Page 62 of Beach Vibes

He grinned. “Tomorrow is perfect.”

13

“You know your brother is a grown man and perfectly capable of going on a date and getting himself home without your involvement.”

Dex’s voice was teasing. Jana leaned over and grabbed the TV remote to pause the movie they were watching on Netflix.

“I’m not involved with my brother. I’m hanging out with a friend for the evening.”

Dex raised one eyebrow. “From here it looks like you’re waiting up.”

“He waited up for me after my first date with Rick. It’s a thing, I guess.”

She kept her voice light, but she was willing to admit that on the inside, she was nervous. Teddy hadn’t shown interest in anyone since he’d lost Valonia. While he’d been married, he’d beena loving and devoted husband, which meant he hadn’t been on a first date in nearly fifteen years. What if he forgot how? What if Beth broke his heart? She didn’t seem the type, but the world could be a scary place, and how well did she really know her friend? Besides…

“Oh, wow,” she breathed. “Now I get it. This is how Beth felt about Rick dating. She was being protective because he’s just not that sophisticated.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That I’m worried about Teddy the way she was worried about Rick. Now I know why she acted the way she did.”

Dex didn’t look pleased at her insight. “That’s one way to look at it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why is everyone assuming Rick is clueless when it comes to women? He’s had plenty of opportunity to hone his skills.”

She leaned over and patted his arm. “You’re sweet to worry, but there’s no reason. Rick’s exactly who he claims to be. The next time I have him over, I’ll make sure you’re here so you can meet him. You’ll see. It’s all good.”

She worried about a lot of things in her life, but Rick not being genuine wasn’t one of them.

She heard the front door open and immediately sat up. “Act casual.”

Dex grinned at her. “How exactly is that different from what I’ve been doing?”

She glared at him, but Teddy walked into the family room before she could say anything.

“Hey,” she called. “How was the date?”

He stared at them. “I expected Jana to wait up, but what are you doing here?”

“Keeping her company.”

“You’re weird.”

“Possibly.”

The two men smiled at each other. Teddy glanced at Jana. “I know how to date.”

“I wasn’t sure you remembered.” She studied him, looking for clues. “How was it?”

His entire body relaxed as he sank onto the corner of the sectional and grinned.

“Good. Really good. I like her, and we got along great. I can’t wait to see her again.”

“So it’s a thing,” she said.

“Absolutely.”

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