Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,44
back Stacia.”
Within the hour, they had a contact and had prepared the groundwork. By the time Bella was ready to pick up Zoe, they’d secured a plan to book half a dozen Victoria crowned pigeons for a total of eight hours. They’d be delivered and secured, and Bella was already working on getting some large gilded cages to hold them. At the end of the reception, the zoo handler would take them back.
Victory crashed through him, spiking an adrenaline rush. Bella laughed in delight, and they high-fived, basking in the glow of rising to the challenge to deliver Adele the perfect wedding.
He opened the door. “Supposedly, the birds make this amazing sound, too. The guests will love this type of touch.”
“Much better than a parrot yelling ‘Polly wants a cracker,’” she said. “I better get Zoe. Great job.”
She shifted her feet, as if wanting to say something else but suddenly shy. He took the plunge and spoke. “Do you think we can talk later? Or tomorrow? I’d like to spend a bit of time together.”
He held his breath until she slowly nodded. “Yeah. I think that’s a good idea.”
“Why don’t you see what works and text me? I can come over after Zoe goes to bed or meet you in the morning for coffee? Anything you want.”
“I have an early-morning appointment, and Zoe has the dance tomorrow night, so I’m not sure.”
“I can wait.”
“I’ll text.” Her smile was sudden and sweet and full of something he’d never seen before—anticipation. “Bye.”
She left and he watched her disappear around the corner, like the poor damn chump he knew he was. But God, he didn’t care. For the first time, he had hope, and that was just about everything.
The next day was full of appointments and a bridal-shower luncheon that had taken all his energy. Bella had also been busy, so he figured maybe they’d be able to talk over the weekend. Right now, the only thing he could focus on was collapsing on the couch, opening a beer, and getting ahead of some work.
Yeah, the beach bachelor’s life was real glamorous.
He’d just changed into sweats and an ancient T-shirt when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw Carter’s name. “What’s up?”
“I’m sick.”
A litany of coughing came over the line. He frowned at the phone. “Man, do you need a doctor or meds? You sound awful.”
“Yeah, I feel awful. Came on late yesterday and been going downhill. You gotta do me a huge favor.”
“What do you need?”
“Tonight’s Zoe’s dance. I’m supposed to pick her up at seven p.m. to take her to the school. You have to go in my place.”
He stared at the phone in shock. “Wait, you want me to go? Did you call Bella and tell her about the change in plans?”
“No time. I waited to the last minute to see if I could get out of bed, but I can’t. Avery has the Myers wedding tonight.”
That’s right, and Pierce was with her, so he wouldn’t be able to fill in for Carter. He glanced at the time. “That’s half an hour away! I’m in sweats.”
“So change. I’ll text Bella—just get your ass over there and save mine.”
Gabe held back a groan since he didn’t want to waste any more time. “Fine. Get better.”
He clicked off and headed upstairs. He needed to focus. It was important to Zoe to have someone she cared about by her side at her first real dance.
He intended to bring it.
“Mama, where’s Uncle Carter?”
She checked the time. “He should be here any minute, sweetie. You look beautiful.”
Her daughter beamed with pride and twirled again, showing off the cute sweater dress Gabe had given her. She’d matched it with the fake UGG boots with pink fur and loaded up her arms with pink sparkly bangles. Bella had braided her hair and interspersed a pink ribbon with a tiny fringe at the end. She looked fashionable and adorable, and her mother’s heart swelled and wept, realizing this was one of so many moments she wouldn’t have a father to share with.
But Bella was here. And Carter was family. It would all be okay.
The bell rang.
Zoe squealed and opened the door.
“Gabe? What are you doing here?”
Bella stared in shock at the gorgeous man framed in her doorway. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, with a light-pink shirt and bold pink tie. His dark hair was slicked back, emphasizing his high brows, cut cheekbones, and chiseled jaw. Those dark eyes sparkled as he bowed