Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,56
tried to deny the praise, but Stephanie suddenly walked over and hugged her tight. “Thank you for helping me plan the perfect wedding,” she said.
“Oh my goodness, you’re going to make me cry,” Bella said after stepping out of the embrace. “Remember, it’s my job. I’m just happy you make it so easy and joyful.”
Vera clapped her hands brusquely. “We’ve found the dress, ladies. Now, let’s talk veils and accessories.”
Bella left Vera’s Bridal later, finished up her second appointment with the New York photographer for Adele’s wedding, then headed back to the office for some conference calls and paperwork. She tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, thinking about the past week. Gabe had made it easy to slide back into their old routine. He’d erected his own walls, so when they were together, he was pleasant yet guarded. She was grateful, but a strange grief settled over her when they were together now. Everything had changed. He didn’t look at her with the warmth and longing she was used to. His tone held no teasing or intimacy. He treated her exactly how she’d treated him, and she hated it. The growing bond of friendship and the promise of more was finally gone.
At her request.
She reminded herself she had a daughter to protect, and she wasn’t in a place in her life to welcome dating games. Besides, there was no way he’d want to settle long term in Cape May as a wedding planner for someone else’s family business. Eventually, he’d leave, and it was better to cut off any growing emotions now rather than later. Much better to protect her heart and daughter before she became more involved.
She’d done the right thing. The only thing.
The afternoon was still misty and cold. The ocean roared as she drove up Beach Avenue and slowed at the red light, pumping the brakes gently in case of ice. She listened to Taylor Swift on XM to rev up some energy, thinking about the locked drawer she’d finally open tonight, after Zoe fell asleep, alone in her bed. For a little time, she’d allow herself to steep in the memories and his image, and when midnight struck, it’d be over for another year.
The deafening crash seemed to hit her ears before the momentum threw her body forward. Her forehead jerked against the steering wheel, while her spine folded like a rag doll. Her car skidded a few inches, past the white line that guided the crosswalk, and then there was a strange silence.
Her ears roared. She sat there for a moment, blinking, trying to focus on her surroundings, then began to climb out of the car on shaky legs.
She stared at the crumpled bumper as the cold wind hit her face. She rubbed her forehead, which had banged the steering wheel, then touched her neck to see if it was sore. A woman jumped out of the car behind her, fingers mashed to her mouth, saying something over and over that sounded like “Are you hurt?” and “I’m sorry,” but it was like she was underwater; the words had a low droning noise to them.
It struck her that she’d had an accident six years after Matt had died, on the same exact day. If it had been serious, she could have been rushed to the hospital and died, just like her husband. She could have left Zoe all alone, reneging on the promise to never leave that she’d made while Bella cried herself to sleep so many nights after the accident.
Bella blinked, noting she was detaching herself and knowing she wasn’t as strong as she’d hoped for. Her name blew in the wind, and she turned slowly to see Gabe rushing toward her, panic in his eyes, getting closer and closer. Something inside her unfurled, relaxed, and for a few precious moments, she didn’t feel bad anymore—she only felt safe with him by her side and able to finally let go.
So she did.
Chapter Twelve
“No hospital,” she said for the third time. “I’m fine. There’s hardly any damage, I barely hit my head, and it was just the shock that took me out. I’m embarrassed enough.”
Gabe cursed. “What if you have a concussion? Whiplash? You passed out, Bella! Now is not the time to be stubborn.”
She waved a hand in the air for dismissal. “For a few seconds. My neck doesn’t even feel sore. Honestly, it was a bump, and if you hadn’t been there, we probably wouldn’t have even called the police.”