Page 63 of The Uncomplicated Café
And now, he’d reached across the invisible line of friendship, offering her his whole heart.
She extended her hand, beaming down at him. “Make it so.”
He laughed at herStar Trekquote, looking equally relieved she’d finally answered and overjoyed by her response.
Switching the faux engagement ring to her right hand, he replaced it with his grandmother’s moonstone, then sprang to his feet.
Enveloping her in his arms, he drew her lips to meet his with a firm, unwavering hand—the hand of a man who knew exactly what he wanted.
And he wantedher.
She met his kiss with all the pent-up passion bottled inside for years, finally releasing her worries to the wind.
He responded, matching her need, and she fell even deeper into the dreamlike euphoria overtaking her.
Every surrounding sensation, from the gentle swish of the soothing tide to the salty scent of the sea, faded into the background as they lost themselves in the pure bliss of the moment.
A moment that would forever reshape their friendship.
And their future.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
JAYCE
Jayce lacedhis fingers through CeCe’s, relishing the closeness of their entwined hands as they strode up from the beach onto Main Street. It took all his self-control not to announce the good news to the first person he saw.
He’d proposed to his dream girl, and she’d actually said yes! He still couldn’t believe it. A luckier guy had never lived, and nothing could dampen his good mood.
Ugh.Spoke too soon. His cheerful optimism faltered the second he spotted Gretchen seated at a patio table in front of the café.
“Hey, Gretchen. To what do we owe the pleasure?” he asked dryly.
“You weren’t at the award ceremony last night.” Her sharp, accusatory tone popped his blissful bubble. This clearly wasn’t a social call.
He sighed. “Yes, I’m aware.”
“Are you also aware that your failure to attend puts you in breach of contract?” She stood, her unnaturally flawless features puckered in a disapproving scowl.
“I left a voicemail explaining the extenuating circumstances.” He’d called Stacey and Victor, too. Stacey had been quick tosupport his decision, and Victor, to his surprise, had also been understanding. He’d even told him to email the script as soon as he had a chance.
Comparing their compassion to Gretchen’s coldness, he added with thinly veiled irritation, “CeCe’s dad is fine, by the way.”
She dismissed his comment. “I don’t care ifyouwere the one trapped six feet under. I’d still expect you to attend one of the most crucial PR events of the year, even if you had to dig your way out with a plastic spoon.”
He bristled. “Come on, Gretchen. That’s a little callous considering what CeCe and her family have been through.” He glanced down at CeCe, who’d stiffened by his side. Her strained expression said it all. If she gave in to her baser instincts, Gretchen would be the recipient of a hard jab to the nose. Lucky for his agent, CeCe had self-restraint.
“Well, Jayce. Since you mentioned yourfiancée,” Gretchen snarled, somehow managing to make the endearing title sound like a dirty word. “I think it’s time we face facts. This little experiment has run its course, don’t you think?”
“Experiment?” What was she talking about?
“Fling. Fetish. Whatever you want to callthisanomaly.” She gestured to CeCe as if drawing his attention to a wad of gum on the bottom of his shoe. “You’re not seriously going to marry this PR nightmare, are you?”
At her nasty comment, the irritation simmering below the surface boiled into full blown outrage. His jaw clenched. “What did you say?” he growled, daring her to repeat herself.
She took an instinctive step backward, startled by the flash of anger in his eyes.No more Mr. Congeniality. “I—I just think everyone will be better off if we—”
“There is nowe, Gretchen. My personal life has nothing to do with you. The woman I choose asmywifehas nothing to dowith you. And frankly”—he gathered a galvanizing breath—“I no longer want anything to do with you.”
