Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,72
a couch, a desk, and a big-screen television. She clicked on some lights and sat down on the chair. He picked the couch, giving them space between them. He was surprised to even be invited to her room, but he figured she was confident enough that nothing would happen. Depression threatened, but he pushed it away. At least she wanted to stay friends and allow him to be part of her life. He was glad she trusted him enough for that.
He remembered holding her in his arms. The soft sweetness of her body, the silky tangle of her hair, the light floral scent that cloaked her and flooded his senses. Being able to soothe her pain had been a gift. She’d cracked open and let him see the messy, gooey center behind the glossy surface of the woman she showed the world. That was the woman he was half in love with. But it only made things harder, because she was officially off-limits, and he was moving on.
Yet she’d defended him tonight in front of the reporter.
They still hadn’t talked about the incident.
He found the question rising to his lips and spilling forth. “Why did you make a scene with those women at the reception? You know I could have handled it, right?”
Her shoulders stiffened, but she took her time, sipping her drink before lifting her gaze. He fell deep into those powder-blue eyes and had no desire to resurface. “I know. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”
“You didn’t. In fact, I was oddly touched you defended my virtue. I just hope you know I get that a lot with this job, and though it’s uncomfortable, I’ve learned how to deal with it.”
Her chin tilted up, and fire shot from her eyes. “You shouldn’t have to deal with women pawing you or thinking you’re some extra favor for them to play with. Just thinking about what those women said to you gets me so pissed off.”
He jerked back in shock. “Really?”
She gave a feminine growl. “Hell yes. If it was a woman being touched without consent, there’d be a lawsuit. You were on a job. You said no and asked politely for them to back off. The way they were touching you and pretending you were a piece of candy?” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Gabe. I guess I didn’t realize it was so rampant. We need to do something. I wanted to punch that blonde in her face.”
Laughter at her adorable fierceness on his behalf burst out from him. Avery had stood up for him many times, ready to upset the bride or groom on his behalf if he was being mistreated. He’d always appreciated it, but Bella’s reaction seemed oddly personal. “Now that would have made the wedding go viral,” he teased. “Honestly, Bella, it was annoying, but I’m always careful to try not to get into those situations. This time, I got cornered.”
“Now I understand why you keep such a distance between your clients and the wedding guests. Even Latoya made a comment about it.”
“Ah, yes, the reporter. She asked me a bunch of stuff, too. If I had an affair with any of you.”
Her jaw dropped. “What? She actually asked that? This is supposed to be a wedding piece!”
He set his beer on the table and shrugged. “She’s still looking for a good angle. Affairs in the wedding business probably sell magazines. I kept it professional, and she eventually backed off. If she’s Adele’s friend, I’m hoping we’ll get a fair shake.”
“Until she saw me explode on that guest,” Bella said, and groaned. “Still, I don’t care. Maybe next time she’ll think before she feels like attacking some hot guy at a bar.”
He laughed again. A ramped-up Bella was sexy as hell. She was like a protective feline, all hissing and clawing on his behalf. Warmth flooded his body. When was the last time anyone wanted to fight his battles?
“I appreciate it, though I’m surprised you thought I needed help.”
“Why?” she demanded.
He paused, then let the truth out. “Because from our last conversation, I figured you assumed all female attention was wanted. If I’m sleeping around, that blonde would have been a perfect weekend fling.”
She flinched. Set down her half-drunk martini. Then dragged in a breath. “I made a mistake, Gabe,” she said softly. “I did what I accuse others of doing in town: assume all gossip is real. I had a talk with Carter.”
He tried not to sound bitter. “Ah, so Carter had to