Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,22
so casual about Jing and his imagined “little black book” that was stuffed to capacity. She probably believed in his damn reputation as a player.
Ever since that stupid beach-bachelor tag, the town had cast him in the role of wicked seducer. He hated how so much seemed to revolve around his looks. Hated being flirted with and treated like he had no brains in his head. Hated the giggles and whispers when he walked into a bar, and the constant stream of women who approached him for some fun, rarely looking for more. It was a catch-22—women automatically thought he wasn’t interested in a relationship, so he attracted the ones who only sought a one-night stand.
His reputation in Cape May was overrated and false, but it didn’t stop the rumors from spreading. Last week, he’d heard he was part of a shocking threesome with a couple from out of town, when in reality, he’d spent his weeknights watching HGTV and working on weddings. For a long time, he’d laughed off the rumors, finding amusement in the gossip, but lately he was only feeling defeated.
Did any of it matter, though? Bella didn’t seem to care. He was grounded in the work zone. Maybe he had a chance at a promotion to the friend zone, but he wasn’t getting to the next level with her.
Except that one moment in her kitchen last night. When he’d talked about Zoe and how he admired her as a mom, she’d finally seemed completely connected to him. Her focus and attention made his head buzz like he’d guzzled a bottle of champagne, all fuzzy and bubbly with pleasure. If only she had a clue about the power she held. How he ached to feel her hands on his cheek, to smooth back her hair, to hold her in his arms and give her the comfort he knew she sometimes needed but pushed away. He wanted to be that man for her.
But she wouldn’t let him.
“Sorry,” he grumbled. “I’ll just drink my beer, and we’ll talk about sports and keep things simple.”
Carter let out a curse. “Stop being so damn dramatic. Have you told her how you feel yet?”
“Are you crazy? I can’t suddenly announce I’ve been crushing on her for years and ask her to try out a relationship.”
“Sure you can,” Carter said.
Pierce made a rude noise. “Nah, Gabe’s right. Can’t just announce how you feel all the time. It worked for you with Avery, but Bella may freak. She’s been guarded since Matt died and has a kid to protect. She probably thinks Gabe is all wrong for her.”
“Prove you’re not, then,” Carter said simply. “I’ve seen you with Zoe. You’d be an amazing father. Is she afraid you won’t want a serious relationship?”
“Probably. Damn Beach Bachelor thing is killing me. I deliberately stayed away from dating to show her I’m not a player, but it doesn’t matter. She thought I picked up someone at the Royal wedding, but I was just being polite. The gossip is ridiculous. I think everyone likes the idea of me wreaking havoc on the hearts of the innocent here.”
The guys burst out laughing.
“Damn, that was good,” Pierce said, patting him on the back. “Very descriptive.”
A reluctant grin curved his lips. “Screw you. Both of you are useless.”
“I still think you may need to be clear with your intentions,” Carter said. “Tell her how you really feel. Get a ‘Yes, I’m into you, too, and want to give it a try,’ or a ‘No, go away or I’ll scream harassment.’ You can’t keep going on like this, dude.”
“And if she says no, she’s not interested?” he asked.
Pierce drummed his fingers on the bar. “It’ll suck, but you’re wasting too much time going back and forth with her. Maybe Carter’s right. Get a yes-or-no answer, and work from there. If she says no, you start dating other people.”
Carter nodded. “Good plan. Just swipe left, buddy. Or is it right?”
He groaned. “If I do this, I need to find the perfect time. I just can’t declare my feelings across the conference-room table.”
“You’ll find it. After all, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Cupid may help,” Pierce said.
“I hate V Day,” he grumbled.
“So does every other man in America,” Carter agreed. “But if it makes Avery happy, I’m in.”
“Spoken like a true poet,” Pierce teased. “Actually, Taylor despises V Day. Says it’s a holiday constructed for commercialism and to make females feel bad about themselves if they don’t have someone in their life.”