As Beautiful as the Bay

Home > Romance > As Beautiful as the Bay > Page 20
As Beautiful as the Bay Page 20

by Serenity Woods


  The real problem was that she’d loved Brodie with every cell in her body, and he’d betrayed her in the most awful way, completely destroying her ability to trust. Now, she questioned everyone and everything. He’d made her cynical, and she hated him for that. And she was angry with him for making her hate, because she’d never been that kind of person before.

  She’d told Fred that they weren’t going to be victims, but if she remained like this, wasn’t she giving Brodie all the power? The best way she could show everyone—show herself—that she was no longer a victim was to trust again, to love again.

  It felt as if she was standing on one side of a gaping chasm, trying to jump across. There was no way she could possibly make it. She didn’t even want to attempt it, because she was sure she’d fail.

  But she’d always prided herself that she never balked at a challenge. You were like an avenging angel, Fred had said. What had happened to that girl?

  Was she going to let Brodie take away her courage, as well as her trust?

  “Hey!” Ginger’s happiness and excitement radiated from her, so dazzling that Sandi could have done with some sunglasses. “Wow, you two look amazing!”

  “And you look stunning.” Sandi kissed her on the cheek. “Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams?”

  “Couldn’t find him,” Ginger teased, “so Sam will have to do.” She looked at Mac, and for a moment her mask slipped, and she looked apprehensive. “Is he... um... nervous?”

  Mac snorted. “He’s like a man who’s won the lottery, bought an Aston Martin DB9, and inherited a whisky distillery, all at the same time.” He smiled. “He can’t wait to get married, love. Come on. Let’s make his day.”

  He held out his arm, Ginger slipped her hand through it, and they began to walk toward the wooden archway, past the guests seated on chairs, to where Sam and the celebrant were waiting.

  Fred and Sandi followed, carrying their posies. There were around fifty guests, mostly friends they’d made since they arrived in New Zealand, and some people who worked at the vineyard and restaurant, and they all oohed and aahed as Ginger and Mac walked down the middle to the front.

  Sam stood there, watching Ginger, and Mac was right—there was such a smile on his face it brought tears to Sandi’s eyes again. Crap—she didn’t have a tissue on her. She couldn’t burst into tears walking down the aisle.

  She looked away hastily, her gaze falling on Sam’s best man. And then she caught her breath.

  Jace Hart wasn’t checking the rings, or talking to Sam, or even watching the bride. His gaze was fixed on Sandi, and as their eyes met, he winked, and the corner of his mouth curved up.

  Fred was right—he was interesting, warm, and funny. And gorgeous. He didn’t seem arrogant or nasty in any way. He just looked like a nice guy. Maybe she should date him. Go out with him a few times. Then he’d invite her back to his place. It had been so long since she’d had sex, she’d almost forgotten how. They’d go to bed, and she had no doubt it would be fantastic. They’d go steady. She’d fall in love. Maybe they’d even get married.

  And every time he left her side, she’d have to trust that he wasn’t going to meet another woman.

  It felt as if someone had sucked all the air from her lungs. Her heart hammered.

  She wasn’t ready. It didn’t matter what Fred thought of her—she couldn’t possibly start dating again. She couldn’t let herself open her heart to another man. She just couldn’t.

  Averting her gaze, she looked back at Ginger as she took her place beside Sam, and concentrated on the celebrant as she began her introduction.

  Book 3: As Timeless as the Sea

  Other Books by Serenity Woods

  For an up-to-date list of available books, please visit the Books page on my website.

  Blue Penguin Bay

  Book 1: As Deep as the Ocean

  Book 2: As Beautiful as the Bay

  Book 3: As Timeless as the Sea

  Treats to Tempt You

  Book 1: Treat with Caution

  Book 2: Treat her Right

  Book 3: A Rare Treat

  Book 4: Trick or Treat

  Book 5: A Festive Treat

  Book 5.5: No Way to Treat a Lady (Novella)

  Book 6.5: A Taste of Things to Come (Novella)

  Between the Sheets

  Book 1: A Secret Between Friends

  Book 2: An Ocean Between Us

  Like a Boss

  Book 1: Taking Charge

  Book 2: Taking Over

  Book 3: Taking Liberties

  Book 4: Taking Time

  Like a Boss Box Set

  Heartfelt

  Book 1: Mr. Sinful

  Book 2: Mr. Seductive

  Book 3: Mr. Sensational

  Heartfelt Box Set

  The Four Seasons

  Book 1: Seducing Summer

  Book 2: Tempting Autumn

  Book 3: Bewitching Winter

  Book 4: Persuading Spring

  The Four Seasons Box Set

  Love Comes Later

  Book 1: My Christmas Fiancé

  Book 2: My New Year Fling

  Book 3: My Valentine Seduction

  Love Comes Later Box Set

  Three Wise Men

  Book 1: The Perfect Gift

  Book 2: An Ideal Present

  Book 3: A Secret Parcel

  Three Wise Men Box Set

  Sensual Healing

  Book 1: An Uncommon Sense

  Book 2: Making Sense

  Book 3: Talking Sense

  Sensual Healing Box Set

  Standalones

  Set me Free

  One Hot Winter’s Night

  Mr. Insatiable

  Kiss and Make Up

  Something Blue

  Santa’s Secret

  His Christmas Present

  Holly’s First Noel

  About the Author

  SERENITY WOODS LIVES in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand with her wonderful husband and gorgeous teenage son. She writes hot and sultry contemporary romances with a happy ever after, and would much rather immerse herself in reading or writing romance than do the dusting and ironing, which is why it’s not a great idea to pop round if you have any allergies.

  Website: http://www.serenitywoodsromance.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serenitywoodsromance

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Serenity_Woods

 

 

 


‹ Prev