Instant Obsession (Best Friends Duet 2)

I haven’t had any sleep since Bridezilla came rushing into my bedroom, but I’m wired on a couple cups of coffee. Madison isn’t really an evil bride, just a jerk for revealing that my bedroom walls are thinner than I thought.

We’re down to the home stretch, and I’ve somehow managed to keep Mads in control long enough for her to breathe. She’s freaking out because she loves Emmitt beyond reason and she’s got a big surprise for him, but I’m freaking out for a whole different reason. I try to get a grip, but I’m a mess.

I’m in love with the best man, and he doesn’t even know it. I’ve spent three weeks working alongside him, doing my best to hide my fascination. Not that it’s hard, the man doesn’t even pay any attention to me except when I work his nerves. Then he’s ready to bite my head off.

I dip off to sneak into his bedroom. I know he’s not here yet, so I go in to steal a peek at his things. Everything in the room is absolutely pristine. You can’t tell a man lives here at all. I look at all his awards for being ridiculously smart. On the wall, I find something that surprises me. It’s a picture of him and Emmitt in baseball uniforms. I never pictured him as a sports guy. Yes, his build screams buff, but I figure it’s the hours of working out he does a week.

When he takes off his suit jacket in the office, I can see the taut muscles in his arms that stretch the fabric of the dress shirt. I want to feel those strong arms around me. Damn, I bring his pillow up to my face, but it doesn’t smell like him. Instead, it’s been freshly laundered. Of course, he hasn’t stayed here this week, so they cleaned the linens. I walk over into his closet and melt. Obsessed as hell, I rub his shirts over my face. Then I see his tux for today. It’s hanging on the back of the door. Damn, he’s going to look so sexy in it. Every woman at the wedding is going to be drooling.

Reminding myself that he’ll be here soon, I creep out of the room. That’s when Emmitt’s mom spots me.

“What are you doing in Tanner’s room?”

“Checking that his suit was delivered.”

“Trying to seduce him is a waste of your time. The man isn’t worth it.”

“He’s not even here. Excuse me, but the bride needs me.” I rush down the hall and into Madison’s room where she’s getting dressed. They stayed in separate rooms to keep up with the tradition, but I bet she was in his room last night and that’s how she knew about his mom. They can’t keep their hands off each other and I’m a little bit jealous of the wonderful relationship they have.

“Hey, Mads. God you look beautiful. Emmitt’s going to lose his mind.”

“I hope so. Thank you for all of this. You have been so dang amazing.”

“Let me fix these pins, okay?”

“Do your magic?” I adjust some of the pins and curls. Her updo is stunning, but the stylists are on a break for the next ten minutes.

“Did you see Tanner yet?”

“No. Is he here?” I hope he wasn’t in the bathroom as I molested his things.

“No, he’s supposed to be. I know he’s dependable, but his hatred for Emmitt’s mother is more than enough to ruin everything.

“I doubt he’d do that to you.”

“I know it’s just wedding day jitters, like something is bound to go wrong.”

“I’ll keep him under control. Now, her—on the other hand—I can’t do anything about that.”

I just finished putting the last pin in Mads hair, when in walks Tanya Jacobs, Emmitt’s mother. I don’t like her and never have. Mads is an angel for getting along with that woman. She tests Emmitt’s patience, but he still loves his mother. Mads has no connection to her, but she loves Emmitt so much she tolerates the rich snob for him.

“You are so beautiful,” she exclaims, hugging Mads. “And you, too, Addison. There are some very nice-looking groomsmen out there for you. Well, except Tanner, ugh that boy. He’s not good enough for anyone.” I want to bite her.

“Addison, can you check on Emmitt? I know he’s probably pacing downstairs.” I give her a wink as I make my way to the door. Then it hits me, what if Tanner is here? I mean he should be here by now.

There is so much to go over before the wedding.

“I will.” She knows I don’t care for his mother, so she gave me my exit, but I might just be jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

When I get downstairs, I don’t see anyone in the foyer, but as soon as I get to the living room, Emmitt’s eyes are on me. “How’s my bride?” he asks. He’s standing around with a few of his groomsmen having a glass of some brown liquor, but he looks anxious as hell.