Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1)
Diane Alberts
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 f*cking 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 *?”
She stumbled back again, a small breath escaping her. “I didn’t say that.” Her back hit the wall and her chin 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.