“No hero here.” His gaze settled on the burns along her arm. “I’m saying what you’re thinking. If you saw something, it might make a difference.” There had been plenty of evidence of pharms on-site—and manufacturing equipment. For her sake, her baby’s sake, he hoped she’d see reason and give up whatever she knew.
She stared at him. “You know where I live, mister?” She shook her head. “You don’t know shit.”
He’d read her file, but he knew that was not what she meant. He’d never understand her life; he didn’t want to. As dysfunctional as his family was, he’d had one. A tell-you-when-you’re-full-of-shit, praise-you-when-you-earn-it, pick-you-up-when-you’re-knocked-down, invade-your-personal-space-and-your-personal-business kind of family.
Russ was the only exception. None of them had known what he was involved with—until it was too late. Even then, he and Spence had done what they could to cover up their brother’s illegal activities. Patton knew that was one of the reasons he kept going every day, to prevent what happened to Russ from happening to other people. People like Jenny.
He glanced at her, at how young she was. “I don’t think you had anything to do with this, Jenny. But what I think and what the evidence points to—” He let the words hang in the air. She could fill in the blank how she wanted.
“I don’t do drugs. I don’t make drugs. And I sure as hell don’t sell drugs.” She bit out.
“What about your neighbors?”
She pressed her lips together, staring at the wall. “I didn’t know them.” She glanced at him, revealing the first break in her hard-as-nails exterior. “I didn’t want to know them.” He’d seen that look before. She was scared. Too scared to see reason.
He glanced at the clock. He was supposed to meet Zach for dinner in fifteen minutes. The doctor said she wouldn’t be released tonight—her eye was a serious concern. He could only hope a night in the hospital would give her the time to consider her options.
“Are we done here?” she asked, her irritation waning.
“Ultimately, that’s up to you.” He stared at her, knowing she had a big choice to make. But she needed to understand that whatever happened next was her choice. And he didn’t envy her. He wasn’t stupid. She was facing a pile of scary shit either way. If he was lucky, the fear of losing her child would help her make the right choice. “I’ll check on you in the morning.”
He stopped by the nurse’s station on the way out, leaving his card. And did the same thing at the hospital security office. He couldn’t officially give Jenny extra surveillance, but he could ask the guards on duty to keep an eye on her.
By the time he’d climbed into his truck, he knew he didn’t have time get home, shower and change. Instead he headed straight to the Lassiter Botanical Gardens for dinner. A dinner he planned to use to get his deluded little brother to snap out of it. Their family had been through a lot in the past few years. He didn’t know how they’d weather another storm. And that’s exactly what this wedding was—a huge, thundering tidal wave of a storm that could decimate everything in its path.
Not to mention Cady. If Zach married Bianca, she’d be a regular part of his life. He wouldn’t survive that. Seeing her again had been disastrous. Not only was she exactly the way he remembered her—fantasized about her—but now he wanted her even more. If that was possible. She distracted and tormented him. At work, at home, in his dreams... In her arms, her body, he had found a kind of peace. And it scared the shit out of him.
Not that his fixation on Cady was the only reason he was so set against his little brother’s engagement. It was Bianca, too. Bianca Garza seemed like a good girl. But what did he—or Zach for that matter—really know about her? Something wasn’t right. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but his gut told him something didn’t add up. And his gut was rarely wrong.
* * *
CADY SPUN THE champagne flute, trying not to linger over the empty chair directly beside her. Even Patton’s absence irritated her. Had irritated her for the seventy-two-plus hours since she’d stalked out of Bianca’s engagement party wanting to punch something. She’d put in an insane workout at the gym every evening then went home to work on coding until the early morning hours. But the restlessness wouldn’t leave her. Because of him. Because somehow she’d let him get to her.
When Bianca’s dinner invitation had rolled into her email this morning, she hadn’t stopped to read the details. She should have. If she’d known it wasn’t going to be just the two of them, she never would have agreed to come. The last thing she needed was another dose of Patton Ryan.
What she did need was her best friend, a bottle of wine and a girls’ night. But how could she confide in Bianca when the guy driving her crazy was her fiancé’s brother?
“Why are you frowning? You look so tense.” Bianca nudged her elbow. “How’s work? Charles catching on yet?”
Cady sat back in her chair, sighing. “Wouldn’t that be nice?” She shook her head.
“Who’s Charles?” Zach asked, smiling. “Your fella?”
“Cady’s boss’s son,” Bianca explained. “Cady’s having to teach him everything and fix his mistakes.”
“I don’t mind helping him. We all need a little help when we start out.” She took a small sip of her champagne. “What really chaps my hide is knowing he’s my competition. The retirement of Daniel Grossman the third, head of my division and upper-level management mainstay, was announced at lunch today. He’s leaving the company, and his big fancy corner office at the end of month—”
“Oh my gosh!” Bianca squealed, releasing Zach’s hand for the first time since they’d sat at the lovely table in the elegant dining room of the Lassiter Botanical Gardens. “You’re so going to get the job... You are.”
“Maybe. But we mustn’t forget dear Charles.” Cady tried to keep her tone light even though she felt that hard knot of resentment settle in her stomach.
“But he hasn’t been there long enough—”
“He’s the boss’s son,” Zach cut in. Apparently he’d been listening to their conversation. “One of the unfortunate pitfalls of working in a family-owned business.”
Cady saluted him with her champagne flute.
“How is that fair?” Bianca argued.
“It’s not. Not in the least—it’s just the way it is.” Zach shook his head.
“You’ve been their go-to person for the last five years, Cady,” Bianca argued, clearly fuming on Cady’s behalf. “You have to fight for it.”
It was kind of hard to miss the adoration on Zach’s face as he looked at Bianca. He smiled, a proud sort of smile, and resumed his hold on her hand.
“It will be fine, Bibi,” Cady nudged Bianca. “You know me. I won’t give up.”
She knew it the minute he entered the restaurant. It irritated her that she could be so in tune with him, that her reaction to him was instantaneous—even if she’d yet to make eye contact with him. He looked rumpled and tired, the bags under his eyes and delectable stubble along his square jaw making him hotter than ever.
“Sorry I’m late,” Patton spoke, his gaze traveling around the table. He hadn’t expected to see her—that was obvious. His pale eyes widened then closed briefly. When they opened again, the muscle in his jaw bulged and there was a deep crease between his inky brows.
Great. He was just as happy to see her as she was to see him. She avoided his gaze, finishing off her champagne and setting the glass on the table. She was not going to look at him. Or watch him. Or pay any attention to him—not at all.
He sat beside her, his scent filling her nostrils and drawing her in.
It was no use. It didn’t matter that she was a highly successful businesswoman. In his presence, her cool and calm demeanor was nowhere to be found. If she was lucky, she could ignore the pull and ache he elicited deep inside her.
&n
bsp; “Rough day, bro?” Zach asked. “But I guess every day is a rough day in your line of work. I have to admit, I don’t regret not taking up the family business.”
Cady shot a questioning look at Bianca, leaning toward her friend and away from Patton. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“The Ryans are a long-time law enforcement family,” Bianca explained. “Zach is—”
“Special,” Patton’s teasing tone implied it wasn’t a compliment.
Cady bit back a smile, glancing at the brothers. She paused, soaking in the genuine affection on Patton’s face. He looked almost human... She kind of liked it. His pale gaze found hers, but she looked away. He shifted in his chair, his knee brushing hers.
“Looks like your party is here?” All eyes turned to the gorgeous blonde Amazon smiling at them. “Are you ready to get started?” she asked.
“Yes, please join us.” Bianca smiled.
Zach jumped up and pulled another chair to their table. Patton scooted his chair closer to her, his warmth all too inviting.
“Patton, Cady, this is Carolina Vincent. She’s the event coordinator for the gardens.” Bianca acted as though this explained everything.
Once Cady adjusted to Patton’s proximity, she saw the look of excitement on Bianca’s face. Apprehension settled hard and heavy in Cady’s stomach. She glanced at Patton, who was frowning more sternly now.
“It’s very nice to meet you.” Carolina’s blue eyes lingered on Patton. Cady stiffened, knowing exactly what that look meant. Carolina liked what she saw.
“Now that you’re here,” Zach said, “Bianca and I were hoping you’d be willing to order something different. That way we can decide what we want to serve for dinner at the reception.”
“But—” Cady almost dropped her menu. “Reception?”
“As in wedding reception?” Patton clarified.
“Yes. I’m thrilled that the couple have chosen the gardens for their special day.” Carolina placed a pale leather portfolio on the table. “We have a few details to review, but I feel confident that we can get everything done on time.”
“On time?” Cady asked.
Carolina’s smile was tight. “We had a last-minute cancellation—”
“Bianca loves it here so we took it.” Zach’s adoring look at her best friend was equally precious and nausea-inspiring. “We’ll have the wedding and the reception here.”
“When?” She forced the word out, knowing both Zach and Bianca were watching them and both she and Patton weren’t exactly joyous over their news.
“Saturday, April 23,” Carolina singsonged. “Spring weddings are lovely at the gardens—with so much blooming, the butterflies and birds. A perfectly romantic setting...”
Cady knew Carolina was still talking, but she didn’t hear a word. Six weeks? She stared blindly around the table. Somehow her gaze got tangled up with Patton’s. He cocked an eyebrow at her, sighing deeply. Cady couldn’t stop her grin. He looked as thrilled as she felt.
“We know there’s a lot to do and a short time to get it done, but we couldn’t be happier.” Zach’s voice was low, the slight edge hard to miss.
“Wow,” Cady murmured, trying to pull herself together. “It’s just...it’s such a surprise. A...good surprise.” She tried to sound excited. She did try.
“But six weeks?” Patton didn’t try. “When is the next opening?”
“Two years,” Zach sighed. “We don’t want to wait. We’ve found each other. We want our future together to start. Now.”
Cady looked at Bianca. Then Zach. They found each other? Fine. Great. Why marriage? Why couldn’t they be like normal people and shack up until they realized how ill suited they actually were for each other?
“Two years is a reasonable amount of time to be engaged,” Patton’s voice was gruff.
“Oh, well,” Carolina glanced at Bianca then Zach. “Of course. We can—”
“I’m not waiting two years, Patton. And, honestly, it pisses me off that you’re being a jerk about this. Bianca insisted on this dinner so we could ask the two of you to be best man and maid of honor.” He paused, taking Bianca’s hand in his. “We knew there was going to be some...reactions to how quickly things are moving, but we were counting on your support.”
Bianca’s sniff drew all eyes on her. Cady’s heart melted. She hated seeing Bianca cry. Especially when she was the cause of it. But she didn’t know how to pretend. It wasn’t in her nature.
“Hey, Bibi,” Cady finally spoke up. “No tears, okay. You caught us off guard... You know how I feel about marriage, so this is...” Her voice quavered. “Well, you know. I want you to be happy, you know that. And if this makes you happy, then I’ll try.” She said the words, ignoring her internal scream of protest. She wasn’t okay with this. But what the hell could she do about it?
Bianca nodded, accepting the kiss Cady pressed to her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Good, so we’ll move forward with the April date,” Carolina nodded. “So you have four choices for the meal...”
Once again, Cady tuned out. Right now, she needed to get a grip. While she did her best to maintain a calm exterior, her insides were in turmoil. She was frustrated—overwhelmed. If she was a crier, this would be the time to open the floodgates. But she didn’t cry. Instead she’d have to find another way to process her emotional meltdown. She reached for her drink, bringing the glass to her lips before she realized it was empty. She stared into the empty glass then set it on the table. If there was ever a time she needed a drink, it was now. When she looked up, Patton was watching her.
The heat in his eyes washed over her, unleashing a sudden wave of longing so intense she shivered. He shifted in his seat, pressing his thigh against hers and making her throb. Sex was a great way to work out tension. Amazing sex with Patton. Hot, hard, fast sex—
“What do you think, Cady? Do you like Carolina’s idea?” Bianca asked her. “I guess I should ask if the date works for you?”
Cady cleared her throat and looked at her best friend. Bianca’s large hazel eyes were waiting, almost desperately, for Cady’s answer. “Bibi, you know I’ll make it work. Whatever you decide, I’ll be there.” She smiled. “As far as Carolina’s plans go, she’s the professional. I wouldn’t know where to start with this whole...wedding thing.”
“Don’t worry, Cady.” Carolina’s tone was a little too condescending for Cady’s liking. “I have a book with a checklist of all your maid-of-honor duties. And a timeline, so there’s no room for error.”
Cady blinked, ready to unleash a tirade on the grinning event planner. But Bianca hugged her, drawing her in and holding her tightly. “You will be my maid of honor, won’t you, Cady? Please. I know you’re probably freaking out, but I need you now. You’ve always had my back.”
Cady was choking on all the nasty things she wanted to say to Carolina. The woman had no idea how ready Cady was to exploding. Instead she kissed Bianca on the cheek. “Of course I will. I’m honored. I love you, Bibi.”
“I love you too, Cady.” Bianca squeezed her again before letting her go.
“Well, now that that’s settled, let’s move on to the menu. Patton, what do you think?” Carolina purred, scooching her chair closer to Patton.
Dinner was a nightmare.
Cady poked at her salmon. She was too raw to find Carolina and her down-the-nose humor anything but grating. When she wasn’t glaring at Carolina’s attempts to charms Patton, she offered what she hoped were accommodating answers to any questions directed her way. She didn’t care about colors, evening weddings versus afternoon weddings or if a sit-down meal was better than a buffet. Apparently GG and Mrs. Ryan did. Bianca had taken careful notes so she could take their opinions into consideration—always the peacekeeper.
“Here’s the cost breakdown,” Carolina said, handing a pi
ece of paper to Bianca.
Cady saw Bibi’s expression. Sticker shock. Her dear friend was one of the most frugal, cost-conscious people she’d ever known. One thing she knew, weddings were expensive.
This marriage was a very real threat to Bianca. Her friend might be too lovesick to see it, but their lives were about to change forever. From what little she knew of Zach, he traveled a lot. Something told her—her intuition perhaps—that he’d enjoy a wide variety of amusements while on his travels, women included. Where did that leave Bianca? Home, worrying over her new husband? She had no illusions that Zach would be faithful. She knew Bibi—marriage was forever. Bibi would stay, even in an unhappy marriage.
She risked a glance at Patton. His fingers were tapping on the tabletop as he assessed the room in that restless, intimidating way of his. Tension rolled off him, feeding her own agitation. She knew exactly how he felt. And decided a distraction was in order. After a quick glance at the others happily immersed in Carolina’s portfolio, she put her hand on his thigh. He stiffened, the slight flare of his nostrils turning her on. She slid her hand up, her fingers stroking along the zipper of his pants. He was hard, throbbing against her hand. She looked at him, welcoming the raging hunger in his pale gaze. Her fingers found the tab of his zipper, but his hand closed over hers—preventing things from getting completely out of hand. He shook his head, his jaw locked and his lips a thin line. She smiled, enjoying herself even if she was being outrageous. Maybe she could lure him into a corner long enough to find some sort of relief?
“Cake.” The server slid a piece of lemon cake covered in whipped frosting and a glittering dusting of sugar. Patton released her hand, shook out his napkin and placed it back in his lap.
She’d just put a bite of the fabulous cake in her mouth when her phone vibrated. She pulled it from her pocket and stared at the text. Charles was asking her about rebooting a system. Again. Even after they’d had a very serious discussion about how that wasn’t a good solution and was just a Band-Aid. The remedy was to find the faulty coding and repair it. But she was beginning to seriously doubt Charles’s ability to read code, let alone repair or build it.
Seducing the Best Man (Wild Wedding Nights #1) Page 6