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“Thanks, man.” He handed me the popcorn. “I’ll just eat blueberries too, then.”

It was a nice gesture. Dakota didn’t need the people around her to adjust their eating habits to match hers, but it would certainly give her less temptation to snack on the popcorn and regret it when her legs were swollen or she wet the bed because of the fluid she’d retained.

“She really does look tired,” I said. “At the risk of incurring my sister’s wrath, can I give you some advice?”

He winced. “Yeah, please. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble before. It just came up in conversation about you. I didn’t know she’d get so mad.”

I snorted. “Well, I did, but I’d do it again.”

“Fair enough. What’s the advice? I want to do right by Dakota, you know? I don’t want to misstep. But also…” He bit his bottom lip, looking guilty.

“You also want to hit it,” I guessed.

“No!” he blurted.

I gave him a skeptical look.

“Well, yes,” he admitted. “But not like… It’s not about sex. I just want to be close to her, and I don’t know the rules of this game, you know? I care about Dakota. I want to see where this relationship goes. But I’m kind of out of my depth on this.”

I took pity on the guy.

“Don’t repeat any of this to Dakota. She will kill me for talking sex with you.”

“I won’t.”

“Let her be your guide. She knows her body best. There’s no reason you can’t be intimate, but you should be aware that she’s not always going to feel up to it, especially tonight.”

“I’ve got no plans for tonight. No offense, but the first time we have sex, I don’t want her brother listening in the next room.”

That was good news to me. “Just trust Dakota to know what she needs, okay? Communication is key. You’ll figure it out together.”

He blew out a breath. “Thanks, man. I know it’s probably weird to talk about.”

“That’s okay. If it leads to Dakota’s happiness, I’ll deal with a little awkward.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Kit?” Joey called from the doorway.

I turned. He looked pale and was he sweating?

“Sorry to interrupt, but I really need to go.” He wiped his hands on his jeans. “It’s just, the rain…I can’t—” He broke off, eyes flicking to the window, where it was really pouring now.

“I better go before Dakota starts the movie without me,” Felipe said, taking his cue to leave.

I turned to Joey. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” His voice quivered a little, unconvincing. “I just…” He licked his lips. “I usually don’t drive in the rain because⁠—”

He stopped short, wrapping his arms around his middle.

I drew closer and cupped his shoulders. “It makes you nervous?”

“Yeah,” he said quietly.

“Because of the accident with Dakota?” I asked, even though I was pretty sure of the answer.

He raised his gaze to mine, looking pained. “Yes.”