Chasing Mr. Wrong

By Joya Ryan

Ryder Diamond-the town's golden boy-doesn't have time for taking chances, let alone love. Against his better judgment, he lets his buddies set him up on a blind date with a girl who's only passing through town. But temporary or not, Whitney James sets fire to desires he can't control.

Before they know it, Ryder and Whitney are in a supply closet, drowning in lust. She's only in town for the summer-what better way to spend it than in the arms of Mr. Perfect? Except, she's wild and free, and he's Mr. Stability. Which means he may as well be Mr. Wrong.

And her new job? It's with Ryder's sister.

Sex and the inability to keep their hands off each other are the only things they have in common. But this little hook-up has "disaster" written all over it...and the only way Ryder can save his reputation is by avoiding the sweet little firecracker who could ruin it all.

Each book in the Chasing Love series is STANDALONE:
* Chasing Trouble
* Chasing Temptation
* Chasing Desire
* Chasing Mr. Wrong

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Sep 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633753914

Joya Ryan

National and international bestselling author Joya Ryan is the author of more than a dozen adult and new-adult romance novels. Passionate about both cooking and dancing (despite not being too skilled at the latter), she loves traveling and seeking out new adventures. Visit her online at www.joyaryan.com.

Book preview

Who needs Mr. Right when you can have the perfect Mr. Wrong?

Ryder Diamond—the town’s golden boy—doesn’t have time for taking chances, let alone love. Against his better judgment, he lets his buddies set him up on a blind date with a girl who’s only passing through town. But temporary or not, Whitney James sets fire to desires he can’t control.

Before they know it, Ryder and Whitney are in a supply closet, drowning in lust. She’s only in town for the summer—what better way to spend it than in the arms of Mr. Perfect? Except, she’s wild and free, and he’s Mr. Stability. Which means he may as well be Mr. Wrong.

And her new job? It’s with Ryder’s sister.

Sex and the inability to keep their hands off each other are the only things they have in common. But this little hook-up has disaster written all over it...and the only way Ryder can save his reputation is by avoiding the sweet little firecracker who could ruin it all.

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

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Discover the Chasing Love series…

Chasing Trouble

Chasing Temptation

Chasing Desire

Rules of Seduction

Tell Me You Need Me

Tell Me You Want Me

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

Chasing Trouble

Consumed by You

His Lover to Protect

Light Her Fire

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 © 2015 by Joya Ryan 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 Stephen Morgan

Cover design by Heather Howland

Cover art from 123RF

ISBN 978-1-63375-391-4

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition September 2015

To Devika,

Thank you for all your support and kindness. Your encouragement and honesty is a gift I cherish. You helped make this book possible.

Thank you, my friend.

Chapter One

Ryder Diamond looked in the mirror and scowled. Why the hell had he agreed to a blind date? Sure, his buddies were all settling down with their true loves. Even his best friend Bass was playing house with Ryder’s little sister—something that still made Ryder’s hand twitch with the need to punch him.

And now I’m letting him set me up on a blind date, Ryder mumbled.

The snap of an opening beer can sounded from behind him, and Ryder turned to find Huck walking into his room. Only it wasn’t a beer he was holding.

What the hell is that? Ryder asked, and motioned to the can in Huck’s hand.

It’s coconut water. Supposed to be really good for you. He took a big swig, and Ryder almost retched. A few months ago, Huck had been double fisting beers and slamming them faster than he could open the next one. But things had changed for his friend—like the love of a good woman.

Speaking of what the hell… Huck said. "What the hell is that?" He eyed Ryder’s shirt.

Ryder looked down the front of himself. It’s a tie.

No, no, no, no. Huck took a swig of canned water and yelled over his shoulder. Bass, get in here. This is bad.

Ryder glared and crossed his arms as Bass walked in and chuckled at Ryder’s appearance.

Are you going to church there, handsome? Bass joked.

What are you two even doing here? Ryder asked, tugging at his tie and taking it off. He tossed it on the floor and unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt.

"Well, I had come to watch the game, Huck said. But apparently you’re putting on a different kind of show. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a single dollar bill. Gonna give us a dance, big boy?"

Fuck off, Ryder said, rolling up the cuffs of his blue dress shirt.

Sorry, can’t do that, either. Huck huffed like a distressed teenager. Autumn is doing her pregnancy workout video and kicked me out. It’s not my fault she looks amazing in those tight pants. When she bends over, I just want to—

I can see why she kicked you out, Ryder said.

Well, I came to make sure you don’t mess this up, Bass said. You’ve been an asshole lately, and you need to get laid, or at the very least get out and socialize.

I’m plenty social, Ryder defended himself.

Of course, by social, he meant that he was in town running errands, or he was working. But he always chatted with people whenever he could. The town was important to him. His family had built it, for Christ’s sake. And Ryder’s father and grandfather had shoes particularly difficult to fill, since their legacies were the beacons of pride around there.

Which was why he tried to present the best side of himself at all times.

He also was running a business that relied on his small town to stay local and use Diamond Construction when they needed something built. It was a delicate balance of good will, good faith, and good manners.

Social? Bass challenged. Is that what you call working eighteen-hour days? I didn’t bring my dictionary with me, but I’m pretty sure those are two very different things.

As if the universe were on cue, his cell phone buzzed with a text. Clara Davenport. She was the only daughter of Milton Davenport who, presently, was sort of Ryder’s boss. The man owned a ton of land in Diamond. Land in need of developing. It was the kind of business relationship that could secure Ryder’s future and the future of his employees.

Take the current development project. Ryder and his team were remodeling the Davenport Hall, which was where the eighteen-hour days were coming in. But this hall could lead to more deals with Davenport. He just needed to see this project through with no distractions, no problems, and things would be fine.

He glanced at his phone and hit ignore. Because the one thing that was not fine was Clara calling and texting looking to discuss ideas on the interior decorating of the Hall only to rope Ryder into a pseudo-date. Not that she’d call it a pseudo-date, but subtlety wasn’t her strong suit. She was arrogant, cold, and laying it on thick, and it was clear she was after Ryder for a lot more than his renovation skills. And he just wasn’t interested.

To be honest, he didn’t have time for dating at all, even if he were interested. But Huck and Bass had been on his ass often enough that agreeing to this one blind date seemed like the easiest way to shut them up.

I agreed to this setup of yours, Ryder said. I didn’t agree to get shit from you about it.

Besides, Bass’s friend was only in town for one night. Just passing through. So no matter how well—or, if Ryder’s track record was any indication, how not well—it went, he’d be back to his normal life tomorrow.

Still, he felt compelled to say, I don’t need help getting dates.

Oh, I’m aware, Bass said with seriousness. But half the single females around here don’t want to date you, they want to marry you.

Huck did some kind of hand waving gesture while singing, If you like it, you should put a ring on it.

When both Bass and Ryder stared at their tattooed, pierced, and generally badass looking friend singing, of all things, a Beyoncé song, Huck stopped and shrugged.

What? Autumn aerobicizes to that song. It’s catchy.

Jesus, Ryder muttered.

Bass gave Huck a look like he understood and smiled.

His friends were happy. Really fucking happy. And Ryder was happy for them. Both had wonderful women in their lives, and Huck was going be a father. Both of them had an ease in every step that made it seem like they were walking on sunshine 24/7.

This is a great opportunity for you, Bass said, returning his attention to Ryder. Everyone around here knows you, your name, and…

Bass trailed off, but Ryder could guess what he was going to say next, because he’d dealt with it for a while now. Everyone, especially women, wanted a piece of Ryder. And not in the cool kind of way. They didn’t want him, they wanted what he could offer—like his name and station in town.

Something he’d learned the hard way when he was young and stupid, and it had almost cost his family everything.

Bass clapped Ryder on the shoulder. Tonight you get to be yourself with a stranger that doesn’t know you’re Mr. Diamond of the founding Diamonds.

You didn’t tell her my name?

Nope. Just told her to be on the lookout for a jackass in a tie.

Funny, Ryder said, really happy he’d ditched the tie now. Bass knew him too well. But the idea his friend had posed was intriguing. For one night, he didn’t have to be Ryder Diamond. And he was meeting his date at the lodge on the edge of town, where almost no locals went.

I’m going to head out, Ryder said.

Both guys looked him up and down as if assessing his outfit.

I dunno… Huck said.

Bass nodded. He needs the tie. Don’t you think?

Definitely. It would really bring the whole outfit together in that classic ‘I have no clue how to dress myself’ kind of way.

Ryder rolled his eyes. What’s her name?

Her stage name is Candy, Bass said.

Stage name? Ryder’s eyes shot wide. Did you set me up with a stripper?

She’s really nice, Bass defended. A bit quirky, but a fun girl.

You’re going to marry my sister, and you know a stripper? Ryder took a step toward his friend, that itch in his hand doubling.

Easy there, Bass said. I represented her when I worked on a case in Wichita a couple of years ago. Okay, that was better. But apparently Bass felt the need to elaborate. Besides, Penny is way sexier than any stripper, and her lap dances are—

My ears are bleeding! Ryder snapped. He didn’t need to hear that shit.

What had Bass been thinking, not telling Ryder these kinds of details about this blind date? He hadn’t even given her actual name. Was Ryder really supposed to call her by her stage name all evening?

He couldn’t. Actually, he shouldn’t go at all.

This was just a bad idea. And bad ideas were what Ryder spent most of his time fighting. He might be responsible, but he had to work at it. Because deep down, Ryder loved a challenge. He also loved his prized control and calm. He had impulses for the wild and crazy as much as the next man, but that was a constant internal battle he fought daily. Logic always won out. It had to.

Huck seemed to recognize the reservation on his face, because he piped up with, You better get going, golden boy. Running late is against your good manners policy.

Huck might be giving him a hard time, but he was still right. Ryder hated being late, so yeah, he hustled.

Remember, this is a casual date, Bass said. Be yourself.

One night to be himself did sound good. But Ryder wasn’t as hopeful as his buddy that this wouldn’t turn in to some kind of disaster. He’d just try to get through what would likely be an awkward meal and be on his way.

I’m assuming I’ll be able to tell what she looks like? Ryder asked.

Yeah, you’ll be able to tell. She’s a brunette stripper. Just look for the hottest girl in the place.

And take some condoms with you! Huck yelled as Ryder grabbed his keys and headed out, hating his friend with a passion at that moment.

Great. Just fucking great.

Whitney took a sip of her pineapple vodka and eyed the pool table. The lodge she was staying at was rustic and quaint. Okay, so it had antlers of all varieties on the wall, and this particular room was covered in floor to ceiling dark wood paneling. The interior decorator was obviously male and some kind of hunting enthusiast. Not her taste, but it was cheap and a place to stay.

The small bar and sitting area around the corner had a few people scattered around, so she came into the horns haven game room to be by herself and try not to think about her life. Or the lack of anyone in it.

On one hand, that was just how she liked it.

On the other hand, what she wouldn’t give for a fantasy man to help scratch that itch. Even if just for tonight.

She walked around the table one more time, eyeing her next shot, pausing only to grab a Sour Patch Kid from her purse and pop it into her mouth. Nothing was better than sweet, sour, and vodka.

Her sister Kacey had hated sour things. She’d also hated mustard and white chocolate. But she’d loved summertime. Loved running straight into the ocean with her arms spread wide. Loved life.

It had been over a year since her big sister had died in a car accident. And the memory still cut straight to her bones when Whitney thought of her. Yet all she did lately was think of her sister and the night she’d lost her. How she was the lucky one

Reviews for Chasing Mr. Wrong

[blsfan68 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great story in the Chasing Love series. This is a well written, fun, sexy story with very likable characters. I loved the sassy, witty banter between Ryder and Whitney. I also enjoyed seeing the couples from the previous books in the series in this one. (Note: This book can be read as a stand alone. However, I highly recommend the Chasing Love series. You will not be disappointed with any of them.)ARC provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[bette_hansen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a quick, fun, sexy read that was awesome! An opposites attract story that had me glued to the pages.

Ryder is Mr. Dependable. Determined to live his life on the straight and narrow after a youthful mistake he doesn't take chances. That is until Whitney James blows into town and the attraction and lust sweeps him away! After the loss of her sister, Whitney is determined to live every day of her life the way her sister would have - full out! Getting involved with Ryder doesn't seem like the smartest thing to do but she's only in town for the summer so what harm could there be! Right???

These two have chemistry right from the start and I loved how well they worked together. If your looking for a great afternoon read I would definitely recommend this one.

[ash_p-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a funny and very sexy book to read. What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into a comedy of errors due to a mistaken identity. He hooks up with Whitney expecting never to see her again. But he can't get her out of his mind. So his surprise is inevitable when he walks into his sister's restaurant and finds her waiting tables.

Ryder's famous control goes to hell whenever Whitney's around. With her her is wild and free and in public he is the embodiment or respect and cool composure. But now he's having a hard time maintaining a balance between the two because if the public sees his true self, he's going to lose more than just his reputation.

Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[ashpreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a funny and very sexy book to read. What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into a comedy of errors due to a mistaken identity. He hooks up with Whitney expecting never to see her again. But he can't get her out of his mind. So his surprise is inevitable when he walks into his sister's restaurant and finds her waiting tables.

Ryder's famous control goes to hell whenever Whitney's around. With her her is wild and free and in public he is the embodiment or respect and cool composure. But now he's having a hard time maintaining a balance between the two because if the public sees his true self, he's going to lose more than just his reputation.

Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.