She handles cocky jocks for a living, but her love life isnโt as successful.
Brianne Prescott, publicist for Dare Nation Sports Agency, grew up the only girl with four brothers, three of whom are sports royalty. Sheโs a pro not just at work but at being used by men who want access to her famous family. Sheโs learned the hard way that everyone wants something from her, always.
Heโs her brotherโs best friend and the first man who sees her for who she really is.
When Dr. Hudson Northfield rescues Bri from a homeless man outside the clinic where he works, he really notices her for the first time. Soon sheโs accompanying him to New York for a family wedding, and despite her siblingsโ overprotective protests, theyโre falling in love.
But Hudson has a secret he canโt reveal. If he wants access to a trust fund in his name, his father demands something in return. Hudson has to marry and provide an heir or his dream of opening a state-of-the-art health center will be destroyed. Suddenly the man who didnโt need anything from her appears to be the biggest user of them all. Unless Hudson can convince her he can live without money but he canโt live without her.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips returns to her sexy Dare world of rich billionaire sports heroes in her new Dare Nation Series novella. DARE TO TEASE is out on Tuesday, but you can read an excerpt now below!
Wheeling her desk chair back, Bri stretched her legs with a groan. โAll I want to do is go home, undress, pour myself a glass of wine, and relax.โ She glanced around the office she considered her sanctuary and sought peace.
The walls were painted turquoise, the shelves white. Her intention had been to give the room a beachy feel that would relax her during stressful times. Like now. Breathing in and out and enjoying Quinnโs company, she began to chill out.
A knock sounded at her door, and Tara, Briโs secretary, popped her head in. โIโm leaving for the day. Do you need anything?โ
โNo, thanks. Iโm good. Have a nice evening.โ
Tara smiled. โYou, too. Oh! And you asked me to remind you to stop by the health clinic on the way home and take Braden the dress you borrowed from Willow.โ
Bri groaned at the reminder, and Tara rolled her eyes. โYou forgot, didnโt you?โ
Both Quinn and Tara laughed, causing Bri to hold up her hands in defeat. โHey, I knew I would. Thatโs why I asked for the nudge!โ
As Briโs second hand, Tara was used to Briโs never-ending lists and reminders.
โNight,โ Tara said to both Bri and Quinn before walking out.
โGuess Iโm not going straight home after all,โ Bri said to Quinn. โWillow needs the dress for an event this weekend, and I had it cleaned after I wore it.โ
She glanced at the garment sheโd borrowed from another sister-in-law, hanging on the back of her door. Willow was engaged to Briโs twin brother, Braden, a doctor at a downtown healthcare clinic and the team physician for the Miami Thunder football organization, where Willow worked as an athletic trainer.
โAt least itโs not as far as driving to the stadium to give it to Willow yourself,โ Quinn said, obviously looking for the bright side of Briโs never-ending day.
โTrue.โ Glancing out the window behind her, Bri noticed the sun beginning to set, the orange glow lowering on the horizon. โItโs getting late, and I donโt want to walk through that part of town alone after dark, so Iโd better get going.โ
โGood point. I heard the clinic isnโt in the best neighborhood, but Braden and Hudson are doing really good work.โ
โThey are,โ Bri agreed. โAnd they seem happy with their jobs.โ
Hudson Northfield, Bradenโs best friend, also worked with both the football team and the health clinic. Tonight, Braden was at the clinic, but Bri wasnโt sure if Hudson would be there as well. Hudson, with his dark brown hair, chocolate-colored eyes, and well-groomed beard, had become part of the family since he and Braden returned from a two-year stint for Doctors Without Borders, always at their gatherings and weddings.
But Bri didnโt consider Hudson family. Not when she looked at him and her body parts tingled. All she could think about was how his facial hair would feel if he kissed her lips or started lower and that beard rubbed against her thighs. A tremor took hold, and she crossed her arms over her chest.
โWhatโs that smile for?โ Quinn asked, leaning forward in her seat.
Crap. Bri had been daydreaming about Hudson and probably grinning like a crazy person. โNothing. Just thinking.โ
โAbout?โ Quinn pushed, and when Bri didnโt reply right away, Quinn jumped back in. โCould you be thinking about Hudson and the way he looks at you when he believes your brothers wonโt notice?โ
โWhy would you say that?โ
And did Hudson look at her that way? Bri wondered. Yes, they had chemistry, but heโd never acted on it. Never given her any indication that he would, something sheโd chalked up to Bro Code. Not making a move on his best friendโs sister.
A broad smile spread over Quinnโs face. โLook at that blush. You want him! I knew it!โ
Bri shook her head. It didnโt matter how she felt. โHeโs not going to act on whatever it is between us because of Braden, and Iโve come to terms with that.โ She pushed herself from her seat and picked up her handbag, determined to head over to the clinic before dark.
โBri, wait.โ Quinn stood. โLook, I know youโve had a rough time with men and relationships.โ
Raising an eyebrow, Bri did her best to withhold sarcasm as she replied. โBecause they always want something from me like access to my agent brother or uncle or an introduction to a famous athlete. And once they get what they want, Iโm expendable. Yeah, I havenโt had an easy time.โ And maybe she was a touch bitter about it, too.
Quinnโs expression softened. โWell, then you need to remember thereโs nothing Hudson needs from you, so if he wonโt make the first move, then maybe you should. Promise me youโll think about it?โ
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