Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,47
She’s still selling tickets for her Brownies club, and I’m tired of getting pitched constantly.”
Bella marched over to the other table, where Amy and a bunch of PTO moms had gathered to chat and comment on the dance. Most of the males congregated on the other side of the room, while the moms manned the various snack and raffle tables. The girls giggled and drifted from the dance floor to their dates before settling back into their own tight-knit circle of friends.
She smiled, recognizing the old-fashioned separation of males and females even today. Still, she thought the dance was good for the girls. Her father had always been an important influence in her life, and she wanted Zoe to both respect and love the men in hers. It was also good for the men to experience a school event and see the children in their element.
Bella bought another ticket from Amy for the Brownies, cursing Daisy under her breath, then focused on the new topic of conversation burning past her ears.
“I think he’s with Zoe.”
She turned at the sound of her daughter’s name to see Lacey standing next to Amy—two moms who were a bit too enthusiastic over the PTO for Bella’s taste. They also adored gossip and liked to dissect who was dating whom.
Lacey’s dark eyes narrowed with greedy intent. “We’re talking about Gabe. No one knew he’d be here tonight. He came with you?”
Bella stiffened but kept her voice calm. “He had to replace Carter since he got sick. Why?”
Lacey and Amy shared a smug look. “Nothing,” Lacey said with a slight shrug. “It’s just that I haven’t seen him in a while. Vera’s granddaughter, Marlaine, is in town for a few weeks and spotted him at Carney’s. Seems she’s found her boy toy for her vacation.”
Amy giggled, her gaze voraciously roving over the man across the room. “Lucky girl. You know, he’s known to pull all-nighters—and I’m not talking about work.”
Nausea lurched in her belly. Her skin grew hot and clammy, but she forced herself to remain casual. “He hooked up with Marlaine? When?”
“This past week. They’re going out again soon. How did the three of you manage to resist the temptation, Bella? Or did you?” Lacey asked with a lascivious gleam in her eye.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we all assumed he was sleeping with Avery. Is that why you and Taylor kept your distance? Or is he fair game now that she’s marrying Carter?”
Horror washed over her. Talking about Gabe like he was a piece of meat being passed around made her ill. “Avery never slept with Gabe,” she said stiffly. “I think you’re being unfair to him. In fact, I don’t think he’s had a date in a while.” She added that last comment in the hopes of shutting down the whole conversation.
Amy and Lacey laughed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, but really, Bella, are you serious? He’s banged every woman in the Cape, and he’s working his way into Atlantic City now. Can you blame him? He’s gorgeous, single, charming, and has money. Maybe he keeps his personal life to himself since you work together?”
Amy nodded. “That would make sense. I’m sure the three of you don’t need to hear about his conquests at your regular conference meetings, right?”
Her thoughts whirled in her head, their comments painting a bold picture of Gabe she didn’t want to think about it. She watched him lead Zoe into a few spins and pretend to fall over. A few of Zoe’s friends surrounded him, giggling hysterically.
Lacey sighed. “My goodness, look at him. He can even charm them young. He’s so sweet with Zoe. If he wasn’t such a player, I’d be desperate to go after him myself, but Lord knows I need a responsible man in my life. I’ve had enough of cheaters.” Her words took on a hard edge. Her last husband had left her for an affair with a woman years younger, and it still seemed to burn.
“Agreed. At least Marlaine will have fun,” Amy said. “And it’s nice to know if there’s an itch to be scratched, he’s a guarantee.”
The floor seemed to tilt underneath her. Desperate to get away, she gave a fake smile. “Better get back to Daisy. I see a line by the cupcakes.”
With every step back to the table, she cursed herself for the endless doubts. Was Gabe trying to play her, too? She’d always known about his reputation, but knowing he’d set up an actual date with