Dare To Stay Read online

  Cole jerked in surprise and spun around, eyeing Braden warily and for good reason. He’d been waiting for this moment all day.

  “You and I need to come to an understanding.” Anger vibrated inside him, and as Braden stepped closer, he realized not only was he broader but taller than Willow’s ex.

  And from the look on Cole’s face, he realized it as well and backed himself against the wall, away from Braden.

  “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

  “Yeah, well, I have something to tell you. I hold your job in my hands. One word to Ian and you’re out.” He started out with the threat he hoped would mean the most to the man.

  “Not unless he has cause.” He puffed up his chest like he’d made a valid and irrefutable point.

  “Yeah? How’s stalking a female employee? Is that cause?” Braden asked, taking a step closer.

  Cole’s face flushed red. “That’s bullshit.”

  “And yet somehow I think Ian will believe Willow over you.” Annoyed with the asshole who couldn’t take a hint, Braden tried yet another tactic that kept his hands clean. “Listen, man. I don’t have a problem with you as long as you leave Willow alone.” He deliberately caged Cole against the wall. “Do you understand?”

  “She was mine until you came along.” His whiny voice didn’t make his point. He trembled but didn’t back down.

  Braden shook his head in disgust. “You ought to learn how to read a woman better. Consider that man-to-man advice. Now, are you going to back off?” He really hoped the prick said yes.

  “Fuck you. I’m not doing anything wrong.”

  Braden snapped. He grabbed Cole around the neck, not hard enough to hurt him or leave bruises, but the action made his point, and Cole’s eyes grew wide in his pale face.

  “I may be a doctor like you, but I grew up with big-ass athletic brothers who knew how to fight. You don’t want to get into it with me.” He paused to let his words sink in. “If I hear or see you bothering her again, you’ll answer to me. And you won’t just lose your job.” He released him and followed up with a shove against the wall. “I mean it, Walsh. She doesn’t exist for you.”

  He walked away without looking back and headed for Willow’s office so they could go home.

  * * *

  Willow made herself comfortable at Braden’s apartment while he showered. He’d said they would order in dinner, but while he was busy, she explored the kitchen, hoping she could find ingredients to cook for him. Unfortunately his refrigerator and cabinets contained typical bachelor fare. Some canned soup and boxes of macaroni and cheese, cereal, milk, and beer.

  “Oh well.” She laughed at her findings and walked through the living room, exploring the items on the wooden shelves on either side of the large television.

  Just like in his office, there were photos of his family, including a picture of his mother, a man she assumed was the father who’d raised him, and all the kids when they were young. She wasn’t surprised to see a more serious-looking Braden wearing glasses, standing beside his twin, while the other boys acted out. One had his tongue out; another put his fingers up in rabbit ears over Bri’s head. They were adorable, and she ran her finger over the glass, glad he’d had his siblings growing up.

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

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

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

  His lips lifted in a knowing grin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  “I say let’s do it.”

  “Yes.” He grinned and captured her lips with his.

  At the first slide of his tongue into her mouth, she moaned and kissed him back. Eager to taste him. Eager to grab on to him while she could. His hand came up and cupped the back of her neck and held her in place while he plundered her mouth, leaving no doubt how much he wanted her.

  She pulled at the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and rubbing her palms against his muscular abdomen, soaking up his warmth, sliding her hands upward.

  The sound of the phone dinging jarred her out of the sensual haze she’d been lost in while he leaned his head back and groaned. “Dinner,” he muttered. “They’ll be ringing the bell any minute.”

  She pushed herself off him and stood, waiting while he did the same. A look at his erection straining against his sweats and she grinned. “I think I’ll get the door.”

  He adjusted his cock and she knew he had to be uncomfortable. “Yeah. Good idea,” he muttered, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

  But her stomach grumbled, and she rushed for the door just as the bell rang.

  * * *

  Braden woke up cuddling a soft, warm body in his arms, and he took a minute to savor the feeling. Last night was the first time he and Willow had spent the entire night together since reuniting, and he could now see why his brothers had fallen hard and fast when they realized they had found the one woman meant for them.

  Something had changed with Willow, and he didn’t think it was his imagination. She’d lowered her guard, let him in, and he was so fucking grateful. He saw it in her easygoing manner, her faster smiles, and her curiosity about his life. And he’d felt it the minute he’d slid into her body, her wet heat clamping down on his cock and emotions rushing through him. But he’d really known everything had changed when he’d looked into her eyes without encouraging her to meet his gaze. She hadn’t held back.

  Since he knew he’d scare her with the words, he kept them to himself. It was enough that he knew. Telling her would come when she really believed he was here to stay. They were at the fragile beginning, but he’d made progress.

  She stirred in his arms and rolled to her back, her sleepy eyes fluttering open and meeting his gaze. “Morning.”

  He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips.

  “Nooo. I haven’t brushed my teeth.” She laughed and slid out of bed.

  “I don’t care,” he called after her, his gaze on her naked back and ass as she walked into the bathroom.

  Rolling over, he groaned. His dick was already hard, and it wasn’t just morning wood. He waited for her to finish and slipped out of bed next, taking care of business and laughing as he brushed his teeth before rejoining her in bed.

  He rose on top of her and kissed her in earnest. Last night he’d tasted every inch of her body. He’d sucked on her tight nipples, licked and nipped at her breasts, and spent plenty of time teasing her pussy before thrusting his tongue inside, pinching her clit, and making her come.

  Now though? He wanted to go slow and make sure she felt everything he did. As he pushed into her, his gaze locked with hers, and he slowly eased himself so deep she gasped as he bottomed out inside.

  “You feel that? That’s me, right where I belong. So deep you don’t know where you end and I begin.”

  He thrust upward once more before gliding out, taking his time with each and every slide. She moaned, arching her hips, and he made sure to grind himself against her clit before pulling out again. Slow and steady, wanting her pleasure to wash over her while he watched.

  She’d wrapped her arms around him, and suddenly she blinked, a tear leaking from one eye.

  “Am I hurting you? Should I stop?” He began to pull out, and she lowered her hands and gripped his ass.

  “Don’t you dare. It’s just … so intense, so good,” she said, urging him back into her.

  “That’s because it’s us,” he said as her palms pushed him deeper and she squeezed her inner muscles around him.

  The combination triggered him, and he began to thrust, pounding into her faster, harder, and deeper than before.

  “Yes, Braden. Harder,” she said on a frustrated sob.

  She clamped around him, causing sensation to shoot through him. His balls drew up tight, but he was alert enough to know she had to come first and he had to watch her while she came apart beneath him. He lifted himself up and changed his angle, searching for just the right spot inside her that would send her soaring.

  “Oh God, yes!” She arched her hips and suddenly stilled, then her entire body began to shake as she came … and came, the orgasm ripping through her and seemingly going on forever.

  He gritted his teeth and continued to hit that spot, as her fingers found his shoulders and her nails dug deep. He forced his eyes open, watching her flushed cheeks and startled expression. Just as she loosened her hold, her climax obviously easing, he picked up his pace and chased his own orgasm that didn’t take long to hit.

  He came, losing whatever had been left of him to the woman in his arms.

  Chapter Ten

  Willow bounced in the passenger seat of Braden’s car, vibrating with excitement at the prospect of seeing the health care clinic that meant so much to him. Their night and morning had been more perfect than she could have imagined, and she was so glad she’d let herself go and just enjoy. She’d forgotten how good they were together and had been doing her best not to let herself remember.

  The truth was, they were even better now. Each of them was at a good point in their own career, they had so much in common, and he obviously cared for her. There had been no doubt in her mind he wasn’t just having sex, he was making love. She’d felt his feelings with every fiber of her being.

  Now she just had to hope he meant what he said. That he was staying and couldn’t be lured away again. That he wouldn’t leave her behind for something bigger and better, making her feel like she still wasn’t enough.

  She shook her head, clearing her thoughts, reminding herself of her promise to live in the here and now. She was giving him a real chance.

  Relaxed, sunglasses on, he drove her through an obviously depressed part of town, taking her deeper into an area where people struggled, and it made her sad. She knew what it was like to be hungry, and though she’d helped Aurora, she couldn’t take in everyone who came into the clinic or who had problems.

  “We’re here.” He’d pulled onto a non-paved parking lot and parked the car.

  Subdued, she followed him inside.

  The center was quiet, which he assured her was not usually the case. The beige walls were dingy and added to the depressing look of the place overall.

  But Braden’s excitement as he showed her around and introduced her to the man who ran the center was contagious. The receptionist called in sick and their nurse had quit. Still, it was obvious there was so much good that could happen here if only they could get more funding. They spent an hour at the center, giving Braden a chance to fill out some paperwork and look up information on a few of his patients.

  While they were there, a mother came in with her two children and a crying infant, and since Dr. Thompson was busy with one of his regulars, a diabetic older man, Braden stepped in.

  Though Willow waited, sitting in a chair in a nearby office, the walls were thin, and she heard Braden’s deep voice talking to one of the little girls. The baby had stopped crying, and she thought she heard the mother say she’d nurse her so Braden could focus on her other child.

  “Can I look at your throat?” he asked in a gentle voice she’d never heard from him before. Maybe the girl nodded because Braden’s next words were, “Open your mouth wide and say aaah.”

  “Aaah.”

  “Looks red with some white postules. Probably strep. I’m going to run a test, okay?”

  A little while later, Braden had correctly diagnosed her, prescribed an an
tibiotic and Children’s Tylenol, did his best to assure the mom that the medicine was generic and wouldn’t be too expensive. She already had Tylenol at home. He gave the little girls lollipops and sent them on their way but not before telling them to come back if the infection didn’t clear up.

  His kind demeanor brought a lump to her throat. This was the man she hadn’t wanted to dig deep enough to know because now she was falling hard despite her attempts to keep him at a distance. God, she hoped he didn’t disappoint her or it would destroy her.

  Finally, he stepped into the room where she waited. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t expect to take care of anyone today.”

  “It’s fine,” she said, rising from her seat. “I totally understand.” She smiled and he grinned back. “Ready to go?”

  She nodded. They said goodbye to Dr. Thompson and headed back to the car. Once inside, she buckled up, and he turned on the engine, hooking up his cell.

  She was about to ask him how she could help with the clinic when his phone rang.

  He glanced down, his eyebrows raising at the number, and he accepted the call. “Adam Niles, I’ll be damned. It’s been awhile.”

  Braden shot her an apologetic look but she waved off his worry. She didn’t mind if he took a call from someone he obviously was surprised to hear from.

  “Hey, Braden. How are the States treating you? Enjoying all the comforts of home or do you miss us down here in Brazil?”

  Willow stiffened then forced herself to breathe. Braden was entitled to talk to friends from his time with the relief organization. It didn’t mean he was leaving. Only her mind immediately went there, she tried to reassure herself.

  Braden glanced her way before answering. “I’m happy to be home,” he told the other man. “How’s it going?”

  “We’re good.” He went on to tell Braden a story about one of their colleagues marrying a nurse he’d been dating and talked about the vaccinations they were focusing on giving to the villagers nearby.

  It was obviously a long-distance call and one he couldn’t easily return if his friend was in the field, so Willow stretched her legs out and waited while he talked. It was clear Braden felt a connection to the man on the phone and the people Adam updated him on.