Page 86 of Beach Vibes

“You will. Thanks, Kai.”

“Anytime.”

He jogged back to his surfboard. After dropping the towel, he headed into the water. Beth stood and collected her things. She still had a lot to think about, but most of the fear was gone. Yes, she was in a relationship that was unlike any she’d ever had, but so far it was going great. She liked Teddy a lot and wanted to keep seeing him. She would figure out the kid thing as they went. As for the sex being the best ever in the history of the universe, well, wasn’t that the kind of problem every woman wanted to have?

* * *

Beth went home to collect her list of errands. She had a lot to get through on her day off. Talking to Kai had made her feel better, and when Teddy texted her a quickGood morning, she immediately felt all fluttery inside.

They made arrangements to meet in a couple of days, and for the fourteenth time, he reminded her about a seminar where he would be teaching. While it was local, he would be working fourteen-hour days, which meant no getting together.

I don’t want you to worry I’m running out on you.

* * *

She stared at the message, feeling the warmth in her belly. He wanted her to be comfortable, to know what was happening in his life. That he wasn’t hiding anything.

I trust you, Teddy.

Good, because I can’t stop thinking about you and having you dump me would really suck.

* * *

She smiled.Not gonna happen.

She slipped her phone into her bag, grabbed her list and headed out. She needed shampoo and conditioner from the ridiculously expensive salon in Santa Monica. She’d tried other brands, but somehow they were the only ones that really worked for her hair, so every few months she made the trek and whimpered as she handed over her credit card.

From there she made a quick stop at the very urban farmer’s market that brought in fresh fruit directly from Hawaii. She and Agatha had been craving papaya and pineapple—ripe from the source. She hit the bookstore for her favorite author’s new release, then decided to treat herself to a latte and a croissant from that little place by Rick’s condo. Their coffee was pretty average, but the croissants were a religious experience and worth the extra fifteen-minute drive.

She found parking right out front—a miracle on its own—and went inside. After placing her order, she went to wait for it. The store was plenty crowded—a good thing, she thought absently. Small businesses could be a challenge, and she always wanted her fellow owners to do well.

She glanced around at the well-dressed customers. There were women in expensive workout clothes, office people on break, a mom with two toddlers in a double stroller, and—

Her entire body stiffened as her head involuntarily swung back. Her gaze locked on a man and woman sitting together on two stools. His arm was around her, their heads were close together, and their legs were tangled together in that casually intimate way of long-time couples.

As she watched, the man kissed the woman on the mouth. There was an ease about the act, a familiarity. As if he’d kissed her a thousand times before. Only he couldn’t have. Rick was dating Jana, not this other woman.

Her stomach lurched and her body went cold as she tried desperately to understand what she was seeing. Her brother withanother woman? He couldn’t be. Rick was with Jana. He adored Jana. And he wouldn’t ever cheat on someone.

“Beth? Your order’s up.”

It took her a second to realize that they meant her. She collected the latte and the croissant, then stood in the center of the coffee place, trying to figure out what on earth happened now. Did she leave? Did she walk up to her brother and confront him? Did she simply throw up? Because that was starting to feel like the easiest option.

After what felt like a lifetime but was probably only a second or two, she walked to where her brother sat with a thin, leggy redhead whodefinitelywasn’t Jana.

“Rick?”

He raised his head and saw her. For one single heartbeat, he stared at her as if he didn’t know her. His blankness was so convincing, she almost wondered if she’d mistaken a stranger for her brother. Then he straightened and gave her a happy smile.

“Beth! What are you doing here?” he asked, coming to his feet. “You’re not in your neighborhood.”

“I was in the area.” She waved her coffee and croissant. “You’re not working?”

“I have the day off.”

The woman watched them as they spoke. She looked relaxed, if mildly curious. Up close, Beth could see she was exceptionally beautiful—probably in her late twenties. And she was with Rick—a fact Beth couldn’t fully grasp.

“Galaxy, this is my sister, Beth.”

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