скачать книгу бесплатно
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.
3 (#ulink_afe171e5-b32e-5b0a-a1f0-466096a36575)
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?”
