Dare to Play

by Carly Phillips

  “It’s been quiet … which can be good or bad,” Austin said, “but that’s not why I’m calling.”

  Jaxon sat down and glanced at the television, which had the same movie from earlier playing on screen. His brother sounded serious, so he hit the mute button to avoid any distractions.

  “What’s going on?” Jaxon asked.

  “I’ve had some quiet interest in you, and Eagles ownership seems willing to talk to them. I wanted to give you a heads-up.”

  He bolted upright in his seat. “Interest from who?” he asked, stomach churning.

  Florida was his home. His family was here. His teammates were another type of family. He’d been here for years and had hoped to play here until he retired.

  “San Antonio,” Austin said.

  “Texas.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  “They have World Series potential,” Austin reminded him unnecessarily.

  Nobody knew the baseball landscape as well as Jaxon.

  “And that’s the one thing you don’t have yet.” Another unnecessary reminder. Not to mention his age and time were ticking away for him to achieve that one goal. He’d all but come to terms with not earning a ring.

  “I don’t know how I feel about this,” Jaxon muttered.

  “You may not have a choice. I got a heads-up but San Antonio can be calling the Eagles as we speak. I’ll work on the best package I can get for you if it comes down to it. I’m sorry, man. You may have gotten married for no reason, on your end anyway. A trade may happen anyway.”

  “I’ve got to go.” Jaxon didn’t want to have a conversation with Austin about marriage and Macy. He disconnected the call and tossed the phone on the sofa.

  So much for thinking they could be a real family. If there was one thing he knew for sure, Macy and Hannah’s life was here. Hannah went to school here. He’d seen their reactions about potentially moving school districts in state. They weren’t going to pick up and go to Texas just to be with him.

  And why should they?

  This had been a marriage of convenience, not love. True, they’d imagined it lasting much longer than a week, but the fact was, Macy no longer needed him. Once she informed her former stepmother that Hannah didn’t come with a hefty bank account she could access, Macy would secure custody of her sister. And if this trade happened, San Antonio knew what they were getting in Jaxon and wanted him anyway.

  Austin was right. No marriage necessary. He could go back to his playboy ways, and Macy didn’t need to be saddled with a guy who’d barely be around. Pitchers and catchers reported in a month, and he was ramping up his workouts starting this week. He was too busy to worry about a wife and a family anyway.

  And even as his gut twisted at the thought of losing Macy, he knew it was for the best. Because he knew how it felt to ask the woman he loved to go with him cross country, and worse, he remembered how it felt to get turned down. And with his feelings for Macy more adult, deeper, and more real than those he’d had for Katie, he was better off being the one to walk away.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Macy arrived back at Jaxon’s house and heard music coming from the workout room. Leaving him alone, she headed to Hannah’s room to check on her. She knocked and walked in. Hannah sat on her bed, notebook open, and she met Macy’s gaze as she entered the room.

  “Can we talk?” Macy asked.

  Hannah nodded. “I just finished my homework.”

  She gathered all her books into a pile and pushed them aside, shutting her laptop, too. Without all the makeup, she looked so young and vulnerable, and Macy wanted to do her best to make this as easy as possible for her.

  “I just came from seeing your mom.”

  Hannah looked at her with big eyes.

  “And I think, in her own way, Lilah feels bad about what happened and what you overheard. It doesn’t change the fact that she wanted custody of you for the wrong reasons. But I did make it clear to her that you’re staying with me.”

  “I’m sure she didn’t care once she heard there was no money,” Hannah muttered, picking at a pilled piece of her comforter.

  Reaching out, Macy tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear. “I think your mother has a lot of work to do on herself before she can think about being a parent. But I told her if she wanted a relationship, it was up to you whether or not you wanted to see her again.”

  Hannah blinked in surprise. “You’d let me see her?”

  “I never wanted to keep you away from your mother. I just wanted you in the best place possible.” She paused. “I also don’t want you to be disappointed if you don’t hear from her. Lilah is unpredictable.” And selfish but Macy opted not to pile on the negative comments. “Are you okay?”

  Hannah nodded. “What about the custody suit and the judge? And the letter?” Guilt crossed her pretty features.

  “Here.” Macy reached into her purse and handed Hannah the paper Lilah had returned. “This is yours.”

  Hannah looked at her signature and tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I was just so excited that Mom wanted me in her life again I didn’t think about you.”

  “Honey, in many ways, your mom is like a child herself. She’s impulsive, doesn’t think things through, and I’m sorry to say she’s manipulative. It served her purposes to give you freedom and leeway and to make me look like the strict, bad older sister so you’d want to stay with her.” Drawing a deep breath, Macy told Hannah the truth. “You were used as a pawn.”

  And Hannah was too young and emotionally vulnerable to see it happening. “None of which means Lilah doesn’t love you. It means you need to be careful about trusting her motives.”

  Hannah held up the paper and ripped it into pieces. “I want to stay with you.”

  “And you will.” Macy held out her arms and Hannah slid over for a hug. “I think you’ve learned a lot of lessons this weekend, so we’re going to start over. But no parties, no friends without asking, no sneaking out of the house. Got it?” she asked in as stern a voice as she could muster.

  Hannah nodded. “Thank you.”

  Macy rose to her feet. “I’m going to make coffee.” She started for the door when Hannah called her name. “Yes?”

  “Can I go to Holly’s? Her mom’s out doing an errand and said she could pick me up.”

  Apparently Hannah had gotten over her upset with her mother. That or she wanted to talk her feelings out with a friend.

  “Sure.”

  Hannah grabbed her phone and her fingers flew on the keys. Her friend must have answered quickly, because within seconds, Hannah was up and out of her bed and in the process of a clothing change.

  Leaving the now calm and happier teen to do her thing, Macy headed for the bedroom, where she knew Jaxon would come through to shower after he finished working out.

  She settled cross-legged on the bed and was about to lean back against the pillows when her cell rang. A glance told her it was Bri.

  “Hi!” she said, answering quickly. “You would not believe the day I’ve had so far.”

  “Umm, I think I would. And you’re okay?” Bri sounded concerned.

  Huh. Maybe she’d spoken to Jaxon and knew about Lilah and Hannah’s situation. “Now that I set Lilah straight about the fact that Hannah wasn’t a walking trust fund and we agreed she’d be staying with me, I’m great.”

  “That must be a relief,” Bri agreed. “And Jaxon’s probable trade? How did you take that news?” she asked.

  “Trade?” Macy asked, stomach twisting at the mere mention of the word.

  “Oh, shit. You don’t know yet.” Bri cursed up a storm on the other end of the phone.

  “Know what? Was Jaxon traded and if so to where?” Her heart rate picked up speed at the possibility.

  “I shouldn’t have called. I’ll touch base later. Sorry!” Bri disconnected and Macy stared at the phone in her hand.

  She didn’t know what had happened, but whatever was going on, it wasn’t good.


  * * *

  Jaxon wiped down his face with a towel and climbed off the treadmill on which he’d run hard and fast. Too bad he couldn’t outrun the facts of his life. Traded to San Antonio. If he wasn’t married, a part of him would be excited to have a shot at a World Series win. Instead he had to tell Macy their marriage was over, something he was not looking forward to doing. Something his heart didn’t want to happen. But it was for the best.

  He saw Hannah leaving the house as he headed to shower. She waved on her way out.

  He strode into the bedroom, surprised to see Macy had returned. She sat on the bed staring at her phone.

  “Hey. How’d it go with Lilah?” he asked.

  She glanced up, meeting his gaze. “Better than I expected. Money aside, I think Hannah’s impromptu party last night showed Lilah she wasn’t ready to handle a teenager. I got Hannah’s letter back, and Lilah will cancel her petition for custody.” A wide, satisfied smile took hold and he was thrilled for her.

  Genuinely as happy as if the news were his own.

  “That’s amazing. Seriously. I’m so happy for you.”

  She rose to her feet. “You don’t sound happy.”

  “Reading my mood?” he asked, catching the light snark in his voice and wincing. It wasn’t her fault his life was changing at lightning speed and he had to figure out a way to tell her.

  She bit down on her lower lip. “Bri mentioned something about a trade.”

  He’d wrapped the towel around his neck and pulled on the ends. Leave it to his sister to beat him to giving Macy the news.

  “Austin called this morning right after you left. San Antonio is interested in me and the Eagles are considering it.”

  “San Antonio, Texas?” Macy asked, her voice rising, the panic in her voice confirming his thoughts. She’d want no part of moving.

  “That’s the one.” He walked past her and into the bathroom, planning to close the door and take a shower, but she followed him in.

  “Don’t walk out on me. We have to discuss this.”

  “Actually, we really don’t. You married me in order to get custody of Hannah, and that’s taken care of. I married you to help me show the management of the Eagles I’d change, settle down, and quit going viral with my antics,” he said with air quotes around the last word. “If this trade happens, San Antonio knows who I am and would be taking me regardless.” He tossed the neck towel onto the counter.

  “Oh, I see. It’s that simple? You go your way, I’ll go mine? Marriage over? Just like that?” She snapped her fingers.

  He couldn’t help but grin at her sass. He found it hot and sexy.

  “Quit smirking. This isn’t funny.”

  “No, it’s not. But you have to admit we both got what we needed from the marriage. We just thought the arrangement would last longer. Now you can have your freedom back.”

  She glared at him, taking him off guard. “You mean you can have yours. You’re the playboy. You’re the one who’s missing your old life.”

  “Whoa. I never said that.” In fact, not once since agreeing to marry Macy had he wished for his single life. She filled him in ways he hadn’t known he needed.

  “Well, you’re not giving me a choice in what happens next, either. You’re telling me we’re through, so of course I think you’re eager to pick up a different woman every night.”

  Fury sounded in her voice that made him step back and wonder if he hadn’t misjudged her. And if he had the guts to find out. Her words had stayed with him. All I’m saying is don’t let the rest of your life be defined by something that happened when you were young.

  He was such an ass. He was a Major League pitcher and he was afraid of going after what he wanted? “What if I asked you to go with me to Texas? You and Hannah?” he asked and held his breath.

  Her mouth opened wide. “Yes, Jaxon, of course we’ll go with you. I love you, you big idiot! I don’t want you to go to Texas without me.”

  He studied her in shock. “What about your life?”

  Her brown gaze met his. “What life? My work is mobile. In a short week, my life has become about you and my sister. And she might not be happy initially but she’ll adjust. She’ll just make our lives hell until that happens.”

  He grinned, unable to believe this had all been so simple. All the angst and drama and here they were. “Go back to what you said before.”

  “Which thing?”

  “You love me?” he asked, wanting to hear her say the words again.

  She grasped his face and cupped his cheeks in her hand. “I love you, Jaxon Prescott. Now are you going to say it back or do I have to drag the words out of you?”

  He lifted her by the waist and sat her on the counter, legs dangling, and he stepped between them. “I love you, Macy Prescott.”

  “And you’ll trust in us from here on out? Because I need you in my life. Both Hannah and I need you.”

  “I need you, too. And you showed me how to trust. We’re a team, for good or bad,” he assured her, and then his lips were on hers.

  He devoured her, making sure to leave no doubt in her mind that not only did he love her but he wanted her in his life forever.

  Sliding his hands beneath her dress, he hooked his fingers into her panties and eased them down her legs, then pulled her to the edge of the counter. Her slick pussy was wet and ready for him. It took him mere seconds to remove his workout shorts and boxers, his cock hard, thick, and ready to enter her.

  She arched her hips, giving him easy access, then, gazes locked, he slammed into her. She gasped and squeezed him tight in her heat.

  “Oh, God.”

  “Like that?” He slid out and thrust back in, holding on to her hips so her head didn’t bang against the mirror behind her. She gripped his shoulders and locked her legs behind his back, urging him on.

  And this time when their eyes met, he didn’t back away from the feelings inside him or letting her see the emotions she brought forth. And when she came, the squeeze of her around him took him up and over the edge along with her.

  They were cleaning up when he heard Hannah’s voice. “I forgot my phone!” she yelled out.

  Macy yelped and jumped off the counter as Jaxon slammed the bathroom door shut behind them.

  “Oh, my God. That was close.” Macy closed her eyes and groaned.

  “Macy?” Hannah called from what sounded like inside the master bedroom.

  “Be right out!” She glanced at Jaxon, her cheeks burning bright with embarrassment. “Last opportunity to change your mind,” she said with a grin.

  “Not a chance. We’re a family. And you, Macy, are mine.”

  * * *

  Two weeks later, Macy, with Jaxon’s permission and pushing, made some changes to add more warmth and personality to the family room and other places around the interior of the home.

  Hannah had surprised them with printed photos from the night of the gala, and those pictures along with the wedding photos held prominent places on shelves and counters. They were a true family, and despite how quickly it had happened, she couldn’t deny it was all real.

  Including the moody teenager. At first, on being given the news that they might move to Texas, she’d slammed her door, cried, called her friends, and had a tantrum. All expected and Macy spent a week convincing her they’d love it there and she would make new friends. To everyone’s surprise, the Eagles changed their mind at the last possible second, deciding they wanted to keep their star pitcher through the end of his career.

  All the fan pages online and the radio talk shows had slammed management for trading their franchise player, and in the end, they’d agreed and canceled the trade. Macy knew how much Jaxon would have liked a World Series ring, but she knew he wanted to retire as a Miami Eagle even more. Loyalty was everything to the Prescott men.

  Her man, especially.

  How did Hannah take the news? Macy and Jaxon had assumed she’d be thrilled, but true to teenage unpredictability, she’d had a fit
that she’d just accepted the idea of moving and now they were staying put. An hour later, Ruby came over with Holly, and the girls were celebrating at the pool.

  Teenagers.

  Since Jaxon had ramped up his workouts in preparation for pitchers and catchers reporting for practice for the season, Macy kept busy with work and adding to her life with both relatives and friends. She and Lizzie spent a day together, and Macy decided to put her father’s house up for sale and put half the money away for Hannah, half in her own savings. And Jaxon’s mother and Bri had taken her for lunch to officially welcome her to the family. Considering she and Hannah had no family of their own, everyone’s efforts meant the world to Macy.

  As for Lilah, she’d disappeared again, but Macy knew she’d be back one day. The nature of the beast. She’d explained to Hannah the concept of accepting someone for who and what they were, and they’d deal with her mother if and when she surfaced again.

  Life was so much brighter than it had been a mere month or so ago, and for that she was grateful. She stepped back from the frames she’d put in the kitchen because the counterspace was so expansive and smiled with appreciation.

  Just then, she heard the sound of the garage door leading to the house and saw Jaxon walk in, hair almost dry because he’d showered at the stadium, a pair of black track pants low on his hips, and a tee shirt that lifted thanks to his duffel hefted over one shoulder, revealing a strip of hair along his happy trail.

  Her belly churned with excitement at the sight of him as it always did, more so since they’d admitted their feelings. He strode up beside her, wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into him for a long, deep kiss.

  “Miss me?” he asked when they came up for air.

  “Always.” She smiled. “So? How does it look?”

  He took in the edge of the counter with a new cookie jar and the family photographs and grinned. “Love them. Just like I love you.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. She’d never get tired of hearing him say the words. “I love you, too.”

  He replied with a more thorough kiss, his tongue sliding past her lips, allowing her to drink in his taste, and she rubbed her body against his.