Loving the Best Man

By Jaye Diane

Friends & Lovers, Book 2

Life has never been easy for Emerald Felton but she faces each new situation with grace, dignity and fearlessness. Against her better judgment, she allows herself to cross the line with Lincoln, hoping that they will be able to have fun and enjoy each other. As a stalker taunts her, she tries to balance her new feelings for Lincoln with the need to keep her independence. But it quickly becomes obvious that Lincoln wants more than she can give. And as if that's not enough to deal with, the stalker is getting bolder!

Most things in life have come easily to Linc Thayer. Except Emerald. He's wanted her for years but she's always been the one thing he could never have. Finally able to get close to her at their best friends' wedding, he's excited that she's now seeing him as a man and not just as a friend. But even as they become lovers, he's disappointed when she's determined to keep him at a distance.

As she faces constant threats, Emerald will struggle between being the woman Lincoln needs and the woman that she needs herself to be. It's a battle in more ways than one as Emerald finds herself trying to stay a step ahead of her stalker and also finds herself loving the best man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jaye Diane
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310062551

Jaye Diane

Jaye Diane is a teacher, poet and novelist with a degree in English. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a writer and wrote and illustrated her own books. A lover of various genres of books, she is an avid reader as well as writer. Email: [e-mail]

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Loving the Best Man

Friends & Lovers Book 2

Jaye Diane

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2015 by Jeanette Diane Richardson

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Unconditional love is very hard to find. This book is dedicated to the handful of people who genuinely love me unconditionally. I HEART you too.

Table of Contents

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

About the Author

Chapter One

Emerald felt a finger slowly trail down the arch of her back, pausing now and again to form small circles against her skin, before moving down to the curve of her backside. She fought the urge to continue sleeping and pushed herself up on her elbows.

Lincoln Thayer was still in her bed. And smirking as if he was quite pleased with himself.

Good morning. He offered her a grin and the twinkle in his brown eyes made something in her shift. She felt a bubble of warmth begin in the pit of her stomach and slowly spread its way through her body.

After they’d made love the last time, she’d gone to sleep pleased but kind of hoping he’d be gone by sunrise. But now, here he was. And she was kind of glad he’d stayed.

Morning, She mumbled, her voice rough from sleep. She knew her hair was a mess but she didn’t care. It was obvious that he didn’t mind.

I ordered us some breakfast, He murmured, his finger on the move again. It continued over her backside and down to her leg before making its way back up again.

Oh, did you? She asked, already breathless. Already hot.

He had that smug smile on his face, the one that usually annoyed her, but it didn’t bother her this time.

He leaned close and pressed his mouth against hers. She didn’t waste any time opening her mouth beneath his. She slowly turned her body while she held onto him, pulling him down on top of her.

She captured his tongue, gently suckling it. He pushed her thighs apart and-

I really fucked up this time!

They froze in the bed, thankfully partially covered by blankets. After a few seconds of silence, he made no attempts to move so Emerald shoved him to the side and pulled the blankets up as far as they could go.

What the hell? Grace Jamison asked at the same time as Emerald asked her, What happened?

Grace, still dressed in her pink bridesmaid gown, stood with her hands on her hips, her hazel eyes wide and round.

Emerald sat up in the bed, keeping the blankets pressed against her chest, and struggled to mentally switch gears.

What’s with the secret relationships? Grace demanded. First Robyn and Devin and now you guys?

Robyn Phillips -Robyn Jamison now- was Emerald’s best friend. Devin was Grace’s brother. They’d had a secret relationship before breaking up and getting back together. But they were married now. In fact, it was their wedding that had every one staying at the Woodson hotel, in such close proximity to each other.

How’d you get in here? Emerald demanded instead of answering Grace’s question. She and Lincoln weren’t in a relationship and that would be obvious very soon.

We have adjoining rooms, Grace reminded her impatiently. The door was unlocked.

Emerald spared Lincoln a glance. He was leaning back against the headboard, his sinewy arms crossed over his broad chest. A lock of brown hair had fallen onto his forehead and he looked adorably mussed as he watched them with avid curiosity.

Well what happened? Are you okay?

I-I can’t have this conversation like this. Grace said, sounding annoyed. You guys are both naked.

That’s kind of how sex works, Lincoln said dryly.

You’re going to make me gag. Grace replied, rolling her eyes at him.

What happened, Grace? Emerald asked again.

It’s private.

Growing a little impatient, Emerald said, Let’s talk later then.

Grace nodded before taking a step towards the door that adjoined their rooms. She turned and looked from Emerald to Lincoln and shook her head before walking out of the room.

Emerald jumped out of the bed and put a robe on.

Come back to bed, Lincoln said.

I don’t think we should.

The fun isn’t over yet, He whispered, his voice filled with promise.

Look, Emerald said, folding her hands behind her back. Last night was great. It really was, She hurriedly added, seeing a frown start to form on his face. But it’s over now.

She looked around the cream and gold themed hotel room. Their clothes, specifically his tuxedo and her gown, were crumpled on the floor.

I think you should go.

Why? He made no move to get out of the bed.

We’re adults. Sex doesn’t equal love. I don’t need you to stay.

I want to stay. He raked a hand through his brown hair.

I’m just saying you don’t have to. We have to check out soon anyway.

I know I don’t have to.

There was a knock on the door and Emerald rushed to the door and looked through the peep hole. Although she knew he’d ordered breakfast, she didn’t want to risk opening the door for one of their friends. The last thing she needed was another confrontation.

It was the breakfast that he’d ordered. After the room service attendant had been tipped, Emerald went to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She yelped when she caught sight of her reflection as she brushed. Her short brown hair stood up all over her head. She’d had no idea she looked that bad.

After she brushed her teeth, she made quick work of brushing her hair. Her hair came down right below her ears and she tamed it within a minute.

When she went back to the bedroom, Lincoln was sitting at the small round table, clad in only his boxers. He poured coffee into two mugs and looked up with a smile as she approached the table.

She’d tried not to be a bitch when telling him he didn’t have to stay. She didn’t want to kick him out. That would be rude after they’d spent most of the wedding and then the whole night together.

A brown-haired, brown-eyed white boy, he wasn’t her usual type -if she even had a type- and she was a little mad at herself for being so reckless. She hadn’t had a one night stand in years. To do it now was stupid. Fun but stupid.

She’d been celibate for a couple of years but that was no excuse. Their best friends had gotten married and that could make things very awkward in the future. She couldn’t help feeling that they’d crossed a line that never should have been crossed.

I hope you like omelets.

Sure. She sat across from him and gave him a small smile. Thanks for ordering.

You’re welcome. He put the coffee mug on the table in front of her.

She looked at the omelets, bacon, sausage and biscuits that he’d ordered and went for the coffee. She put one sugar in it then stirred and sipped.

So you’re trying to get rid of me, He surprised her by saying.

She gulped down the coffee that was in her mouth and glared at him.

"I was not trying to get rid of you, Lincoln. I just didn’t want you to feel obligated to stay."

We were together all night. I wouldn’t just take off like that.

Well, just so we’re clear, She made a point of making eye contact. You don’t owe me anything. And I don’t owe you.

Understood.

They ate in silence for a few minutes but she grew more uncomfortable by the second. As he ate, he quietly watched her and she wondered what he was thinking about. His stare was so intense that she nearly fidgeted in her seat.

He didn’t make her wait long to find out what was on his mind. He put his fork down and leaned across the table.

I had a great time with you, Emerald, He said. I want to see you again.

No, She said, before she’d even had time to truly absorb what he’d said.

You can’t tell me you didn’t have a good time.

Of course not! Even if her response to him hadn’t been extremely obvious, she was no liar.

So what is it then?

We need to just stay friends. And they’d barely been that. Being that Lincoln was Devin’s best friend, she only saw him a few times year. That had changed in the past year, however, as the wedding had approached. As the best man and maid-of-honor, they’d actually seen quite a bit of each other. And although his cocky attitude had annoyed her from time to time, she had to admit that he was a great friend.

It’s already too late for that… He leaned back and rubbed a hand over his jaw. I can’t pretend that we didn’t do all the things we did. I can’t unsee everything that I saw.

She felt her cheeks get warm as she thought about what they had done. Even though her skin was a milky shade of brown, she probably had a visible blush on her cheeks.

I’m not asking you to, She said through clenched teeth. But I am asking you to move on. I know this wasn’t your first one night stand so don’t act like you can’t just go about your business now.

Of course I’ve had a few one night stands but this isn’t one of them. You and I had something different than just a one night stand.

This isn’t a debate. I don’t want to keep fooling around with you or whatever you’re trying to get from me.

I’m not talking about fooling around. I’m just saying I want to see you again.

As in…being a couple? Why did her heart begin to race?

We don’t have to call it anything. We can just hang out.

I’m sorry, She said, genuinely feeling bad that she had to let him down. I’m not interested in any kind of relationship right now.

She didn’t have much experience with real relationships. She’d only had a couple of serious boyfriends but those relationships hadn’t lasted long. And that’s the way she liked it. No hurt feelings. No drama.

What’s going on here, Emerald? Is it because I’m white? I’m good enough to fuck but not actually be with?

No! She yelled. Why would you say something like that?

Then what is it? He demanded. It doesn’t make sense.

I just like being single. She stood up and walked away from the table. She went to her duffle bag and began to dig out some clothes. The sooner she left, the better.

I can’t believe you’re doing this, He muttered from behind her.

She didn’t answer. She took out a pair of jeans then looked for her panties. He remained quiet and she did her best to pretend he wasn’t there. The shrill ringing of her cell phone broke the silence.

She walked over to her phone and picked it up.

You bitch. You can’t hide.

She sighed and turned off the phone. She wasn’t in the mood for his stupid pranks. Her ex-boss, Evan Marley, had been sending her hate mail and evil text messages for months. It had been annoying to say the least but she’d kind of gotten used to them.

I’m going to go take a shower, She told Lincoln on her way to the bathroom. Please let yourself out whenever you’re done with breakfast.

Emerald, wait-

She slammed the bathroom door, making sure she locked it. She expected him to come knocking on the door but as she turned on the powerful spray of the shower no knock came. She dropped the robe, stepped into the shower then leaned against the wall of the stall with closed eyes.

She’d made plenty of stupid mistakes in her life -and she would probably make plenty more- but sleeping with Lincoln was probably the dumbest thing she’d ever done. For the rest of their lives, or at least the immediate future, every party or get-together would be very awkward. Robyn and Devin were their best friends. She’d screwed up in a major way.

Dammit! She muttered to herself before hurrying up with her shower.

So. You and Linc, huh? Grace asked.

We just had some fun together, that’s all. Emerald dropped her duffel bag and garment bag onto her couch. Her little studio apartment was a complete mess. The last week before the wedding had been chaotic for them all.

So what happened to you? Emerald asked Grace. Grace had insisted they had to talk so she’d followed Emerald home. You seemed kind of frazzled this morning.

In all the years that they’d known each other, they’d never really been friends, just shared a mutual best friend: Robyn. But being bridesmaids together had made them very close and when Grace wasn’t away on assignment, she spent a lot of time with Emerald.

Frazzled is putting it mildly. Grace dropped onto the couch and threw her arm over her eyes. I slept with Ryan!

What? Emerald exclaimed. Evidently she hadn’t been the only one to go stupid the night before.

I know! Grace wailed.

It’s okay, Emerald said, patting Grace’s leg.

No, it’s not. He probably thinks I’m some ho, Grace went on.

He wouldn’t think that. He wouldn’t judge you like that.

How do you know? We haven’t even seen him since high school. He probably thinks I’m a skank.

Grace, calm down. Emerald couldn’t help but laugh. He knows you’re not a skank.

It’s not funny, Emmy!

It kind of is. Emerald laughed again. What are the odds that you and I would both have one night stands on the same exact night? Which happens to be our best friends’ wedding night?

Grace uncovered her face and sat up.

Lighten up. It’s going to be fine.

"Emerald, I don’t do stuff like this. I’ve only been with two people in my whole life. And they were very serious boyfriends."

Two people? Emerald did her best to hide her surprise. She’d teased Robyn for only being with four people. Now she’d met someone who was even more vanilla than Robyn.

Yes! Grace snapped.

Well, now it’s three. Emerald bit her lips, pressing them together so she wouldn’t laugh again. But her body shook slightly with laughter anyway.

At least you and Linc have known each other for years.

And you and Ryan have known each other for years too. Emerald pointed out.

It’s not the same, Grace said in exasperation. Robyn and I were friends with Ryan in high school. I don’t even have him as a friend on Facebook!

Emerald vaguely remembered Ryan Flores from high school. He’d been chubby back then but really sweet. Grace and Robyn had been close friends with him. Like them, he was biracial, and had his share of bullies. Except for Robyn, Emerald had pretty much kept to herself, so she hadn’t gotten to know him very well.

His family owned the hotel that all the wedding guests had stayed in. Grace had nearly fallen out of her chair when she’d seen him during the rehearsal dinner. She’d tried to point him out to Emerald but he’d already disappeared when Emerald had turned to look.

Stop panicking, Emerald said once she got control of herself. You’re twenty-five years old. It’s not like your parents are going to ground you.

Grace was pouting and tapping her foot on the floor repeatedly. She was clearly agitated.

If it bothers you that much, just make sure you don’t ever do it again. That was advice that she, herself, needed to follow.

Believe me, I won’t.

I can’t believe you’ve only been with three guys, Emerald said, staring at Grace with new eyes. You’ve been to London, Paris, Amsterdam… I always thought you were hooking up with hot foreign guys.

Grace, a freelance photographer, often left the state but sometimes went out of the country as well.

No. Grace shook her head. "You know how old-fashioned my parents are. I didn’t even lose my virginity until the summer after graduation."

No one will judge you. But let’s keep all of this to ourselves. Let’s call it wedding madness.

It must have been! Grace said enthusiastically.

I think it was, Emerald said, looking to get rid of some of the blame for her own indiscretions.

The wedding had been so beautiful and romantic. Lincoln had been so attentive, staying by her side for most of the day. They weren’t each other’s dates but he sure had acted like it. She’d chosen to go solo but he’d had a date who had cancelled at the last minute.

With all the crystal chandeliers, flickering candles, slow music and flowing champagne, the atmosphere had become magical and she’d fallen under some crazy spell. By the end of the night it had been she who invited Lincoln back to her room. He hadn’t hesitated to take her up on the offer and she hadn’t questioned why she’d invited him in the first place.

After Grace had gone home, calmer but sullen, Emerald kept busy by cleaning her messy apartment. She would love to call Robyn and talk about the night she’d spent with Lincoln. But Robyn was on her honeymoon and wouldn’t be back for about a week. And Devin had made everyone promise not to call unless it was an emergency.

He’d had to talk Robyn into leaving for so long. She was very attached to Olivia, their baby, who would be five months old in just a few days.

Emerald smiled when she thought of her sweet goddaughter. She’d never seen such a sweet, cute baby. Christmas was about two weeks away and Emerald had already gotten Olivia a ton of presents.

After she picked up all the clothes that were tossed around the small living room, she went about cleaning her bedroom area, which was cordoned off, surrounded by curtains. Her stomach growled and she realized she hadn’t eaten much breakfast, had totally skipped lunch, and was now due for some dinner.

She turned her cell phone on so that she could order a pizza. It had been off all day, since the idiotic message that Marley had sent her. It immediately rang and buzzed with several messages. She had a voicemail from Robyn and quickly tried to call Robyn back but the call went straight to voicemail. There was a text message from her father, just saying hi, and a couple of insulting messages from Marley.

She saved all of his messages. She wanted proof just in case she ever decided to go to the police. She didn’t understand why he insisted on harassing her. Yes, she’d refused his sexual advances and even kneed him in the groin during their last confrontation. But he was the one that had fired her. And she hadn’t done anything other than say thank you before departing the gym where she’d worked. That had been almost a year ago.

A few weeks after the New Year, the messages had begun. In the beginning, she’d just deleted them without reading them. But since she’d begun to get messages more often, she’d been saving them.

There were no messages from Lincoln and she felt disappointed, which in turn made her feel stupid. She was the one who had walked away from whatever kind of relationship he’d been offering. She didn’t have a right to feel let down that he was giving her exactly what she’d requested.

After ordering the pizza, she went back to cleaning. She swept the small studio and was just about to mop when there was a knock on her door. It was the delivery guy. After paying him, she planted herself on the couch in front of the TV with the pizza. She normally liked to be alone. But for some reason, that had changed. She now felt so lonely.

She didn’t know if it was all the time she’d spent with the Phillips family or all the attention that Lincoln had been giving her. In these last few months, with all the wedding prep, she hadn’t had much time alone at home. At one point she’d actually missed being home. Now she wished she had some place to go.

She thought of going to see her father but she’d just have to pretend she was fine for his sake and for the sake of his wife. Her father didn’t do well with emotions, no matter how insignificant they were. At least at home, she could pout in the open.

With a sigh she turned up the volume on the TV and leaned back with a slice of pizza.

*

Emerald Felton. The woman he’d wanted from the moment they met. The woman he’d been after for years. To finally touch her the way he’d always imagined, to have her melt against him, had been better than he’d ever dreamed. And now she wanted nothing to do with him.

He’d let her walk away. Rather, she’d run to the hotel bathroom to get away from him and he hadn’t tried to stop her. He’d considered following her. But he’d seen by the stubborn slant of her jaw that there was no point in trying to reason with her. He’d gotten dressed in his wrinkled tux and hurried to his room.

Now, sitting alone in his bland apartment, he tried to come up with a plan. He knew it was going to take time. But everything worth having was worth the time it took to get it.

They’d met at Grace’s and Robyn’s high school graduation party at the Jamison’s house. Emerald had been a part of their graduating class but from the way she’d tried to blend into the background, he wouldn’t have known it if Grace hadn’t told him. He still remembered the moment they’d been introduced.

She had skin the color of milk chocolate and almond shaped eyes. With her curves and seductive smile, she was beautiful. Having never been with an African American woman before, he’d been stunned by his reaction to her.

He’d tried to get her number but she’d just laughed him off before wandering away. That had been seven years ago. In all the years that had passed since then, she never took him seriously. He’d