Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,21
or a supportive-enough sister, or the type of mother Zoe deserved.
Right now, she felt seen, without the surface gloss. By Gabe.
A tiny shiver crawled down her spine. She took another healthy sip and tried to regain control. “I appreciate you checking in with me. I already confirmed with Carter and Daisy they could help me out when we’re in Manhattan. I also talked to Zoe to get her approval. It may seem silly to you—”
“It’s not silly, Bella.” His forceful tone resonated with a deep passion that made her tummy dip. Those dark brows lowered in a frown, and that one errant curl fell messily over his forehead. “She’s the most important person in your life—as she should be. Why would I ever question that?”
A sigh escaped her. How could a man have the looks of an Adonis and such heart? No wonder he was able to charm anyone in his path. She had to be extra careful not to slip under his spell. “Because there’s a lot of money at stake for Sunshine Bridal. Plus, this could be an amazing opportunity for your résumé and put you at the next level for your career. Unless we fail.”
“We won’t fail. But it’s only worth it if we both want it.” The word want fell from his lips and ricocheted like a gunshot.
She pushed away the wineglass. Maybe all her future interactions with him needed to be in complete sobriety.
She thought about his statement and the implications. This wedding would test all her skills and stretch her comfort zone. Yes, she wanted to do it for her sisters, and the finances, and even Gabe, but for the first time, she realized how badly she wanted to succeed for herself. Because deep inside, she was still unsure of herself. Wasn’t it time she took a career risk and proved she was worthy of being an owner of Sunshine Bridal?
She spoke firmly. “I’m completely committed to this wedding. Zoe was excited about the Dr. Seuss theme and promised to help.”
“Good. We’d all make a hell of a team.”
Their gazes met and locked. In those inky eyes, something bigger loomed, something that made her insides a bit shaky.
She slid off the stool and turned away, placing her glass in the sink. “When do you want to meet to go over the initial plans?”
“How about Wednesday at ten? Your schedule was free. Does that work?”
“Yes.”
He took one last sip and stood. “I better let you get some sleep. See you tomorrow.”
She watched him put his glass in the sink next to hers, then shrug on his coat, the fabric pulling taut to stretch over his broad shoulders. He headed toward the door.
“Gabe?”
“Yeah?”
She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Thanks for the dress. You didn’t have to do that.”
He gave her a long, lingering look. “I know. I’m just happy you let me.”
He left.
She thought about his words for a long time before she headed to bed.
“Three o’clock. You’re being seriously checked out.”
Gabe turned his head just enough to follow the direction of Carter’s voice. Sure enough, there was an extremely attractive brunette stirring the straw in her drink, her gaze boldly meeting his. “She looks familiar.”
“I think it’s Vera’s granddaughter. She’s here for a visit, so you probably saw her around town.” Vera was the owner of the famous bridal dress shop in the Cape.
He broke the gaze, checking to see if anything stirred beneath the belt. Nothing. “I don’t need to be fooling around with anyone related to Vera. She’ll kill me.”
Pierce, the third of his guy crew, shook his head. “She was a prima ballerina in France and openly talks about her famous affairs. She’s probably had more sex this past month than you have in the past year.”
Gabe turned back to the bar and snorted. “Did you have to give me that visual? She’s like in her seventies. Don’t need that in my head.”
“Sorry. I’m just saying she’d probably be open to her granddaughter living her life—she’s not overprotective.”
Carter leaned his elbows on the table and took a long swig of beer. “She’s pretty. Go talk to her.”
Gabe let out a half laugh. “Why are you two suddenly pimping me out?”
Pierce and Carter shared a look. Pierce was the one to speak. “’Cause you’ve been in a mood lately. Ever since you worked that wedding with Bella.”
He jerked back in surprise. He should’ve figured his friends would notice. His emotions had been up and down like a jackhammer. She’d seemed