Page 134 of Beach Vibes

Teddy studied her before saying, “If you don’t know how you feel by now, maybe that’s the answer.”

“You’re changing the subject.”

“I am.”

“Fine.” She stood. “You’re making a huge mistake, Teddy. Beth’s great, and it’s not going to take very long for someone else to figure that out.”

She left before he could say anything and made her way through the gate and backyard. Once she was inside, she paused, then pulled her phone out of her pocket. Because it was possible her brother had a point.

I’m taking the kids shopping for back-to-school clothes, and I know how much you love the mall. Want to join us?

* * *

She sent the text before she could talk herself out of it, then went to collect everyone. Seconds later, her phone vibrated with an incoming text.

I’ll be there in five.

* * *

Three hours and hundreds of dollars later, the shopping was done. All four kids had new shoes, jeans, shirts and underwear, along with hoodies and light jackets. In their part of the world, fall and winter weren’t actually cold, although there was a slight chance that it could rain once or twice.

Magnolia had wanted a couple of dresses she could wear to school, but Orchid and Linnie hadn’t been interested. A dress might limit their playground activities. Through it all, Dex was a calming force. He’d intervened when the backpack discussion threatened to become heated. He’d helped Atlas pick out the coolest shirts and T-shirts so he would fit in and not have to worry about wearing clothes that looked like they’d been picked out by his aunt. And when everyone had gotten tired and cranky, he’d steered them all to the food court, where they’d split up to buy snacks ranging from pretzels to fried rice to wings and french fries.

Jana found herself both participating in all that was happening and observing it. Despite his declaration at the beginning of summer, she and Dex were still comfortable together, hanging out as they always did. He didn’t try to put his arm around her or kiss her, nor did he make pointed comments to hurry along her decision. He was as easy to be with as ever, but with an added element of attraction.

She was aware of him, of how he moved and the way his sexy smile made her insides quiver. Even more important, when he swept up Linnie and set her on his shoulders, she could imagine what it would be like if she and Dex were a lot more thanfriends. He was someone she could trust with her heart, but more important, she could trust him with her daughter.

Teddy had been right—it was time to make a decision.

She put down the pretzel she’d been nibbling on and wiped her fingers on a napkin.

“Magnolia, can you take charge of everyone for a second? I need to talk to Dex about something.”

“Sure.” Teddy’s oldest barely glanced up from her wings.

Jana turned her attention to Dex, who was watching her with a completely neutral expression. She stood.

“Come on.”

He dutifully got up and walked with her.

“We going to knock over a liquor store?” he asked conversationally.

“No.”

“Because if we are, I need to let Teddy know he has to pick up the kids.”

“Very funny.”

“I can be.”

She walked to the far end of the food court, then stepped behind a very large pillar. One big enough to conceal them from child-size prying eyes. When they were hidden from view, she stopped and faced Dex.

“You should kiss me.”

One eyebrow rose. “Should I?”

“Yes. What if there’s no chemistry? That might be a deal-breaker for you.”

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