Playing with Seduction Read online

  They were both silent for a moment, then he asked, “In your heart of hearts, what is it you’d like to be doing, more than anything, outside of playing volleyball?”

  “I don’t know...”

  “I think you do.” He swapped his untouched wineglass with her empty one, then sat back in his chair and surveyed her. “Maybe you’re reluctant to share it with me, but—”

  “What I’m doing now,” she said quickly, picking up her wineglass and taking a sip. “Not this, obviously.” She held up the wineglass and they both laughed. A little of the tension between them eased. “I mean being a spokesperson for important causes. Helping people. Making a difference.” A genuine smile lifted her cheeks and lit her eyes. “Going to visit with sick children at hospitals. Talking to high-risk children at inner-city schools and at boys’ and girls’ clubs. Helping them see that they matter. That no matter how big their dreams are, they’re attainable. They just need to believe in themselves and be willing to work for it. But a good support system helps. And I’d like to be that for those kids.”

  Bree caught Wes staring at her and her cheeks flushed. She took another sip of her wine as she gazed out of the window. “I sound like a corny do-gooder, right?”

  “Look at me, Bree.” He shifted forward in his seat as her gaze met his. “Never apologize for who you are. Every character trait, every physical scar...they all make you the remarkable warrior goddess you are. So don’t apologize for any of it. Got it?”

  She was silent for a moment, then nodded.

  “Good.” He smiled and her shoulders relaxed. “If that’s what you really want to do, do it. Kids like us, who came from nothing, they desperately need someone to believe in them. To support their dreams and give them opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

  Bree took another sip of her wine. “The trouble is, if I don’t keep playing, in some capacity, I’m no longer relevant, and I won’t get opportunities like this.”

  “Make your own. Start your own organization.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “Isn’t it? It’s not like you’d have to do everything yourself. A charity is like any other business. Hire the best people to run it for you.”

  Bree seemed unconvinced.

  “Seems you’ve given this some thought, but something about the idea scares you. What is it?”

  “It seems overwhelming, to say the least. Besides, it’s such an important task. I can’t let them down. What if I fail?”

  “What if you succeed? Think of how many lives you could change?”

  “Have you always been this confident?” She crooked an eyebrow as she studied him.

  For a moment, he was sure she could see right through him to the scared little boy wearing hand-me-downs at a boarding school filled with children of the rich and famous. “I had to learn. Survival of the fittest, you know?”

  She nodded. “I was one of only a handful of minority kids at my entire private school. The only one there on scholarship. So, I worked hard to prove that I was this perfect little girl. That I belonged there as much as anyone else. Still, there’s always this part of me that wonders deep down if I’m really good enough.” Bree stood quickly and swiped dampness from the corner of her eyes. “It’s late. I need to get ready for bed.”

  Wes sighed as she disappeared behind the bathroom door. If only he could tell Bree the truth. It was him who wasn’t good enough for her.

  * * *

  Wes lay awake, more than an hour after they’d gone to bed, watching Bree as she slept. He cared for her more than any woman he’d ever known. And he wanted to believe he deserved her. That they could be happy together forever.

  He turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling, trying to quiet the voice that implored him to trust her with the truth.

  That he wanted her, and only her.

  He had his rules. Rules designed to keep him from ever needlessly hurting anyone again. He was determined not to break those rules by falling for her.

  And yet...he already had.

  He’d tried to pretend that what they shared was a symbiotic fusion of sex and friendship. One they could both easily walk away from.

  But Bree had changed the game.

  She’d shown him how gratifying it was to forge a deep connection with someone who knew him in ways no one else did.

  But if he truly cared for her, he’d stick to the plan.

  He wouldn’t take a chance on disappointing her the way his father had disappointed his mother. Or the way he’d once disappointed someone who’d loved him more than he deserved.

  Wes glanced at Bree again. They’d had an incredible time in London. It would be hard to return to this flat without thinking of her in his home, in his bed and in his life. And how happy it made him.

  But he’d been playing a dangerous game with Bree’s heart. Fooling himself into thinking they could do this without either of them getting hurt.

  He did love Bree. And because he loved her, he would let her go.

  He’d never hurt anyone that way again. The price was far too steep.

  Chapter 19

  Brianna had broken the rules of their little game, and now Wes was making her pay.

  They’d both downplayed her misstep the previous night. However, the next morning, he was polite, but withdrawn. At the very least, distracted. Though they’d both slept during much of it, their nonstop flight home had been uncharacteristically quiet.

  Bree silently cursed herself again for saying those three little words their final night in London. It was the perfect way to ruin a sublime trip and kill the mood with her no-strings-attached lover.

  Wes put the last of her luggage upstairs and returned to the living room, where she sifted through a stack of mail and a few postcards. He shoved his hands into his pockets, his gaze not quite meeting hers.

  “Look, I know you must be tired. Why don’t I stay at my place tonight?”

  A stab in the heart would’ve been less painful.

  “Of course. I’ll see you... I’ll guess you’ll let me know when.”

  She put down the mail and went to the kitchen. Bree opened the fridge, pulled over the trash can and tossed spoiled and expired food into it.

  “Bree, I don’t want to hurt you. You know that. But maybe this was a mistake.” Wes made his way to the kitchen.

  “I know we agreed not to let things get serious, and I’m the one at fault here. I made the mistake of thinking you had, you know...feelings. Like a regular human.” Bree poured the remainder of a half gallon of milk down the drain, rinsed the bottle and tossed it in the recycle bin.

  “You think I’m saying this because I don’t have feelings? You couldn’t be more wrong.”

  “Then level with me. What’s this really about?”

  “I am leveling with you, but you won’t believe me.”

  Bree closed the fridge. She struggled to be calm and mature about this. After all, what was the difference between her and her stalkerish ex if she couldn’t accept that it was over?

  “If you’ve tired of me and you’re ready to move on...fine. And maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think that’s it. You act as if you don’t want intimacy or a real relationship, but I know that isn’t true. I see the truth in your eyes whenever we’re together. What I can’t figure out is what you’re so afraid of?”

  He narrowed his gaze, as if she’d struck a nerve, but he didn’t respond.

  “Talk to me, Wes. Whatever it is, just say it.” She stepped closer to him, stopping short of touching him. “Is there someone else?”

  “Bree, there’s no one in the world I’d rather be with. But I’m not prepared to make the kind of promises you’re looking for.”

  “What the hell does that even mean?” Bree stood tall, her arms folded, despi
te wanting to dissolve into tears. She refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing how deeply his rejection cut.

  “I’m trying to be completely honest with you, Bree. I won’t be like my old man, making promises he couldn’t keep. I won’t do that to you. To us. I need to be sure.”

  “Of what? That no one better will come along?” She glared at him. “And what am I supposed to do? Warm your bed, fingers crossed, hoping one day you’ll be ready? No thank you.”

  “It’s not like that. Believe me.”

  “I don’t. And I don’t believe this is just about your dad walking out on you. People get divorced. Parents leave. And yeah, we both got saddled with a shitty parent. But we don’t have to be them. I’m certainly not going to just lie down and die because I’m afraid I’ll be like mine.”

  Wesley’s eyes widened, his mouth falling open. She’d stunned him with a strike to the jugular.

  Maybe it wasn’t fair for her to bring up his dad, but Wes had opened the door to it when he’d used his old man as an excuse.

  Bree sighed, no longer able to take the silence between them.

  “I think maybe you’re right. This was a mistake. I take full responsibility. You were very clear from the beginning. I should’ve taken your word for it instead of pushing you.”

  “I’m not saying we can’t be friends.”

  “Nor am I.” Bree held her head high. “But right now, let’s just focus on putting on a kick-ass tournament. Okay?”

  Wes’s eyes reflected every bit of the pain it caused her to utter those words. He didn’t move or speak.

  “So that’s it?” Wes cleared his throat, his hands shoved in his pockets.

  “I think it has to be. But we’ll always have London, right?” She forced a smile, not allowing the tears that stung her eyes to fall.

  “Always.” He cradled her face and kissed her goodbye.

  She waited for the click of the door closing behind Wes before she crumbled onto the sofa, tears streaming down her face.

  She’d gambled and lost.

  Maybe she’d played her hand too soon. Or perhaps the real mistake had been that she’d dared to play the game at all.

  * * *

  Wes straightened his collar and closed his eyes briefly as he exhaled a long, slow breath. It was exactly two weeks before his best friend’s wedding and nearly three weeks since he and Bree had ended their affair.

  He’d been in Las Vegas for two days with Liam and around twenty of their friends. But it hadn’t been enough to lift the testy mood he’d been in since last he’d seen Bree. She’d returned to California the day after they’d ended things, and she’d attended the last two meetings about the volleyball tournament via video conference.

  Yet, she’d kept her promise. She’d kept things civil and pleasant between them. As if nothing at all had happened. He’d called her directly a week prior to get her opinion on a change to the celebrity-chef lineup. Brianna answered the phone and had been as syrupy sweet as the sweet tea his mother made. With the issue resolved, he’d tried to make small talk, but she’d politely excused herself to take another call.

  She’d saved him from himself. Had he spoken to her at any length, he’d have confessed to missing her every single day.

  It was best that Bree was there in California and he was in Vegas celebrating his best friend’s impending nuptials.

  Wes had expended a tremendous amount of effort the past two days trying to be a proper best man. Immersing himself in the celebratory spirit. But he’d spent most of the weekend attempting to mask the cavernous hole Bree’s absence left in his heart.

  Wes knocked on the door of Liam’s hotel suite. His friend answered the door in the midst of a video chat with his fiancée’s daughters, the two little girls he adored as if they were his own.

  “Say hello to Uncle Wes.” Liam turned the phone toward him.

  Sofia and Gabriella waved at him. “Hi, Uncle Wes!”

  His mouth curled in an involuntary smile. His first genuine smile of the day. Since he’d been living in Pleasure Cove he’d gotten to know the girls and he now understood why Liam adored them.

  He chatted with Sofie and Ella briefly before Liam finished his conversation and promised the girls he’d see them soon.

  “Go ahead and say it, mate. They’ve got me wrapped around their little fingers.” Liam grinned.

  “That’s like saying the earth is round. It’s already an established fact.” Wes sat on the huge sectional sofa, avoiding the cushion that reeked of beer. Liam’s brother, Hunter, had spilled some on it the night before. “Besides, I’m happy for you. You know that.”

  “I do.” Liam poured each of them two fingers of Scotch, then handed him one. He sat in a nearby chair. “I also know you thought I’d gone off my trolley for giving up my confirmed bachelorhood to become an instant dad.”

  “Also an established fact.” Wes chuckled softly, taking a sip of the premium Scotch—Liam’s preferred drink. “But I’m man enough to admit when I’m wrong.”

  “I should expect an apology, should I?” Liam raised an eyebrow incredulously. “Well, for goodness sake, man, get on with it.”

  “I honestly believed you’d be sacrificing your way of life and your independence when you took on Maya and her daughters. I was wrong. You weren’t giving up your life, you were gaining a fuller, richer life. One that’s made you happier than I’ve ever known you to be.”

  “That’s saying a lot since we’ve known each other since we were thirteen.” Liam grinned. “I used to hear chaps say that some woman or other was the best thing that ever happened to them, and I’d think to myself they must have lived sad and dreary lives before marriage. But now I understand, because Maya and the girls are truly the best thing to ever happen to me.”

  “No cold feet, then? Not even a little?”

  “Not even the tiniest little bit.” A broad smile lit Liam’s eyes. “We already have such a wonderful life together. I look forward to making it official.”

  “I envy you, my friend.”

  “I’d much prefer you find your own.” Liam tilted his head as he assessed him. “Tell me this foul mood you’ve been in for the past few weeks has nothing to do with Bree returning to California.”

  “Why would it?” Not a lie, simply a question.

  “You tell me.” Liam wore a supremely smug expression.

  “I know it’s your stag party weekend, but that doesn’t mean you get a pass on being a nosy, obnoxious bastard.” Wes finished his Scotch and set the glass on the table.

  “No? Why should it be different from any other day?”

  “Don’t tempt me to launch a lamp or something at that big head of yours.” Wes picked up a pillow and flung it at his friend and he tossed it back.

  The lock clicked and Hunter stepped into the room along with Liam’s two brothers-in-law to-be, Nate Johnston and Dash Williams.

  “Don’t remember seeing a pillow fight on the agenda for the weekend.” Hunter put two cases of bitter on the bar and plopped down on the sofa. “Are you two going to braid each other’s hair next?”

  Wes and Liam picked up pillows and tossed them at Hunter simultaneously.

  “Guess that makes us the only two grown-ups in the room,” Nate said to Dash, as he put a case of imported beer on the bar and sat on a bar stool.

  “Then we’ve definitely moved up in the world. The girls will be glad to hear it.” Dash chuckled.

  Wes checked his watch and stood. “The party limo will be here in ten. Where is Maya’s brother Cole?”

  Liam scrolled through the messages on his phone. “Cole will meet us at the limo.”

  “Then we’d better head downstairs. Everyone else is meeting us at the limo, too.”

  They loaded the beer onto a luggage cart and headed out into th
e hallway. Dash pushed the cart onto the partially full elevator. Nate and Hunter got on, too. Wes was about to join them when Liam grabbed his arm.

  “You go on. We’ll catch the next lift.” Liam turned to him as the elevator doors closed.

  “Look, I know we were joking around in there, but Bree really is phenomenal. If you’re this miserable because she’s gone, that should tell you something, mate.”

  “I like her, okay?” Wes looked away from his friend. “I maybe even love her. But what if I’m wrong? What if in six months or two years I feel differently?”

  “Love is a gamble, my friend. None of us knows what will happen tomorrow or next year. But if you truly care for her, tell her how you feel and why.”

  “What if I tell her the truth and she hates me for it?”

  “Then you’ll know she’s not the one for you.”

  Wesley’s chest felt hollow at the thought of peering into his favorite brown eyes and seeing genuine contempt.

  Still, in light of the pain her absence had caused him, it was worth the risk.

  Chapter 20

  Bree stood on her back deck watering her poor, neglected flowers and enjoying the California sun. She put down the watering can and sat at the patio table with Bex, who was reviewing samples for the camp logo.

  “Another cup of coffee?” Bree offered.

  “No thanks.” Bex studied her for a moment, then sighed. “Look, I’m just going to say this. I was wrong about you and Wesley.”

  “No, you weren’t. You were exactly right. You said I would get hurt and I did. I should’ve listened.”

  “But you were so happy. You practically glowed on video chat.” Bex closed her laptop. “It was annoying.”

  “Then you should be happy I’m...” Bree sighed, not wanting to finish the sentence.

  “Miserable?” Bex squeezed her arm. “I could never be happy about that.”

  Bree checked her phone. No calls or text messages from Wes.

  “He hasn’t contacted me, so obviously he doesn’t feel the same.”