Dare to Tease: A Dare Nation Novella

by Carly Phillips

  “No, Dad, I’m not staying at the house. I’m staying at a hotel with Brianne.” He paused, listening. “She’s the guest I told you I was bringing,” he said through clenched teeth.

  She raised her eyebrows, and Hudson shot her an apologetic glance.

  Apparently his father didn’t approve of Hudson’s plus-one if he was playing the I didn’t remember game. She’d known their relationship was difficult, and now she was seeing how it affected Hudson firsthand, the stress his father caused just by hearing his voice or asking questions.

  “I can’t talk now, Dad. It’s a bad time. Tell Mother I’m sorry I’m not sleeping at the house, but I’ll see her this weekend. Goodbye.” He disconnected the call and shook his head, the sensual mood between them obviously gone. “Sorry about that. I told you my father’s a pompous jerk.”

  “Hey, I get it. The man who raised me was a tough man.” And that was putting it mildly.

  Hudson’s gaze softened. “Braden’s told me.”

  “Yeah. The boys had it bad, but Jaxon and Braden took the brunt of his disdain.” She swallowed hard, hating to remember the yelling and belittling that had gone on in the house while she was growing up. Her mother would beg her father to stop, and he’d go harder on the boys. Never physical abuse, but the mental anguish was bad enough on their self-esteem.

  Hudson leaned against the counter near her chair. “Because Jaxon chose baseball over football and because Braden was too smart and not athletically inclined.”

  She drew a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah. And he basically left me alone. But this is about you. Are you okay?”

  “Yes. He’s only getting to me because I need something from him, but we can talk about that on the way to New York. Right now I’d rather forget about my old man if that’s okay with you.”

  “It is.” Because he’d promised to fill her in, she had no problem letting the subject go for now.

  “Do you want to bail on me now?” He drew himself up straighter as if waiting for the blow.

  She grasped his hands with her fingers. “Considering how I was raised and the athletes I deal with on a daily basis, do I look like a woman who can’t handle a difficult man?”

  His easy grin returned. “I forgot who I was dealing with. You can handle anything and anyone.”

  Apparently they weren’t including the incident with Jimmy last night, for which she was grateful.

  She grinned. “I certainly can. And that includes you.”

  He tipped his head back and laughed. “If I didn’t mention it, the wedding is formal.”

  “Got it.” She’d have to go dress shopping. Of course, she had a long gown or two in her closest she could wear, but she’d rather buy something new for the occasion. Something that made a statement and had her date drooling. “I take it that means you’re wearing a tuxedo?”

  He nodded.

  Which meant she’d be doing some drooling of her own.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Bri walked into her favorite boutique and was immediately surrounded by gorgeous dresses in stunning colors and varying hues. Some sparkled, others glittered, and many were solid, the designs speaking for themselves.

  Hudson had texted her a general itinerary for the weekend, which included a family dinner Friday night at his parents’ house, no wedding obligations since he wasn’t part of the bridal party, and the wedding would take place on Saturday evening. Since Bri had appropriate clothing for the night with his parents and the rest of the weekend was casual other than the event itself, she didn’t need to shop for anything else.

  She’d asked where they were staying and made a Glam Squad appointment for hair and makeup, and Hudson had promised to disappear from the room while she got ready. Her entire point was to look spectacular, and she hoped he liked and appreciated the end result.

  She was perusing the dresses, waiting for her best friend and sister-in-law, Macy, to arrive and help her choose. She’d met Macy at an exercise class in their local gym, and they’d been friends ever since. She’d also married Bri’s brother Jaxon in what started out as a marriage of convenience and ended up with them head-over-heels in love. So now Bri had her best friend as her sister-in-law, and she loved that Macy was family.

  A bell rang, indicating someone had entered the store, and Bri glanced up to see Macy walking toward her. Because she owned a website design business and worked from home, Macy could make her own hours, and Bri’s last-minute request to shop wasn’t a problem for her.

  “I’m here, but I still don’t know why you need a formal dress.” Macy, her hair pulled up in a casual bun, wore a pair of leggings and a floral tunic top and looked relaxed and happy, a far cry from the panicked woman she’d been when she’d married Jaxon to help her keep custody of her teenage sister.

  Bri held up a raspberry-colored gown with what looked like silver clasps on the tops of the shoulders. “Because I’m going to a wedding in Manhattan this weekend. Oh, and I also need shoes, so plan on a long day. Does this color go with my complexion?”

  Macy shook her head. “I don’t love it. Let’s keep looking. And don’t keep me in suspense. This has to be a last-minute trip or you’d have mentioned it sooner. Not to mention have already gone shopping. So what’s going on?”

  Her friend knew that Bri rarely dated and wasn’t big on one-night stands, either, so this news would come as a shock. One she’d wanted to tell Macy in person because it would lead to a long conversation, and Macy had been in a rush when Bri had called her to make plans. She’d only had time to tell her the story about falling and hurting her hands before they’d agreed on a time to meet.

  She figured she might as well start at the beginning. “Hudson and I kissed. Twice.”

  “What?” Macy’s raised voice caused other customers to turn around and an uppity saleswoman to frown at them.

  Bri grinned, ignoring the woman. “After I fell outside the clinic, I couldn’t stand up in my heels. Hudson carried me inside and took care of my palms. I thanked him, one thing led to another … and we kissed, but Braden interrupted us.”

  “That must have gone over well.” Macy’s voice dripped sarcasm because she knew how protective the Prescott brothers could be. “And the second time?” she asked.

  “Yesterday at my house. He came by to check on me and brought medical supplies to bandage my palms.”

  Although he’d wrapped her hands again, before he’d left, he’d shown her the large bandages she’d have an easier time applying on her own, and she’d put the less obvious dressing on her hands today. At night he’d instructed her to let the wounds breathe and leave them uncovered.

  “He asked me to be his plus-one this weekend at a family wedding, and after I agreed, we kissed. Again.”

  Macy let out a low whistle. “A family wedding? Isn’t that like making a serious statement or something?”

  She shook her head. “No. In this case it’s more like he’s letting his family know he’s living his own life and to back off, don’t matchmake or pressure him to come home in any way.”

  “Aah. And what does his invitation say to you?” Macy asked. “Or better yet, what does your agreement say to him? Is this a serious thing?” Macy’s question was a valid one.

  Bri’s feelings about dating and being used or hurt hadn’t changed, but she couldn’t deny the flutters in her stomach when she so much as thought about Hudson, either. She also understood he needed her as a buffer with his family, but she knew that going in, which made the situation understandable, and there were no feelings of being exploited for her connections or used in any way. She liked the idea of helping him out and making this weekend easier for him.

  “Well,” Bri said, picking up a sleek long black dress. “I don’t know Hudson’s views on relationships, but I know mine. And this is a weekend away with a sexy man and the chance to explore things without all my brothers butting in.” She shrugged. “That’s about as far as I’ve thought things through. In other words, we’re going to a we
dding, not getting married. It’s all good.”

  Macy smiled. “Well, you’re excited, and that’s enough for me. Now let’s pick a dress.”

  They sorted through the possibilities and chose some for Bri to try on. There was one large fitting room in the back, and Macy came in with her, talking as Bri tried on one gown after another.

  “Do your brothers know about your trip this weekend?” she asked.

  “Can you zip me?” Bri turned, lifting her hair so Macy could pull up the zipper in the back. “I certainly haven’t told any of them,” she said, picking up the discussion where they’d left off. “I’m not hiding it, but I don’t need to either get into an argument about my personal life or have them give Hudson a hard time because he’s doing whatever with their sister.” She made a face that expressed what she thought of their interference.

  “You do realize Braden is the one who gives Hudson the weekend off from the team? And they work together at the clinic, so he’ll know Hudson is away. And he’ll realize you’re gone, too, and put two and two together.”

  Bri rolled her eyes. “Whatever. He’ll get over himself. We’re all adults, and when this thing, whatever it is, with Hudson ends, we can all stay friends.”

  She ignored the twinge in her stomach at the thought, be it of things ending, which was silly when they’d barely begun, or just being Hudson’s friend. She shook her head, knowing she was being ridiculous. They were friends before they’d kissed, and they’d be friends after they slept together. Case closed.

  “I love that dress on you!” Macy exclaimed.

  Bri glanced in the full-length mirror, taking in the rose-gold, embellished, lace-embroidered, illusion gown with a low vee in the front that was flattering yet classy. The lace hugged her curves on top but fluttered beautifully at the bottom.

  “Oh, look! There’s a matching scarf to drape over your shoulders.” Macy picked up the piece that had fallen to the floor and handed it to her.

  “I love this,” Bri said, smoothing her hand over her hip.

  She’d make a statement in this gown while keeping in style and not give Hudson’s parents anything to complain about. Other than her lack of pedigree, she thought wryly.

  Macy clapped her hands. “Yay! Perfect choice. Now we go shopping for shoes and a small purse?”

  Bri nodded. “Just as soon as I pay.”

  She’d seen the price on this dress, and by the time she bought the shoes and bag, she’d have a hefty credit card statement next month. Even with her generous salary, this was a big hit.

  She glanced in the mirror one more time. Her dark hair and tanned skin provided the perfect contrast to the lighter-colored gown. If Hudson’s chocolate eyes darkened at the sight of her in this dress, the money would be well spent.

  * * * *

  Hudson had his suitcase open on the bed, his tuxedo hanging on the door waiting to be placed inside the garment bag. He’d actually had to buy a tuxedo for the wedding because his clothing consisted of khaki shorts and collared T-shirts from his time in Brazil. When he’d moved to Florida, he’d purchased pants for clinic and stadium work. Not a formal or overly dressy item could be found in his closet, and though his mother would be horrified, Hudson liked it that way.

  He added his Dopp kit to the suitcase, zipped it up, and rolled the bag near the door. He was about to turn around and grab his tuxedo when a knock sounded.

  He swung open his door to find Braden standing outside. “Hey, come on in.”

  Braden strode inside, his gaze going to the carry-on. “Ready to go?”

  “As ready as I’ll ever be to deal with the family.”

  Braden made himself comfortable, dropping onto the leather couch Hudson had splurged on. “Are you looking forward to the wedding at least? I know you haven’t seen Serena in a while, and you two are close.”

  Joining him, Hudson sat down on the opposite end of the sofa. “That’s the one thing I’m excited for. She deserves to be happy.”

  Braden nodded. “Where are you staying?”

  This was starting to feel like twenty questions, Hudson thought, narrowing his gaze. No, he hadn’t told Braden he was taking Bri, but there was every chance Braden already knew and was testing him, in which case he had no problem playing the long game and making his friend work for the answers.

  “I made a reservation at the Four Seasons.” In fact, he’d pulled family strings, and he’d managed to book them into a suite. He wanted to make a good impression with Bri.

  Folding his arms across his chest, he met Braden’s gaze and waited for the explosion.

  Braden raised his eyebrows. “I hope you mean you made reservations, as in plural?”

  “None of your business, and I take it the family grapevine is alive and well?” Hudson asked with a grin and heard the grinding of his friend’s teeth.

  The last time he’d seen a scowl that deep on Braden’s face was during a walk through over-one-hundred-degree heat to a village that was a few miles away after their Jeep had broken down.

  “Bri went dress shopping with Macy. She told Jaxon, and Jaxon told me. I can’t believe you weren’t going to mention it,” Braden muttered.

  He leaned forward in his seat and met Braden’s gaze. “Look, she’s your twin. I get that you’re overprotective, but this is me, okay? I’m not going to hurt her.”

  “You’d better not or you’ll have four Prescotts to answer to.”

  Hudson was smart enough not to reply and to let his actions speak for him.

  Chapter Four

  Hudson said he’d pick her up by noon on Thursday, and Bri was ready when a town car pulled into her driveway. Both the driver and Hudson exited the vehicle, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from her date for the weekend.

  Wearing a pair of jeans and a crew-neck shirt, aviators covering his eyes, Hudson strode toward her, looking sexy as hell.

  He met her at the bottom of her front steps and glanced at her bags. “It’s one weekend,” he said, taking in the largest suitcase she owned, a carry-on for her toiletries and personal items, and the tote she always carried with her when she traveled.

  “Well, hello to you, too.” She grinned and lifted the handle on the luggage, pulling it higher so she could drag it behind her when she walked.

  He smiled and brushed his lips over hers. “Sorry. Hello. You look great.” His gaze raked over her, and though she wore a simple outfit, a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt, and a casual black blazer with sleeves that easily pushed up on her arms, from the heat in his eyes, she might as well be naked.

  “Thank you. And as for the bags, I’m a woman. Enough said.”

  He chuckled and took the luggage from her hand. “I didn’t have sisters. I wouldn’t know the drill.”

  She wasn’t about to ask him about past girlfriends who’d made themselves at home in his apartment. She didn’t want to know, but one thing was certain. After sharing a bathroom with her this weekend, he would definitely learn.

  He handed the luggage to the driver, who loaded the trunk, and they headed to the airport. Hudson had splurged on first-class, and the trip to New York was as fast and easy as their conversation. He was interested in her job and what she did for her clients on a daily basis, and she was only too happy to fill him in on the details, omitting names where the stories and history weren’t public knowledge.

  They sat side by side as they talked, and he couldn’t stop laughing at some of the shenanigans the guys got themselves into.

  “But crises don’t occur every day, so mostly my job is to keep them in the spotlight in a positive way. I build their brand both inside and outside their sport and make sure community goodwill is a priority. Good press is always a bonus. And if they have an overall solid reputation, they can draw on that goodwill in times of trouble.” She handed her glass to a passing flight attendant and turned back to Hudson. “If a guy is an overall jerk and then goes on to do something stupid, nobody will cut him any slack, and the athlete won’t deserve any. Even if he is my c
lient.”

  “You love your job.” Hudson studied her with admiration and true attentiveness she rarely saw in a man when it came to her profession. Unless, of course, it provided an opening for something they needed.

  She shook those thoughts out of her mind and refocused on the man next to her. As much as he was curious about her, she wanted to know more about him.

  “I do love it, and I know how lucky that makes me. Not everyone can get up in the morning and do something they enjoy.” She tipped her head, leaning against the seat behind her. “What about you? Do you love your job? Or should I say jobs?”

  “Hmm. Good question. I like the job with the Thunder. It moves fast on game day, and I get to watch a player from injury through to recovery, which makes it satisfying, though I haven’t been on board long enough to see anything substantial. And thank God for that.”

  She nodded in agreement. Nobody wanted an injury to happen to any player in the game. “You said like, not love.”

  “I loved what I did with Doctors Without Borders, though one stint really was enough for me. I’d rather be in the States and do a form of humanitarian work here. Which is why I chose the clinic. The pay from working for the Thunder lets me work for free at the health care center.”

  This was the part of Hudson Northfield that drew her to him. Yes, the outside packaging was pure sex appeal, but the man inside was a kind, decent man who cared for others despite the fact that he could have gone into his family’s business and helped to make them more money.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked.

  Their faces were close together as they spoke, creating a bubble of intimacy and making it easier to be honest. “About how much I admire you. How you could be on the money train with your family in New York, but instead you’re all about giving back. I like that about you.” She studied his expression and the look in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Something’s bothering you.”