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

  Tonight was supposed to be about Zach and Bianca. Assess the situation, find the weaknesses in his brother’s relationship, find the reason for this rush to the altar and determine how feasible ending the engagement—or postponing it—was.

  The party had been great, sure, but real life was different. The day in, day out was work. He wanted to say as much to his brother, to remind Zach of their parents’ marriage. To call it one-sided was being generous. Dad had been a taker, opinionated, inflexible and selfish. Not to mention his first devotion had always been to the force. Mom had been second to the job, to his hobbies, to his sons...to everything. Her life had been worry and lonely nights, slim to no praise, and four rambunctious sons to raise. Sure, Bianca wasn’t marrying a cop, but that didn’t mean their marriage would be easy. And going into this as near strangers couldn’t help. Zach needed a wake-up call, to be reminded what marriage was. And since no one else was willing to broach the subject from a realistic point of view, Patton had no choice but to do it himself. That had been the plan anyway.

  Somehow Cady had changed that. Instead of watching the interaction between Bianca and his brother, he’d been fascinated by the dip in her lower lip when she spoke. When he should have been familiarizing himself with Bianca’s family and friends, he’d been hypnotized by the curve of Cady’s neck and the slight angle of her chocolate-brown eyes. She got to him. And he didn’t like it.

  He closed his eyes and rested his head on the headrest. He didn’t need this—any of it. Not Cady or Zach or this harebrained engagement. He was exhausted. Tense. Worried. Weeks like this made him wonder why he didn’t look into another line of work. The latest tip had led him down a long path to nothing. Tomorrow he’d start again. A new string of shake-and-bake meth had hit the market. The car explosion on the state line had been another headache. Traces of cold tablets and a few everyday household chemicals hinted that they were facing mobile meth labs, but no one knew who or where. Their normal sources had no leads. At least, no one was admitting to it.

  “You sure you don’t want to stay tonight?” Bianca’s voice. “There’s a block of rooms reserved.”

  “If I leave now I’ll get back before it’s too late.” Cady answered. “Have to go in to work for a few hours tomorrow.”

  His eyes opened, watching the two of them hug.

  “Bibi,” Cady’s voice was low.

  “Please don’t,” Bianca interrupted. “I know you’re not excited about this. But I am. So, for me, because you love me, please get excited with me?”

  So Cady wasn’t thrilled over this engagement either? Interesting.

  Cady hugged her again, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I do love you.” She laughed. “Enjoy the rest of your evening... And that energetic fiancé of yours.” He heard the innuendo in Cady’s voice and felt his pants tighten.

  “Cady.” Bianca sounded legitimately shocked. “Be careful driving. The roads are so dark and curvy.”

  Cady waved, then walked down the steps, her green dress fanning out on the evening wind before she disappeared from his view. He was getting what he wanted. Her—gone.

  He gripped the arms of the chair, forcing himself to stay put. He would sit there until she got in her car and drove away. Not get up and follow her.

  He sat, waiting, listening for the sound of a closing door or the roar of an engine. His eyes scanning the road for some sign of her departure. The longer he waited, the more frustrated he became. He pushed out of his chair, searching the dark as he crossed the porch. He saw her, illuminated by strands of white lights and several tiki torches, walking across the lawn toward the lake. She wasn’t getting in her car. She wasn’t leaving.

  And he was going after her.

  Every step he told himself he was headed for trouble. This attraction was combustible. Now that they were bound by more than this out-of-control physical connection, he’d be smart to turn and run the other way. But when she glanced over her shoulder, the ghost of a smile on her mouth, he gave up. He followed her, he had to. She wanted him to. And he wanted her.

  She wandered toward one of the cabanas, circling a fire pit before she stopped, her gaze locking with his through the flames. He kept moving until she was within arm’s reach. He froze, wishing he had some logical explanation for his behavior. He was following her around like a dog in heat. Telling her he needed her so bad it hurt probably wasn’t the best way to start. Or the most reassuring thing to hear either. But it was the only explanation he had.

  So he didn’t say anything. His hands cupped her cheeks, tilting her head back. In the shadows cast by the fires, her eyes were fathomless, and he could see the hunger on her face...hear the rasp of her aroused breathing.

  She ran a hand through his hair before taking his hand and leading him into the cabana. The building was small, one solid back wall with rolled-up bamboo sides. He watched her untie the bamboo, her fingers tripping over the knots. She’d known he was watching her, wanting her, and brought him here. Because she wanted him, too. His heart picked up, his lungs emptied and his body grew rock hard. She couldn’t crave him the way he did her, but it didn’t matter. He remembered the feel of her, the taste of her. And he couldn’t wait to have her again.

  She had two sides down when he pulled her back against his chest. She shuddered, her head falling back against his shoulder as his hands roamed across her stomach. He pinned her hips against his, his erection pressing against the soft curve of her ass. His mouth descended on her shoulder. She tasted like heaven and felt even better. When his teeth latched on to her earlobe, she melted into him, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck.

  His hands slid up her sides, his fingertips tracing the outer swell of her breasts. Her husky breath filled the cabana, a soft moan escaping as her hands twisted in his hair. Knowing she wanted him—the way he wanted her—was empowering. He caught her chin, angling her head, ready to kiss her. Her brown eyes were glazed, and her lips parted in invitation.

  His mouth claimed hers. He’d never felt so desperate. So hungry. So uncontrolled. Something about her in his arms. She turned, pressing her curves against him as her mouth opened to him. His tongue thrust deep into the heat of her mouth, making her groan. He gripped the back of her head, holding her closer. She clung, hands tugging his shirt free from his pants. Soft fingers traced his waist, sharp nails scoured his back. His body responded, demanding more. He held her so tightly he worried he’d crush her. But when he tried to put space between them, she whispered, “No,” before kissing him in a way that left no room for misinterpretation.

  His shirt was gone. His pants unfastened. He untied her dress, choking back a moan at the feel of her breasts filling his hands. He bent, nipping and kissing each peak until they were hard and Cady was frantic. He liked her like this, wild and out of her mind for him. He laid her on one of the chaise longues, holding her head as he kissed her.

  His hand slid beneath her skirts, cupping her buttock.

  “You’re so damn soft,” he bit out as his fingers trailed the edge of her panties.

  She didn’t say anything, but her gaze never left his face.

  He tugged her panties down, unable to stop his groan when her legs opened for him. Seeing her sprawled breathless and waiting on that chaise was the hottest thing he’d ever seen. He knelt between her legs, pulling her hips to the edge of the chaise. She stretched her arms up, holding on to the back of the chaise.

  He was lost in the silk of her skin beneath his hands. Her toned legs wrapped around his hips, the heat of her core inviting him closer. The noise he made as he slid into her tight warmth was part curse, part roar—but he couldn’t stop it. All he knew was he was where he needed to be.

  * * *

  CADY’S LUNGS EMPTIED. Patton... Oh, Patton. Her body was his when she was with him. Something about the way he looked at her. Touched her. Filled her. She couldn’t get enough.
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br />   He moved leisurely, almost leaving her before sliding deep. Her body adjusted to his size, submitting to the power and seduction of his rhythm. Each stroke hit deep, teasing that spot inside and drowning her to pure sensation—over and over. He was relentless, pushing her to her limits. She tightened her legs around him, wanting more. “Patton,” she murmured, his name a broken moan.

  “I’ve got you,” he ground out, thrusting home. Once. Again. The light dusting of hair on his chest brushed against her inflamed skin, and it was too much. She clung to the chaise lounge, her body rocking with him.

  His tongue flicked her nipple, teasing, light, then sucking it deep in his mouth. She groaned, broken and raw. She wasn’t usually a vocal lover, but with Patton...

  She reveled in each touch, each sound. The feel of his stubble on her breasts and stomach. The deep groan when she let go of the chaise longue and gripped his hips. The decadent slide of his flesh against hers. She felt the rapid tensing of her body and welcomed the promise of release. He arched back, his hands caressing her throat and stomach, before they pinned her hips in place. She writhed, wanting to press against him, but he held her still—drawing out her pleasure, heightening every sensation. One hand cupped her cheek while the other slid between her legs. His finger was featherlight against the tight bud between her legs. Her body shook, his fingers working her over. She stared up at him, willing to beg for more. She hadn’t been prepared for his raw hunger, his locked jaw and flared nostrils. But seeing him like that made her body convulse, clenching tightly around him, racked with wave after wave of her release.

  His groan was ragged, his fingers biting into her hips as his climax tore through him. She watched, alarmingly aroused by the pure carnal power of it.

  He rested his head on her chest, his ragged breathing soothing and tormenting her still-tingling skin.

  She lay there... The realization of what she’d done hitting her. She’d broken her rule. A one-night stand meant one night. No complications, no expectations, no...entanglements. Why did she break her rule with this guy? When they would be thrown together again and again.

  Panic gripped her.

  She had to leave. But Patton lay atop her. And he smelled like heaven—felt like heaven. She was distracted by the brush of his fingers against her side, the scratch of his whiskers against her breast. Her breath faltered. She’d just had one hell of an orgasm, and she still wanted more. No, she still wanted Patton. This was bad. She didn’t want things to get complicated... Well, any more complicated.

  She drew in a deep breath.

  It’s no big deal. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to touch him. He was all muscle. Rigid and delicious. Her hands rested lightly on Patton’s chest, her fingers settling on the ridge of his scars. She kept her touch light, tracing the uneven skin, stroking around the muscular shoulder to his back. There were more scars. Two, circular and uneven.

  “Exit wounds,” he murmured.

  “You were shot?”

  “It happens.”

  She giggled. “It happens?”

  He propped himself on one arm and looked down at her, his crooked grin a little too gorgeous for a woman already contemplating round two.

  She shook her head.

  His gaze explored her face in the dim light spilling into the cabana. “That was... Damn. Did I hurt you?”

  Her chest felt heavy. “No.” He hadn’t hurt her. He’d made her feel alive. Desired. Cherished. And when his attention wandered to her breast, she knew she’d feel all those things again if she didn’t stop this madness. A distraction was in order and fast. She asked the first thing that came to mind. “How...how did it happen? The scars, I mean?”

  Everything about him changed. Gone was the passionate man who’d completely rocked her world. His face was expressionless, devoid of any emotion. He stood suddenly, pulling his pants up in the process. She hadn’t realized how cool it was until he’d left her. She shivered—from the chill in the air and from Patton.

  Why his sudden withdrawal bothered her, she didn’t know. But it did. Obviously mentioning the scars was a bad move. Maybe it was too painful to talk about? She stared up at him, taking in the hostility he radiated. What had happened to him... She shook her head. None of her business. This—they—was about sex. Pure and simple. She didn’t want anything more. If he didn’t want to share life experiences with her, fine. It didn’t make sense for her to get upset about it. It didn’t make sense to feel...angry. But she did. She sat up, smoothing her skirt over her legs and tying her halter behind her neck.

  “Need help?” he asked, tucking his shirt into his pants.

  “Nope.” She hadn’t meant to snap.

  His eyebrows rose, but he didn’t say anything.

  She stiffened at the sound of laughter in the distance. It wasn’t as if they were alone. There were guests at the inn. And the two of them were practically on display since he’d kissed her before she’d untied the last shade. She wasn’t into exhibitionism and had no desire to be discovered by someone. Especially one of the party guests... Or, God forbid, family. She’d been so caught up in Patton she’d all but forgotten about Bianca and Zach’s engagement party. What the hell was wrong with her? The wedding must be getting to her more than she knew.

  She stood, shaking out her skirt and running her fingers through her hair. She should have spent less time fantasizing about Patton, his incredible body, and all the things he could do to her and more time getting to know the charming Zach Ryan. She didn’t know why, but she didn’t trust him.

  She realized Patton was watching her, eyes narrowed.

  “What?”

  “I’m not sure,” he answered. “You’re the one sighing and hostile.”

  “Hostile?” She shook her head. “Me? Can’t imagine why.” He was the one who’d broken the mood by going all tall, dark and silent on her.

  “Thing’s a little small to cuddle on.” Patton looked at the chaise longue, his sarcasm giving her temper the kick it needed.

  “I wouldn’t dream of cuddling with you.” She smiled sweetly.

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “What’s got you fired up?”

  “Fired up?” She slid on her heels. “Lots. One, I broke my don’t-jump-into-bed-with-old-one-night-stands rule. The sex is nice, but what’s the point? And two, my best friend is engaged to some guy she barely knows. One thing isn’t that big a deal. The other is huge.”

  “Bianca and Zach?”

  She nodded. “I can tell you’re not into emoting and caring for people, and I get it. But the few people I do keep in my life matter. Bianca is number one. She’s making a mistake—”

  “I agree.”

  She glanced at him, trying not to get caught up in the fact that his shirt wasn’t buttoned up and a good portion of his chest was on display—teasing her. She swallowed. “About my assessment of your lack of emotions or the engagement?” She knew she was being catty but couldn’t seem to stop. It would be easier if he didn’t get to her the way he did.

  His crooked grin was back. “The engagement.”

  She paused. “Really?”

  “They don’t know each other.” Patton nodded. “They have no business making a life-altering decision that will end up in catastrophe. And dragging their friends and family along for the ride.”

  “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” she agreed.

  He relaxed, his gaze sliding over her in that very dangerous—very promising—way. “I don’t agree about the sex.”

  It was like someone had doused her in cold water, but she couldn’t think of a suitably scathing comeback.

  “I might not have the experience you do, but nice doesn’t apply to anything about us.” He stepped closer, dragging one finger across the front of her dress—across her nipple.

  She opened her mouth to argu
e... But he kissed her. So long and deep and thoroughly that she had to hold on to him to stay on her feet. Even then, he seemed content to keep kissing her. His hands wandered, igniting her still-shaken nerves, until she knew she was caving. When he lifted his head and his pale eyes locked with hers, her panic kicked into overdrive. She didn’t like the way she reacted to this man. It scared her, how out of control he made her feel.

  “This won’t happen again, Patton. There is no us and there never will be. Nice or not, this is over.” She spoke clearly, breaking his hold and hurrying from the cabana before she gave up and threw him on the chaise longue for another go-round. She didn’t run, exactly. That would suggest she had something to run from. But she didn’t look back. She kept her eyes straight in front of her until she was in her car, focusing all of her attention on the curvy roads that put much-needed space between her and Patton Ryan.

  5

  PATTON STARED AT the girl lying in the hospital bed. He was running on fumes. He’d spent the last two hours trying to get her to talk, give him something—anything. But his patience was wearing thin. He knew Jenny Olsen from previous experience. She was tough as hell—she had to be. But this wasn’t the time to pull that defensive crap. This was different. Jenny could be pinned to some serious charges, and this time, she wouldn’t be the only one who suffered. She had a little boy now. A little boy she’d lose custody of if she was linked to today’s incident. Child Protective Services took the manufacture of methamphetamines seriously.

  He repeated, “I’m here to help.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I told you. I saw smoke. I ran to the house. Before I got to the porch, the place exploded.”

  He nodded. He wanted to believe her. But, with her record, convincing other people wouldn’t be so easy. “You think CPS is going to buy that, Jenny?”

  She shot him a hard look. “You’re going to use my kid, mister?” Her lips curled. “Some freakin’ hero.”