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Daring Wes: Cade Brothers Series by Jules Barnard (1)

Chapter 1

Wes kept his eyes focused on his golf club—and not on his ex-girlfriend two sections up at the driving range.

Okay, he’d been watching Kaylee the entire time. But dammit, what was she doing here again? Until a few days ago, when she’d ambushed him in his club’s pro shop, he hadn’t seen Kaylee in four years.

Her hair was shorter now, and not the long, nearly black sheet of silk it had been in college. And despite her natural elegance, she was doing a fine job hacking it up on the driving range.

The same guy she’d been with the last time slid his hand to her firm, round ass, causing a pulse to pound behind Wes’s temples.

He shoved his club in his golf bag, prepared to call it a day and get the hell out, but Kaylee turned in his direction. Her gaze landed on him and her eyes widened.

She said something to her boyfriend, and they grabbed their clubs and headed toward him.

Fuck.

“Do you have a minute?” she asked.

Wes gave her a tight smile. “I’ve gotta return to the pro shop.” No way did he want to talk to this pair.

Her boyfriend McDouche put his arm around her shoulders, and Wes’s hands tightened into fists. “This’ll just take a moment. Kaylee says you went to college together and that you’re a professional golfer.”

Wes sighed. Had it not been for this girl and the head games she’d played in college, he would be a professional golfer, tearing it up on the tour. “I’m a pro at the resort.”

McDouche gave Wes a blank stare.

Obviously, the guy didn’t know much about golf. There was a big difference between playing tournaments and giving lessons as a course pro.

“Anyway, Kaylee says you’re good.” He looked down at Kaylee and grinned. “I’d love to get my fiancée some lessons. She’s just learning and could use the help.”

Fiancée… Fiancée?

Wes leveled her a look, and Kaylee flinched.

He let out a slow breath. Was this some sick joke? She showed up at his family’s resort—his turf—and brought a fiancé?

“You don’t have to do it,” Kaylee said in a rush.

Her fiancé frowned. “We talked about this, Kaylee. You need lessons if you’re going to join me on the Fiji course during our honeymoon.”

“Yes, but”—she glanced at Wes hesitantly—“he’s probably busy. I don’t even know if Wes gives lessons.”

“I give them,” Wes heard himself say.

He’d lost his mind. The last thing he should do was give lessons to this woman.

But he’d never fully understood why Kaylee had left him their senior year of college. And spending a little time with her on the course might be the perfect opportunity to discover the reason. Because regardless of what he told himself, he’d never been the same after she dumped his ass.

When Kaylee broke up with Wes, he’d been in the middle of the most pivotal tournament of his life. He told himself at the time that he’d worry about their relationship later—after he’d made it onto the tour. Only Wes had bombed during tryouts, and “later” never came. By the time he returned, Kaylee had wrapped up her classes and left town. Wes never saw or heard from her again.

Golf was a head sport. You were either focused, or your score went from six under to six over and knocked you out of the game. Kaylee’s leaving had messed up his focus, and he’d not recovered since.

The sad coincidence in this little reunion four years later was that Wes was once again attempting to qualify for the tour. Running into his ex was either shit-poor luck—or just what he needed to regain his winning edge.

Anger bubbled up in his chest. She’d dumped him without a good reason, and the idea of trusting Kaylee left a sour taste in his mouth. But if he could find out why she’d hightailed it out of town all those years ago, it might help with his focus and give him back his career. “I’m available Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from four to five.”

“Excellent!” McDouche with the floppy brown hair and overly chiseled chin grinned down at Kaylee, who appeared wary. “Kaylee can take lessons while she plans our wedding. We’re having it at the club. Beautiful place you got here.”

Wes shot Kaylee a death glare. She was getting married…at his motherfucking resort? Had she lost her mind?

Kaylee lifted her chin. “I’ve always loved Lake Tahoe. My parents still have their cabin here. That’s where Eddy and I are staying.”

Eddy glanced between Wes and Kaylee. “This isn’t a problem, is it? If you’re too busy to do the lessons, I can find someone else.”

“I’ll do them,” Wes said, still glaring at Kaylee. How dare she try to get married at his resort? No way could this be a coincidence. Kaylee was here for a reason. And Wes would find out what it was, one way or another.


Kaylee tucked her hair behind her ears and made her way to Wes, standing near the driving range. He was talking to another guy wearing a red Club Tahoe golf shirt, with his hand shoved into his pants pocket, pulling at his khakis and giving her a view of his rear. Wes was as fit as he’d been in college—more so, because he was a little broader, a little more filled out.

Her heart fluttered—had been a fluttering, spastic mess since she saw him last week after nearly four years. They’d parted on such crappy terms. This was her chance to make things right. Only Wes appeared to be holding a heavy grudge.

Kaylee had come into the golf shop with Eddy last week to look for a lightweight jacket for the cooler mornings on the course. But as soon as she’d caught sight of Wes behind the counter, her heart had nearly given out. She’d planned for her wedding to take place at Club Tahoe because the resort was beautiful and she loved the lake. And because she had an important reason for seeing Wes one last time before she married.

He’d not taken her presence well. Would have kicked her out of the shop if his older brother Levi hadn’t walked in at that exact moment.

Kaylee had no idea Wes would be working at the club. She thought she’d have to hunt him down. Possibly reach out to his father. Wes had had big plans the last time she saw him. Plans that had consumed him—to the detriment of their relationship.

But a few days ago, she’d discovered that Wes’s father had recently died, leaving his older brother Levi in charge of the luxury resort. Wes ran the golf course, and two of his other brothers managed various programs on the property.

Entering Wes’s life after such a loss was the worst possible timing. But Kaylee’s wedding was in a couple months, and it was now or never.

She trudged forward, golf bag on her shoulder, stopping a few feet behind him. He hadn’t noticed her, and she took a moment to soak in the man she’d once loved.

Wes’s casual stance, the light smile that played on the corner of his mouth as he chatted with the other golfer—this was the fun-loving guy she remembered. She couldn’t see his deep blue eyes with most of his back to her, but she remembered the glint in them when he stole a kiss. Or the depths they could hold when he squeezed her hand while making love to her

A warm shiver spread along her lower spine. This was a bad idea. She shouldn’t have come. Not when unwanted sparks filled her whenever he was near. Time around Wes evoked emotions she’d rather forget.

Kaylee took a deep breath, prepared to leave and forget the lessons, when she caught Wes’s body stiffen.

He turned and faced her slowly, his gaze dropping to her lips before moving to her cheeks—where her face burned from those stupid memories of them together.

If he’d tensed from her presence a moment ago, he hid it now. Wes didn’t fidget, didn’t break his stare. He was as cool as he’d ever been. Meanwhile, her temperature had risen and her legs felt wobbly.

“Is this still a good time?” Her voice came out too high, dammit. “I can return later if you’re busy.” Hopefully, he’d take her up on the idea, and she could call and cancel the lessons altogether.

Kaylee might have moved on, but Wes had stolen a piece of her heart that she’d never regained. That didn’t mean they were right for each other. She’d never forget the pain she’d suffered during and after their relationship.

And now she could finally find closure… Once she told him what she should have said years ago.

But she couldn’t explain things until they were on better terms. The truth was too personal and raw to mention while he looked at her like she was mud stuck to the bottom of his shoe.

“Now is fine,” he said.

He gave a catch-you-later nod to the man he’d been talking to and turned back to Kaylee. Only his gaze settled somewhere over her shoulder, and a sweet smile spread across his face.

Kaylee’s heart lurched. She hadn’t seen Wes smile like that in years, and it rattled her—reminded her again of why she’d fallen for this man. But his smile hadn’t been directed at Kaylee.

She turned to see a little girl—maybe three, four years old?—walking toward them. The child was carrying a small set of golf clubs, her hair pulled into a braided ponytail that swung back and forth with her determined pace. She had the same intense expression Wes used to sport when he headed out for a round of golf.

“Bella, meet Kaylee,” Wes said.

The young girl gave Kaylee a once-over. “Is she training too?”

Wes frowned. “’Course not. Kaylee’s nowhere near your skill level. I’ll be training you and giving Kaylee tips. She can watch your form as an example of how it’s done.”

Bella grinned and set up her clubs.

“Show me how it’s done?” Kaylee said quietly for only Wes’s ears. “By a four-year-old?”

“Five,” Wes said, and crossed his arms over his chest, widening his stance. “Bella’s small for her age, but don’t let the size fool you. She’s my best student.”

Kaylee caught the smirk on his lips.

Awesome. Not only was spending time with Wes going to be awkward, but he planned to humiliate her too.

Kaylee watched Wes with Bella and saw the admiration in his eyes. He’d never much cared for anyone else’s golf game. He’d always been too focused on his own. “You’re really teaching kids now?”

“New program at the club. It’s not so bad. Especially with students like Bella.”

Bella took a practice swing.

This kid has skills.

“That’s it,” Wes called. “Keep your arm straight like I taught you last week. Slow and easy.”

Bella lined up a ball, raised her club, and swung through, sending the ball onto the driving range.

Kaylee coughed into her palm, holding back a smile. “Okay, you’re right. She’s really good.”

Wes glanced over. “Nervous?”

“Not at all.” Kaylee crossed her arms below her breasts. “I’ve got skills too.”

He cut her a look, his gaze dropping briefly to her chest, then rising slowly back to her eyes. He shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Dammit. He must have seen her hitting balls the other day at the driving range.

The truth was, she royally sucked. Not that she’d admit that to Wes.

He smiled proudly at a ball Bella had launched into the atmosphere. Had to have gone that far, because Kaylee couldn’t see it anymore. “Good job,” he called.

Kaylee swallowed. And swallowed again. Because suddenly something else occurred to her. Wes wasn’t only teaching Bella for the fun of it or because he admired her talent… He genuinely cared for the little girl.

Seeing her self-centered ex teach a little girl how to play his favorite sport had an odd effect on Kaylee’s chest—a pinching, pulling sensation that made her heart ache.

Bella grinned over her shoulder, seeking Wes’s approval.

He nodded and said, “Practice what I taught you the other day while I get Kaylee set up.”

Kaylee squared her shoulders. She would not let Wes acting adorable with a little girl affect her. Lots of men liked kids. This was no different.

Except it was different, because this was Wes.

He’d never cared about anyone but himself. He might have said he loved her when they’d dated, but his actions had made it clear she’d never been his priority.

Kaylee pulled out her golf glove and slipped it on. “How often does Bella practice?”

Wes shrugged. “Her parents come here quite a bit. I’ve been instructing her off and on all summer.” He turned to her, his expression dead serious. “That girl’s gonna be a pro someday.”

For a moment, Kaylee just stared. He almost seemed to care more about a small child’s success than his own. And that wasn’t like him at all.

“What if she decides to quit golf and take up dance?” She was goading him like she used to do. Only now she wasn’t sure how he’d take it.

Wes snarled. “No way. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Kaylee laughed. He’d taken it exactly how he used to—with an air of arrogance and disgruntlement. Though deep down, he’d always been a softy at heart.

Her smile faded. Didn’t matter if he had a good heart. Sometimes that wasn’t enough.

Trying to keep things light, she said, “You never know, Wes. Women change their minds.”

His expression fell and his mouth hardened. “I’m familiar with women changing their minds.”

Shit. She’d not meant to go there so soon. She was still trying to get them back on good terms. And if taking lessons was how she’d accomplish it, that was what she needed to focus on.

Kaylee turned and grabbed a golf club. “So what do I need help with the most? My swing? My stance?”

Wes looked off into the distance, as though he knew she was changing the subject. When he peered back, his gaze was neutral. “Your posture, form, and just about everything suck, so we’ll start at the beginning. Right where I started Bella.” He grinned smugly.

“You enjoy rubbing in how bad I am?”

“Do you really want the answer to that?”

“No,” she grumbled, and set a ball on a wooden tee she’d shoved into the soil.

“Hold up.” Wes walked over and grabbed her club. “First of all, we’ll start with a pitching wedge, not your driver. You need to build up to the longer clubs.”

He dropped the driver in her golf bag, grabbed one of the shorter, smaller clubs, and handed it to her. He bent over and removed the wooden tee she’d used to prop up the ball, and set the ball flush with the grass instead.

Wes scanned her body.

And her chest warmed, belly dropping into a tingly, achy mess.

How was it that her body still reacted when he looked at her? Not cool.

The first time she’d met Wes, he’d zeroed in on her at a college party and asked her to dance. That dance had turned into a kiss, which had turned into an overnight stay at her house that lasted all weekend. They were inseparable for two years after that. And it seemed her body remembered him and responded accordingly.

Be strong. You’re engaged! Wes was observing her golf stance, not checking her out—though she was pretty sure he’d given her a boob check earlier. Didn’t matter.

“Let me see your grip,” he said.

She held out her club and showed him the grip her fiancé had taught her.

Wes shifted her hand slightly, his warm palm grazing the skin on her bared fingers. A spark of heat swept up Kaylee’s arm, and his gaze shot to hers, as though he felt it too.

He let go of her hand and cleared his throat. “Not bad. Give me your starting position.”

Kaylee went through the motions of her setup, and swung the club the way she’d practiced.

Wes pressed his palm to his forehead and shook his head. “Jesus, Kaylee. Are you sure you want to take up golf?”

She dropped her club to the turf. “Yes. Now are you going to show me or not?”

“Is this all because your fiancé wants you to play?”

She noted the emphasis on her intended. Her engagement had gone over about as well as she’d guessed—meaning, not well at all. “I’ve always wanted to learn, but you weren’t…”

His brow furrowed. “I wasn’t what?” His focus turned acute, as though her answer mattered.

She huffed out a sigh. “You were too busy in college to teach me. I could have gone to someone else, but I’d wanted to learn from you.”

He stared at her for a long moment, those ocean eyes unreadable. “Arms down, feet shoulder width apart, and bend your knees.”

She blinked at the change in his demeanor. Then did as he said.

The rest of the lesson went a lot like that. Wes barked orders at Kaylee and cooed over Bella’s—admittedly incredible—form. Bella kicked ass, and by the end of the lesson, Kaylee wanted to be Bella when she grew up. Because at present, Kaylee still missed the ball more often than she made contact.

“Your form is better,” Wes mumbled. “Can’t hit for shit, but form is important. The rest will come.”

It was a backward compliment, but she’d take it because Wes didn’t dole them out often. Kaylee grinned.

Wes’s eyes widened and he glanced away. “It’ll take practice,” he said, and grabbed her club, slipping it into her golf bag. “Lots of practice, if you plan to be out on the course in… When did you say you’re getting married?” She heard the edge in his tone.

She rattled off her wedding date, mere months away, which suddenly seemed to loom over her. Must be because her golf game sucked. Eddy would be disappointed if she played poorly on their honeymoon.

Wes stared without responding. It felt like he was attempting to drill some silent message into her head with his eyes.

Some things about Wes were the same. In other ways, he was an entirely different man. More hardened. Less trusting.

“If you want to be ready by then,” he finally said, “you had better practice in between lessons.”

“I can come every day if needed.”

He flinched. “I’ve gotta get back to Bella.”

She gave him a light smile. Wes’s gaze lingered, then he turned and walked away.

Things were awkward, when at one point they’d been the opposite. Kaylee had never felt a connection like the one she’d had with Wes. Until the end, when everything in her life had fallen apart.

It had taken a long time to make things right for herself. And she planned to make things right between her and Wes too.

It was the only way to move on with a clear conscience.

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