Seducing the Best Man

“Hmm?” she asked, distracted by how low the towel had slipped.

“Cady,” he ground out.

She stood. “What?”

He crossed his arms over his chest, making her giggle. “Thank you for the food.”

She wanted to tug that towel free and stare at the rest of him. He stood, watching her. “You’ll need energy...for later.”

/> His jaw clenched, and the throb between her legs intensified. The apartment buzzer sounded. “That’ll be the car,” she murmured.

“The car?” he repeated.

“My boss sent it.” She frowned, allowing herself one more look before giving up. “So hurry.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded as he went back into the bathroom. She lingered, watching him open his overnight bag and pull out his shaving kit. There was something very nice about him being here, getting ready, talking to her and her taking care of him. Having him here didn’t crowd her or irritate her. He...fit. She ached with a different kind of want.

“More coffee coming up,” she murmured as she hurried from the bedroom. She made another cup of coffee, her attention wandering back down the hallway to her room.

No one had ever cared about her need for success—except for her. Her parents were indifferent. They didn’t understand Cady’s drive to be better, to keep her edge. But Patton was turning down what would undoubtedly be a night of incredible sex to support her and her career. Not that they wouldn’t make up for it later, but... Her heart felt full and heavy with all the things she shouldn’t feel for him.

Tonight she needed to prove to her boss that she was the best candidate for the promotion. She checked her reflection in the mirror for smudges, but she was good. She smoothed her hair, grabbed Patton’s cup of coffee and headed back down the hallway to her bedroom.

Patton was buttoning up his shirt, clean shaven, damp hair and so gorgeous Cady felt her insides quiver.

“Thanks.” He took the cup, his pale gaze lingering on her. “Still think you look sexy.”

“Nothing says sexy like a modest neckline and midknee length.” She teased, watching him tie his tie. “Long night?”

“Never got to bed last night.” He shrugged into his coat. “Had an incident on the highway and got called in right after you left.”

“God, Patton. This isn’t that important—”

And then he was kissing her. It was a soft kiss, one that lingered in just the right way. “It is...so stop trying to tempt me into taking you to bed. You ready?” he asked against her lips.

She stared up at him, fighting down the words that bubbled up inside of her. “Yes.”

He finished his coffee. “Let’s go.” He took her hand and led her back down the hallway and out the front door. “How’s work? Everything ready for the software run this weekend?”

She glanced at him, locking her door behind them. She’d been talking to Bianca about her weekend plans, not him. “You eavesdrop often?” she asked.

“Pretty much. Hazards of the job, I guess. Always listening,” he admitted.

What else had he heard? She swallowed down her nerves and focused on the question. “I’ve done everything I can do. Charles seems to have done his part. Now all we can do is sit back and watch.” She shrugged as she entered the elevator.

The doors shut and she looked at him. “You clean up well, Detective.”

“Still intimidating?” he asked, glancing at her. “If the need arises.”

She grinned. “It won’t. Poor Charles.”

His gaze met hers, setting off all sorts of tingles. “We rode an elevator on our first date, didn’t we?”

She arched a brow, unable to deny the impact those memories had upon her. “Are you asking because you don’t remember? Or because you’re wanting to get me flustered?”

He turned toward her, stepping closer. “Would you?”

“Would I what?” she murmured, unable to move.