Falling for the Groomsman Read online

  She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

  Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty little to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, Christine realizes her list needs updating. And fast. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. Now that they’re trapped together at a destination wedding, she’s going to get her revenge.

  Tyler has never forgiven himself for how completely he lost control all those years ago. Being in Christine’s arms had felt right…until he realized what he’d taken from her in the hallway of a cheap motel. And oh, how she’s making him pay for it now. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but every time things heat up, Christine walks away.

  With every encounter, things go a little bit further until Christine’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before their time’s up, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…

  Falling for the

  a Wedding Dare novel

  Diane Alberts

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Copyright © 2014 by Jen McLaughlin. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

  Entangled Publishing, LLC

  2614 South Timberline Road

  Suite 109

  Fort Collins, CO 80525

  Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

  Brazen is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC. For more information on our titles, visit www.brazenbooks.com.

  Edited by Heather Howland and Ellie Brennan

  Cover design by Heather Howland

  ISBN 978-1-62266-727-7

  Manufactured in the United States of America

  First Edition June 2014

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Grab the rest of the Wedding Dare series! Dare to Resist

  Baiting the Maid of Honor

  Seducing the Bridesmaid

  Best Man with Benefits

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Discover Diane Albert’s Shilling Agency series… Temporarily Yours

  Other books by Diane Alberts

  If you love sexy romance, one-click these steamy Brazen releases… Tempting the Bodyguard

  Seducing the Playboy

  Skin in the Game

  No Romance Required

  Out of Control

  Unravel Me

  For Liz. Thanks for being you!

  Chapter One

  Tyler Dresco closed the door to his hotel room and scanned the wedding itinerary. According to the schedule, the first event took place in a little under an hour, which left enough time for a quick drink at the bar, if he hurried.

  God knew he’d need it.

  He loved his sister, Kady, very much, as any older brother should, but a whole drawn-out event centering on one wedding seemed a little bit over the top. There were dinners, scavenger hunts—and ballroom dancing. Fucking dancing.

  He’d been tempted to pretend the minor injury he’d gotten in Brazil was more serious than a bruise. There hadn’t been much time to do anything fun while working there for Doctors Without Borders, so his last day there, he’d done it all.

  Bungee jumping. White-water rafting. Rock climbing. He’d injured his knee while zip lining, so he hadn’t gotten the chance to skydive. Maybe next time. But ballroom dancing? Yeah. He could do without that.

  No one else could make him suffer through numerous days of flirtatious women, loud music, and fancy ballroom moves. But for Kady? He’d do it and smile, too, damn it.

  But first, he’d get a fucking drink.

  Without looking up, he turned on his heel and stumbled backward as someone crashed into him full force. He automatically steadied the person, making sure he didn’t lose his own footing in the process. Judging by the slender frame plastered up against him, he held a woman. She was about five foot three and had curves in all the right places.

  Not that he was noticing or anything.

  “Oof,” the feminine form in his arms said. She started to step away, but stumbled back into his arms. “Ah, crap. Hold on.”

  The second her fingers closed on his biceps, he tensed. A shot of desire punched him in the gut, making him frown. Her light perfume teased his senses, making him think of warm nights on the beach, tropical drinks, and light laughter. And her voice. It sounded oddly familiar. Weird.

  Clearing his throat, he stepped back and released his hold on her waist. She didn’t let go of him. He glanced down to see what the issue was. Her red heel was caught in the cuff of his pants. Slim legs were attached to that foot. Legs that made his mouth water. She had red hair that cascaded all around her shoulders, and that’s about all he could see. It was enough. He was intrigued by a woman who was literally stuck on him.

  He shifted uncomfortably. “Do you need help down there, ma’am?”

  The woman froze. For a second, he couldn’t figure out why. But she looked up at him, her bright-blue eyes that he’d never truly forgotten meeting his. “Tyler?”

  Christine. Of course it was her. Shit. “Oh. Hey, Christine.”

  No wonder his cock had immediately stood at attention. It always had with her. She’d always been special to him…well, back when they’d actually spoken, anyway. He’d unknowingly taken her virginity in Mexico in the heat of the moment, then left.

  They really hadn’t spoken since.

  “I…uh, didn’t recognize you right away.” She finally freed her heel and stumbled out of his arms, smacking her elbow on the doorjamb in the process. She grabbed it and hopped on one foot. “Ow, ow, ow.”

  His lips twitched. “I see I’m as dangerous to your safety as always.”

  “You’re as dangerous as a cuddly teddy bear,” she snapped, her blue eyes flashing with anger. Interesting. “I just wasn’t watching where I was going, like usual. Man, that hurts.”

  “I bet it does,” he said softly, watching her. She was even prettier than the last time he’d seen her at her college graduation. They’d kept their distance that day. Something told him it would be a little harder to do so now. He sighed and held out a hand. “Let me look at your elbow.”

  She gripped it tighter and scowled at him. “I’m fine.”

  “Just let me look at it.” He dragged a hand through his hair. “I am a doctor, you know.”

  “Oh, I know what you are,” she said, backing up another step. “I know exactly what you are.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” He stepped toward her, snatching her wrist in between his thumb and forefinger. Holy shit, her skin was actually as soft as he remembered. “That I’m an asshole?”

  She stumbled back again, a small breath escaping her. “I didn’t say that.” Her back hit the wall and her chi
n tilted up stubbornly, ignoring his hold on her. “But, hey, if the shoe fits…”

  He laughed. “I suppose I deserved that. Now let me look at this.”

  “I told you—”

  “You’re fine.” He gave her a level look. “I know.”

  She huffed. “You’re as stubborn as ever, I see.”

  “Guilty as charged.” He pried her left hand off her elbow. The skin was a little red, but she looked otherwise uninjured. She didn’t even need ice, but for some reason, he didn’t want to let her leave yet. They’d spent years avoiding each other and had it down to an art form. The second she slipped away, this interaction would be over.

  But they’d been avoiding each other for the sake of avoiding awkwardness long enough. Maybe it was time to try something new. To start over.

  “Well?” she asked, her soft voice sending something shooting through his veins. “Will I recover full use of my limb, Doctor?”

  Her graceful form drew his eyes, no matter how hard he tried to resist. Her slim waist curved to generously swelled hips, and her long legs stretched on for what felt like miles. She wasn’t in a short skirt—it reached just above her knees—but for the way his body reacted? She might as well have been strutting around in a fucking miniskirt.

  “Yeah, but you need ice.” He turned away and mumbled, “And so do I.”

  …

  Christine watched Tyler swipe the card through the lock on his door with one smooth motion. He looked so in control of every move he made, while she was literally falling into walls and crashing into people. Bouncing off of Tyler wasn’t exactly the most flawless start to the wedding extravaganza, but it could have been worse. Heck, the last time he’d held her in his arms, he’d looked at her with horror after he realized what he’d done, apologized, and run away without any sign of hesitation.

  Anything was better than that.

  But still. Finding out his touch still affected her after all of this time was a bit of a shock, to say the least. Sure, she’d been half in love with him back then—hence him taking her virginity in Mexico all those years ago—but it had been years since they were within touching distance of each other. They’d both moved on.

  So why did his touch feel so freaking good?

  Maybe she was just that horny. After all, it had been months since she’d gotten any action. Close to a year, if she was being honest with herself. She’d been so wrapped up in her work that she’d neglected life. She’d forgotten how to have fun.

  So…she’d made a list of things she wanted to do before the wedding was over. Things she’d read in romance books. Sexy things. She’d even titled it Christine’s Sex To-Dos. Not very creative but it would do. So far it had three items on it: Kiss a stranger. Have sex outside. Make out in the elevator.

  Rekindle an old flame was not on her list—and it wouldn’t be, either.

  But maybe, just maybe, she should add another thing: Get payback on Tyler.

  She could make it sexy to fit in with the rest of the items on her list.

  No, that would be too dangerous. He’d already hurt her once, and she wouldn’t be going back for seconds. She played it safe now, thanks in part to him.

  Tyler came out with the ice bucket, his green eyes settling on her instantly. The weight of his stare made her want to fidget, but she forced herself to stand still. His brown hair was longer than she remembered, curling slightly at the edges. He had a little bit of scruff going on, and muscles like whoa.

  It was obvious that he kept in shape while he was out saving the world. So not fair. He reached out and placed a hand on her upper arm. His fingers on her bare skin sent a shiver straight up her spine. She tilted her chin up. “Stay here while I go get you ice?”

  And spend more time walking an unwilling trip down memory lane? No, thank you. She shook her head and looked over her shoulder. The elevator was awfully close. “I don’t need any. I’m fine, I swear.”

  “Just wait here for me.” He skimmed his finger over her arm. God, he wasn’t even trying to tempt her, yet he was. So unfair. “I’ll only take a second. I promise I’ll be right back.”

  Unlike the last time you left, she added silently.

  And then? Blessedly, the anger took hold. Anger she’d thought long buried.

  Oh, he thought she would stand there waiting for him, after all this time? He had another think coming. Time to turn the tables. Get payback on Tyler may not be on her actual sex list…but she was metaphorically penciling it in right now. Dangerous or not, she’d make him want her. Then she’d walk away and forget all about Tyler Dresco—and their sloppy past.

  She gave him a sweet smile, satisfaction coming over her when he paused, his eyes heating up with…desire, maybe? She reached out and tucked one of his errant curls back in place. His nostrils flared. “Oh, I’ll be waiting, all right.”

  His gaze dipped down to her mouth, making her stomach tighten, and then flew back up to hers. “All right then. Good.”

  He left, his steps long and even. Even while leaving, he managed to look so damn confident and hot that it drove her insane. So much like a man, as opposed to the boy he’d been when he’d taken her virginity and apologized before running away. He might have changed, but not enough to make her change her mind about him. There was nothing between them except awkward silence and memories.

  Time to go back to what they did best: pretending that night in Mexico had never happened. As soon as he rounded the corner…she spun on her heel and headed for the elevator.

  It was her turn to run away.

  Chapter Two

  Close to an hour later, Christine leaned back in her chair and fiddled with her wineglass. She glanced over her shoulder for what had to be the millionth time before looking back at her best friends. The girls were all arguing over some nonsense or another, but Christine was clueless. Normally, she would have been right there with them, fighting over…

  What were they talking about, anyway? They could be telling her she was winning the Pulitzer Prize for her upstanding investigative journalist abilities, and she wouldn’t have heard a single word. Her mind was still stuck on Tyler Dresco and all the memories he’d brought back with him in that stinking hallway.

  Now all she could think about was Mexico, and all of the intense emotions that went with that vacation. It had been three months after a drunk driver had killed her parents, and she’d been a shell of the girl she’d once been. She hadn’t even wanted to go, but Kady had insisted she should. Insisted she needed to live, and stop crying herself to sleep every night. She had reluctantly agreed, and tried to act as if she were having fun for the sake of her friends.

  Tyler had seen through her act.

  Regan, New York City headhunter and her Tri Delt sorority sister, leaned close, pulling her out of her thoughts. “You know how you haven’t told anyone else you’re moving to Maine? We’re all together, so now might be a good time.”

  Christine sighed. Regan had a point, but it just didn’t seem right to draw attention to herself when it was Kady’s big week, let alone during the bachelorette party. Right before a wedding was not the time to make a huge formal announcement about moving away. It wasn’t even all that important, really.

  Maybe she’d tweet about it… Hey… Surprise! Moving to Maine. Come visit me sometime! Wait. Was that more than one hundred and forty characters?

  She sighed. “I’ll tell them after the wedding is over, but before we all leave. I don’t want to take attention away from the blushing bride.” Christine smiled at Kady as she animatedly talked to Julie. They all looked so happy, her news could wait. “But enough about me. How are you doing?”

  “Great.” She made a show of looking around the bar. “But considering the man candy wandering around here, I’m about to get a whole lot better.” Regan popped a mint in her mouth and asked, “Are you excited to be going back home, living on your own for once?”

  Of course her attempt to divert the attention from a topic she didn’t want to discuss fail
ed with Regan. It always did. “Yeah. I went from living at home with my parents and Jake, to college with you girls, to rooming with Kady in San Francisco. Then, when she moved here to be with Colton, I actually came with her, which is crazy, too. Now I’ve got a crap roommate who is anything but my friend, and for the first time in my life, I’m going to be alone.” Christine shrugged. “For once, that doesn’t sound so bad. It’s time for me to try it out. Start over and all that crap.”

  “Understandable.” Regan nudged her with her heel. “But if you ever want me to fly up for a good Chunky Monkey binge night, you know I’m your girl. I’ll be the closest one to you once you move.”

  “Deal.”

  Regan sipped her drink. “How does your brother feel about you coming back?”

  “He’s happy about it. He’s not the same Jake he used to be, not after the war, but he sounded excited about it.”

  Now that he was a civilian again, Jake worked at a private security agency called Shillings Agency. He’d gotten out of the marines only recently, after injuring his leg. He wasn’t the same man anymore. He was quiet. Reserved. Serious. Not even remotely similar to the daredevil he used to be. And he definitely wanted his big sister to come back home.

  He was finally getting his wish.

  Christine brushed her hair over her shoulder, using the opportunity to peek backward again. She couldn’t concentrate on these things when at any second, a green-eyed, brown-haired, smooth-talking devil could walk through the door. She hadn’t really thought about him much at all over these past eight years, but now that she’d seen him again? She couldn’t think of anything else.

  How utterly irritating.

  “Holy crap. Why is Tyler wearing that god-awful shirt?” Regan whispered to Christine. “It’s got tropical flowers on it, for the love of God.”

  Christine blinked and yanked herself out of her head, scanning the room with a racing heart. “Huh? He didn’t have it on earlier. Where is he? I don’t see him.”

  “I know. But now I know you saw him already.” Regan looked at her skeptically. “I’d suspected as much, considering the way you’re acting. So, how did it go?”