Page 58 of Beach Vibes

Her aunt’s expression turned speculative. “You like this man, don’t you?”

“I don’t know him well enough to say how I feel. I’m reacting to some strange chemical attraction that I can’t seem to get under control.” She pressed a hand to her belly and wished the faint nausea would go away. Or that the evening was behind her and she could finally relax.

“There’s something about him,” she added. “He’s like a drug.”

Agatha hugged her. “That makes me so happy.”

“That I’m obsessing about someone I don’t know and who may be a serial killer?”

“I doubt he’s killed even one person. Besides, he’s Jana’s brother, so he comes with excellent references.”

Her aunt was making sense. Unfortunately, all the sense in the world was no match for her quivering, hopeful, terrified state of mind.

“I think I need therapy,” she said, then forced herself to suck in a breath. “Calm. I need to be calm.”

Before she had time to practice finding her zen state, the doorbell rang. She flinched at the sound.

“I can’t do this,” she whispered.

“Open the door? Nonsense. You’ve done it hundreds of times.”

Beth gave her a sharp “you’re not helping” glare before walking to the small foyer and opening the door.

“Hi,” she said, then nearly fainted at the sight of him.

He looked amazing. All tall and handsome, wearing a button-down shirt with dark trousers. He was lean and muscled, with those movie-star chiseled features. And his mouth—the one smiling at her. If only he would kiss her, she could die happy.

“Hi,” he said, his voice low and sexy. “You look beautiful.”

She blinked. Sure he was being polite, but she was fairly certainno one had ever used that particularBword to describe her before. Ian had always said she was cute. Beautiful was much, much better.

“Come in,” she said, stepping back. “This is my aunt. Agatha, Teddy Mead.”

They shook hands.

“Beth tells me you practice Chinese medicine. That’s so interesting.”

He gave her an easy smile. “Nothing so grand. I specialize in acupuncture.”

“Oh.” Agatha took a step back. “Needles. I’m not a fan.”

“They don’t hurt, if that’s your concern.”

Agatha didn’t look convinced. “Needles hurt. It’s one of the laws of physics. The seventh, I believe. Or maybe the eighth.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” he said politely, but Beth thought she saw a hint of a smile in his straight mouth.

“Shall we?” Beth said, then turned to her aunt. “I’ll see you later.”

“Text if you’re going to stay out all night,” Agatha told Beth.

“Very funny.”

Beth and Teddy walked outside. He motioned to his large SUV parked in the driveway, then opened the passenger door for her.

She slid onto the seat and tried to regulate her breathing. Everything about this moment felt surreal. That she was on a date, that she was with Teddy. A week ago she hadn’t even met him, and now she felt as if her life had been changed forever.

Teddy went around to his side and got in beside her.

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