Seducing the Best Man

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.”