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rang.
    “Let me get that for you.”
    “Uhh…no.” Only god knew what would come out of Nance’s mouth if she did.
    “What?” The amused woman quirked a brow. “Are you going to answer the door…like that?”
    Tisha looked down at the outfit still in her hands then back at her smirking friend. “Good point.” She hung the shirt up on the clothing hook and began to remove the skirt from the hanger. “I’m only going to say this once though, Nance. Don’t make me kill you.”
    “What? Don’t you trust me?”
    Was she crazy? “No.”
    “Smart chica .” Nance headed for the door, pausing long enough to toss over her shoulder, “Take your time. I’ll keep Uncle Nazi company.”
    “His name is Jonah,” she shouted out, worried now more than ever.
    She stepped into the skirt and then pulled the shirt over her head, careful to not mess her hair. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she slipped her feet into the wedge shoes and viewed herself in the full-length mirror. Not too damn bad. A quick spritz of perfume and she was on her way.
    As she reached the living room, she heard Nance chattering away. Jonah stood, staring at the smaller woman in awe, as if he couldn’t believe someone could talk so much and not take a breath.
    “I’m here to rescue you.”
    He looked up with a smile and Tisha felt a clench in her belly at the look. Ah yes, now she remembered why she’d agreed to this date. There was definitely something here worth exploring.
    * * * * *
     
    The evening had been a perfect dinner date. The drive to Santa Monica had been relatively traffic jam free and their conversation allowed Jonah to start to develop a better picture of Tisha. Once at the pier, she’d readily agreed to his restaurant suggestion and they enjoyed a delicious meal with a side dish of great conversation. By the time dinner came to an end and they left the restaurant, Jonah was just beginning to feel as if he was really getting to know Tisha, the real woman behind the sass. He wasn’t ready for the evening to end, not yet.
    “It’s still early. Babysitter is paid up until midnight. How about we hang out here for a few minutes more?”
    “Are you going to try to win me a stuffed animal?”
    “If you like, or we can simply take a stroll on the beach.”
    “As lovely as that sounds, I’m not sure I’m up to it. I’m a bit tired. I had to work today. Friday and Saturday are my busiest days.”
    “Are you ready to go?” Maybe this date wasn’t going as well as he thought it was. He was having a good time, but perhaps she wasn’t.
    “No, not at all. I’m not sure I’ll survive the walk down to the water. The sand is the hardest part.”
    “Well, I’ll give you a ride on my back until we reach the water.”
    “Either you’re a lot stronger than you look, or I’m a lot heavier than you think,” she teased.
    “I’m willing to take that chance,” Jonah said with all seriousness.
    “Do you promise not to drop me?”
    “Sweetheart, I think you should worry more if I ever plan on letting you down.”
    She tilted her head and stared at him with an odd look for a brief moment. “I’ll walk…for now.”
    “The offer will be open-ended.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    Walking in the cool night air, Jonah and Tisha strolled on the crowded pier, their voices drowned out by the loud, boisterous crowd. Trying not to get separated, Jonah took her hand, sending a current of energy from him to her. The crowd thinned out as they turned the corner and headed down toward the beach. Once they were free of the horde of people, Tisha tried to release his hand, but he refused to let go.
    “Are you going to let loose anytime soon?” she teased, looking over at him.
    “I hadn’t planned on it.”
    “I do need it, you know. I’ve grown attached to it.”
    “So have I.” But to avoid appearing like the besotted fool he was beginning to feel like, he released her hand. Reluctantly. Leaving the main street, they crossed the