Page 17 of Summer Affair

“I just helped a couple to the Love Shack,” he answered, trying not to sound stupid. “I made sure to tell them about the themed dinner tonight. They seemed really excited.”

He mentally kicked himself for being a dork.

“Oh, I love those themed dinners,” Andrea said, relaxing slightly. “It’s always so much fun seeing everyone dressed up. I love getting into the spirit myself every now and then when I help out. Last time I was a princess. I got to wear a tiara and everything.” She chuckled. “Hannah sure knows how to throw a party and where to rent the best costumes.” She quickly glanced away from him.

He could tell she too was feeling awkward.

He pulled over to a private part of the pathway and turned towards her.

“Speaking of fun, about…the kiss.” He watched her face for her reaction.

Her expression softened just a little bit. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that,” she admitted.

“Me too, a lot,” Dean confessed. “It felt…right, you know? Like we have this connection. I just don’t want things to be awkward between us.” He wanted to add, “Like we are now,” but kept his mouth shut.

“It’s not awkward,” Andrea said suddenly, reaching out to place a hand on his arm. “I feel the same way. We both have a lot going on, and I don’t want to mess up what we have.” She bit her bottom lip, and he felt his heart sink in his chest. “You know, to make things weird between us.”

Dean nodded. “Sure, yeah, I agree. I just didn’t want you to think I was ignoring it.”

Andrea shook her head softly. “I didn’t.”

He took a deep breath and pulled the golf cart back on the pathway.

So, that was that. No weirdness. For her, he’d make sure to give her whatever she wanted.

When they arrived at the pool house, he parked the golf cart next to the other ones and jumped out when she did. He didn’t want the conversation to end.

Things might be complicated, but he was grateful for their honesty and the long and very strong relationship they’d had before that kiss.

“I was thinking of heading to the beach tomorrow,” he said, falling in step with her. “If you have the day off…”

“I don’t.” She frowned at him. “Today is my day, Kara has tomorrow off.”

“Oh.” He felt his heart rate kick up. “I could lend a hand. You know, get in a few more hours of training?”

She smiled. “That’s a good idea.” She nodded to where a few guests were waiting outside the pool house doors. “She obviously needs my help. Gotta go.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s time for me to get back to work,” Dean said, stretching his arms. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Definitely,” Andrea replied, giving him a warm smile before rushing to work.

“That was so awkward,” someone said behind him.

He turned to see Beth standing there. For the past few years, Beth has worked at the main desk in the lobby area. She was a pretty brunette with very sad eyes and a jumpy personality, which told him all he needed to know about her past.

“Hey,” he said, tucking his hands in his short’s pockets.

“Hey,” she chuckled. “So, you and Andrea, huh?”

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t know.”

Beth leaned closer to him. “I always thought Andrea liked…well…” Her eyes ran over him. “Not your type.”

He frowned at that. “What do you mean?”

Beth smiled. “She asked me out once.”

He smiled, understanding. He knew that Andrea wasn’t tied to normal constraints when it came to dating. Sure, most of her exes were men, but the fact that there were a few women in her past didn’t bother him. If anything, it assured him that she was sure of what she wanted in life. Happiness.