Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,11
so pushy tonight and not respecting her need to keep things professional?
Tension pumped the air between them with something more—something that she didn’t understand and didn’t want to. Her skin prickled in awareness, and his spicy male scent rose to her nostrils. She raised her chin and glared back, annoyed at him for his strange words and intense stare and for challenging the damn status quo that worked so well between them.
“Do you really want to know?” he finally asked.
Her heart banged against her chest. Her mind screamed Code Red. The question held too many unknown factors she didn’t want to analyze. She knew he got frustrated with her refusal to lower her guard, but she needed to protect her family. God knew she seemed to be the only one whose brain didn’t fall to mush in his presence, or believe he walked on water.
It was her fault for agreeing to stay and share a beer with him. She should’ve known it’d send the wrong message and confuse their professional relationship.
Tomorrow, in the bright light of morning, he’d be glad of her dismissal. He had enough women to pick from who eagerly did his bidding. He certainly didn’t need her.
“No,” she said. “I don’t.”
He flinched, but recovered nicely. Slowly, he raised his beer in a mocking type of toast. “Then that’s the only answer I need.” He took a sip. “We better get back.”
She jumped up. “Yes. Let’s go.”
They worked together to close the wedding, then went their separate ways. And Bella refused to think of the strange encounter between them or the question that reminded her of Pandora’s box.
Better to keep it closed.
Chapter Four
She hadn’t wanted to know.
The sting of Bella’s rejection last night still throbbed like an open wound, but Gabe had no time to steep himself in regret.
He fell automatically into his role as host, working his side of the room in perfect complement to Bella. The postwedding champagne brunch was held at the Mad Batter, where the specialty omelets were perfection. Glittery icicles edged the enclosed porch with strings of white lights, fake snow, and pine-scented candles. Heaters kept the guests warm and merry. Eloise had arrived in a horse-driven carriage, sporting a luxurious red-velvet coat and matching boots, reminding Gabe of a sexy Mrs. Claus. She was an over-the-top bride but no PITA. Gabe had actually taken to her sense of lavish style and her refusal to care what anyone thought of her obsession with Christmas.
He admired a woman who owned her issues.
On cue, Eloise headed toward him with her arm tucked into that of a cute brunette whom he remembered as her close friend. He tugged on his memory vault for the name as they stopped right in front of him.
“I hope you’re enjoying the brunch,” he said with a warm smile.
The bride grabbed his cheeks and pressed a smacking kiss on his lips. “Gabe, you have been amazing,” she said, pointing up at the mistletoe that hung above them. Usually, he had strict standards for space with clients, but the kiss held no heat, just friendly affection. “The wedding and brunch are perfect. I wanted to introduce you to my friend—”
“Jing,” he finished, reaching out to shake her hand.
The woman’s dark eyes widened, and a pleased smile curved her lips. She was a tiny thing, with towering four-inch heels, her body clad in a little black dress with a festive red scarf. Her long sleek hair fell like a waterfall over her shoulders. “I’m honored you remembered,” she said teasingly. “I just wanted to tell you personally how much I enjoyed the wedding.”
“I’m glad. Bella and I know how important it is to look back at a significant memory and have no regrets.”
Her dark brow arched. “Handsome, and with a heart,” she murmured.
Eloise gave a tinkling laugh and waved her hand in the air. “Why don’t you two get to know each other for a bit and I’ll be back?”
Gabe held back a sigh. Another matchmaking attempt by another bride. He was becoming an expert at deftly avoiding handpicked women for him he’d never see again. Still, he knew it was important to be polite. “Do you live in New York near Eloise?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I’m actually in Philly. I own a restaurant there.”
He cocked his head, impressed. “What’s the name?”
“Fins. It’s mostly seafood, but we play with a lot of vegan recipes. It’s a miracle I got to take a weekend off for the wedding.”