Читать книгу Seducing The Best Man - Sasha Summers - Страница 13

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PATTON ALMOST BROKE the champagne stem in half. What the hell was she doing here? Now? When his tension was at an all-time high and his patience at an all-time low. Best course of action—avoid her and prevent his total loss of control. She hadn’t seen him yet. There was still time. But he couldn’t move.

She was mesmerizing, demanding his attention. He swallowed. Her green dress plunged low, revealing too much of the silky soft breasts he remembered so fondly. The skirt skimmed the tops of her knees, showcasing killer calves in mile-high heels. He’d kissed the dip behind her knee, caressed every inch of those legs. And damn, seeing her now, he knew he would to do it again.

When she tipped back her champagne glass, those big brown eyes locked with his. The bolt of recognition, of want, of need, knocked the air from his lungs. Color flooded her cheeks as she tipped her glass in silent salute. But it was her smile that forced him toward her, right as the music stopped. The crowd around the dance floor broke up, milling about and blocking his path. When he looked again, she was gone.

Was he going crazy? It was possible. He sure as hell spent too much time working and too little time sleeping. When he wasn’t working, he was walking the dog, skimming books or aimlessly flipping channels. Cady had given him something to think about, something to soothe the ache in his chest. She’d been the first thing to push aside from his mind the accident, his brother Russ’s death and the fallout with his father. He’d thought about her a lot—too much. And thinking about her had side effects—like wanting her. Wanting her so bad that long cold showers had cut into his already limited sleep time. Maybe that’s why he saw her. Because nothing sounded as good as touching her, of losing himself in her. God knows he’d rather be in bed with her right now than be here.

“Guess it’s a good thing we had to take dance lessons when we were little?” Spence clapped him on the shoulder.

Patton shook his head, still scanning the room. “I have yet to find a use for them.”

“I think you actually have to dance,” Spence teased. “Speaking of which, Ellie is here.”

“Why?” But Patton knew the answer. Ellie had been his fiancée—for less than two months—four years ago. She couldn’t handle his long hours or the danger his job put him in. When his brother Russ died, Ellie had waited a few weeks before quietly breaking it off. He hadn’t blamed her. Or been hurt by the breakup. The accident had changed a lot of things. Since Ellie had never become involved with someone else, she must still be pining for Patton. Or so his mother suggested—over and over.

Patton shook his head. “Great.” He sighed. No sign of Ellie. He frowned. He’d been too busy imagining his hot one-night stand to notice Ellie anyway. He was in serious trouble.

“Damn, Patton, Zach might not have noticed your hangdog expression yet, but it’s kind of hard to miss.” Spence shook his head. “Want a drink?”

He nodded. His brother was right. No matter how he felt about this engagement—or this party—he didn’t need to ruin it for everyone.

“Be back.” Spence wandered toward the bar.

“Ladies and gents, the buffet is open, so enjoy. We’ll be back soon,” one of the band members spoke into the mic.

The buffet. One of the many things he’d disapproved of. And renting the Tucker House. And flying in their great aunt and uncle for the weekend. It was an engagement party—not a wedding. If his mother continued to spend big, the wedding might just bankrupt her. He was still frowning when he took in the buffet spread. Only the best for their guests. Shrimp cocktail, canapés, mini quiches, cheese puffs, crab cakes and a make-your-own salad waited. And that was just the appetizers. He closed his eyes, refusing to think about the bills he’d be poring over at the end of the month.

Might as well enjoy it. He loaded his plate up then went in search of a quiet corner.

“Patton.” Zach waved him over, Bianca smiling brilliantly at his side.

Patton swallowed his curse and forced himself to smile. He hoped it was a smile, it felt more like a grimace. For the next twenty minutes, he ate his appetizers and attempted to make small talk with his friends and family. He grinned when he should, he answered questions concisely—not rudely—and tried to let go of his restlessness.

“You’re the big brother?” Leticia Garza, Bianca’s grandmother, asked as she sized him up.

“I am.”

“Too bad my Bianca didn’t meet you first.” She grinned. “Zach is a sweet boy. But you, Mr. Patton, are a man.”

Patton couldn’t hold back his laugh.

“You should do that more often,” Ellie’s voice was soft, but Patton recognized it nonetheless. He turned, smiling at the woman he’d once considered marrying. “How are you, Patton?” she asked, leaning forward to press a kiss to his cheek.

Patton returned the kiss, catching a whiff of her sweet perfume. “Good, Ellie. How about you? How’s the family?”

Ellie smiled. “You know Dad. Now that he’s retired, he’s built a small village of bird houses. I think he’s given one to everyone we know.”

Patton grinned. Angus Shaunessey had worked in the medical examiner’s office for over thirty years. He was a quiet, introspective man. One Patton respected. But Angus wasn’t one to sit still, so it was almost impossible to imagine him retired. “Give him my best, please.”

“I will.” Ellie had light green eyes, alabaster skin and blond hair. She was waiflike, fragile, the sort of woman a man wanted to protect. He used to. Now he hoped she’d find someone who’d do the job right.

“You look gorgeous, Ellie,” his mother gushed. “I hear Mrs. Matthews retired? You’re the head city librarian now?”

Ellie nodded, her cheeks flushing.

Patton listened halfheartedly, his attention zeroing in on the happy couple. His brother only had eyes for Bianca. She was equally smitten, holding Zach’s hand yet blushing furiously and leaning away when Zach tried to kiss her on the lips. Was she teasing Zach? Or was she really uncomfortable with a public display of affection?

If Bianca was that...old-fashioned, it was refreshing. It had been a long time since he’d met someone that innocent. Especially in his line of work. If anything, it was suspicious. His focus sharpened, noting the flush of Bianca’s skin, the way she shifted from foot to foot—her discomfort was real. It had to be. Or she was a master of deception. He sighed, his frustration mounting. This wasn’t a crime scene and Bianca wasn’t a criminal. He might not be happy about this party or this engagement, but he didn’t have any reason to be suspicious of Bianca. Not yet...

It didn’t change the fact that they were rushing things.

He nodded at familiar faces, smiling now and then. Almost everyone in Greyson, Texas, was here. Half the force was here—there better not be any emergencies tonight. His gaze wandered. He nodded at his cousin, Lucy, and smiled at the sight of his cousins, Jared and Dean, checking out women. They weren’t being very subtle about it.

Spence stood apart, talking to a woman. He was smiling, talking animatedly. The woman’s hand came up, tucking her hair behind her ear. Patton froze. The green dress tied at the back of her neck, leaving the fabric to sway enticingly between her bare shoulder blades.

Cady was here. She was here, almost within arm’s reach, and she was talking to his brother. A brother who looked a little too charmed by Cady. A surge of possession rose up, urging him to grab one of Cady’s soft hands and take her away somewhere—just the two of them. He wanted to touch her. To press her against the wall and kiss her until she was wobbling in her heels and clinging to him for support. He wanted to hear her say his name, broken and desperate and—

“Don’t you think, Patton?” his brother was talking to him. “Patton?”

He tore his gaze from Cady’s back. “What?”

Zach cocked an eyebrow and leaned forward to whisper, “Turn off the work mode, bro, let off some steam. And, looking at how tense you are, I’m thinking it’s time you got seriously laid.” He shrugged, leaning back. “Plenty of options tonight. So lighten up, have fun. You’re at a party.”

Patton smiled, all too tempted to tell his little brother how right he was. He could think of nothing better than letting off some steam with Cady. “Excuse me.” He held up his empty glass as explanation and made his way to the bar.

“What’ll it be?” the bartender asked.

“A beer.” He kept Cady in his sights. “And a Whiskey Special, with three olives.”

* * *

CADY DRIED HER hands on the towel, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was not going to hide in the bathroom or drive home, even if she was tempted. It didn’t matter that Patton was here. Just because he’d been the most erotic experience of her life—one she could not get out of her head—didn’t mean she needed to let his presence chase her away. She was going to control her libido and be here for Bianca. For crying out loud, she wasn’t some oversexed teenager. She grinned at her reflection. Well, she wasn’t a teenager. She straightened her shoulders, pulled her neckline into place and headed out to find Bianca.

She took her time navigating the curving stairway that hugged the side of the ballroom. Her heels were new, narrow, but too gorgeous to pass up. Still, she had no desire to take a tumble down the stairs into the ballroom below. It was a very good thing she was holding onto the carved banister when she saw who was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.

His pale eyes locked on her so intently it was almost intimidating. Her hand gripped the banister as she wobbled slightly on her heels. Her hesitation caused his attention to wander. From the top of her head to the column of her neck, his gaze skimmed over every inch of exposed skin. She felt naked, felt the heat of his gaze so intensely he might as well be touching her. And it felt hot. Her skin warmed beneath his inspection, her nipples pebbling against the silky fabric of her dress as his gaze grazed the deep V of her dress. He swallowed, taking in the evidence of her arousal, before continuing his visual exploration—from the sway of her hips down the length of her legs.

Finally, his eyes met hers.

She gripped the railing tighter, continuing down the stairs while her body burned. She wanted him, now. Even though she knew better. Once had been more than enough. Hell, she still hadn’t fully recovered. Obviously.

She drew in a slow breath, trying to douse the fire that had her throbbing for him. She trailed her hand along the banister for support—to keep her upright and anchored in the present. They’d had an amazing night, but she wasn’t one for repeat performances. She wasn’t one for complications. It would be easy to forget that, to wrap her arms around his neck and let him drown her in his hunger.

When she reached the bottom step, she was almost in control. She looked up at him, offering him a grin. But she had to swallow against the tightness of her throat before she managed to say, “It’s rude to stare.”

He held out a drink to her.

She blinked, reaching for the drink. “Thanks. Guess you’re forgiven.” Her fingertips brushed along the tops of his fingers. It was an accident, she’d been looking at his face—his barely restrained features. But the slight contact was so potent she pulled back, her drink almost sloshing over the rim.

His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as his attention wandered to her mouth.

She sipped her drink, fighting against the pull of want ready to take over. He was watching her every move, almost predatory.

“Cady!” Bianca was there then with Zach, pulling her into a hug. “You look gorgeous. Celeste said you were here—”

Cady tore her gaze from Patton’s—finally able to breathe—and returned Bianca’s hug. “You were too busy dancing. Like a pro, I might add.”

Bianca laughed. “You remember Zach?”

Cady nodded. “The groom-to-be?” It took an effort, but she managed a smile. “Taking care of our girl this evening?”

“I’m trying.” Zach nodded. “You know Bianca.”

“You mean that she’d rather take care of everyone else than let someone take care of her?” Cady nodded. “Bibi’s a nurturer.”

“Patton,” Zach glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Showing Cady around?”

Cady risked a glance at Patton. His pale gaze was wandering the room, disinterested—almost bored. “We just ran into each other.”

Lucky me. Cady sipped her drink.

“Did you see GG dancing?” Bianca laughed.

Cady shook her head. “She was dancing?”

“Zach’s other brother Spence—”

“You met him earlier,” Zach offered.

“—managed to get her onto the dance floor. She can move those hips.” Bianca shook her head, smiling broadly.

Dancing with Spence was an added bonus. He was handsome... “Wait, other brother?”

“Patton.” Zach pointed. “Head of the Ryan clan. The chief. The big kahuna.”

Patton shot Zach a look. “She gets it.”

She blew out a deep breath. Patton was Zach’s brother? Meaning this whole nightmare scenario could get worse? It wasn’t going to end when the wedding was over. No, she’d be running into Patton at every get-together or holiday. Not the most relaxing way to spend her downtime. She sighed. Bianca was her best friend, but she was also Cady’s only family. And she’d be damned if this marriage changed that.

She tucked her hair behind her ear, her agitation increasing. She glanced at Patton again, wanting to say something witty. Big mistake. He was staring at her ear. She took another sip of her drink, resisting the urge to bite an olive off the toothpick. That would be wrong. Too much. A little cruel even. She stirred her drink.

“Having a good time?” Bianca asked, taking one of her hands and squeezing it.

“Yes, of course,” she answered too quickly. “I’m amazed at how everything came together so fast.”

“My mother. Once she gets her mind made up, there’s no stopping her,” Zach explained, slipping his arm around Bianca’s waist.

“Guess it’s a good thing she’s in favor of you two, then,” Patton murmured.

Zach laughed, nodding.

But Cady saw Bianca’s slight frown, her nervous glance between brothers. It was her turn to squeeze Bianca’s hand. She quirked her eyebrow, a silent question. But Bianca just smiled and shook her head.

“Hungry?” Zach asked, tugging Bianca’s arm through his.

“Yes,” she agreed. “Coming?”

Cady nodded, following behind them. She teetered once, but Patton’s hand steadied her. She shivered, the contact of his rough hand against her bare back stirring all sorts of delicious memories up. She kept her eyes front and center, torn between brushing his hand away and turning into him.

She picked up a plate. Patton didn’t.

“Not eating?” she asked.

He shook his head.

She loaded up her plate, trying to listen to Bianca but distracted by him. Patton hovered, steering her in the direction of their table, pulling out a chair for her, making his presence known. He sat across the table from her, against the wall. But his pale gaze always roamed the crowd, scanning, searching. What was he thinking? His face was blank, his eyes shuttered—the exact opposite of the Patton five minutes ago. There was no denying what he was thinking when he’d been looking at her. He wanted her with a ferocity that excited and overwhelmed her... Because she knew how good he was, what he could do to her with a simple touch. How the stroke of his fingers, his tongue, sent her over the edge. She pressed her legs together, throbbing.

“You’ll have to excuse my big brother,” Zach whispered, making her jump. “It’s a cop thing—always on duty. He doesn’t mean to be so...antisocial. Don’t take it personally or let Patton get you worked up, Cady.”

She stared at her plate, hoping it wasn’t evident how worked up she was. “It takes a lot to get me worked up.”

“Zach—” They were interrupted by well-wishers, who drew Bianca and Zach to their feet and animated conversation. Cady dropped the toast point she’d been fiddling with, trying not to look at Patton.

Patton was staring at her when she looked up. “A lot?”

She grinned her crooked grin and lifted her olive-laden toothpick to her mouth.

His nostrils flared and he stared up at the ceiling.

She couldn’t help it—she giggled.

He stared at her then, breaking into a smile that was startling. And utterly breathtaking. He seemed to relax when she put the toothpick back in her drink.

“How’s work?” he asked. “Still putting out fires?”

She shrugged. “Too many fires. Started by the boss’s son. You? Rounding up the bad guys?” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.

His attention settled on her arms. “Be a hell of a lot easier if they’d wear black hats.”

She heard the frustration in his voice. “I know you’re a cop but...what division? Or is it department?”

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “I work narcotics.”

“Drugs?” She sat back, crossing her arms over her waist. She knew the cable crime shows she watched when she couldn’t sleep at night didn’t compare to what the reality was like. But still. “So you must have a hell of a workout regime? Or some over-the-top hobby?” She watched him frown and explained, “To decompress? I’d imagine there’s a lot to decompress from?”

He tapped his fingers on the table, nodding once.

“Play piano?” she asked.

He arched an eyebrow. “Used to.”

“Used to?”

His eyes narrowed slightly before he looked back at the rest of the room.

“You’re just as loquacious as I remember,” she murmured.

He chuckled a little, though his eyes continued their sweep of the room. His fingers kept up their tapping.

Bianca and Zach shifted, adding chairs at their table—which pushed Cady closer to Patton. Cady chatted away, making every effort not to acknowledge the man sitting silently, driving her crazy, two feet away. She’d almost completely forgotten him when she ate her first olive. Patton stood up so quickly, he nearly knocked his chair over backward. He didn’t say a thing as he headed out of the room.

Conversation stopped, all eyes on his retreating figure.

“What did you do to him?” Bianca asked.

Cady stared at her friend. “What are you talking about?”

Bianca shot her a disbelieving look and waited.

Cady shook her head. “What?” She pulled another olive from her toothpick. “I didn’t do anything to Patton.” Today. But...today wasn’t over yet.