Tempting the Best Man - By J. Lynn Page 0,13

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.