Seducing the Best Man (Wild Wedding Nights #1) Read online

  “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 rippl
ing 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.

  3

  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.