Page 59 of Beach Vibes

“I’m nervous,” he said as he started the engine.

She stared at him. “You are?”

He smiled at her. “Of course. I’ve been on edge all day.”

“Me, too.”

But her being anxious about their date made sense, while himbeing unsettled seemed odd. He was amazing, and she was just plain normal. Even so, his admission gave her comfort.

“Who has the kids tonight?” she asked.

“My friend Dex is over and hanging with Jana and Linnie.”

“Jana appreciates that Dex takes Linnie on Thursdays when she has her food bank shift. He sounds like a great guy.”

“He is. He’s seen me through some rough times.”

“He doesn’t have children of his own?” she asked.

“No. I’m sure he wants them, but Dex hasn’t found the right woman.”

Something Beth could relate to. She’d yet to find the right man. Obviously it hadn’t been Ian.

They talked about their respective days as he navigated the usual Malibu traffic. She was just about to ask him where they were going when he pulled in front of a low, one-story building with a valet sign out front. Her breath caught as she took in the elegant arched entry and the lush landscaping of the exclusive, upscale restaurant.

“We’re eating here?” she asked. “But how? It takes months to get a reservation.”

Teddy gave her a modest shrug. “I know the owner and made a call.”

“Impressive connections.”

The valet opened her door and held out his hand to assist her out of the vehicle. She stepped down and told herself that if any famous people were dining inside, she wouldn’t gawk at them. She was a seasoned Malibu resident. Celebrity sightings were a part of life. Then Teddy moved close and put his hand on the small of her back. Her body went on instant high alert as she instinctively moved closer to him. The good news was that as long as Teddy was nearby, she doubted she would notice if they were seated next to one of the Hemsworth brothers.

They were shown to a quiet corner table with a view of the ocean. Their server poured water and left them with menus.Teddy put his down without glancing at it. Instead his attention was on her.

“I’m still nervous,” he told her, “but happy to be with you.”

“I feel the same.”

“So we’ll figure this out together.” He leaned toward her. “Jana mentioned you were divorced.”

“Yes, for over a year now. You said you hadn’t dated since your wife died. I haven’t dated since my divorce.” She picked up the menu, then put it down. “I needed to heal and think things through. I never thought I’d get a divorce. I thought we’d be together forever, so when we weren’t, it was an adjustment.”

She offered a rueful smile. “Ian wanted to keep the house, and I had no interest in it, so he bought me out. I took the money and invested in Surf Sandwiches. It turns out expanding my business was a great distraction.”

“Also a smart decision. The place is busy. You made the right move.”

“I think so.”

“I’m having dinner with a successful entrepreneur,” he teased. “I should have dressed better.”

“You’re dressed just fine.”

He brushed the front of his shirt. “And no spit-up stains. It’s nice to have all three kids past that stage.”

“Not a baby person?”

“I learned to be. I think I was like every other guy. I wanted to be a father, but I didn’t think through the whole logistics of raising kids until Valonia got pregnant.”

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