Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,51
happening between us.”
The food came, and they both took a breath to pour their syrup, slather on butter, and dig into the carb-filled delight. “Why?” he demanded, his gaze intent and filled with banked heat. “Because of me? You? Or the attraction between us?”
She stiffened, her heart smashing against her rib cage in an uneven rhythm. She had to shut this door between them now, even though a part of her mourned that fact. Maybe she’d have regrets. But keeping her family safe was critical. They had years ahead of working closely together.
“All of it,” she said simply. “I’ve thought about what you told me, and I will always treasure those feelings. You’re an incredible man, Gabe. Any woman would be lucky to hold your heart. But we have a business partnership I take seriously. I liked getting to know you better working on this wedding together. And I think you were right when you said I was being too distant beforehand. I tend to do that with people who aren’t family, and it’s time I admit you’re an important part of our lives. Since Matt died, it’s hard for me to open up. I seem to believe everyone is going to leave,” she said with a humorless laugh. “Zoe cares about you. So does Avery and Carter and Taylor. But friends are all we can ever be.”
“Why?” he asked softly. “We’re good together. I’m crazy about Zoe and your family. I’m crazy about you—have been for a very long time. And I know you felt something for me when we kissed. I’m asking, why can’t you give us a chance to see if there’s more?”
Her tummy plunged. Primal need twisted inside her, desperate to get out. Oh, how she ached to say yes and follow the possibilities between them. To be able to freely touch him, set her lips over his, be wrapped in his embrace. That kiss would haunt her forever, but she just couldn’t take the risk that he’d hurt her.
Her sigh was full of longing and endless regret. “Because I don’t want to,” she said. He jerked back at the brutality of her words. “We’re on different paths. I’m a single mom, four years older, settled into a family business and small town. You have no responsibilities and no ties. You have so much still ahead of you.”
Anger carved out his features. “You’re assuming you know what I want without asking me. I’m not a child, I’m a man, and capable of making my own decisions on what type of life I want to lead. I crave a settled relationship. Marriage. A family. A home. You’re wrong—we’re on very similar paths.”
The damning words buzzed in her head. If there’s an itch to be scratched, he’s a guarantee.
“Did you go out with Marlaine this week?” she asked.
He stared at her with confusion. “Marlaine? You mean Vera’s granddaughter?”
“Yeah.”
“We had coffee last week. She’s visiting for a few weeks and wanted to chat. I think she’s been bored.”
She took a deep breath. “And are you going out with her again?”
He rubbed his head. “Yes, but not like that. She said her friend is engaged, and she wanted to talk to me about Sunshine Bridal. We’re meeting at the Ugly Mug to discuss a few details—that’s it. I’m not interested in Marlaine. I’m not interested in any other woman but you.”
His words contradicted what Amy and Lacey had said. Yes, it could be gossip, but there was so much smoke, there had to be a flame of truth. His reputation as a womanizer was widely known. And even if he was interested in her for now, when would his attention be snagged by someone prettier, shinier, and younger? She’d be left with a broken heart and something even worse.
A heartbroken daughter.
Never again. She refused to go down that road.
“Gabe, I’m asking you to respect my decision. I don’t want anything between us except work and friendship. I hope that’s okay, because it’s important to all of us that there’s no hard feelings.”
He studied her for a while, then jerked back as if he experienced a realization. “You don’t believe me,” he breathed out. “You think I’m sleeping around. Did you hear gossip at the dance? Is that why you suddenly treated me like crap? Because you heard rumors I was going after Marlaine?”
She didn’t answer—couldn’t.
He muttered a curse under his breath. “Holy crap, this is messed up. Nothing I say is going to convince you, is it? Then again, it’s