Temptation on Ocean Drive - Jennifer Probst Page 0,99
They made a beautiful couple, but Bella couldn’t help wishing her primary contact were Sophia.
Still, she swore to give the young couple everything they dreamed of, so she relied on her professionalism, smiled, and pointed to the card on the left. “Definitely butter, it’s the perfect shade. Elegant with just a hint of play.”
Winifred nodded slowly, her French-manicured nail tapping against the embossed edge. “I think you’re right. But we need to change the font to this other one and put our names centered in bold so they stand out.”
“Of course. I have it all under control.” Bella stood, desperate to wrap up the meeting, and busied herself with organizing the bulging folders in her bag. “We got a lot done today, Winnie, and are on schedule. I’ll see you at the bakery for cake tasting next week.”
Winnie looked back at the invites. “Are you sure the eggshell isn’t more classic? Do you think I should call Sophia?”
She lowered her voice as if they were conspiring. “The eggshell is classic, but a touch boring. You are unique, which screams butter. And personally, I think Sophia will love to be surprised.”
Winnie puffed up. “Yes, I guess I am unique! And you’re probably right about Sophia, she hates being accosted with too many details. Oh, I’m so glad this is behind me! I’m literally exhausted, and I’m out all the time doing bridal planning.”
Bella tried not to wince since she was doing the majority of the planning but kept her smile. “Just remember I’m here to do anything you need. Let me walk you to your car.”
Winnie chatted nonstop regarding the shoes and whether she should purchase specialized slippers as a backup, keeping her another ten minutes. By the time she pulled away from the curb, Bella wanted to weep with relief.
It had been a week since her talk with Gabe, and every cell in her being missed him. He’d given her the space she needed and hadn’t been in her bed. At the morning meeting, he didn’t treat her with any type of resentment or give her the silent treatment. Instead, he greeted her, smiled, listened to the agenda, offered a few comments, and left. There was no sidelong seething look or open pleasure in his dark eyes any longer. No kiss, or hug, or even a brush of his hand against hers. He was completely professional. Just like his old self, before they’d begun a relationship. He’d given her exactly what she needed in order to decide how to move forward.
She hated every second.
The sun shone brightly in the sky, reminding her of the new spring season and the final death knell of winter. Weekends were booked with various weddings and parties, and new clients had poured in after the Bridal Style article hit the newsstands. She’d been taking on more responsibility, and Avery had finally hired a new assistant to take Gabe’s place, which would help all their workloads. School was nearing an end, and the crazy, chaotic summer neared with the onslaught of tourists, late nights, long hours, and . . . loneliness.
She walked back to the office, her heart heavy. Last summer, she’d watched Avery fall in love with Carter, and Taylor rush headlong into her painting. She’d always felt like the true middle child. Not crazy creative or so passionate about work that it became her main focus. Zoe always tethered her to what was needed and gave her a joy no other person truly could.
Until Gabe.
She liked the woman she was when she was with him—the woman he saw when he looked at her. Her confidence had grown, and sharing the secret part of her along with her sexuality caused her to blossom. Why was it so hard to embrace this relationship 100 percent? Was she truly fearful of all the outside elements threatening them, or did it go even deeper? Was Gabe right when he said she was just waiting for him to fail so she could back away?
She needed to figure stuff out soon. Though she’d begged for time and insisted on moving slowly, he didn’t deserve to be kept in limbo while she struggled for answers.
Zoe had asked why he hadn’t been over lately, and she’d given work as the easy excuse. But it was obvious her daughter missed his presence, which had become steadier the past month. Bella seemed to hang on the precipice of backing away or leaping in fully with her heart, but the thought of her daughter getting