Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,45
in front of them and held something out in his hand. It was a wrist corsage with tiny roses the color of ballerina shoes. “My lady. Our chariot awaits for our big date.”
“But I thought Uncle Carter was taking me.”
His face pulled into mock sadness. “Uncle Carter got sick with a bad cold and had to stay in bed. But I jumped at the chance to be your escort for your first ball. Is that acceptable for you, my lady?”
A torrent of giggles escaped. “Yes! I’m sad Uncle Carter is sick, but I’m glad you’re here! And look what I’m wearing!”
He put a hand to his heart. “You look so beautiful—just like a real princess. I can’t wait to dance with you and step on your feet.”
More giggles. “Mama said you’re supposed to try not to step on feet when you dance, plus you’d hurt. You’re too big.”
“Oh, then you can step on my feet. Are we ready?”
“Yes, I just need my coat!” Zoe flew by Bella to grab it.
A mess of emotions twisted inside her. He leaned in, and she caught the smooth sweep of his jawline. She tried not to gulp in a big sniff from the delicious scent of his cologne. “I’m sorry, Bella. Carter called me and asked if I could fill in. I hope that’s okay? He texted you, right?”
She shook her head. “No, I was just surprised. Didn’t you have plans tonight?”
His smile was both masculine and sweet. “Nothing I couldn’t break. I’m glad he asked me. Are you coming with us?”
“I’m on the refreshment committee, so I’ll meet you there shortly—have to pick up the cupcakes.”
Zoe hurried out the door. “Bye, Mama.”
“Bye, honey. See you guys later. Have fun.”
He reached out and grasped Zoe’s hand. The two of them began chatting as he led her down the steps and into the back of his car, where he helped clip her into the booster seat he always kept available for her. Then, with an almost awkward wave, he got in the car and drove away.
Bella leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.
Damn. Why was this happening to her? She’d been thinking about him nonstop since that kiss. She was doing her best to sort through her feelings with a rational analysis and be able to talk frankly about what she wanted.
The problem?
She still didn’t know. There were so many reasons to let him down gently and explain why a relationship would never work. It would be best to keep a solid work partnership paired with a newly burgeoning friendship and not cross the line where things could get . . . messy.
But now he was with Zoe at her first dance.
He’d shown up, with his usual enthusiasm, and he wasn’t even family.
Yeah. Things were already getting complicated.
She grabbed her coat and headed out the door. For now, she needed to concentrate on the night ahead. It didn’t take her long to grab the cupcakes from Pretty Tasty Cupcake Boutique—all nut-free and delicious—and head to the school. The brick building was decorated with endless red hearts and Cupids, and she made her way into the cafeteria, which had been transformed for the dance.
The decor was simple but effective: Lots of red and pink balloons, with brightly colored tablecloths and disco lights flashing on the makeshift dance floor. Tables crammed with festive desserts and a giant punch bowl. Bella greeted a few of the moms she knew and began setting out the pink frosted cupcakes with sparkles. “If I see another heart or Cupid, I’m gonna vomit,” said a feminine voice behind her.
Bella laughed and turned, giving her friend a hug. “Agreed. Think they’d notice if we grab some punch and spike it?”
Daisy held up a bronze thermos and put her finger to her lips. “Brought my own. Rosé all day, baby.”
“You are so bad. That’s why I love you.”
Daisy Draper was a single mom to Zoe’s best friend, Meg. She’d lost her husband in Afghanistan to a roadside bomb when Meg was just two years old. With their shared experiences in grief, they’d gotten close and had become each other’s backups when needed. Daisy’s work as an online journalist allowed her the flexibility to raise her daughter since she worked mostly from home, but Bella had watched Meg many times during Daisy’s research trips or late-night meetings.
Their friendship had continued to grow over years of playdates, school parties, holiday shows, and the famous PTO meetings. Bella had spent many an evening on her friend’s