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.
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 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 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