Chapter 13
13
“You know your brother is a grown man and perfectly ca pable 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 been a 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.”
Which all sounded fine, but she knew what he really meant. When it came to women, Teddy was either not interested or all in. There was no middle ground. She wanted to protest that he couldn’t possibly know anything about a person after a couple of hours over dinner. That it took time and familiarity to be sure.
“I want to tell you to be careful, but I know you won’t listen.”
He flashed her a smile. “You’re right about that.”
Dex shook his head. “Congratulations, man. You deserve to be happy.”
“You deserve the same.”
Dex shrugged. “I do what I do.”
Teddy rose and circled the sectional, then kissed the top of Jana’s head. “Night, kid.”
“Night.”
When he’d left, Dex stood. “I’m heading out. You okay about your brother?”
Jana looked down the hall, but Teddy was already gone. “I find his attitude confusing. How can he just know? In the rest of his life he’s completely pragmatic, so why is this different? Why does he believe?”
“Maybe the bigger question is, why is he right? At least, he was with Valonia. I understand attraction, but Teddy swears it’s more than that.”
She’d never experienced anything like that. Obviously when she’d partied, she’d been willing to sleep with guys she barely knew, but Teddy wasn’t talking about casual sex. If his relationship with Beth followed the same path as it had with Valonia, he wouldn’t try to sleep with her for weeks. Her late sister-in-law had explained about an intense bonding with lots of time spent together and hours of long, meaningful conversation. For them, passion had grown but was ignored until one day it simply took over.
She had the brief thought she should warn her friend about that trajectory, then told herself to stay out of it. What Beth and Teddy had or didn’t have was going to be different, and even if it wasn’t, their relationship wasn’t her business.
“I don’t think I could believe in love at first sight,” she admitted. “Nor would I want to. It feels risky.”
“Don’t tell Rick,” Dex teased. “You’ll break his heart.”
“I doubt that. We’re following the usual conventional path in our relationship. Something Teddy would never do. So which one of us is wrong? Me or Teddy?”
“You’re overthinking the process,” Dex told her. “People are different. The slow and steady kind of love is just as valid.”
“In my head I know you’re right, but somehow Teddy’s way is more visually appealing.”
Dex chuckled, then pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “Love you, kid. I’ll see you soon.”
“Love you, too.” She walked him to the door, then locked it behind him. Standing alone in the quiet house, she thought about what Dex had said about a slow and steady kind of love. His words made a lot of sense. Not everyone could fall the way Teddy did. She, for example, had always…
Jana looked down the hall, then back at the door as the truth hit her. The reason she was so confused about what kind of love she wanted for herself was that she’d never been in love. Not romantically. Not with anyone. She didn’t know what she wanted because she didn’t know what that kind of love felt like. Maybe it was time for that to change.
* * *
Beth looked at the selection of organic drinks. Her cold case display space was limited, and during the peak of the lunch rush, they were too busy to keep refilling it. Adding one more product to monitor seemed foolish. Yet when she’d done the taste test with her crew and a few trusted customers, the response had been overwhelmingly positive.
She smiled at her rep. “I can’t say no. Everyone loved them.” She signed the tablet, confirming the order.
“Great. Your first delivery will be next Tuesday.”
“Thanks.”
She walked the sales guy out and was about to return to her small office to finish up some paperwork when Teddy walked into the store. It had only been a few hours since their date had ended, yet her heart still thudded hard and her breath caught.
He smiled at her, looking both happy and sheepish. “I know we have a date later, but I wanted to see you.”
Warmth swept through her. “I’m glad.” She glanced at the clock. It was nearly one thirty. “Have you had lunch?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Beth stepped behind the counter to wash her hands at the sink. Teddy watched as she set out rosemary bread and thinly sliced Brie. She added mozzarella, then put on pear slices.
“Thank you for honoring my inner vegetarian,” he said with a grin.
“Of course. You should come here on Wednesday. We usually have plantains then. We make a grilled ciabatta with plantains, black beans, Havarti and avocado. It’ll rock your world.”
Teddy’s gaze locked with hers. “I look forward to that.”
While the sandwiches were in the press, she collected chips, cans of the new organic soda and a couple of cookies. Teddy pulled his wallet out of his jeans, but she shook her head.
“Lunch is on me.”
“I didn’t come here so you could feed me.”
Which begged the question, why had he shown up? Only she was happy to see him, and a sandwich was certainly easy for her.
“You’re still not paying,” she said lightly, handing him the two sandwiches and the sodas. She tucked her hairnet into her jeans pocket, then carried the chips and cookies, and they went outside.
The tables to the north of the building were empty. She picked one in the shade and sat down. The air was warm, the sky a perfect blue, and across the street was the sound of the ocean.
Teddy settled across from her, but instead of reaching for one of the sandwiches, he smiled.
“I missed you,” he said simply.
She could have teased him by pointing out that their date had been less than twenty-four hours ago, but somehow instead she murmured, “I missed you, too.”
They stared at each other. She had no idea what he was feeling, but she was awash in sensations—all of them new and exciting. She was conscious of her breathing, of the way his hands were quietly resting on the table. They were in public yet the moment felt intimate. Special.
“Your store makes you happy,” he said.
She smiled. “It does. Every day. I know serving sandwiches doesn’t change the world, but when people are hungry, I feed them. I like that. Sometimes there are challenges, but we work through them.”
He passed her one of the sandwiches and opened the wrapper of his own. “Where’d you get your business degree?”
She stared at him. “I didn’t go to college.” Her cheeks went hot. “I learned about running the store from my aunt and uncle. I’ve taken a few classes here and there, but that’s all.”
She told herself not everyone had to go to college and she was doing just fine without a degree, which even in her head sounded defensive. Teddy had just been asking a logical question.
He leaned toward her. “Really? You just figured it all out on your own?” He sounded impressed.
She relaxed as she realized he wasn’t judging her. “Most small business owners don’t have a formal education. The majority of us get into an area we’re familiar with and see a way to do it better. I worked in the store when I was in high school. Like I said, Agatha and Dale taught me everything I needed to know.”
“But you’ve made changes.”
She laughed. “Of course. Some of the processes are different. I’ve expanded the store, and before that I changed up the menu. Food trends are just like everything else. The classics stay the same, but what’s popular is always an evolution. Ten years ago no one asked about vegan options. Today about fifteen percent of my sales are vegan sandwiches. Vegetarian is a bigger chunk, of course. But in the end, meat is king.”
“Did you ever think of not buying into the family business?”
She hesitated, then admitted, “Originally I wanted to go to culinary school. I was saving so that I could be in school full-time and not have to work to support myself.”
His blue gaze was steady. “What changed your mind?”
“Rick got into medical school. He’d gotten through college on a scholarship, but medical school was different. I wanted to help. That’s when my uncle approached me about the store. He wanted to sell it to me. In return, he would self-finance the purchase, and he would also help Rick cover half of the cost for medical school. It made the most sense.”
Teddy’s expression didn’t change, so she had no idea what he was thinking. “You gave up a lot for him.”
“He’s my brother. I wanted him to achieve his dreams, and I didn’t want him saddled with a lot of debt.” She shrugged. “Culinary school would have been nice, but I’m happy where I am now.”
“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 taking tests.” 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 turn in 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.”
He smiled. “Just to be clear, I don’t want to wait. But I will.”
“Me, too.”
“Good.”
He stood, took her hand and pulled her to her feet, then lightly kissed her. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Can’t wait.”
* * *
“Sad Bunny stared at all the other woodland creatures standing outside his front door,” Jana read, her voice soft. “His sad heart puffed up with love, and his sad mouth turned into a happy smile. ‘We love you, Sad Bunny,’ the woodland creatures shouted out together. ‘Today and for always.’”
Jana looked at her daughter, who was fighting to stay awake in her bed. “Sad Bunny believed them, and he was never sad again.” She closed the book. “The end.”
“Sad Bunny is going to have to change his name,” Linnie said with a yawn.
“I think so, too.”
“I’m glad he has friends. Magnolia says a support system is very important.”
“I have no idea where she gets her information, but she is right about a support system and family. I love you, baby girl. Always and forever.”
Linnie’s eyes closed, and she snuggled into her pillow. “I love you, too, Mommy. Forever and always.”
Jana leaned down and kissed her cheek. Just like Sad Bunny, she felt her heart puff up with all the feels. Linnie had been unexpected, but she had turned out to be the best thing that had ever happened to her. Having her daughter had grounded her and sent her into a different kind of future. One she was excited about.
She turned off the bedside lamp and walked over to the small bookcase, where she returned Sad Bunny to his place, then crossed to the door. She paused to look at her now-sleeping daughter. Linnie was growing so fast, yet asleep in her bed, she seemed small and defenseless. The need to protect, to guide her through all the twists and turns life could offer, burned fiercely inside her. Not that Linnie needed extra coddling. She was smart and tough, and like Sad Bunny, she had an excellent support system. All would be well.
She stepped out into the hallway and partially closed the door before heading to the kitchen. She was going to make herself a mug of herbal tea, then get in about an hour of homework before heading to bed herself. She had an early morning.
She’d just put the mug of water into the microwave when her brother walked into the kitchen.
“Linnie in bed?” he asked.
“Yes, and already asleep.” She smiled at him. “What’s up?”
“I saw Beth yesterday.”
“You mean last night on your second date in less than a week?” She grinned. “Yes, I know. For a guy who doesn’t date, you’ve sure gotten back into the practice.”
Teddy didn’t smile in return. When she realized he wanted to talk, her stomach sank. Had something bad happened?
“Tell me,” she said urgently.
“It’s not Beth. She’s great.” His expression softened. “I can’t wait to see her again.”
Jana relaxed. “Counting the minutes?” she teased. “Try not to stalk her. A restraining order would put a damper on things.”
The microwave dinged. She retrieved the mug, then dropped in the tea bag. They both took a seat at the island.
“So if all is well with Beth, then what’s the problem?” she asked.
“There’s no problem. It’s more of a question.” He looked at her. “What does Rick think of his sister?”
Jana hadn’t known what Teddy was worried about, but that particular question came from nowhere.
“What do you mean? They’re tight. From what she’s told me, their mom was kind of flaky, so they looked after each other.” She remembered Beth telling her about Rick trying to protect her from one of their mom’s boyfriends and how he still had the scar, but wasn’t sure the story was relevant.
“Did Beth say something about Rick?” she asked.
“Not in the way you mean.” He drew in a breath as if considering his words. “We were talking about her store and what it takes to run it. I assumed she’d gone to college and had a business degree, but she said she doesn’t. She never went to college because Rick told her she wasn’t smart enough and wouldn’t make it through.”
Jana stared at him. “I don’t believe that. He wouldn’t do that. He’s a really good guy.”
“I know you’d only go out with someone who was respectful. That’s why I asked. It didn’t make sense.”
She had to agree with him on that. No way Rick would say that. “We haven’t actually talked about Beth that much, but he’s never said anything bad, and when it was the three of us at dinner, he was great.” He’d left most of the talking to the two of them, but that wasn’t unusual. Men often preferred to listen rather than guide the conversation.
“Maybe she misunderstood him,” Jana said slowly. “Like she was afraid and he was trying to be helpful.”
She heard the question in her voice and knew her brother did, too.
“She actually said Rick told her she wasn’t smart enough for college? Those words?”
“That’s what she said. I don’t get it,” he added. “She’s successful. Her employees really like her. When I went there yesterday, they were totally checking me out. After I walked her back to the store, this guy Kai—he’s maybe twenty-two or twenty-three—pulled me aside and flat-out asked me my intentions.” He smiled at the memory. “You’ve got to be the right kind of person to inspire loyalty like that.”
“I agree. Kai’s a sweetie and Beth’s great. She’s always feeding me after our shift at the food bank.” Jana remembered a conversation from a few weeks ago. “She said she wasn’t college material.”
Teddy stared at her. “Beth?”
She nodded. “We were talking about her being single and my schedule. I can’t remember exactly, but she made a point of saying she wasn’t college material. I told her she was wrong.”
Teddy frowned. “You know I don’t care about her education. I’m more concerned about what Rick said.”
Because he was already getting protective, Jana thought, wondering how he could simply know so quickly. Which wasn’t the point, she told herself. The more compelling issue was whether or not Rick had dissed his sister.
“He wouldn’t put her down like that,” she said firmly. “He’s a kindhearted, easygoing guy. My schedule is a challenge, and he never complains.” Of course, he was also busy with work. One of the surgeons in his practice was on vacation, so more of the load now fell on him. They weren’t going to be able to see each other for over a week.
“Then I can’t explain it.” Teddy shook his head. “It was just strange.”
“I agree, but we’ll probably never know exactly what happened. Can you let it go, or is this going to fester?”
He smiled. “No festering. I promise. You have homework.”
“About an hour’s worth.”
“I’ll leave you to it.”
He walked out of the kitchen. She paused to drop her tea bag into the trash, then turned out the light and headed for her wing of the house. As she settled at her desk, she remembered Rick’s surprise when she’d told him she’d gotten into nursing school. As if he hadn’t been listening all the times she’d talked about her classes and how she was hoping to get in and get financial aid. He’d thought she was a receptionist and claimed to have no idea she was in medical billing. None of which mattered. He was a busy man with a lot on his mind. It wasn’t personal.
She thought about how cold he’d been when she’d shown up at his office without warning. Maybe his conversation with Beth about college had been like that. He’d been thinking of other things rather than paying attention, and he’d blurted out a thoughtless remark.
Even if that was how things had gone, that didn’t make him a bad person. Okay, so he could be a little self-absorbed at times. Everyone had flaws, and in his heart, Rick was a sweetie. There was nothing to worry about.