Page 65 of Beach Vibes

“I can see that.” He smiled at her. “I didn’t take a traditional path, either.”

“No kidding, Mr. I Went to China on My Own When I Was Sixteen.”

He chuckled. “I actually think my age was an asset. I wasn’t mature enough to realize what I was getting into, and it never occurred to me I could fail.”

“Which you didn’t.”

He took a bite of his sandwich and then made a sound low in his throat. “This is incredible.”

“Thanks. Our grilled cheese sandwiches with the fruit of your choice are really popular. Some of the combinations weird me out, but people want what they want.”

“You knew what you wanted.”

“As did you. Any regrets on not going down the quote-unquote traditional path?” she asked.

“No,” he said easily. “You?”

“College? I couldn’t have done it.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I wouldn’t have been successful.” She put down her sandwich, wondering how much to admit. “I wasn’t great in school. I had trouble in some of my classes. Even though Rick is three years younger, he would always step in and help me.”

She sipped her drink. “In high school I briefly thought about trying community college, but Rick pointed out I was unlikely to get through on my own. Just passing the classes would be a struggle.”

As soon as she spoke, she realized how bad the words sounded and quickly added, “He wasn’t being mean or judging me. He wanted to help. He knew I wasn’t college-smart, and he wanted to save me the pain and embarrassment of failing.”

Teddy frowned. “Beth, you’re plenty smart enough to go to college. I’m not saying it would be helpful now, but look at how successful you are at your business.”

“That’s different. It’s what I do. The studying and takingtests.” She wrinkled her nose. “Those are not my thing. I’m fine with it,” she added.

“You’re very much better than fine. You’re amazing.”

She laughed. “I’m not sure you know me well enough to be saying that, but thank you.”

“Anytime.”

He started talking about the production it was to get all four kids out the door every morning. She appreciated the change in subject. She hadn’t meant to say anything bad about her brother and had botched up the telling of how Rick had been looking out for her.

When they’d finished their lunch, Teddy sighed regretfully. “I have patients this afternoon, and you have a business to run. But I’m looking forward to our date tonight.”

“Me, too.”

He touched the back of her hand. “I want to get to know you and have you get to know me. I like you, and I want us to explore what feels like very powerful chemistry. And I very much want us to be lovers.”

Her breath caught as her insides began to melt. She knew she was probably blushing, but she couldn’t help it. He was just putting it out there. The man had courage, and she admired that…and him.

“But,” he added, his gaze locked with hers. “Sex is a complication.” One corner of his mouth tilted up. “And a wonderful distraction. My preference is we ignore the sparks until we’re a little further along emotionally. I’m not saying it will be easy for me to resist you, because it won’t be, but I think waiting is the right thing.” He wound his fingers through hers. “I wanted to let you know what I was thinking and get your thoughts, because this needs to be a joint decision.”

If she’d been the fainting type, she would have collapsed right there, falling off her seat and onto the grass. As it was, she had to figure out what to say in response. Not only because the turnin the conversation was unexpected but also because no man had ever been so open and honest with her.

Now to the actual discussion. She did want to have sex with him—more than anything. As for that being a distraction, well, he was right. Because as much as she wanted the man in her bed, getting to know him more first was even more appealing.

“You’re saying we take it slow. Get to know each other better first.”

He nodded.

“I agree.”

---