LITMIR.BIZ

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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?”

      Cady nodded. “The groom-to-be?” It took an effort, but she managed a smile. “Taking care of our girl this evening?”

      “I’m trying.” Zach nodded. “You know Bianca.”

      “You mean that she’d rather take care of everyone else than let someone take care of her?” Cady nodded. “Bibi’s a nurturer.”

      “Patton,” Zach glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Showing Cady around?”

      Cady risked a glance at Patton. His pale gaze was wandering the room, disinterested—almost bored. “We just ran into each other.”

      Lucky me. Cady sipped her drink.

      “Did you see GG dancing?” Bianca laughed.

      Cady shook her head. “She was dancing?”

      “Zach’s other brother Spence—”

      “You met him earlier,” Zach offered.

      “—managed to get her onto the dance floor. She can move those hips.” Bianca shook her head, smiling broadly.

      Dancing with Spence was an added bonus. He was handsome... “Wait, other brother?”

      “Patton.” Zach pointed. “Head of the Ryan clan. The chief. The big kahuna.”

      Patton shot Zach a look. “She gets it.”

      She blew out a deep breath. Patton was Zach’s brother? Meaning this whole nightmare scenario could get worse? It wasn’t going to end when the wedding was over. No, she’d be running into Patton at every get-together or holiday. Not the most relaxing way to spend her downtime. She sighed. Bianca was her best friend, but she was also Cady’s only family. And she’d be damned if this marriage changed that.

      She tucked her hair behind her ear, her agitation increasing. She glanced at Patton again, wanting to say something witty. Big mistake. He was staring at her ear. She took another sip of her drink, resisting the urge to bite an olive off the toothpick. That would be wrong. Too much. A little cruel even. She stirred her drink.

      “Having a good time?” Bianca asked, taking one of her hands and squeezing it.

      “Yes, of course,” she answered too quickly. “I’m amazed at how everything came together so fast.”

      “My mother. Once she gets her mind made up, there’s no stopping her,” Zach explained, slipping his arm around Bianca’s waist.

      “Guess it’s a good thing she’s in favor of you two, then,” Patton murmured.

      Zach laughed, nodding.

      But Cady saw Bianca’s slight frown, her nervous glance between brothers. It was her turn to squeeze Bianca’s hand. She quirked her eyebrow, a silent question. But Bianca just smiled and shook her head.

      “Hungry?” Zach asked, tugging Bianca’s arm through his.

      “Yes,” she agreed. “Coming?”

      Cady nodded, following behind them. She teetered once, but Patton’s hand steadied her. She shivered, the contact of his rough hand against her bare back stirring all sorts of delicious memories up. She kept her eyes front and center, torn between brushing his hand away and turning into him.

      She picked up a plate. Patton didn’t.

      “Not eating?” she asked.

      He shook his head.

      She loaded up her plate, trying to listen to Bianca but distracted by him. Patton hovered, steering her in the direction of their table, pulling out a chair for her, making his presence known. He sat across the table from her, against the wall. But his pale gaze always roamed the crowd, scanning, searching. What was he thinking? His face was blank, his eyes shuttered—the exact opposite of the Patton five minutes ago. There was no denying what he was thinking when he’d been looking at her. He wanted her with a ferocity that excited and overwhelmed

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