Braden looked to Jaxon, the only brother who hadn’t announced his departure. Sensing his sibling needed an ear, he shook his head. “I’ll stick around awhile if you will.”
“I’m here.”
Jaxon waited until everyone left before turning to his brother. “You’ve been quiet. And not very forthcoming about what’s going on in your head. If you need a shoulder, I’m here.”
With a sigh, Braden rested his back against the chair.
“Is it about Jesse?” He’d stopped thinking of him as Dad and it hadn’t been difficult.
Braden shook his head. “His words are always with me, but I won’t let him decide what I do with my life. But me ending up in sports? It’s just ironic and I need to come to terms with the idea, you know?”
Jaxon nodded. “But volunteering downtown will fill the need you have to help people. It can be the best of both worlds.”
“It isn’t traveling and I’ve gotten used to that. I like going to different countries and coming to the aid of people in need.”
Jaxon spent so much time on the road he valued his home time more than ever. He hoped Braden would come to appreciate the value of staying in one place near the people he loved, too.
“No one says you have to take this position with the Thunder forever. If it doesn’t work for you, so be it.”
Linking his fingers behind his head, Braden met his gaze. “You make the decision sound easy.”
“That’s because it is. Unless there’s another reason you’re hesitating.” Jaxon paused. “Like Willow?”
Braden groaned, running a hand through his hair. “To be honest? Yeah. The thing is, we were exclusive but not serious. I wasn’t ready for something intense. Which doesn’t excuse my sudden decision to leave the country for two years. It came out of nowhere and I get why she was upset.”
Jaxon mulled over his brother’s words. “You two keep in touch?”
With a shake of his head, Braden said, “She didn’t answer my calls or texts. And to be honest, I didn’t realize how much I cared about her until I was away. By then she was ignoring me and I gave up. It wasn’t like I could do much from a foreign country.”
“And now?”
“Who knows.” He finished the last of his drink. “But if I take the job, I guess I’ll find out. Anyway, I’m done talking about myself. It’s time to get out of here. You ready?”
Jaxon nodded. “I’m going home to my wife.” And he hoped one day Braden could get his head on straight, figure out what he wanted out of life, and maybe say the same.
Don’t miss the next DARE NATION series book DARE TO STAY with Braden Prescott and Willow James.
DARE TO STAY
Braden Prescott, the prodigal son, returns home but what kind of reception will he get from family and the girl he left behind?
CLICK HERE to order!
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About the Author
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
About the Book
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
About Dare to Stay
Keep Up with Carly
About the Author
