideration the fact that she probably felt abandoned and had thrown up her walls. And though he didn’t regret the time he’d spent abroad, he knew he’d done irreparable damage to their relationship.

When Ian had offered him the job, he’d done his research on who he’d be working with, already knowing she’d been with the Thunder when he left. And maybe he’d scanned her social media. A little. The glimpses being the equivalent of a punch in the gut as he realized how much he’d given up when he’d left.

He hadn’t realized the depth of his feelings for her until he’d been gone. Hadn’t thought he’d miss her as much as he had. And considering her silence in response to his early texts and the calls she’d let go unanswered, she hadn’t forgiven him for his last-minute decision to leave.

As the head of the Thunder’s Athletic Training Department, she’d be answering to him as lead team physician, something he doubted would make her happy. But they were both adults and professionals. They’d make things work.

And if he had his way, he’d win back her trust.

Somehow.

*     *     *

Willow James walkeddown the hall of the Miami Thunder Football Stadium, headed to the area reserved for press conferences. Ian Dare would be announcing the new head physician. Normally the information would be revealed via press release to the public and in a private team meeting, but given the fact that the former doctor, Peter Jonas, was currently doing time in prison for defrauding the IRS, taking a bribe to pay gambling debts, and injecting the Thunder’s star quarterback with banned substances in return for money to pay off his loans, the team needed to make a statement.

As she turned a corner toward the press room, she passed life-size photographs of the Thunder’s star players, a tribute that followed them from the old stadium. Because this one was new, the smell of paint still permeated the air around her.

She’d been around the organization for a while, had done two summers and a full-year internship with the team prior to working as one of the trainers for years before being promoted to lead last month. She knew how fortunate she was to have found a place for herself with the Thunder. There were many trainers like her with a stellar academic record, but it had been her relationship with Dr. Peter Jonas, her one-time foster father, that had given her an in. Having known him for years, she’d never suspected he was capable of such betrayal.

His wife, Bella, was destroyed, and since the Jonases were the last of five foster homes Willow had been in, and by then she’d been near to adulthood, she had an ongoing relationship with them, unlike the other families who’d taken her in and easily let her go. She kept in close touch with Bella and spoke to her often. If there was anyone in her life Willow trusted, it was Bella Jonas, and she’d look out for her any way she had to.

Peter was another person who’d let her down. Life taught her that it was in her best interest to keep people at a distance, and every time she broke that rule, she’d been hurt in the end.

Given Damon Prescott’s status, the news about Doc had spread fast, hitting the team hard. Ian had withheld the name of the new doctor until announcement time, and she’d find out along with everyone else in a few minutes.

She stepped into the room, the crowd of reporters buzzing with anticipation over the upcoming news. Scanning the seats in the back, she walked toward the closest person to her in the Athletic Training Department, Steffy Hughes, a petite brunette who was a few years younger than Willow’s thirty-one. But they’d been friends for almost two years, shared drinks after work, attended exercise classes together, and bonded over their love of sports. As the only two women in the training department, they’d gravitated toward each other, and Willow had let Steffy in more than she did most people.

“Glad I’m not late. I was doing paperwork and lost track of time,” Willow said as she slid in beside her friend.

Steffy shook her head. “Not at all. Any ideas who they’re bringing on?”

“Not a clue. I haven’t heard of any shake-ups at other teams, so they’re not grabbing anyone we’d know of that way. I just know that Mr. Dare wants to make a statement that we’re starting fresh and with someone who has no possibility of being corrupted in any way. He hated the scandal that hit us.”

“Didn’t we all,” Steffy said. “Everyone has been tiptoeing around here. I’m ready for a change in atmosphere. I know Doc’s second in charge has been holding down the fort, but everyone knows he’s looking to move west with his family. We’re mid-season and need a qualified doctor in charge.”

“Amen,” Willow said, just as Ian Dare strode into the room and stood at the podium.

An imposing man in a black suit with a white shirt, top button opened, Ian was also extremely good-looking. He exuded power by virtue of his attitude and backed up his controlling demeanor with a solid work ethic, so everyone respected him. With his dark brown hair and very familiar indigo eyes, every time she saw Ian, she was reminded of the man she wanted to forget.

The man she’d dubbed he who shall not be named. The well-known words fit the guy who’d easily dumped her and taken off for parts unknown. Ironically, hewas also related to Ian, information that had come to light after he’d left for a stint with Doctors Without Borders. A decision he’d made seemingly out of nowhere.

Not that they’d been looking toward the future, but she’d had strong feelings for him that had been growing by the day. She’d let herself start to fall for him despite knowing better, and she’d thought she knew what his plans were and had foolishly let herself believe they’d included her. Just another time in her life she’d been let down and left behind. Something she would not let happen again.

“Welcome and thank you for joining me here today along with Coach Carson.” Ian gestured to the man beside him who ran the team before going into a long speech about the integrity of the Miami Thunder organization and everyone who worked for and was associated with them.

She’d zoned out for a few minutes when clapping around her alerted her to the fact that she’d missed something important.

Shaking her head, she looked up and watched in shock as hestrode onto the stage. Dr. Braden Prescott. The man who’d walked out on her two years ago and apparently the new head physician for the Miami Thunder.

Her heart pounded so hard in her chest she heard the sound in her ears. He looked scrumptious in his dark suit and the short scruff of beard he hadn’t had last time she saw him. As if no time had passed, her traitorous body responded to his presence.

“Oh my God, he’s hot,” Steffy said, waving her hand in front of her face at the same time Willow spoke. “Oh, shit, that’s my ex.”

“What?” Steffy asked too loudly, then lowered her voice. “You were with that gorgeous guy?” Steffy had been hired not long after Braden left, and Willow had already locked up her feelings and closed them in a box in her mind, never to be opened again.

Willow nodded. “We were together for a year, but I haven’t seen him in two.”

“Well, you’ll be working with him now. Oh no! What will Cole think?” Steffy asked of the doctor on staff Willow was currently dating.

Her stomach twisted at the thought. She and Cole Walsh had just started going out. She was keeping things casual, and he respected her need to go slow. She hadn’t slept with anyone since Braden because she hadn’t met any man who made her want to allow him that close. She thought Cole had potential. Now she had Braden to contend with, although given how easily he’d taken off, she doubted he’d be interested in her now. And she wasn’t into second chances after being left.

“Your life suddenly got complicated,” Steffy muttered.

No shit, she thought.

“Can you handle it?” her friend asked.

“Doesn’t look like I have a choice.” Willow glanced at the podium once more and realized Braden was staring directly at her.

As he stood next to his cousin, the family resemblance was clear. Dark hair, strong jaw, full lips… She even remembered how good he smelled, the scent of his woodsy cologne, and the feel of his body against hers. She closed her eyes and wondered how in the fresh hell this had happened. The man she’d spent two years trying to forget would now be permanently in her orbit?

She grabbed her phone and whispered, “I’m going to get ready for my next patient.” It was a lie. She didn’t have anyone on schedule, and Steffy probably knew it.

But she needed to get out of this room full of people and hole up in her office, where she could catch her breath and shore up her defenses against Braden Prescott, MD.

*     *     *

Braden watched Willowstand up and walk out the side door of the press room, and his sole goal was to get through this conference and find her. He’d noted the shock in her expression upon seeing him and kicked himself for not warning her ahead of time. Not that she’d have taken his call, but he could have texted or left a message.

She looked beautiful, her blonde hair tied in a ponytail, her face lightly made up. He couldn’t see what she wore besides the black long-sleeve workout top that clung to her curves. If he had any doubt about his feelings, if he’d wondered whether time was making him long for someone and seeing her would shake him out of his stupor, he now knew.

He wanted her back.

Forcing himself to focus, he answered questions about his background. Discussed how he’d finished college early, fast-tracked med school and his residency, worked at a clinic downtown, then done his stint with MSF. He was also board-certified in sports medicine, something he’d done because of his brothers’ career choices. He wanted to be available if needed. Now he was home and ready for the opportunity to head the team.

Had family strings been pulled in his hiring? Ian had answered that question. Probably but Ian was adamant that Braden was trustworthy and that mattered when his team had been shattered by Dr. Jonas’s betrayal. He’d ended questions there.

Braden strode off the stage, determined to see Willow, only to be waylaid by team members wanting to welcome him, and he had to take time for the introductions and conversations with the people he’d be working with in the upcoming days and weeks. They needed to get to know and trust him with their bodies and injuries, and he wouldn’t shirk those responsibilities in favor of his love life.

“Good job!” a familiar voice said with warmth and excitement.

“Brianne!” He turned to face his twin with a grin, extremely happy to see her.

Being away from his family had been difficult. Being separated from his twin sister had been twice as hard. He and Bri had a bond no one but them could really understand. Since he’d been home, she’d been busy with clients and planning their brother Jaxon’s wedding, while he’d been organizing his new life, renting an apartment, and conducting meetings with Ian about this job.

“I couldn’t miss my brother’s big introduction.” She pulled him into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re back, and I know you’re going to kick ass at this position.”

She stepped back and tucked her dark hair behind one ear. “Okay, why do you look stressed? Is this too much for you?” She gestured around the room still full of people.

He shook his head. “I’m fine. There’s just someone I need to see, and I haven’t had a second to slip out of here.”

“Aah. Willow?”

He inclined his head. “Willow.”

Bri had known Willow from the year that she and Braden had been involved. She was a publicist at their brother Austin’s firm, Dare Nation, and many of her clients were Thunder players, so she kept up with staffing and roster changes. She’d know that Willow was now head of the Athletic Training Department. The two women had gotten along well, but Willow tended to keep people at a distance, and Bri had respected her boundaries. Braden had just begun to break through her outer shell to the soft woman beneath when the MSF opportunity had come up.

“You’re distracted. Come. I’ll walk with you to the training area, then I’ll go bother some of my clients about their lack of social media presence.”

He chuckled. “I wouldn’t want to be them.”

Bri was the best at what she did, because before she took on a client, she laid out exactly what she both needed and expected of them. Once they agreed, she rode them hard to get the optimal result, but that could make her a pain in the ass, which was what they paid her to be.

She nudged Braden in the ribs. “They love me.”

He rolled his eyes just as Hudson walked up and joined them. “Good job,” he said, slapping Braden on the back.

“I was just telling him that,” Bri said.

Hudson smiled at Bri. “You look beautiful today. The royal blue in your shirt brings out your eyes.”

“Is that your way of flirting?” Bri asked, sounding almost coy.

Braden narrowed his gaze. “I think it was a compliment. I’m not so sure he’d make a play in front of your brother. Your twin.”

That earned him another nudge in his ribs. “I don’t need you protecting me like I’m five years old.”

Hudson laughed. “You two bicker like siblings. I’m complimenting a beautiful woman. Although if I wanted to date her, I’d think you’d approve of your best friend asking your sister out?” Hudson threw the volley back and smiled at them both. “See you later,” he said, and before Braden could reply, he strode off, shaking his head.

“You made me look like I can’t handle myself. Like a child. Don’t do that,” Bri said, obviously annoyed with him.

He held up both hands. “I’m sorry. Hudson’s a good guy. It was just instinct to protect you.”

“Well, as I tell my four brothers, I don’t need protection!”

“I’ll always look out for you,” Braden said, being deliberately stubborn because it was true.

She let out an exasperated noise. “How about we go find Willow and put your love life front and center?” she asked, clearly still worked up over his interference.

“Sounds like a plan,” he muttered.

They headed out of the room, and although Ian had given him a tour of the stadium during off hours, he was glad to have Bri by his side directing him. Even if she was still annoyed with him.

After passing through the Hall of Fame, which included Austin, who had retired as a wide receiver, he thought maybe one day Damon, the current quarterback, would also hang on these hallowed walls.

Bri stopped at a point where they could go straight or right. “Since I doubt you want to face her for the first time with your sister holding your hand, I’ll leave you here. Down that hall and the room on the right. Her name’s on the door.”

“Come on, Bri. Don’t be mad at me.” He used his most cajoling voice.

She frowned but he could tell it was forced. “I’m not mad. You’re just annoying.”

“But you love me.” He kissed her cheek. “Talk to you soon.”

He turned and headed down the hall, scanning the doors with name plaques on each. He realized from his previous tour that Willow’s office probably connected on another side to the gym area where the trainers worked with the athletes.

Drawing a deep breath, he knocked on her door.

*     *     *

Willow returned toher office and tried to immerse herself in the information on her computer about current players and their injuries but kept spacing out. She found it hard to focus when all she could see was Braden standing on the stage, looking so good in his suit and new scruff of beard. She hated how her body still responded to a mere look at him.

She clicked on the mouse of her computer when a knock sounded on her door, no doubt Steffy coming by to gossip about her blurting out her past relationship with the team’s new doctor.

“Come in!” she called out. She closed out the page she was looking at and glanced up as her door opened and Braden walked inside, shutting the door behind him. Her stomach flipped at the sight of him, and she rose to her feet.

“Willow, it’s really good to see you.” He stepped toward her, his arms out, clearly intending to hug her. Being in his embrace and inhaling his sexy scent was the last thing she could handle, and she held out a hand to stop him from coming any closer.

He stopped, respecting her boundaries, and she let out a sigh of relief. “How are you, Braden?”

“I’m good. Settling in. How have you been?” he asked, those violet eyes staring into hers.

“Also good. Enjoying my promotion, which reminds me. Congratulations on your new position.” She folded her arms across her chest in an effort to keep a barrier between them.

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and traveling with the team.”

God, she hadn’t let herself think about the fact that they’d be on away trips together, as well.

“You look great,” he said, his gaze taking her in, and though she wore a pair of black leggings and a Thunder fitted shirt, she felt naked beneath his stare.

“Thanks.” She didn’t want things to get personal nor did she desire a conversation about when he had returned or how his time with MSF had been. “So what can I do for you?”

“First, I wanted to say hello. Second, we’ll be working together, and I thought we should clear the air.”

She inclined her head. “Don’t worry. My entire staff will keep you up-to-date on every player.” She turned away from him and stepped toward her desk, away from the scent of his cologne that would now linger in her personal space.

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair, messing it in ways she’d seen when they’d finished a round in bed. Clearing her throat, she sat down in her chair, hoping he’d take it as a dismissal.

“Willow, look. I’m sorry about how things ended between us and I’d like to talk.” He strode closer to her desk.

“There’s nothing to discuss unless it’s about the team.” She answered before he could settle himself on the corner as he’d clearly been about to do. “We’re colleagues and I’ll be professional. I’ll talk to you when I need to, and nothing will fall through the cracks, but I want to be clear. There is nothing personal between us. Not anymore.” Resting her hands on her lap, she curled them into fists, her nails digging into her skin.

This conversation was costing her. Her pulse was racing and her stomach churning. She resented the fact that this man could still have a hold over her in any way.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He grasped the arm of her chair and spun her to face him, then braced his hands behind her shoulders.

His face was close to hers, his lips so near if she moved at all she’d be kissing him.

“I can see the emotion you’re holding back,” he said in a deep voice. “We have unresolved issues, and you can be sure we’ll be discussing them. In the meantime, how about a tour of the place?”

She narrowed her gaze. “Didn’t Ian walk you through the stadium when he was trying to sway you to take this job?”

“I have a bad sense of direction. I need another one.” He stood up straight, and she could breathe now that they weren’t face-to-face. He was still too close for comfort, she thought, as she rolled her eyes at his blatant lie. They both knew he had an excellent sense of direction.

“I would also like you to run me through the daily schedule and fill me in on anything I need to know from your perspective so I can hit the ground running. I know the team is home this weekend, but we have an away game the weekend after. Anything you can clarify for me will be great.”

“Fine.” She couldn’t say no to his request, so she cleared her throat and waited for him to get the message and step out of her personal space.

Once he did, she held back the sigh of relief and pushed herself to her feet. “I’ll show you around, and then we can go over the players who are possibly on the IRL. Injured Reserve List, in case you don’t know.”

“I did grow up in a sports-centered house. I’m aware of the terms. Just let me leave my jacket here. I can’t stand how stuffy I feel.” He shrugged off the jacket and, to her surprise, tugged at his tie next.

“What are you doing?”

“Relaxing now that the press conference is over.” He pulled at his tie, loosening it, then undoing it completely, and to her frustration, undid two buttons on his shirt, revealing the sprinkling of dark chest hair she used to lay her hand on after always amazing sex.

Shit, shit, shit. She had to stop thinking of the past.

He laid the jacket over the arm of her chair and added his tie on top.

“Ready?” she asked, trying not to show how much he affected her.

“Sure am.” He grinned as if he could absolutely read her mind and winked.

She shivered and hoped he didn’t notice her hardening nipples. The damned man. “Then let’s go.”

He gestured to the door. “Ladies first.”

He always had been a gentleman. She stepped ahead of him, feeling the burn of his stare on her back as she walked out of the room.

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❤❤ PREORDER GIVEAWAY!! ❤❤

DARE TO STAY, Braden and Willow’s second chance story is coming soon – January 26th – and to celebrate the upcoming release I’m giving away 2 chances to win this amazing FEED Bag, a surprise signed Carly Phillips book, and a packet of Carly Goodies.

2 WINNERS! Not only are these a great carry bag, but the purchase of these bags also provides school meals to vulnerable communities.

 

ENTER TODAY:

https://tinyurl.com/yyufccyh

DARE TO STAY

He’s the one who left. She’s the one he left behind.

PREORDER TODAY! Kindle: smarturl.it/DTStayKindle Nook: smarturl.it/DTStayNook Apple: smarturl.it/DTStayApple Kobo: smarturl.it/DTStayKobo Googleplay: smarturl.it/DTStayGoogleplay AmazonPrint: smarturl.it/DTStayAmazonPrint *No purchase necessary to enter.

FB is not responsible for this giveaway.

 

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Read Dare to Play Now!

DARE TO PLAY is available now. Jaxon and Macy are here!

Hot Jock

Marriage of Convenience

Bad Boy of Baseball

He’s the bad boy of baseball who’s about to lose everything. 

She needs a husband to get custody of her teenage sister. 

Suddenly a marriage of convenience doesn’t look so bad. 

Pitcher, Jaxon Prescott has a lot on his plate. Major League Baseball. Reputation as a player. And now? He’s on the verge of losing it all. He didn’t mean to sleep with his general manager’s daughter or get into a brawl that was captured on camera. But his notoriety is a problem and everything he’s worked for is at risk.

What’s a bad boy to do? Marry his sister’s best friend to save his career, even if it’s the opposite of everything he wants and believes in.

Macy Walker is the sole guardian of her half-sister until the girl’s mother returns and wants her daughter back. In order to win custody, Macy needs to provide stability and marrying someone would do the trick. Luckily for her, her best friend’s brother needs a wife.

They’re this close to getting exactly what they want – as long as they don’t fall in love.

A stand-alone novel

BUY NOW! 

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Thanks for your love and support! Happy reading and stay well!

Xo

Carly

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Dare to Play Chapter 1 & 2 Sneak Peak

Dare to Play Chapter 1

What did you buy for the couple who had everything?

Macy Walker spent over an hour in a luxury department store searching for the perfect wedding gift for Damon Prescott and Evie Wolfe. They’d gotten engaged at the end of Fall and were getting married this Saturday, January seventh, in a small ceremony at his mother’s house, unlike his sibling Austin and his fiancée, Quinn, who had a huge Valentine’s Day wedding planned at a Miami hotel. There were five Prescott/Dare siblings, two in serious relationships and three to go.

Although to hear each of them tell it, nobody had been looking for permanence. It just happened to find them. Macy wondered who was next up to fall in love.

 

To say Macy had left the gift to the last minute would be an understatement. Unable to discover anything original for the professional football player and his private investigator fiancée, Macy left the store with an expensive vase, gorgeously wrapped, and headed home to her fifteen-year-old sister of whom she had custody.

As she approached the house, a bright red Mazda Miata she didn’t recognize sat in the driveway, top down. If her sister had an older friend over, thinking Macy wouldn’t find out, she’d be in trouble. Hannah had a tendency to act out and misbehave, and in many ways, Macy understood. Hannah had a lot of abandonment issues, but she still needed discipline and guidance.

Macy pulled her Jetta around the other car, opened the garage, parked, and exited her vehicle. Letting herself inside, she walked through the laundry room area and into the kitchen, stopping short when she saw who sat with Hannah at the table. Tons of makeup and other items covered the surface, with Sephora bags surrounding them.

Oh, hell. Life was about to get interesting and not in a good way. “Hi,” Macy said, making her presence known.

“Macy, look! My mom’s back!” Hannah popped up from her chair, a smile the likes of which Macy had never seen on her sister’s face, and Macy’s stomach twisted painfully.

Hannah was a pretty girl who hadn’t learned the concept of less is more when it came to makeup. She’d just started to wear it last year, and after their dad died, she’d gone full-out rebellious. Black eye liner and heavy mascara. But there were worse things than too much makeup on her face or the pink stripe in her hair. Macy actually liked the coloring if only Hannah hadn’t done it without asking permission, along with a second piercing in her ear. Anything she could do to defy Macy, Hannah tried.

Ever since Lilah walked out when Hannah was ten, she’d grown angrier over time and tried to get away with whatever she could on principle, her bad behavior progressing since their dad died. The last thing Macy needed was Hannah’s mother’s return to give Hannah false hope that her mother was back to be with her. As far as Macy knew, other than a rare happy-birthday email, Hannah hadn’t heard from her mother since she’d left.

Lilah had left her family for someone with more money and who could give her a better lifestyle than Macy’s father had been able to. Richard Walker had made a good living as an accountant, and their family hadn’t wanted for anything. There had also been inheritance money from her grandparents that had boosted their lifestyle, but it hadn’t been enough for Lilah.

“Lilah, this is a surprise,” Macy said coolly as she placed her keys in a basket on the counter.

Lilah looked up at Macy, not a shred of embarrassment in her expression. “I’ve done a lot of soul-searching, and I decided it was time to come home to my baby.” She reached across the table and squeezed Hannah’s hand, her long, manicured nails obviously freshly done. “And I arrived to find her by herself. Where were you, Macy?”

Oh, she would not question Macy’s abilities as a parent. She had no right. “None of your business and Hannah is old enough to be home alone.”

“Can Mom stay with us?” Hannah looked at Macy with wide, hopeful eyes, and Macy silently cursed Lilah, whose smug smirk told Macy she’d put her daughter up to asking the question.

Narrowing her gaze, Macy wondered what Lilah’s agenda was, because the woman always looked out for number one.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. We have a schedule and a routine, and I’d like to keep things as they are.” Mostly she didn’t want Hannah to get used to having her mother around only for her to take off on her once again. The less time she was exposed to Lilah, the better.

“It’s okay, honey, I can stay at the hotel.” Lilah sighed dramatically.

Ignoring the guilt Lilah tried to lay on, Macy smiled. “Good. Now that that’s settled–”

Hannah pushed back her chair and rose to her feet. “You’re such a–”

“Watch it,” Macy said before Hannah could finish her sentence. “Don’t be rude to me. Now I think we should order dinner.” Gritting her teeth, she turned to Lilah. “Would you like to stay?”

She shook her head, and her brunette hair highlighted with blonde swept beneath her cheeks. Lilah rose to her feet and gathered her Chanel tote, which must have cost four thousand dollars easily, and smiled. “I wish I could but I have a date.” As she stepped around the table, Macy took in her obviously designer outfit and shoes.

So she was divorced again and hunting. And here playing up to Hannah. Why?

“Come walk me out,” Lilah said to Macy, her tone not boding well.

Macy waited for Hannah to say goodbye to her mother, glare at Macy, and storm off to her room before turning to her ex-stepmother. “Okay, cut the sweetness-and-light act. Why are you back? It can’t be for Hannah since you haven’t bothered with her since you left.”

Lilah straightened her shoulders, her attitude turning into the real bitch of a woman beneath the fake nice façade. “Because she’s my daughter. When I left, I knew your father would take good care of her when I couldn’t–”

“Wouldn’t,” Macy corrected her.

Lilah pursed her lips. “Listen, she’s my child. Her father died, and I needed to wrap up a few things before I could come back for her, but I’m here now.”

Bullshit, Macy thought. “Nobody heard from you after Dad passed away. You didn’t even come to the funeral or extend condolences. I’m not buying this act. I don’t know what your angle is, but I know you have one.”

Lilah’s cheeks flushed red. “It’s no act. I plan to take care of my girl.”

“Good luck. I have custody. You signed it over to Dad, and I’m her legal guardian now that he’s gone.”

“Something a court can easily overturn.” Lilah had started for the door, then turned back to face Macy. “It’s not like you’re doing a decent job parenting. Not only was she alone, she told me she’s grounded for no good reason, that you’re strict and difficult. She’s mine and I plan on getting custody.” On that note, Lilah walked out the door without looking back.

Macy’s heart pounded inside her chest, fear and concern filling her at the thought of losing the sister she loved and the only family she had left. Macy’s mother had died from ovarian cancer when Macy was six, and it had just been her and her dad. True, he’d dated like crazy, hating the idea of being alone, but he’d loved Macy and been a great dad.

Life had been good until the stepmother from hell arrived when Macy had turned thirteen. Her teenage years had been a nightmare with Lilah picking on her to be perfect, but Macy had managed. And when Lilah had disappeared, Macy was there for Hannah.

At twenty-eight years old, Macy had moved into her own apartment a few years ago, and though she’d helped her father with her half sister, Macy had had a life of her own. But when it became clear her father couldn’t handle raising Hannah alone, Macy had moved back into her childhood house, a patio home in a residential neighborhood just north of Miami. With her father gone for eight months now, killed in a car accident, it was just Hannah and Macy.

She’d all but raised her sister, and she had no intention of losing custody to a woman who didn’t know how to be a parent.

*     *     *

Although Macy hadn’t slept well because Lilah’s threat to take Hannah stayed with her, she pushed herself to go to Damon and Evie’s twilight wedding that evening. She dropped Hannah at a friend’s for the night and headed over to Damon’s mother’s house.

She placed her present on the gift table, picked up a glass of champagne, and because Damon’s sister, Brianne, Macy’s friend and the connection that had brought her to this party in the first place, was upstairs with the bridesmaids, Macy wandered around by herself. She glanced out the windows, the flowers and white arch for the ceremony a beautiful sight.

When everyone made their way outside, she chose a seat on an aisle, a tissue in her hand because she always cried at weddings. Under a setting sun and in beautiful weather, the bridesmaids wearing pale peach and the groomsmen in tuxedos, Macy sighed with happiness for the couple.

The ceremony was brief but beautiful. As Damon and Evie held hands, whispering vows only they could hear, Macy couldn’t help but think she’d never see this kind of love. At her age and with her responsibilities, with no real time to have a social life and working from home, meeting someone interested in a lifetime commitment was almost impossible. And the men she did meet had no patience for her priorities.

She glanced at the groomsmen, her gaze coming back again and again to Jaxon Prescott, Bri’s Major League Baseball-player sibling, the word player having more than one connotation in his case. Jaxon’s reputation for partying and sleeping around was legendary. Of all the Prescott brothers, Austin, the sports agent, Damon, the football player, and Braden, the doctor who she’d only seen in photographs since he was out of the country for Doctors Without Borders, Jaxon was the best looking, at least in Macy’s mind. Clean-cut, jet-black hair, chiseled features, full lips she wouldn’t mind kissing, and muscles galore, he’d tempt a nun to sin.

He met her gaze, and though she blushed at being caught staring, she didn’t look away until he smiled and winked at her, causing her to glance down.

Damn, the man tempted her. He flirted in a way that made her girly parts sit up and take notice. And she was long deprived in that area. But as much as he liked to tease and flirt, she didn’t take Jaxon seriously. He was a ladies’ man in every sense of the word, and she was the kind of woman who wanted a forever kind of relationship someday. The type that would send Jaxon running at the mere thought of the permanence she desired.

When the vows were complete and the ceremony finished, the bride and groom walked out hand in hand, excited and satisfied smiles on their faces. The bridal party followed, and finally the crowd made their way back inside.

Despite Jaxon standing out, as she looked around at the guests, she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the sexiness of the men in the room, and the fact that they were dressed up only added to their appeal. Most of them were athletes, and Macy had to admit she’d come up in the world since meeting Brianne Prescott at an exercise class and becoming fast friends.

Finally Bri joined her, snagging a champagne glass off a waitress’s passing tray. “Whew, it was hot outside.”

“But so beautiful,” Macy said of the wedding itself. “And let me tell you, there’s a lot of testosterone in this room.” She waved a hand in front of her face.

“Eew.” Brianne wrinkled her nose in disgust at Macy’s comment. “Three of those men in that group you’re talking about are my brothers.”

“Oh, come on. Besides them. Look around you. You can’t deny the hotness.”

Brianne, a publicist at Dare Nation, a sports agency owned by her brother Austin and uncle Paul, was used to dealing with professional athletes, while Macy had been taken out of her comfort zone at many of these events. But going to football games and other PR occasions gave her social life a boost she wouldn’t otherwise have in between raising Hannah, and for that she was grateful.

She didn’t want to spoil Bri’s enjoyment of the day by telling her about Lilah’s visit yesterday, despite the fact that she couldn’t shake the incident or fear of the future from her mind. Losing her sister couldn’t happen. It just couldn’t.

“Oh, look at the motley crew coming our way,” Bri said with a grin on her face. “Evie excluded, of course.”

Damon, Evie, and Jaxon strode over, the bride and groom obviously making their rounds, Jaxon tagging along, and as his gaze locked on hers, her stomach did a sensual flip.

“Hi, ladies,” Jaxon said, his gaze sliding over her, making her shiver. “You’re looking good, Macy. White looks great with your tan. Hot.” He treated her to yet another wink, that adorable grin on his face one she couldn’t ignore.

Though she was shocked he’d noticed the white halter dress she’d taken an hour to choose, at least that fluttering feeling in her stomach took her mind off her problems.

“Thanks, Jaxon.”

“Just telling it like it is. You’re blushing.” Reaching out, he stroked a finger down her cheek, the calluses on the pads rough, masculine, and making her tingle. “You must not get complimented enough. I could change that.”

And crazily enough, under the right circumstances, she might let him. Lord knew she wouldn’t be having a relationship of any substance for at least another three years, until Hannah graduated high school and moved out. Did Macy intend to be celibate until then? She shook her head. What the hell was she thinking? Jaxon flirted but he wasn’t seriously interested in anything with her.

Just then, Bri slapped her brother’s arm. “Leave her alone. So what were you three whispering about?” she asked Damon, Evie, and Jaxon.

“Just asking Jaxon what he’s been doing,” Damon said.

“You mean who he’s been doing,” Bri muttered, because Jaxon did tend to get into trouble. Months ago, there’d been a viral video with his manager’s young – though of age – daughter. Not that he’d known who she was at the time, at least according to Bri, whose job it was to make him look good in the media.

Macy stifled a laugh at her joke, and Jaxon narrowed his gaze at his sister. This was their usual dynamic, Bri calling him out, Jaxon getting not seriously annoyed but letting her know he didn’t appreciate the jab.

“Come on, Macy. Let me introduce you to a few people from work. I think you’ll like Adam Martsoff,” Bri said in an obvious attempt to pull her away from Jaxon.

“He’s too boring for her,” Jaxon said in what actually sounded like an annoyed tone.

Ignoring him, Bri ushered Macy away from her brother, and Macy told herself she didn’t mind. That it couldn’t hurt to meet a nice guy who would stop her from thinking about what it would feel like to have Jaxon’s solid body rubbing against hers.

Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed as she spent the next few minutes talking to a pleasant, if boring, like Jaxon had predicted, agent from Dare Nation. She couldn’t stop comparing this poor staid guy to the more exciting Jaxon Prescott, but she had no legitimate reason to leave until the sound of yelling from across the room caught her attention and she excused herself to see what was going on.

She approached to see Bri and Jaxon mid-argument, family encircling them from all sides.

“What’s wrong?” Damon asked.

“Ask Jaxon.” Bri folded her arms across her chest, her glare one she used when in business mode.

A glance at Jaxon showed his face was flushed, and Macy wondered what he’d done wrong.

“Come on, let’s go have a talk,” Damon said to his sibling but Bri shook her head.

“You’re not leaving me out of this. I’m his publicist and he’s damn well going to need one,” she insisted.

“Why?” Damon asked.

Jaxon opened his mouth to explain, when Bri chimed in first. “He neglected to mention he got into a brawl at a lowbrow bar downtown.”

“Dude!” Damon shook his head in disbelief.

“I was backing up a teammate! I didn’t start the damned thing.”

“But as usual, someone caught it on video.” Bri’s frown wasn’t one Macy would want to face.

Austin came up beside them. Grabbing Bri’s cell, he watched the screen with a wince. “God dammit. Don’t you know what behave yourself means?” he asked, and as his brother’s agent, he had every right to know the answer.

Still, Macy felt sorry for Jaxon if he’d been backing up a friend as he claimed.

“And to say the video has gone viral is an understatement. I’m getting notifications like crazy.” Bri continued to shoot daggers at her bad-boy brother.

“Dammit, Jax, when are you going to get your shit together?” Austin asked.

“Some asshole in the bar was throwing shit at Dale Macaffrey for his missed catch in the playoffs. And he swung first. His friends jumped on and Mac needed reinforcements.” Jaxon folded his arms across his chest defensively.

“Come on, guys. You never know where the paparazzi or asshole fans are going to be,” Damon said in an attempt to help his brother out.

“My point exactly!” Bri poked her finger at her brother.

“Not my point. I was saying cut him some slack. A decent teammate helps out his buddies.” Damon tried again to stand up for Jaxon.

Austin groaned. “Regardless, it looks bad, and management is going to be pissed. But we are not doing this here. Not today. Today is Damon and Evie’s celebration.” Always the head of the family, he took the lead, and his siblings usually listened.

Glancing at Jaxon, he said, “I hope you’re prepared for a meeting with ownership, because once they see this video, you’re going to be in for it. So will Mac but I don’t represent him.”

Everyone, including Macy, grimaced at Austin’s furious tone, but Jaxon just looked pissed off.

After some more family discussion and murmuring quietly, Damon and Evie said their goodbyes, leaving for their honeymoon to celebrate their happiness, while Jaxon headed for the bar and asked for a drink.

Macy waited until Bri was alone and walked over to her friend. “Hey, are you okay?”

“If I kill my brother, will you bail me out of jail?” she asked, a wry smile on her face.

“If I can afford it, you know I will.” Macy laughed. “Is he in that much trouble? Because it sounded like he was just helping out a friend.”

Austin joined them. “Doesn’t matter. A brawl reflects badly on him.”

Bri grasped the drink out of Austin’s hand and downed it all in one gulp. “And Jaxon tends to find trouble.”

“He needs to mature and settle down,” Austin said, as if that were the answer to Jaxon’s reputation and problems.

“As if any sane woman would marry him,” Bri muttered.

Macy strongly disagreed. “Come on. I know you can’t see him this way, but he is easy on the eyes.”

Bri made a gagging sound. “I’m going to make some calls,” she said and walked away.

Macy kept an eye on Jaxon, who, looking pissed at the world, made his way outside to the patio, where the chairs were still set up, and sat alone on a cushioned chair.

Feeling like he needed company, Macy headed outside to join him.

 

Dare to Play Chapter 2

Jaxon resented being humiliated and called out in public even if Bri was his publicist and Austin his agent. Jaxon was a grown man, dammit, and could do whatever he wanted, including backing up a teammate when a jackass made fun of him in public and swung first. His brother had played on a team and damn well knew what it meant to be a stand-up guy. Fucking hypocrite giving him shit now, Jaxon thought.

“Want company?” a familiar female voice asked.

He glanced up. Macy, his sister Bri’s friend, had been coming around family gatherings more often lately, and with her understated sensuality, beautiful smile, and charming personality, he’d been intrigued. Flirting came naturally to him, but Macy knew his reputation with women, which was legitimately earned, and he was sure his sister had warned her away from him. She might have blushed a time or two at his compliments, but she hadn’t truly engaged with him.

Smart woman.

But that didn’t mean the sexual chemistry wasn’t there. He felt it and knew she did, too. In fact, he’d caught her watching him when she thought he wasn’t looking, like during the ceremony earlier. But he was surprised she’d come out here now.

“Have a seat.” He gestured to the free chair next to him.

She lowered herself onto the white folding chair. “Sorry it got ugly in there.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’re not here to tell me what a dumb move I made?”

A smile curved her lips. “I kind of admire the fact that you stood up for your friend. Are you really going to get in trouble with management?”

His shoulders stiffened at the thought. He’d given them enough aggravation over the years that they wouldn’t be happy no matter the reason. “Probably. Can we talk about something else? Anything else?”

She shrugged. “Sure.”

“What’s going on with you?” he asked, curious about this woman he’d only seen from afar. This was their first real conversation.

She sighed. “You really don’t want to hear my problems.”

He tilted his head and glanced at her pretty profile. “Try me.”

She shrugged. “Well, I have custody of my fifteen-year-old half sister, and her mother showed up after five years, making noises about wanting custody.”

Resting his elbows on his knees, he turned her way. “What happened to your parents, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“My mom died when I was six, and Dad passed eight months ago.”

Knowing what it was like to lose a parent, even one he hadn’t liked that much, because the Prescott family tree was complicated, he grabbed her hand and squeezed it compassionately. “That sucks. I’m sorry.”

Her smile was grim. “Thank you.”

They sat in silence for a while, the sun beating down on them. Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, he took in her pert nose, those lips he’d imagined kissing, and looking lower, her tanned cleavage, making his mouth water.

“I meant what I said earlier. You look gorgeous in that dress,” he said in a gruff voice.

“Thank you.” She smiled, her cheeks turning pink in the way they did every time he flirted or complimented her.

It was sweet and endearing. Most women he dealt with were more assured of their sexuality and usually came on to him. He didn’t have to work hard for it. There was something captivating about Macy and her air of innocent sensuality.

He glanced down, realizing he still held her hand in his from when she’d told him about losing her parents. “So I take it you have to get home to your sister?”

To his surprise, she shook her head. “Hannah’s sleeping at a friend’s tonight.”

He hesitated and thought, what the hell? He could feel his siblings’ annoyed stare from inside and needed peace. “Want to get out of here? Go somewhere quiet and grab a bite to eat?” he asked, because she was easy to be with and wasn’t giving him shit about his life and behavior.

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth before releasing it. “Are you telling me there are places you can go and not get recognized?”

He shook his head and laughed. “Not really, though some owners and managers are stricter than others about letting people bother their customers. But as you probably know, that doesn’t always mean a damn thing. I’d say we could go to my house and order in, but you probably think I’m the big bad wolf,” he said wryly.

Her brown eyes met his. “You might be the big bad wolf, but I’m a big girl who can handle you,” she said, surprising him.

He rose to his feet and pulled her up with him. “Let’s get out of here,” he said. “Damon and Evie are gone, and I don’t want to deal with the family. Any reason you need to go back inside?”

“I can touch base with Bri tomorrow. I’m good.”

“Follow me to my place? I’m about twenty minutes from here.”

He watched as she visibly drew a deep breath. “Relax, Macy. It’s just dinner.”

She grinned. “Says the big bad wolf.”

Chuckling, they walked around front to their cars.

*     *     *

Macy had lost her mind. Somewhere between walking into the Prescott home and sitting down with Jaxon, her brain had retreated and her libido had taken over. Just dinner didn’t have to be just dinner and they both knew it.

As she followed Jaxon’s black Range Rover in her Volkswagen Jetta, she knew she was out of her depth, but she wasn’t turning around or changing her mind. Driving through the luxury neighborhood, she thought she might throw up. And as she pulled into his driveaway, the house the size of a mansion and containing a four-car garage, she figured she’d used up the bulk of her courage getting here. What happened next was all up to her hormones.

After parking, they walked into his house through the garage, where she saw one vintage car, a sports convertible, and an empty spot. Not being a car person, she couldn’t recognize each model but had no doubt they were expensive.

“Let’s go to the den. We can hang out and I’ll order dinner on an app from my phone. How’s Chinese food?”

“Love it,” she said, ignoring the fact that she was in a fancy dress and high heels. Those she kicked off, leaving them on the floor beside her.

“Anything in particular you want to eat?”

She rolled her shoulders. “I’m not a spicy fan. I love pork dumplings and an egg roll. Anything else I’m good to go.”

“I can work with that.” He led her to a huge room with – no surprise – a wall-to-wall-size screen and a massive couch with recliners on either end and gestured for her to sit.

He settled in beside her and turned his attention to ordering dinner.

When that was finished, he moved the remote, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Is that screen so you can see yourself life-size?”

Chuckling, he faced her, one arm over the back of the sofa. “Yes, I’m that arrogant.” He shook his head. “No. It’s that I’m a guy and I like big things.”

She laughed, enjoying his sense of humor. She also couldn’t miss the sexual innuendo in his comment, which led her to wonder about the size of his package beneath the trousers.

Which caused her to squirm in her seat, and she decided it was time to change the subject. “So tell me. What’s it like playing ball in front of a crowd?”

He leaned close, and the smell of his cologne wrapped around her, the scent of musk and man arousing her beyond belief.

“It’s a rush like you wouldn’t believe. The roar of the people, the cheers, knowing you can give them what they want.”

In his eyes, she saw how much he loved the game. “I take it you have to be a little arrogant to play pro? And believe in yourself that much?”

“You do,” he admitted.

The food arrived and they ate in the family room, casually, plates on their laps, telling stories and avoiding her problems with her sister and his issues with his siblings. With the world outside his house, she fell under his masculine, seductive spell, the underlying sexual tension never dissipating, and if Macy had second thoughts about coming here on the ride over, they never surfaced again while sharing a meal. Or as they cleaned up together.

And when he turned to her, a predatory gleam in his eye, she knew exactly what he desired and had every intention of giving it to him.

He met her gaze. “You can leave and we can call it a fun night or—”

Before he could finish his sentence, her lips met his in a sizzling melding of mouths she’d been waiting for all evening. If she was going to do this, there would be no regrets or looking back, and she would enjoy every second in this hot athlete’s arms.

He took over without hesitation, backing her against the counter, his hands cupped around her neck, bracing her for the onslaught to come. His tongue slid into her mouth, and she tasted him, her entire body coming alive. Heat rushed through her, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close.

His erection, thick and hard, pressed against her belly, and she no longer wondered about the size. She could feel every impressive inch of him. He kissed her again, his lips biting one minute and gliding gently the next. Every nip of his teeth sent spikes of awareness shooting directly to her sex. And when his lips traveled over her cheek and found the sensitive spot on her neck, her long-deprived body reveled in the roughness of his facial stubble against her skin.

He’d already shed his shoes, jacket, and tie when they got home, and she reached for the buttons on his white dress shirt with trembling fingers. His sizzling gaze on hers, he grabbed the sides and ripped open the material, buttons scattering.

“Holy hell, that was hot.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he replied.

Her own dress had a zipper in the back. If she were home alone, she’d be lifting it over her head and doing an unflattering shimmy to get it up and off, but she was going for sexier and more dignified here. But dignity was hard to come by in the face of this man’s tanned, overly muscular chest, and she placed her paler hands on his fevered skin.

He let out a groan of appreciation and, without a hitch, reached behind her and unzipped the dress, which immediately fell to the floor.

He took in her matching white silk and lace bra and thong set, bought especially for the dress, tracing the scalloped edge with his rough fingertip. “Now that is hot.”

Her sex pulsed at his husky tone, the desire he felt for her obvious in his voice, the darkening of his irises, and the taut lines of his face. She swallowed hard, waiting with bated breath because he obviously wanted to be in charge.

He braced his big hands around her waist and lifted her onto the counter, the granite cold beneath her thighs, but she didn’t have to wait long to be warmed up. He spread her legs with his hands and stepped between them.

Skin quivering, she looked into his eyes, and the heat and desire she saw there took her breath away. With a flick of his fingers, he’d opened her bra’s front clasp. He drew the straps down far enough to confine her arms, dipped his head, pulled her nipple into his mouth, and she saw stars. He devoured first one breast, then the next, arousing her into a frenzy. Moisture coated her thong and desire thrummed inside her.

She glanced down, his black hair in inky contrast with her fair skin, and she wanted him inside her, filling her. To make her point, she shook off the bra and slid her hands between them, undoing the hook on his slacks, and as they dropped to the floor, she curved her finger into his boxer briefs and worked them down his thighs, where they would stay until he chose to push them down the rest of the way.

In the meantime, she curled her hand around his cock, swiping her thumb over the pre-come on the tip, gripping and sliding her hand up and down his straining shaft.

Eyes on his, she lifted her finger to her mouth and sucked on the salty mixture, emboldened by how much he obviously wanted her.

“You’re a dirty girl, Macy. Who knew?”

Certainly not her, she thought, bringing her hand back down and continuing to smooth the wetness over him, pumping her hand up and down his cock. A groan shook his big body, and he yanked her toward him, kissing her, tongue thrusting into her mouth and swirling around, making her dizzy.

He took a step back, kicked off his pants and boxer briefs, and removed his socks, only to return and lift her off the counter. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding on as he walked her upstairs to his bedroom. She barely had time for a glimpse of the shuttered windows surrounding the room and the huge four-poster bed in the center before he lowered her to the mattress, yanked her legs so her body slid to the edge of the bed.

He ripped off the thong and she gasped. As she looked up, a sexy grin lifted his lips. “I need to taste you, too.”

And then he lowered himself to his knees, spread her legs, and began to devour her like a starving man. His tongue was talented and never stayed in the same place for too long, licking, nipping, lapping until she didn’t know what sensation was coming next, but each one brought her higher. Waves of need teased her but didn’t hold on long enough for her to let go and come.

Damn man knew it, too.

“Jaxon, please.” She raised her hips and ground into his mouth, unashamed to try and take what she needed.

“When I’ve had my fill.” He slid a finger inside her and began to thrust, taking her off guard.

She’d been empty and needed to be filled, and he’d sensed that need. One finger became two, and she cried out at the insistent movement. And when he curled the tips in just the right motion, he hit a spot that made her go temporarily blind, and then her body exploded, the orgasm the hottest one she’d ever had, and his cock wasn’t inside her yet. She rolled her hips, waves and waves of delicious warm heat rippling through her.

Before she could catch her breath, she heard the rippling of foil from a condom, and then Jaxon poised at the edge of the bed, working his cock into her tightness.

She groaned at his slick fullness. “It’s been a while.”

A softness she hadn’t expected touched his eyes and filled his expression as he slowed, inching into her. Arching her hips, she moaned as she stretched to accommodate him until finally he was completely inside her.

Ripples started to tease her once more. “Move,” she said. “I’m good.”

“You got it, sweetheart.” He spread her knees wide and began to take her hard, slamming into her, only pausing once early on to check that she was okay. Then it was fast and rough, her body feeling his rigid, thick cock tunneling in and out, finding the perfect rhythm.

She’d never had such amazing sex before. No doubt Jaxon Prescott was ruining her for all other men, but at the moment, she didn’t care. A second orgasm was brewing, and that was a unique thing for her. She was lucky if she had one during rushed sex before she had to get home to Hannah the few times she’d allowed herself the luxury. Now?

Jaxon’s rough fingertip slid over her clit while his incomparable cock hit home. And then she was screaming, again something she’d never done. Not even with her vibrator.

“Oh, shit, I’m coming.” But it wasn’t enough. She needed more. She needed him. “Harder, Jaxon, please.”

He complied, thrusting faster, deeper until her eyes rolled in the back of her head and she came, the vibrations encompassing every muscle in her body. Two more thrusts and he stilled, the rough groan that came from inside him something she’d be remembering for a long time to come.

*     *     *

Jaxon stood in the bathroom with the excuse of cleaning up, but the truth was he didn’t want Macy to see the effect she’d had on him after something that was usually a simple act of two people getting it on. She’d completely undone him and he was in shock. But being the consummate playboy, he shook off the uniqueness of the event and headed out of the bathroom, finding Macy fast asleep on top of the covers.

Instead of waking her, he pulled an extra blanket from his closet, covered her, and climbed in beside her. Though he didn’t typically bring women back to his house, preferring hotel rooms or their place, where he could make an easy exit, Macy wasn’t his normal lay. She was his sister’s best friend. He’d be seeing her again, and he needed to end things on a decent note.

Something he’d deal with tomorrow.

He had his reason for keeping all relationships casual, and it was a solid one. He’d had his heart broken before, and he never wanted to experience that pain again.

Katie, his college girlfriend and the woman he thought he’d marry, had taught him a hard lesson. She had dumped him after he’d been traded to Washington in his first deal, not willing to give up her life to be with the man she’d claimed to love. The lifestyle on the road wasn’t for her, or so she’d said, despite the fact that she’d known what she was getting into going in. Or maybe it had been that his starting salary wasn’t good enough. Who the hell knew.

What he’d learned for sure was that his father, Jesse, had been right. No woman would want him, and Jaxon refused to let that be proven true again. So he’d locked up his emotions and lived life to have fun. Not even being dead eliminated the ghost of Jesse Prescott.

Hell, not even finding out that their uncle Paul had been all the Prescott siblings’ sperm donor, making Jesse not their biological dad, had undone the damage he’d caused. One and done was a joke among the Prescott brothers, but Jaxon meant it. No woman would hurt him again.

The next morning, he woke up to the sun shining through the shutters he’d forgotten to close, and as he glanced over, Macy was dressed in that gorgeous, white, curve-hugging dress he’d stripped her out of last night. His cock, already hard with morning wood, perked up even more.

“Oh! You’re awake. That makes things easier. I don’t have to wake you. Zip me?” she asked, sliding her hair away from her back and over one shoulder and sitting down on the bed.

He blinked in surprise and pushed himself up. “You’re leaving?” he asked stupidly.

What had he expected? That she’d stay for breakfast, where they’d rehash all the reasons this couldn’t happen again? He didn’t know how he was going to bring up the subject as it was. Jaxon didn’t come back for seconds. Although as he watched Macy attempt to untangle her sexy hair with her fingers, he thought he could make an exception. Just this once for her.

“Macy–”

“Jaxon–” They spoke at the same time.

“You first,” he said, leaning against his headboard.

She treated him to a forced smile. “Listen, this was great and all.”

Great? he wondered. How about explosive? Mind-blowing? Anything bigger and better than great.

“I really needed a night for myself,” she went on, speaking quickly. “But it can’t happen again. And there’s no need to tell anyone. Especially Bri. No one needs to know.”

He blinked. She was giving him the blow-off speech? In all his years since Katie, he’d done the walking away. He couldn’t say he liked how it felt being on the receiving end, but at least Macy had made his life easier.

“Agreed?” she asked, her cheeks pink again, embarrassed and nothing like the seductress he’d seen last night.

He nodded. “Agreed. But at least let me walk you out.” His mother had raised him to be a gentleman, and he followed that rule as best he could, depending on the woman and the circumstances.

She nodded.

After climbing out of bed, he pulled on a pair of sweats, his trousers from last night probably still on the floor in the kitchen. That thought brought memories of her sucking the come off her finger. His cock jerked and he willed the sucker not to make its presence known.

Entering the kitchen behind her, he saw she’d folded his clothes and placed them on the counter. She’d also found cleaner and had sprayed down the granite surface, the container and paper towels also sitting out.

“I couldn’t figure out which was your garbage,” she said, face adorably flushed.

“Thank you.” He placed a hand on her lower back, and his body buzzed at the contact.

Holy shit, what was it with this woman? He needed to get her out of here immediately. He stepped in front of her and led her to the garage, opening the door and hitting the button on the wall.

They reached the car and she turned to face him. He could see her struggling with some internal thought.

Finally she said, “Last night really was incredible.” Leaning over, she pressed her mouth to his, swiping her tongue over his lips, the kiss lasting longer than he thought she’d planned.

Then she ducked her head and climbed into the car, immediately starting the engine, then reversing and driving away as fast as she possibly could.

 

Kindle: https://smarturl.it/DTPlayKindle

Nook: https://smarturl.it/DTPlayNook

Apple: https://smarturl.it/DTPLayApple

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/DTPLayKobo

Googleplay: https://smarturl.it/DTPLayGoogleplay

AmazonPrint: https://smarturl.it/DTPlayAmazonPrint

 

The post Dare to Play Chapter 1 & 2 Sneak Peak appeared first on Carly Phillips.

They’re Back…

I have been sitting on the most amazing news and I can finally share. The Chandler Brothers are back! Yes! You read that right. The Bachelor, The Playboy, and The Heartbreaker return!

After getting back the rights to my signature series, I went to work on modernizing it for your updated reading pleasure. The content is the same. But in honor of THE BACHELOR’s 20th Anniversary all three books have been updated and will be reissued with gorgeous NEW covers by the ultra talented HangLe! In case you weren’t around or don’t remember, The Bachelor was the first book that Kelly Ripa chose for her Reading with Ripa Bookclub.

I am bringing these books to you in a variety of formats: eBook, paperback, hardcover, large print and audio narrated by Angela Dawe. Not all preorder links to all formats are available yet so check back often. The books will be available February 16, 2020! Preorder today!

How excited are you? How gorgeous are these updated covers? Yayay! I’m so happy!

Don’t forget that DARE TO PLAYis coming in ONE MONTH! Be sure to preorder Jaxon and Macy’s marriage of convenience story! These two characters are so perfect together and they are HOT!

Stay well and read often!

Take care!

Best,

Xo Carly

The post They’re Back… appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Dare to Tempt Chapter 1 Sneak Peak

Dare to Play Chapter 1

Damon Prescott’s life had gone from golden to shit in an instant. Or rather in one violent football play gone wrong. He refused to watch the reviews of his injury. The slam of his head against the turf and the shattering pain before he blacked out were vivid enough in his mind.

Another concussion should have been the worst of his problems. Instead he’d also tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in a random test and had been suspended immediately. As if he’d touch the stuff. No unknown supplements went into his body. Period. So how the fuck had he tested positive not just once but on a second check as well?

A knock sounded at his door and he pushed himself up from his couch, his head still pounding a week later. Even his ears continued to ring. He walked slowly to the front entrance, opened up, and let his family into his home. It was the second meeting since the results had come back.

The people entering his house weren’t just family, they were his team. That team included Dare Nation, a sports management firm his brother Austin owned along with their uncle Paul Dare.

Austin, his oldest sibling and his agent, strode in first, his executive assistant and girlfriend, Quinn Stone, by his side. Austin patted him on the back. Quinn smiled and murmured her apologies for what was going on.

Next came Bri, his sister and publicist. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered,” she promised him, pulling him into a hug.

He’d deliberately kept this gathering tight. He didn’t want his mother, Christine, here. She was already upset by the situation and his injury. His brother Jaxon was at baseball practice and couldn’t be here. And Braden was abroad with Doctors Without Borders. Paul was at the office, fending off the press and holding down the fort.

But they did need a plan. First of all, the season started in two weeks, and Damon didn’t want to miss being allowed on the field for the first four games due to a suspension. He was appealing and should hear soon what the verdict was.

Austin cleared his throat. “Let me start by saying everyone in this room knows you didn’t cheat. But we also know the likelihood of winning on appeal in this zero-tolerance era and it’s not good.”

Damon clenched his fists at his sides. “I did not take a banned substance.”

His brother stared at him, his expression somber. “Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and a positive test will not be excused because a player was unaware he was taking a prohibited substance.” He repeated the words from the players’ collective bargaining agreement.

Words Damon already knew by heart.

“Golden Tate was taking fertility treatments he didn’t know contained prohibited substances,” Austin continued. “And if that doesn’t tug on the committee’s heartstrings, I don’t know what will.”

“Tate self-reported before he tested positive and they still didn’t cut him any slack,” Bri said.

Despite the fact that Damon heard his siblings, he refused to give up without a fight, and believing in himself was priority one. “I still say we go forward as if we’ll win. We thought we’d hear by now. Maybe it’s a good sign they’re taking their time.”

His brother and sister glanced at each other and nodded.

“We figured you’d say as much,” Bri said. “So, I’ve got an idea. Well, thanks to Quinn, I have an idea.”

Damon grinned. “You’re the family fixer. Of course you do.” But he rubbed his chest, which grew tight any time he let himself think about the mess he was in.

Without admitting it to his siblings, even he knew that the only out given on appeal was when the testing had been compromised. He couldn’t prove his had. But he refused to give up until forced to.

He was one of the team captains despite his young age, and it was a contract year, for fuck’s sake. The positive test gave Ian Dare, his team owner, every reason not to offer him the deal he deserved as the up-and-coming star quarterback of the Miami Thunder.

“You’ve spoken to Ray Benson’s PI?” Damon asked of the lawyer Dare Nation used and Austin himself had used when his baby girl had been left on his doorstep.

So much had changed in such a short time.

Bri shook her head. “Nope. I have someone better. A licensed PI whose work I value.” She clasped her hand behind her back and rocked on her heels, grinning in a way Damon didn’t trust.

His gut churned and he glanced at Austin. “You wouldn’t let her fuck me over, right?”

Austin rolled his eyes. “We’re all on your side. Though I will say Bri’s plan is a little … unorthodox.”

Before either could elaborate, the doorbell rang. Damon raised his eyebrows. “Who is that?”

“I’ve got it,” Bri said and rushed to the front of the house to let the unknown visitor in.

Damon waited, and seconds later, Bri strode back into the room with his biggest nightmare by her side. Evie Wolfe, Quinn’s best friend, a licensed PI, and a woman Damon hadn’t been able to get out of his head since the day they’d met, walked in.

Evie wasn’t anything like the typical female he was used to. No red-soled stilettos or designer handbags for her. A pair of scuffed leather boots and ripped jeans that fit her like a glove, along with a black leather jacket she rarely removed, were her normal attire. And damned if it wasn’t sexy.

“Hi, Damon.” She eyed him with an amused grin.

“Evie.”

They’d met the first time at Dare Nation. She’d come off an all-night watch and strode in to meet Quinn for lunch wearing a similar outfit, jeans that hugged her ass, a long-sleeve tight top that showed off her full breasts and ample cleavage, her face makeup free and her mouth sassy.

Damon had been sitting outside Austin’s office while he was on a phone call, taken one look at the woman with the gorgeous dark hair hanging loose around her shoulders, not his usual type, yet he’d been drooling. Not literally.

“Staring at something?” she’d asked him with snark.

He’d held up his hands. “Just admiring the view.”

Austin had walked out of his office at that moment and smacked him in the head with the papers in his hand. From that day on, they’d gotten under each other’s skin. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he was more comfortable across the room and not close enough to smell her musky perfume.

“Well, who wants to hear the plan?” Bri asked.

He folded his hands across his chest and glared at his sister, who was enjoying her moment way too much. “Go on.”

“You tested positive for PEDs and you think you were set up,” Evie said.

“I know I was set up,” he said through clenched teeth.

Evie nodded. “And you need to know who did it, how, and why.”

“Which is why I need a private investigator.”

She grinned. “One who can stay by your side and get into places a regular PI can’t. Places a girlfriend can go.” She sidled up to him, rubbing her leather-clad arm against his bare one, and damned if his body didn’t respond, his cock perking up.

Then her words registered. “Oh, hell no.” He didn’t date women, for real or pretend.

He fucked them and sent them on their way. And he didn’t think he had a shot in hell of anyone believing he was together with Evie and her leather-clad body. Despite what his dick wanted, something he’d yet to understand.

“Damon, think about it. You need someone who can evaluate the people in your life.”

“In case you forgot, the suspension means I can’t do much with anyone on the team,” he reminded her.

“Yes, but they can’t stop you from running into someone in a public place.” She put quotation marks around the words she’d emphasized. “So, if there’s anyone you want to meet, he can subtly arrange it. This is exactly what we wanted,” Bri said with excitement in her voice. “And most importantly, I trust her.”

Evie checked him with her hip. “Come on. How can it hurt? Unless you’re afraid of me?”

He gritted his teeth. “Of course I’m not afraid of you. I just don’t think we’re … compatible or that it’ll look real,” he said, scanning from her scuffed boots to her windblown hair, ignoring the fact that he thought she was gorgeous in an understated and quite unique way.

She stepped in front of him and braced her hands on her hips. A flush of red stained her cheeks.

“Embarrassed to be seen with me?” she asked, telling him he’d been right. He’d hit a nerve. “Because I promise you I can dress up and play a role as well as any one of those cleat chasers you and your buddies hang out with,” she assured him.

From across the room, Austin glared. Because Evie was Quinn’s best friend? Or because Damon was being stubborn about a plan Austin had faith in? Probably a combination of both.

“Tell you what,” Austin said. “Let’s go to Allstars tonight and test the theory of you two as a couple.”

Damon considered the idea. The upscale bar would have enough people there to see them together and for them to get a feel for whether people familiar with Damon bought the concept of Evie as his girlfriend. He could handle testing things out. “Fine.”

“Don’t sound so thrilled.” Evie scowled at him. “I’m going home. Apparently it’s going to take me a long time to pull myself together for His Highness over here.” She jerked a thumb his way, making Damon feel like shit.

He hadn’t meant to insult her, just explain why he didn’t believe this plan would work.

“I’m going with you.” Quinn picked up her purse, shot a nasty look at Damon, and followed her best friend out, leaving Damon with his siblings. And he damn well knew if Quinn was pissed at him, Austin was, too.

“Well, that went well,” he said aloud.

“Because you’re an asshole,” Bri said. “Evie didn’t deserve to be insulted, considering she was willing to help you.”

Damon stiffened his shoulders. “I didn’t think I was offending her. Just being honest.”

“You as much as told her people wouldn’t think she was your type, bro.” Austin leaned against the wall unit in the family room.

“Actually, the way he looked her over all but insinuated she wasn’t feminine enough,” Bri said.

He winced.

“Okay, look, you’re not in a position to fight this,” Bri reminded him. “A regular PI can’t talk to the people around you. She can. So suck it up and make nice.”

“I’ll see you tonight. I’ll text you the time. Want us to pick you up? You shouldn’t drive if you’re still having symptoms,” Austin said.

“I’ll take a driver.” He had a feeling Quinn would lay into him if they were alone. And the three of them might show up with Evie.

Damon needed time to prepare himself for the acting job of a lifetime.

“I’ll see you tonight. I expect you to be on your best behavior,” Austin said.

Damon frowned. “Are you speaking as my brother or my agent?”

“Both.” Austin stood up straight and started for the door. “And you could start with an apology to Evie.”

Bri smirked, liking when someone else was getting called on the carpet. “Hang in there, Damon. You can trust Evie to get the job done.” She paused. “As long as you’re not an asshole to her, that is.”

Ignoring her comment, he let his family out and leaned against the door with a groan. He was exhausted and needed to lie down if he was going to go out for an hour or so tonight. At least Allstars was quiet, known for letting athletes and famous people mingle in peace without groupies begging for autographs or signed boobs.

Speaking of boobs, he wondered how much cleavage Evie would show. Jesus, he was an asshole. Blaming the concussion, he headed upstairs to take a nap before his performance later tonight.

*     *     *

Evie yanked a hairbrush through her long hair, knotted from the ride in her convertible. She stood in front of the mirror on the wall in her bedroom, trying to get the tangles out while she was thinking about Damon.

“Stupid jackass,” Evie muttered. “Brainless, no-good, dark-haired, sexy, tattooed, bastard with full lips, tanned skin, and indigo-blue eyes.” She blew out a puff of air and ignored the tingling of her skin and the rush of arousal that always accompanied her thinking about Damon Prescott.

Quinn sat cross-legged on the bed and Evie could see her in the reflection. “He didn’t mean to be a jackass. He’s in pain and he’s frustrated.”

Evie turned to her best friend. “Are you standing up for him?”

“No.” She held up her hands, making it clear whose side she was on. “I just don’t want you to lose out on a good job.” She didn’t want to lose it, either.

Six months ago, she’d left her job as an investigator at the Miami District Attorney’s Office for reasons she didn’t like to think about and had gone into business for herself. Proving Damon Prescott innocent would boost her business, and as a new PI, she needed a high-profile client.

“Not to mention we need you,” Quinn went on. “Ignore Damon’s attitude. I’m sure Austin straightened him out when we left.”

“Fine but if he says anything rude tonight, he’s getting a stiletto in his foot.”

Quinn grinned, a genuine smile. Since falling in love with Austin and taking on the role of mom to the baby girl he’d found on his doorstep, she was lighter and happier than she’d ever been.

“Or we could sic your cop dad and all four of your brothers on him. That could be fun. If he wasn’t injured, that is.”

Evie rolled her eyes. “Now that you’re attached to the family, you’re no fun,” Evie said. “You’re too nice.”

“What are you going to wear tonight?” Quinn ignored her comment, slid off the bed, and headed to her closet to look through her dresses.

Evie narrowed her gaze, remembering how that handsome jerk had looked her over and found her lacking. Damon Prescott pushed all her wrong buttons. From the day she’d been introduced to him at Dare Nation, he’d treated her like an annoyance. She couldn’t deny the idea of dressing up and seeing his jaw drop at the sight of her held a lot of appeal.

“This.” She joined Quinn by her walk-in and reached for the black one-armed dress that draped her body and hit mid-thigh.

“Oooh, pretty. Reminds me of my red gown, and Austin nearly ripped that right off me.” She grinned at an obvious memory Evie didn’t want to know about.

“Keep the dirty details to yourself.”

“You know … you don’t need to cover your arm. The scar has healed and—”

“We don’t discuss it, remember?” Evie laid the dress out on the bed and smoothed her hand over the soft fabric.

“You don’t discuss it. I do because the past doesn’t define who you are, no matter what you think.” Quinn put her hands on her hips and faced Evie. “Now I’d love to lend you a gold dress that would look gorgeous with your skin tone. It drapes down the back and both arms are bare.” She went back to the subject at hand.

Evie shook her head. “A married woman hired me to catch her husband cheating and it turned out he was my fiancé. A man I hadn’t pegged as dangerous and I should have. I’d say that shows a decided lack in judgment on my part when I prided myself on being a smart chick.” And that was just one of the reasons she’d left her job. She couldn’t face people giving her that sympathetic look or questioning her skills because she hadn’t seen what was right in front of her.

“You’re still a smart chick. John was a slick bastard. He conned his wife as well as you and she’s an investment banker. I don’t think she’s stupid. Do you? What about the other women who’ve been duped by pathetic men? Who’s at fault?”

“I hear you, but it isn’t the same thing. I need my instincts, and if I can’t trust those, then I have issues I need to work through. And this is a reminder of my mistakes.” She held out her arm with the angry red scar running along her forearm.

“I don’t want it exposed for me to see every day or be asked about it and have to explain the knife wound.” Because John, once he’d been caught, had been so angry, he hadn’t hesitated to hurt her.

Tears formed in Quinn’s eyes and she pulled Evie into a hug, something she still wasn’t used to, even though Quinn had always been a hugger. Her brothers were more the shoulder-slapping types unless they were scared for her well-being, but they always had her back. Always. And they’d have gone after John if she hadn’t insisted she didn’t want them to end up behind bars.

“Okay, fine. I’m not going to give up trying to convince you that you’re the strong, kick-ass woman you always were, but wear that dress. When he gets a look at you, Damon is going to swallow his tongue. Now let’s see the shoes.”

A couple of hours later, Quinn had gone home to see Austin and Jenny, her adorable little baby, and change for tonight.

Evie stood in front of the mirror once more and she didn’t recognize herself. It had been a long time since she’d dressed up for any reason or gone all out for any occasion.

She’d put self-tanner on her legs, arms, chest, and face, because she never had the time to relax and lie in the sun. Her face was completely made up, including wearing false eyelashes, her lips were plump, and her brown eyes wide.

The dress accentuated her curves while the designer red-soled heels hurt her damned feet. Though she had to admit she liked the Chanel purse she owned for times when she had to look a certain way. And tonight? She appeared every inch the pro football player’s girlfriend. Damon Prescott wasn’t going to know what hit him.

*     *     *

Given his concussion symptoms, Damon couldn’t drink alcohol. It was hard enough to hold up his head, but he understood the need to be at the bar. If he wanted to discover who had set him up, he had to put a plan in motion, and testing Evie and their chemistry was a start.

He occupied a table at Allstars. On one side of Damon, Austin and Quinn were cuddled close together. Bri sat next to her friend Macy Walker, and beside her was Damon’s brother Jaxon, who never missed a chance to go out and party, even if the night was a mellow one.

Behind them but at a nearby table, close enough to share conversation if they wanted to, were other guys from his team, Devon White, his running back, and James Slater, his wide receiver.

Marnie, the cocktail waitress, an auburn-haired, stunning woman, knew most of them by name and took drink orders, fawning over Damon and his injury.

Beside him, Austin shifted in his seat so many times Damon grew agitated. “Bro, what the fuck? You’re annoying as hell.” Damon elbowed Austin in the arm.

Quinn grinned. “Your brother took Marnie home the night he found Jenny on his doorstep.”

Damon tipped his neck back and burst out laughing, immediately regretting the motion when his head began to pound. “I have to admit that was worth the pain.”

Austin shot him a dirty look, but Quinn merely cuddled up closer to Austin and continued to smile.

“At least you’re not the jealous type,” Damon said to the pretty woman with dark hair and green eyes, who seemed custom-made for Austin.

Not that they hadn’t had their issues. Between Quinn not wanting kids, Austin being handed a baby by another woman, and Quinn being his brother’s assistant, they’d overcome a lot in a short time.

“That’s only because Marnie’s keeping her distance from your brother.” Quinn’s gaze traveled across the room to where Marnie filled drinks by the bar.

“And that’s because you’re wrapped around me, staking your claim. Besides, I only have eyes for you.” Austin leaned over and pressed a kiss against her lips.

“You two are making me want to barf.” Bri picked up her bottle of Blue Moon and took a long sip.

“Amen.” Jaxon lifted his drink in agreement.

Macy, an attractive woman with long blonde hair, followed suit.

“So Macy, you feel the same way? No commitment for you?” Jaxon asked, his eyes glittering with interest in the attractive woman who was their sister’s good friend.

She shook her head. “I’d never have the time.”

Jaxon nudged her arm. “There’s always time for fun.”

“Says the man who helps keep social media active?” She fluttered her lashes at him and refocused on Bri. Obviously, she had Jaxon pegged.

And his brother, not used to being dismissed, frowned, causing Damon to chuckle.

Jaxon shot him the finger and Damon laughed harder. Macy had moxie and he liked her. Bri and Macy had met recently at an exercise class and become friends. From the little Damon knew, Macy had her hands full with the stepsister she was raising. Her life was complicated and Bri tried to get Macy out to have fun whenever she could. And if she knocked Jaxon down a peg, even better.

Damon turned from his amusement for the night and glanced at the entrance to the bar. A couple stood at the hostess stand, where they were led to an empty table. He watched them be seated, waiting for Evie, growing annoyed that she couldn’t make it on time like everyone else.

From behind him, James let out a low whistle. “Now she’s fucking hot.”

Damon turned to look. A brunette, her hair hanging in long, spiral curls, stood at the hostess stand, looking down. A short black dress with one sleeve clung to a rocking body. Her legs were long, her heels high, and if his head weren’t still throbbing, he could imagine them wrapped around his waist as he pounded into her, hard and deep.

She lifted her head and immediately met his gaze. He found himself looking at a bombshell with pouty bright red lips, cat-like liner around her brown eyes, and a knowing smirk on that familiar mouth. “Holy shit.”

“I think this is what they call Damon eating his words,” Austin said, sounding amused.

“You didn’t think she could do it, did you?” Quinn met his gaze, judgment in her expression, and she was right.

“No, I did not.”

Before he could say more, Evie sashayed across the room, every male eye on her as she strode directly toward him. Her stare locked on his, she stopped in front of him.

“Hi, honey. Sorry I’m late.” And with that pronouncement, she sat down in his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and settled her mouth against his.

He stiffened in surprise and she slid her tongue over his bottom lip, causing his cock to rise and his mouth to part. Next thing he knew, he’d gripped her neck, pulled her tight against him, and was kissing the hell out of her in public.

Damon had made out with many females, but he’d never wanted to get lost inside a woman the way he did with Evie. Evie. Jesus. Sanity threatened to return, but she ran her fingers through his hair and he forgot he’d been about to pull back. He slid his tongue over her lips and speared inside once more.

A whistle broke the moment, and Damon jerked his head back, taking the pain as his due. What had he been thinking, devouring Evie in a place he frequented? It was one thing to test the theory of them being plausible as a couple, another to stake a claim on her.

“You didn’t tell us you had yourself a hot woman,” James said. “Keeping her to yourself?”

Damon drew in a calming breath. His dick wasn’t cooperating and he was certain Evie felt it against her thigh, but he needed to sell them and now was the beginning.

“We were keeping our relationship quiet, but after Damon’s injury, we decided life’s short, why hide our feelings?” Evie spoke before Damon could jump in with an explanation. “Right, honey bear?”

He caught himself before he glared her way. He cupped his hand on her thigh. “Right, snookums.”

From beside him, he heard his siblings stifling laughter. But he had to admit, he’d underestimated Evie Wolfe. She could definitely pass as an NFL player’s girlfriend and he didn’t mind having her acting as his.

“Okay, let’s discuss things,” Austin said in a low voice. “Now that we know you two can act as a couple, Evie, what’s your plan?”

“I’d like to talk to my boyfriend alone and in private. Get a recounting of what happened, find out who he thinks could have it in for him on the team.” She shifted on his lap, leaning back to look into his eyes, and though he didn’t know if her thigh movement was deliberate, his body liked the feeling of her rubbing against his cock.

He cleared his throat. “Why don’t you come by my house tomorrow morning and we can discuss things.”

She nodded. “That works.”

Austin stared at them, taking in her arm wrapped around his neck. “You two also need to learn about each other and get your stories straight on how you met, how long you’ve been together under the radar, things like that.”

They both nodded.

As the family dispersed, Damon met Evie’s gaze. “I think you can get your own seat now. Or even better, it’s time to go home. I don’t think my head can take much more. I need to lie down.”

Concern etched her pretty features. “I didn’t realize you were still in pain. You didn’t drive here, did you?”

He knew better than to shake his head. “No. I took a service.”

“I’ll bring you home. My car’s a little small but you can squeeze in.”

He noted she remained on his lap, her thighs on his still-hard cock. “That’s okay. I don’t want you to go out of your way.”

She tilted her head, causing those gorgeous curls to spiral over her shoulder. “And leave my boyfriend to go home alone? Nope. Let’s hit the road, honey bear.”

Finally, she stood up, but that left him in an awkwardly hard situation.

*     *     *

After Evie dropped him off, Damon climbed into bed, nude, as usual. He lay back against the pillows, remembering the moment he’d realized the gorgeous woman at the hostess stand was Evie.

She affected him, the tough PI and the soft woman who’d sat on his lap. What a mix of contradictions she’d turned out to be. He thought he’d noticed her due to her alluring features, but Evie was more than a good-looking woman. Apart from the fact that she also rocked a dress like a goddess, she was not just smart but intelligent.

And she kissed like a fucking dream. Just the thought of her mouth on his, her thighs on his lap, and his cock thickened at the memory of how badly he’d wanted to thrust up and have more than just a pretend moment in time. He could even imagine it. Her eager and willing in his arms, tasting like the sweetest treat, her swiveling hips nearly causing him to come in his pants.

As he thought of Evie, he gripped his dick and began to work his palm up and down his shaft. But unlike in the past, he had a face to the woman holding him in her hand. Eyes closed, he envisioned it was Evie’s palm and not his own, her grip tight, pre-come helping to lubricate as he slid up and down.

He thought about her dark hair draping across his chest, her full lips, mouth parting to suck him in deep until he hit the back of her throat, and it didn’t take long. Suddenly he was coming hard, spurting over his abdomen and hand.

He blew out a long breath and groaned, wondering how long his palm was going to be a substitute for the real thing. He cleaned up and went to sleep, the woman he couldn’t forget on

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Dare to Resist is here!

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Quinnlyn Stone agrees to help Austin until he can straighten out his messy life. It’s just another item on her very long To-Do list. It’s absolutely not because she’s attracted to her very single and extremely handsome boss.

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