Tempting the Best Man (A Gamble Brothers Novel) (Entangled Brazen) (4 page)

It had been past closing time. Her brother and most of her friends had already gone home when she found Chase in his penthouse office on the third floor, staring at the landscape of the city. The straight line of his spine, the perfectly tailored cut of his suit across his broad shoulders had stolen her breath. She’d stood there for what seemed like hours but was probably the barest of seconds before Chase had turned to her and smiled…smiled just for her.

Madison had ventured into his office, complimented him eagerly on the success of the club, and listened to his plans to open two more: one in Bethesda and another in Baltimore. She’d felt special that he had included her in such knowledge. It was like she belonged next to him for the first time and that thrilled her.

Both of them had been drinking, but neither of them had been three sheets to the wind. Alcohol may’ve been the proverbial courage in the bottle, but it couldn’t be blamed for what happened next.

She’d moved toward him, only to give him a hug good-bye, but when his arms had returned the gesture and she’d tipped her head back, something amazing and crazy happened.

Chase had kissed her—gently, carefully, and so sweetly that in a heady heartbeat, she had really thought all of her dreams had been coming true. Before she’d known it, he’d settled onto one of the supple leather couches in his office, pulled her onto his lap, and the kisses… Oh, God, the kisses then had been blatantly carnal and claiming, erotically promising. His fingers were quick and deft, moving the zipper of her dress down, revealing her to his heated stare. His hands had been everywhere, skimming over her breasts, sneaking under the dress, discovering for the first time one of Madison’s oddities: She hated wearing panties. And he had gone crazy then, easing her onto her back, his fingers finding her most hidden places and thrusting as his body and tongue mimicked the movements.

When she had cried out his name, he’d gone incredibly still, his breathing ragged a second before he tore himself away from her and ended up pacing clear across the room like a jungle cat.

There hadn’t been much time for her to be confused. Chase had freaked, ushering her out of his office, and the very next day, he’d called her, apologized for his drunken behavior, and promised that it would never happen again.

And it hadn’t…until several hours ago.

At least now, he couldn’t blame alcohol. He had no excuse, but he had broken her heart back then, shattered it into a million useless little pieces. As sad as it was, she hadn’t fully recovered from his obvious regret. It stung, left an aching pierce that hit her in the chest when she least expected it.

Obviously, he hadn’t been as attracted to her as she to him. Sure, there had to have been something there between the two of them, but it was unequal. She wanted more. And he had wanted just a taste, got it, and decided he didn’t want any more, which was usually his MO. And earlier today? Perhaps he’d just been bored. Or maybe he wanted to see if she still wanted him and when he did, he’d discarded her like he had that night.

Madison sucked in a sharp breath. He wasn’t a bad guy, though; she knew that. He just wasn’t the guy for her.

Stupid tears burned her eyes, and she blinked them away. Crying over Chase had been an almost nightly occurrence in college, especially when he began dating every woman in the city after the night at his club and the subsequent apology. So many girls that she never bothered to keep them straight. Didn’t help they all looked alike: insanely tall, long-legged, blond, and big chested.

The exact opposite of Madison.

Snorting, she took another drink of her wine. Served her right, she supposed. Chase was and always would be a no-Madison-land. The kiss had been a fluke, a breach in sanity.

“Madison?” Lissa’s soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

She looked up and smiled. “Hey there.”

“You’re awfully quiet tonight.” The bride-to-be sat down beside her, glowing in her white sundress. “Are you worried about your car? Mitch said the tow truck brought it by a few hours ago.”

“Oh, no, the car is fine. Dad is going to get a tire for me tomorrow. I’m…I’m just letting it all soak in.” Madison’s gaze flitted over the guests. “It’s really beautiful here.”

“Isn’t it?” Lissa sighed. “Mitch and I visited two summers ago, during one of the festivals that offered a hot air balloon ride. With the aerial view, we sort of fell in love with the place.”

“I can see the appeal.” Though Madison was much more likely to be married with a baby on the way this time next year than her rosy-red ass getting into a hot air balloon. “You must be so excited.”

“I am!” Her smile increased in wattage, and Madison couldn’t help but return the expression over the rim of her wineglass. Lissa’s smiles were always infectious. “Your brother is a wonderful man, and I couldn’t be happier or luckier.”

“I’m sure he’s thinking the same thing.”

Her eyes misted over. “Yes, I believe so. That’s sort of perfect, isn’t it?”

A lump suddenly formed in Madison’s throat, so she washed it down with the rest of her wine. “Yes.”

Lissa’s gaze slid to her. “You look really nice tonight.”

“Really?” She plucked at the sleeveless, gauzy blue dress that ended just below her thighs. It was a dark cobalt blue, but it had nothing on… She shook her head. So not going there. “Thank you.”

A loud manly roar rose from where her father stood. Madison turned and her breath got stuck in her throat. Chase had arrived.

Madison glanced down at her empty glass and groaned under her breath.

Lissa nudged her. “He’s something else, isn’t he?”

She raised an eyebrow and muttered, “Something, all right.”

Mistaking her comment as pleasant, Lissa went on. “Mitch told me how the three of you were the closest out of the Gamble brothers. I can’t believe any of them are single. Each of them is so successful and handsome.” Her smile turned sly. “Your mother said you had a crush on Chase growing up.”

“Did she?” Madison desperately started searching for the waiter she’d seen earlier carrying a tray full of wineglasses.

Lissa nodded. “As soon as he heard your car was broken down, he raced off to rescue you.” She giggled, and Madison wanted to punch something. “He hadn’t even been here for five minutes. It was all very sweet.”

Like before, she refused to read too much into his motivations. Then she spied the crisp white shirt of the server.
Bingo!

“Have you ever considered…?”

Madison turned hot and then cold. “Considered what?”

“You know, being more than friends with Chase? I know you two have known each other since forever, but some of the best loves are those that start as friends. Take Mitch and me, for example. We were friends in the beginning.”

Oh, sweet baby Jesus. Madison started waving her arm at the waiter like a madwoman.

“Thirsty?” Lissa asked, grinning.

“Very.” She snatched a glass off the tray with a quick thank-you and a smile, and then considered grabbing two if this conversation was heading where it seemed to be.

Lissa’s eyes twinkled. “And since you two are staying together here, there’ll never be a better time to explore other possibilities than in such a romantic place.”

Aw, what the hell. Madison grabbed another glass before the waiter escaped. She was going to need it.

Chapter Four

Chase was having one hell of a time listening to what his brothers and Mitch were talking about. Something about the wedding night and performance anxiety. What the hell did his brothers know about the first night as husband and wife? They had just as much experience as Mitch did.

His middle brother, Chad, had finally shown up and after Mitch’s father had gone to claim his woman for the evening, he started giving pointers.

“Did you shave your boys?” Chad asked, holding a can of beer while everyone else had wine.

“What?” Mitch laughed.

“Shave the boys.” Chad grinned. “The ladies love it when they’re all smooth.”

There was no doubt in his mind that Chad knew exactly what the ladies loved. Everyone in DC believed Chase was the man-whore of the clan, but in reality, it was Chad.

“I really don’t want to talk about my balls with you,” Mitch said. “Not now. Not ever.”

Chase snickered. “Thank God.”

“You’ll be sorry if you don’t.” Chad smiled that shit-eating grin of his. “You should also bring in some toys. That will…”

Chase zoned his brother out at that point. He wouldn’t be surprised if Chad already had Mitch’s honeymoon cabin decked out with all kinds of perverse things just for the fun of it.

Leaning against the railing, Chase took in the group around him. Most had already left, including Mitch’s and Lissa’s parents. The younger crowd was still up, though—the type of people who’d be at one of his clubs.

His skin itched. He hated being away for days without the ability to make sure things were running smoothly. His managers were on the up and up, more than able to keep the wheels churning, but even though it would be a slow night, he was having a hell of a time fighting the urge to call and check in every five seconds.

He was also having a hell of a time not thinking about what went down in that God-awful cabin. Fuck. What in the hell had he been thinking? Kissing Maddie—again? He glanced at Mitch and could almost feel his balls being castrated. And he’d deserve it. With his reputation, Chase was sure that Mitch wouldn’t be too pleased to know Chase had molested his sister. Though Mitch had never outright condemned the idea—hell, several times he’d actually suggested Chase and Maddie get together—there was no way that was going to happen. And he doubted Mitch would be so supportive if it became reality and one took into consideration Chase’s track record with women and the DNA he shared with his father. Mitch’s suggestions weren’t a green light.

Folding his arms, he ran his gaze over the sea of faces laughing and drinking around him.

There she was, by the benches. She had to be on her fourth glass of wine by now due to the amount of empty ones sitting around her, and if she was still anything like he remembered, this was going to be a long, albeit interesting, night.

Maddie.

Little freaking Maddie…

When he’d kissed her earlier… God, he didn’t know a more responsive woman. The way she arched into him… The breathy feminine sound she made had nearly undone him, and that had been his wake-up call, but she had been so damn hot.

She was still too damn hot.

Chase widened his stance, biting back a growl. What had happened this afternoon, like what had happened that night in his club, had been a mistake. A mistake he enjoyed, but something that couldn’t happen again. That was his best friend’s sister…

Who was now standing on a bench, a half-empty wineglass hanging from her slender fingers as she swayed her hips to the light thrum of music coming from inside.

God. Damn.

One of Mitch’s work buddies stood below her, grinning like he just won the fucking lottery or something. Or, as she raised her arms and her body moved in sensual curves to the rhythm of the music, the guy was thinking his chances of getting laid tonight were pretty high.

Without thinking, Chase pushed off the railing and took a step toward them. Seconds away from walking right up to her and pulling her off that damn bench, he forced himself to stop. What the hell was he doing? She wasn’t his problem.

But damn if a part of him wanted her to be his problem.

Going back to leaning on the railing, he clenched his jaw shut so tightly that his teeth ached. Who was that tool talking to her, coaxing her off the bench? Robby? Bobby? Some dickhead name like that?

Whoever he was, he reached up, placed his hands on her hips, and lifted her down onto the floor. Her soft laugh traveled across the deck, and every muscle in Chase’s body locked up.

“What crawled up your ass, bro?” Chandler demanded.

Chase ignored him, unable to look away from the situation unfolding before him.

His oldest brother followed his gaze and chuckled. “What is little Maddie up to over there?”

“Nothing but trouble,” Chase muttered.

Chandler laughed. “She’s just having fun. There’s nothing wrong with her dancing with some guy.”

He so did not agree.

“She ain’t a kid anymore,” Chandler added, like Chase needed help realizing that.

Anger pricked at him. “She doesn’t even know that guy.”

“So?” And then he seemed to understand. “Aw, man, you’ve got to be shitting me.”

Chase’s head whipped toward his brother. Any other man would’ve cowered away from the dangerous look on his face, but not his brother. Nothing scared Chandler. “What?”

“Don’t even try to pretend.” Chandler shook his head and then laughed. “You’ve got it bad for Maddie.”

He scowled. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit.” Chandler propped his hip against the railing and glanced over his shoulder. “Mitch will probably beat the shit out of you.”

Like I don’t know that already, but thanks for pointing it out
. Chase’s gaze swung back to Maddie. There was still some space between her and the tool, but she was smiling at the guy—the kind of smile that was innocent and sexy as hell all at the same time, and Chase’s gut clenched.

Chandler clasped his shoulder. “But I think after he knocked the crap out of you, he’d probably thank you.”

Doubtful. “For what?”

His brother stared back at him like Chase was an idiot. “Maddie could end up with someone worse.”

“Wow. Thanks.” A wry grin tugged at his lips.

“You know what I mean. Once he gets over the idea of you and her, he’d be more than happy about it. He knows you. Trusts you.”

Yeah, and that was the bitch of it. Mitch trusted Chase, so doing anything with Maddie was spitting in Mitch’s face, ’cause there was no doubt in Chase’s mind things would end badly. “Yeah, it’s not going to happen,” he said finally.

Chandler was quiet for a long moment as his gaze fixed on the swaying grape trees. “You want to tell me why?”

“Do I need to?”

There was another pause and then, “I just don’t get it. Maddie has always loved you—don’t give me that look. Everyone knows it.” His brother flashed a rare grin. “You two would be good together—she would be good for you.”

He refused to even think about that.

“And you’re good enough for her,” his brother added quietly.

Chase thrust a hand through his hair. “Why are we having this conversation? Hell, if anything, her brother should be taking her little ass back to her cabin before she gets into trouble with what’s-his-dick.”

Chandler chuckled. “Looks like Mitch is taking his fiancée out behind the bushes.”

And hell if Mitch wasn’t, not that he could blame him. Chase blew out a long breath, considered heading back to the cabin…or sleeping in the car for the night. It was getting late and standing here, watching her—

Maddie’s laughter rang out like wind chimes as she was lifted into the air, wineglass long forgotten. The guy had his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

And that was it.

Chase stopped thinking. Pushing off the railing, he barely registered his brother said something taunting to his retreating back as Chase prowled across the deck and came up behind the guy, ignoring his brother’s distant laughter.

For a moment, the two before Chase didn’t seem to notice him, but then Maddie’s glossed-over gaze drifted beyond the guy’s shoulder. The tool stiffened and then turned around. One look at Chase’s face struck the idiot speechless. Good.

“Maddie,” Chase said, voice surprisingly calm. “It’s time to go back.”

She stared at him, her cheeks flushed prettily. “Why?”

His look should have said he really didn’t need to explain but it was obvious she just wasn’t seeing things clearly. “I seriously think it’s time to call it a night.”

Maddie pouted and then turned, searching for her glass. “It’s still early. And I’m not ready to go back. Bobby, did you see where I put my glass? It’s around here, I swear.”

Her refusal must’ve given the little twerp courage because he planted himself in front of Maddie and Chase. “I’ll make sure she gets back to her room safely tonight.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

Bobby-Dipshit held his ground while Maddie peered into the shadowy corners, searching for her lost glass. “She’s cool, man.”

“She’s nothing to you.” Chase brushed past the guy, leaving him standing there with his ruined plans for the evening. No way in hell if he was alive and breathing was some guy like that going to end up making Maddie a one-night stand.

Chase gently wrapped his fingers around Maddie’s arm and pulled her away from where a bottle of wine was chilling in ice. “Come on, let’s go back to our room.”

He gave Bobby a pointed look, satisfaction settling in Chase’s belly as his words sunk in and Bobby’s eyebrows shot up, his hands raised in surrender as he backed away.
Yeah, game over, asshole.

She started to protest, but then she swayed way to the left, pressing her hand to her mouth and giggling. “I may be a little tipsy. Not too much, but I think I might be well on my way.”

Chase arched a brow.

Maddie giggled again as she peered up at him through thick lashes. “You look like you’ve sucked on something sour. What’s your problem? I was just dancing and…”

“And what?” he growled lowly.

She scrunched her nose. “Well, I was…huh, I don’t know.”

He rolled his eyes. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

“Oh, listen to you! Ordering me to bed. For shame,” she said, giggling as she wiggled free from his light grasp. “What would people think? The controversy, Chase.”

“Maddie…”

She flounced off ahead, and he sighed, trailing after her. Surprisingly, she was heading for the stairs that led to the pathway and away from the wine, which was a good thing, he guessed.

Passing Chandler, he cut his brother a look before he could make some smartass comment. And it was on the tip of his tongue, too. One thing Chandler didn’t do was relationships of any sort. His brother dated, sure, but it would be a good day in hell before the eldest brother settled down.

“Have a good night,” Chandler called out, laughing.

Chase flipped him off.

She made it down one step before he swooped in, getting an arm around her narrow waist. She leaned against him, and he led her down the stairs without her falling and breaking her neck.

Getting Maddie back to the cabin was an experience in patience and reluctant amusement. Several times she broke away from him and started to roam off to God knew where. He doubted she knew. Halfway back to their cabin, she kicked off her heels. Near the cabin next to theirs, she sat down in the middle of the pathway illuminated by the pale glow of the moon.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Taking a break.”

Shaking his head, he walked up behind her. “You haven’t been walking that far.”

“It seems like we’ve been walking forever.” She tipped her back against his knees and grinned. “I’m one of those drunk girls. You know, the kind who sits down in the middle of the street? God…it’s like I’m in college again!”

He frowned. “Did you sit in the middle of the street a lot when you were in college?”

“More times than I remember,” she replied with a chuckle.

“I don’t remember that.”

She raised a hand and pointed at him, but her aim was wobbly, so she ended up popping herself in the face.

He winced and grabbed her small hand, steering it away from her face. “Ouch.”

Maddie didn’t seem to notice that she’d almost knocked out her own teeth. “
You
weren’t always around, you know.”

Chase fought a grin as he bent down, got his hands under her arms, and lifted her back up. “Am I going to have to carry you? If so, it would complete my badass knight-in-shining-armor act with you today.”

“You are not a knight.” She stumbled forward and then spun around, patting him on the chest hard enough to make him grunt. “But you kind of are. You have a good heart, Chase Gamble.”

Wow. She had blown past just tipsy. “Okay. I think I might have to carry you.”

She huffed. “I can walk, thank you very much. I was just tired.”

“Thought you weren’t tired.”

“I’m not,” she argued.

He stared at her.

“You’re such a bore.” Maddie staggered ahead and then stopped, tilting her head back on her long, graceful neck. When her hair was loose, it hung clear to her hips when she did that. “The moon is so big.”

There was something big growing in his pants. And he was pretty sure that made him the worst kind of bastard. But he couldn’t help it. Chase was still a man and, off-limits or not, Maddie was…she was just Maddie.

Looking over her shoulder, she smiled. “I’m really happy for my brother,” she rambled on. “They’re going to have babies, and I’ll get to be an aunt. I can take them to the Smithsonian, teach them about history and…and stuff.”

“You’re going to turn those kids that don’t exist yet into nerds.”

She held up her finger, placing it an inch from his face, and he had an urge to lick it. “Nerds are cool. You are not.”

Chase laughed as he took her hand, gently pulling her down the pathway. “What kind of stuff will you teach them?”

“Oh, you know, stuff…like the Civil War and how important it is to take care of our battlefields, preserve history…and I’ll get them to volunteer.”