Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,63

Marlaine had him in her sights, of course. The poor guy never gets left alone. She tried to come up with this phony excuse of a wedding to see him, but she just wanted a fun time while she was on vacation.”

Bella looked up, surprised. “So they never dated?”

Carter shook his head. “Nah, Gabe is looking for a relationship, not a weekend fling. Unfortunately, every woman he tries to date seems to think he’s the Cape’s mascot for fun. The poor guy got so frustrated, he stopped dating. He hasn’t hooked up with anyone in months.” A frown creased his brow. “I figured you’d know that, Bella. Thought you were spending more time with him planning this wedding.”

Bella jerked back at her future brother-in-law’s judging stare. “Um, we never really talked about his personal life. I just heard he’s with a different woman every weekend.”

Carter snorted. “They must be imaginary. Gabe, unfortunately, is part monk. Pierce and I are pushing him to get on a dating app that’s geared toward relationships.” His gaze narrowed. “Why would you believe small-town gossip anyway? That’s not like you. Have you ever asked him?”

Her cheeks burned. She grabbed the potato scrubber and began cleaning. “No. We focus on work.”

The arch of his brow said he didn’t believe her.

Avery leaned over with curiosity. “You never told me what you guys were fighting about that time you needed to leave the meeting. What happened?”

“Just a miscommunication regarding the wedding.”

When no one responded, she risked a glance up. They were both staring at her as if they knew there was another story brewing beneath the surface.

Carter gave a chuckle. “Well, damn, there is someone else who can’t lie for shit.”

She gasped. “I’m not lying.”

“You’re not giving us the whole truth, either. Let me just tell you one thing about Gabe. He puts on a good front and pretends nothing bothers him. But he’s got a big heart, and he’s looking for the right woman he can trust with it.”

Shock kept her still. Her future brother-in-law stared at her with an intensity that was rarely directed her way. It seemed as if Gabe had inspired a protective streak in Carter that only made her respect for him level up a notch. His not-so-subtle message was clear.

She’d been making some wrong assumptions. And he knew more about them than she thought.

“He’s a good man,” Avery said quietly. “And he deserves the best. I just wish we could hook him up with someone who wants to get serious.”

“Someone who’ll give him a fair chance,” Carter added. “Pierce and I are working on it.”

She had no time to answer. Taylor and Pierce returned, and Zoe came rushing up for a hug. They fell into a mishmash of chatter as everyone helped with dinner, but the entire time, there seemed to be a space in the room asking to be filled, something missing.

Or someone.

Normally, she would think of Matt, keeping the sorrow buried until she was able to go to her room alone and grieve. But tonight, it was different.

Talking to Gabe about what had happened had leached some of the poison. She reveled in her family’s warmth and care as they fussed over her, and she saw in both her sisters’ eyes how they were thinking about Matt. But for the first time, he wasn’t dominating her thoughts and emotions like so many other years.

For once, the only man she was thinking about was Gabe.

Chapter Thirteen

Gabe looked across the table at the woman seated before him. He was having a good time. He’d always enjoyed Devon’s company—they had an easy camaraderie and attraction that was never complicated. It had only grown difficult when he’d decided he wanted more from their relationship, and she had reminded him of their agreement not to get serious. Tonight, though, new beginnings seemed to be in the air, and he was going to be open to each one.

He’d taken her to Iron Pier Craft House, a casual favorite. The place was known for its specialty crafted cocktails during happy hour, sushi, and tapas. The high-topped dining tables looked out over a ceiling-to-floor window with ocean views. It was a perfect place for a first date with an ex. It was busy but not crowded, the line for takeout always long.

They ordered some martinis and started out with some burger bites and spicy shrimp. “Are you still happy running your floral shop?” he asked curiously. “You used to talk about expansion. Maybe working on an island, doing