Читать книгу Seducing The Best Man - Sasha Summers - Страница 11

2

“THE GOOD CHINA?” Patton eyed his mother’s carefully set table.

“Zach said he had big news.” His mother sounded far too excited.

Patton knew his mother. He also knew his brother Zach. The two of them had a bond he and his other brother Spence didn’t understand. “You have any idea what his big news is?”

His mother glanced at him, her light blue eyes bright. “No.”

He arched an eyebrow.

“I don’t,” she argued. “Don’t you use that look on your mother.”

He smiled. “It normally gets me results.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Only if someone has something to hide. I don’t.”

He held up his hands. “Okay, fine.”

“She tell you what’s going on?” Spence arrived, carrying a bag of ice. “Whoa, the good china?”

Patton nodded. “Exactly.”

“You two knock it off.” Imogene Ryan shooed her sons out of the way and headed to the kitchen, still talking. “A woman has a right to make things pretty every once in a while—for no apparent reason. I’m not getting any younger, you know. I don’t see the harm in setting a nice table once a month instead of three times a year.”

“Who got her all worked up?” Spence asked softly.

Patton shrugged. “I just asked her if she knew what the news was—”

“And I don’t,” their mother called from the kitchen.

Spence laughed and Patton shook his head. She’d always had ridiculously good hearing. It had made sneaking out of the house almost impossible as teenagers. Almost.

“We’re here,” Zach’s voice came from the front door.

“We?” Spence asked.

Patton shrugged, following Spence into the front sitting room. Their mother brushed past them both, making Patton the last one into the room. His younger brother Zach was holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and the hand of a very pretty young woman with the other.

“Mom, this is Bianca.” Zach was smiling. But it was the way he was smiling that drew Patton up short. His little brother was smiling like a kid in a candy shop with an unlimited budget. “Bianca, this is my mother, Imogene Ryan.”

Patton glanced at the young woman on his arm. His brother was clearly smitten, not that this was necessarily new. Zach was always getting a new girlfriend—his problem seemed to be keeping them. Then again, Zach had never brought one home before, so this would be interesting.

“Mrs. Ryan, it’s so lovely to meet you.” Bianca’s voice wavered—she was nervous.

“Oh, Bianca, please, call me Imogene.” His mother pulled Bianca into a hug. “Zach’s told me so much about you.”

Patton shot Spence a look. Spence shook his head, shrugging in answer. Apparently their mother was the only one who had heard about Bianca. Not that he and his brothers talked daily, but the family still had dinner together once a week. It seemed a little odd that Bianca had never come up in conversation.

“I figured it’s time for her to meet the family now that she’s agreed to marry me.” Zach’s voice was unsteady, his eyes bouncing between the three waiting members of his family.

Patton blew out a deep breath, stunned by the announcement.

Their mother was clapping her hands, hugging Bianca again then Zach. She chattered away, her excitement covering for his complete shock. Spence seemed to snap out of it, too. He exchanged an awkward handshake then a one-armed hug with Bianca before tackling Zach.

When both his mother and Bianca were staring at him, he pulled it together and stepped forward. “Nice to meet you,” he murmured, shaking her hand. “I’m Patton. And...welcome to the family.”

Bianca smiled, her tawny eyes wide. “You, too. I mean, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Let’s celebrate!” His mother was still on a visible high. “I made some fresh-squeezed lemonade and cookies—”

“I’ll get it,” Patton volunteered, heading into the kitchen.

A tray with the “fancy” crystal goblets and a plate of homemade wedding cookies waited. He eyed the cookies. His mother might not have known Zach had proposed, but she knew something was going on. Not that this surprised him. She normally knew what was happening before anyone else did. She was a born investigator and a master at deductive reasoning.

He shook his head and opened the refrigerator. His search for the pitcher of lemonade was derailed by a bottle full of olives. Green olives. An instant flash of Cady’s lips, her pearly white teeth tugging the skewered olive off the toothpick and into her mouth. He closed his eyes, his grip on the refrigerator door tightening. It wasn’t the first time in the last two weeks he’d been caught up in the memory of that night. Something about Cady had latched on to him tightly. It didn’t take much to stir the echo of her touch, the warmth of her body, the husky timbre of her sigh as if she was standing before him—staring at him with that saucy grin of hers.

He’d woken up in that hotel room, drained but exhilarated. He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it hadn’t been an empty bed. She had been gone, but the all-consuming hunger hadn’t. He’d found himself thinking about her at work, while walking his dog, Mikey, and right before he fell into a restless sleep. Why he couldn’t get her out of his mind, he didn’t know. It was a damn good thing he didn’t know her last name, or he’d have tried to track her down by now. And that have would be bad, for both of them. Clearly, Cady was dangerous...an addiction in the making. He’d made a mistake, giving in to her. He knew better. He didn’t have time for distractions, not now. Not ever. He’d had enough of heartache in his life. When his father was alive and on the force, it had been Patton’s job to comfort his mother through hours of grief and worry. The thought of someone who cared about him going through that... Nope, he was just fine staying a bachelor—without complication or distraction.

Spence was at his side, staring into the open refrigerator. “It’s right there.” His brother pulled the pitcher from the refrigerator. He shot him a look. “What’s eating you?”

Patton sighed, pushing thoughts of Cady from his mind and the door shut. “Long week.”

“Every week’s a long week,” Spence said. “Doesn’t mean you need to let all the penguins out.” He nodded at the now-closed fridge. “You okay?”

Patton nodded. “Surprised.”

“That’s for sure,” Spence agreed. “But as long as Zach’s happy.”

Patton didn’t respond to that. Happiness was a fickle emotion. Especially when it revolved around another person. Sure, he wanted his brothers loved and cared for, but this was way too fast—especially with his little brother’s track record. “How long has he known her?”

Spence put the pitcher on the tray. “A month.”

Patton shook his head.

“Don’t get all cynical. Give her a chance.” He lifted the tray. “Mom’s a pretty good judge of character—”

“Spence, Zach’s talking about getting married to this girl. Marriage leads to kids.” Patton’s grin was reluctant. “Which has been Mom’s constant birthday and holiday wish for the past eight years. I’m thinking her judgment might be a little skewed this time.”

“Maybe.” Spence laughed, carrying the tray out. “But you might as well get over it and come get acquainted with your sister-in-law-to-be.”

Patton glared at the door. Zach was the golden boy, the only non-cop amongst them. Zach made more money than both Spence and Patton combined, racking up airline points and traveling on the fly. While Patton admired his little brother’s willingness to think outside the box and work hard to get what he wanted, his brother was also a player. He and Spence had been regaled with far too many of their little brother’s romantic exploits for Patton to buy into this sudden commitment. Not Zach’s normal MO. If this whole engagement fiasco went the way he suspected, a lot of people would wind up hurt.

He pushed through the kitchen door and joined the others in the sitting room to find conversation in full swing.

“What are we talking about?” Patton asked.

“Flowers,” Zach offered. “Bianca has a flower shop. That’s where we met,” he paused, squeezing Bianca’s hand. “She helped me put an arrangement together.”

“You own your own shop?” Patton asked.

“Bianca’s Jardin?” She smiled. “It’s small. On the corner of Hazelwood and Main—in Lassiter. It’s also a tearoom. Just high tea, a few days a week, but my cousin Celeste handles that part of it.”

He glanced back and forth between Bianca and Zach, asking, “You two met a month ago?”

Zach shot him a look.

Patton cocked an eyebrow.

“I can’t believe it’s only been a month.” Bianca’s voice trembled.

“Feels like we’ve known each other for a lot longer,” Zach murmured, smiling at Bianca. And Bianca beamed back at him.

Patton popped a wedding cookie into his mouth to keep from snorting. He swallowed, adding, “Nothing wrong with a long engagement.”

“Who said anything about a long engagement?” Zach asked before biting a cookie.

His mother hopped up. “Oh, Patton, shush. There’s no time like the present. I’m going to call Henrietta and see if Tucker House has an opening for an engagement shindig.”

Bianca looked stunned. “Oh Imogene, you do not need to—”

“I want to, darling,” his mother cut her off, smiling from ear to ear. “Patton might be a stick in the mud, but I know how precious time is. We’re not putting a thing off. We’re celebrating every second.”

The way Zach was looking at Bianca made him wonder, for a second, if his brother was actually in love. Maybe it was more than attraction. Maybe... Doubtful. He sipped his lemonade, smiling pleasantly at Bianca when she glanced his way. As much as he’d like to be wrong, he knew there was no way someone could fall in love in a month. Not the kind of love that would last forever— He doubted that kind of love existed. His engagement to Ellie—someone he’d known most of his life—had ended with the first obstacle they’d faced. And now he worried his little brother’s new crush might end up having lasting consequences for them all.

* * *

“WHAT DO YOU mean you’re getting married?” Cady’s heart was lodged in her throat. “Bianca, you can’t be serious.” She knew Bianca. She knew how focused her friend was. Bianca was careful, methodical—she’d set a goal and she wouldn’t let anything get in her way.

Bianca laughed. “I’m totally serious. You met him. Zach?”

Cady remembered him all right. Zach. The good-looking, charming one that was far too proprietary over her best friend. “The controlling, handsome one?”

“Controlling?” Bianca’s eyes went round.

“Controlling.” Cady sat forward. “Why marriage? Can’t you just bang his brains out for a while? Get him out of your system.”

Bianca frowned. “Cady.”

“Don’t Cady me, girl.” Cady sighed. “Why? Are you knocked up?”

“No!” Bianca cried, glaring her disapproval. “I’m marrying him because I love him.” Bianca’s simple answer made Cady wrinkle up her nose.

“Oh, please.” She shifted in her wrought-iron chair, staring blindly down the street to the fair at the end of the block. She and Bianca had come here the past few years, enjoying the wine tasting, touring the historic homes and exploring the booths of handmade treats and crafts. It was their thing—something that would change if Bianca got married. And while Bianca’s idea of marriage had always been warm and fuzzy and complete fiction, Cady knew the truth. Marriage, love and commitment were illusions. What happened after the honeymoon? Compromise to the point of losing one’s self, resentment or disgust replacing affection for your once-dreamy significant other, and—ultimately—betrayal and distrust. Not that Bianca saw it that way.

“His family is throwing us an engagement party Friday,” Bianca added, pulling Cady from her thoughts. “Apparently they know the woman who owns one of the inns on the lake.”

Cady stared at Bianca. “Friday as in two days?”

Bianca nodded. “You have to come.”

Cady frowned. “What does Zach do?”

“He’s a promoter for a luxury resort chain. He just loves it. They have locations all over the world that he gets to visit. And they’re growing.”

“While he’s off traveling the world, you’ll stay here?” Cady asked, frowning.

Bianca shrugged.

“Well, you can’t travel all the time,” Cady pointed out. “What about the shop?”

Bianca’s answer was soft, “We haven’t worked out all the details yet.”

“Details of your everyday life? Don’t you think you should do that before making him fifty percent owner in your shop? Texas is a fifty-fifty state, Bibi.” She took a deep breath. “You love your shop. You’ve fought tooth and nail to buy that space, to open your own business. Since the day we met, you’ve talked about this. Having a shop like the one your grandfather had in Puerto Rico.”

“Cady,” Bianca sighed. “Zach is willing to take a demotion so he doesn’t have to travel.”

“You don’t think he’d come to resent you for that later?” Cady shook her head. “I know you, Bibi. If there’s a compromise to be made, you’re the one who’ll end up making it.”

Bianca shook her head. “We’ll find a way to make it work without sacrificing our personal dreams along the way.” Bianca paused, stirring her iced tea with a long spoon. “The shop wasn’t my only dream, Cady. You know that.”

Cady did know. Bianca was the earth-mother type. Cady fought to convince her that kids, the minivan, the Saturday soccer games, big birthday parties and the adoring husbands would never be as rewarding as a solid career and loyal friendships. Bianca didn’t buy it. Even after having her heart ground to bits, Bianca held on to the hope that she’d find real love and support in the form of her own personal Prince Charming.

“Shack up with the guy,” Cady argued. “Why do you need to marry this Zach?”

Bianca laughed. “My family would love that.”

“They’re okay with you marrying some guy you’ve known for five minutes?”

Bianca frowned at her. “It’s been longer than that.”

Cady shot her a disbelieving look. “Fine, five hours.”

“I love him, Cady. I see a future with him. One I want.” She stared into her iced tea. “It would mean a lot if you could support me.”

Bianca was serious. Dead serious. And Cady didn’t know what to do. Since freshman year of college, the two of them had been through a lot. They didn’t have much in common, but somehow that didn’t matter. Bianca had grown up in a huge, sometimes too invasive family of unwavering loyalty and strong opinions—freely shared. While Cady’s childhood was comprised of disappointing birthdays, indifferent and cold holidays, and broken promises. Over the years, Bianca had been a conscience when Cady needed it. And Cady had been the realist when Bianca needed it. Apparently, that wasn’t right now, no matter what Cady thought.

“I love you, Bibi.” Cady took her friend’s hand in hers. “I’m not a good liar, you know that, so I can’t gush and jump up and down over this, okay? But I’ll try to wrap my head around this for you.”

Bianca smiled. “I really appreciate it, Cady. Give him a chance. I know you’ll become good friends.”

Cady shrugged. She didn’t want to be good friends with him. She liked things the way they were. Adding a man to this equation made her a third wheel.

“I’ll be back, nature calls.” Bianca left their café table and headed inside.

Cady sighed, taking the last sip of her drink. She picked up the last olive and stared at it, turning the toothpick in her fingers. She could almost feel Patton’s pale blue eyes, staring down at her, jaw locked as his arms braced him over her. Feel the muscles along his sides beneath her hands rippling as he moved into her. She shuddered, dropping the olive into her empty glass.

She blinked, staring down the street at the crowds milling about. Patton had been a mistake. He was the sort of man a girl didn’t forget. He was the sort she spent the rest of her life comparing her bedmates to. He’d made her feel sexy and beautiful—and he’d left an ache inside her she was having a hard time ignoring.

She’d crept out of that bed as quietly as possible. She always made sure never to be the one waking up in an empty bed: it was an ego thing really. But after such an amazing night, she couldn’t risk it. She’d glanced at Patton as she retrieved her clothing from under the bed, the top of the dresser, the bathroom floor and one of the lampshades. If he’d woken up, she would have gladly gone for another round. But he hadn’t woken up. Normally, she didn’t linger or have to force herself to leave. But their night together had been anything but normal. In the end she’d left—torn. And his memory remained. She picked up the olive, spinning it in her fingers. How could she still ache for the burn of his touch, for him?

“Cady?” Bianca sat down. “What’s the matter? You’ve been so preoccupied recently. Maybe you have someone special in your life you’re keeping a secret?”

Cady drew in a deep breath. She wasn’t going to tell Bianca about Patton. When she’d asked how the date went, Cady told her there wasn’t much to tell. She’d said that she and Patton had had a little conversation and parted ways. Which was mostly true. Why she didn’t want to talk about him—to share him or that night—was a mystery. Normally, she told Bianca everything, no matter how shocking. But this time was different. She still wanted Patton. So it was best not to think about him or his piercing eyes. Or the way his breath felt on her stomach. Or his fingers along her side, gripping her hip. She swallowed. So much for not thinking about him.

Every time she saw a broad set of shoulders and thick, unruly black hair, she was gripped with a knot of anticipation so strong she could barely move.

“No.” Cady shook her head. “Nobody special. Work. And since I have to go to your engagement party Friday night, I can’t go trawling for a good time.” Which was a shame because the best way to get over Patton was to replace him.

Bianca shook her head. “I worry about you.”

Cady waved her away. “Don’t worry about me. I don’t want to give you wrinkles.” She winked. “So, I’m guessing his family is happy? Since this party is happening.”

Bianca nodded. “It’s his mother mostly, a delightful woman. So sweet.”

“And Zach’s father?”

“Mr. Ryan died a couple of years ago, a heart attack I think.” She shrugged. “Zach said he was under constant stress, the all-work no-play sort.” She looked meaningfully at Cady.

“Oh, honey, I play.” She smiled sweetly back.

Bianca giggled. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Cady laughed, too.

“I’m nervous,” Bianca sighed. “I want to make a good impression on his family, his colleagues and his friends.”

“Oh, Bibi. All a person has to do is look at you to know you’re a gem. If anything, you’d better hope the Garzas accept him.” Cady shook her head. She’d only met the guy once, but Zach Ryan was going to have to prove he was worthy of Bibi. And it wouldn’t be easy. Bianca had been down this road before, and it hadn’t ended well. Maybe that was why Cady was so resistant? She didn’t want to see her best friend hurt again. “I just can’t believe this is happening.” She barely kept her panic at bay.

“I know. Isn’t it wonderful?” Bianca’s smile was huge. “And, Cady, GG had a dream. A good dream about me and Zach.”

Which clinched it. The women in Bianca’s family were matchmakers. If they had a dream about a couple, it was a done deal. But a dream didn’t ease Cady’s worry. She couldn’t give this engagement her approval until she got to know Zach Ryan, his motives and what he had to offer Bianca.

* * *

CADY PUT HER sleek little sports car in park and smiled her thanks at the valet who opened her door. She handed over the keys and strode up the steps leading into Tucker House. She paused long enough to take in the spectacular view of the lake. A row of small cabanas, a few beach umbrellas and chairs, illuminated with tiki torches and scattered fire pits. All in all, it was an inviting venue. Even though she had no desire to be here. She smoothed the halter tie of her emerald cocktail dress, made sure her strappy heels were secure, tucked her hair behind her ear and pushed through the door to find the party in full swing.

A few faces were familiar, making it easy to chat her way across the crowded rooms until she’d found Bianca’s grandmother. Cady loved Bianca’s grandmother, known as GG to those closest to her. The woman was no-nonsense, fiercely independent and unflinchingly loyal to her family. Cady was truly blessed to have been unofficially adopted by the Garza matriarch and the Garza family.

“You look ravishing, GG.” Cady hugged the petite woman.

“You are too kind, Cady.” She patted Cady’s arm. “Now go find Bianca and talk some sense into her.”

Cady stared down at the woman. The music, classic big band, was a little loud, so maybe she’d misheard. “Sense?” So GG was on the same page as Cady? If that was the case, this wedding was doomed.

“She is dancing.” GG moaned. “In heels. Heels?”

Cady laughed then. Bianca was not the most graceful of girls. She had a trick ankle that gave out all the time. Wearing heels was never a good idea. But dancing in them? “Maybe Zach is a great dancer?”

GG pointed. “I left. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore.”

“Want me to go check?” Cady asked, glancing in the direction of the music.

“Yes, please.” GG patted her again. “And bring me some champagne on your way back.”

Cady grinned. “Okay.”

She crossed the room, smiling her dazzling smile at the gentleman ogling her from the corner. Maybe she’d get lucky after all? If she could find someone to help her stop thinking about Patton, the night wouldn’t be a total loss... The woman next to him—his wife perhaps—intercepted his look and scowled. Cady didn’t envy him the set down he was getting. Another reason commitment didn’t appeal to her. She didn’t belong to anyone and had no desire to.

By the time she’d reached the dance floor, she was more relaxed. If nothing else, the music was good and the drinks were plentiful. She could do this, she could get through tonight—for Bibi. And keep a close eye on Zach Ryan in the process.

The band was playing “In the Mood” and, from the smile on her face, Bianca was having the time of her life. Zach was swinging her all over the place, making it look easy. One perk, he could dance. She zeroed in on him, assessing every inch of him.

Two perks then. Zach Ryan was very attractive. But that didn’t mean he was husband material for Bibi.

Her elbow was bumped, jostling her attention. A small crowd had gathered, watching the spin and twirl around the dance floor. Bibi was flushed and bright eyed—there was no denying her near-blissful state. She couldn’t help but smile—along with everyone else lining the dance floor—as Bianca laughed out loud...

Wait a minute, she frowned, ratcheting down her emotions. It was a party. People laughed at parties. Just because they danced well together didn’t mean they were a good couple. She’d have to get over all the doe eyes and blushing to figure out if this guy was the real deal.

Bianca had a lot on her plate, barely keeping the shop open. A distraction like Zach could be costly. A distraction that could totally destroy Bianca’s heart... Cady’s heart rate picked up, her anxiety and worry mounting. She had to stay cool, calm and collected. If she went on the immediate offensive, she’d be risking Bianca’s friendship, and she couldn’t bear the thought of that.

“Champagne?” A server held a silver tray of flutes full of golden bubbles.

She took a glass of champagne from the tray, nodding her thanks at the server, and took a long sip.

That’s when she saw him. Him him. Patton.

He was completely frozen, staring at her from the other side of the room.