“So how was your dinner last night with that Adonis of the sea?” Sarah enquires, without bothering with Hello or good morning as she swings open the shop door, allowing the sea breeze to infiltrate and I decide that there’s no better smell in this world. Nothing compares to it, as I take in a deep sniff before replying.

“It was nice. He was really good company. We had a good time. Well I did, and I think he did also.”

“Are you gonna see him again?” Sarah asks as she hangs some dresses from the day before.

“Maybe.” I say with a note of doubt. “I still think it’s too soon. It doesn’t feel right. Everyone knows about Ryan and they’ll think I’m a heartless bitch if they see me having a good time with someone else. It’s a small town, remember?”

“Who gives a shit what people think if he’s happy and so are you?”

“Well unfortunately I have to Sarah. Not only do I live here, but now I have the shop to consider also. Regardless of how nice it was; it isn’t going to happen again. I can’t get involved with anyone right now. Hell, Ryan is hardly even in his grave. It’s not right for me to be dating just yet. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. I feel bad, because he’s genuinely a nice guy.”

“Morning Ladies” We hear from the doorway, both turning to see Dalton leaning on the door jamb casually, arms crossed across his thick chest.

“Dalton, what brings you here this lovely morning?” I ask, eyebrows raised. “This is a nice surprise.”

“Just dropped Milly at Day-care, so I thought I’d call in to see how things are going with the new venture. Are you millionaires yet, or what?”

My laughter fills the room as Sarah joins in. “Surely you don’t seriously think that we’ll make any money this year? I mean it’s going to take a little longer than that, I think.”

“Oh shit...what a shame. Here I was hoping you’d shout me a coffee with your profits...looks like I’ll have to go buy it myself. Anyone else want one while I’m feeling generous?”

“Yes please...latte with one sugar.” I tell him quickly.

“Me too, but no sugar thanks.” Sarah says.

“Be back in five minutes.”

The day goes quickly as we sort new stock and Dalton works on the heavy back door that needs repair. Removing the door and taking it outside to do some adjustments, means that he stands in the hot sun, stripped down to his jeans, top half naked, tanned and sweaty. A sight not lost on either of us, watching from inside. I find myself constantly drawn to his muscled torso and it takes all my strength to drag my eyes away and try to concentrate on what I’m doing.

It should be illegal to be so good looking as well as own a body like that. It’s such a distraction that we give up and make our way to the open back door, chatting to pass the time, as well as take in the view. Time certainly has been kind to him, I think as I stare at the rippling muscles in his back as he works on shaving the edge of the door. Was there a better sight than a gorgeous man covered in sawdust and dirt as he worked in the hot sun? I don’t think so.

I turn quickly at the sound of the bell on the front door chiming, as someone enters. Walking out with a smile on my face, I see Micah looking around quickly at the empty shop.

“Hey Micah, I’m here.”

Leaning in to give me a quick peck on the cheek, he smiles and his eyes flash with appreciation at the sight of me in a short summer dress with high stiletto sandals, showcasing my long tanned legs.

“Wow, you look amazing.” He says quickly. “I just popped in before work to let you know I had a great time last night and I was kinda hoping we could do it again...” he lifts his eyes to meet glaring bright blue ones, over my shoulder. “Oh hey Dalton. How are ya?” he says, extending his hand out to the frowning man moving closer to stand at my side.

“Good Mate...good. Yourself?”

“Yeah good. I was just telling Haven that I hope she’ll agree to see me again after last night’s date. Not only beautiful but smart too.” He says, smiling at me, and completely ignoring the burning glare evident in Dalton’s eyes.

“Oh I didn’t realize you two knew one another. You didn’t tell me you were dating anyone Haven.” He says with a raised eyebrow, as though he’s entitled to know.

“It was just dinner Dalton. Calm your farm. Micah and I just had dinner last night.” I tell him sharply, ignoring the glare he casts in my direction. “Micah I’m sorry, but as I told you last night, I’m not dating...I had a great time and maybe at some point in the future we could do it again but right now I need to concentrate on me and this shop. Beach Dreams has only just started and I need to put all my energy into making it a success – so no, I’m sorry, there won’t be any more dinners in the foreseeable future.”

“Well that’s a shame, but I understand. I’m happy to wait as long as you need. I’m not that easy to get rid of. You don’t mind if I pop in now and then, to say Hi, do you?”

I smile widely and am just about to tell him I don’t mind at all, when Dalton steps forward slightly blocking my view of Micah. “I don’t think you understand the concept of no, do you? The lady said she isn’t dating...so I think its best if you leave her be, don’t you?”

Stepping forward so that the two large men are almost nose to nose, Micah growls, “I think that’s up to her, not you. Mate.”

I push myself between them, forcing them both to step back to give me room before I glare at them. “What the hell is going on??! Micah, I don’t mind you dropping in now and then...that’s fine.” I tell him, before looking to Dalton and narrowing my eyes. “As for you – I’m a big girl – I don’t need you to protect me. I’d appreciate it if you let me speak for myself. I have a big brother – I don’t need another.”

Backing away slightly, Dalton runs his hand up over his dark hair, lifting his baseball cap as he does, before replacing it firmly back on his head and with another dark look at Micah, turns around to stride outside to calm down. I can see him taking deep breaths, his head back, turned up to the sun as though the heat’ll help him to rein in his temper. His hands on his hips indicate that it isn’t working yet.

“Micah, I’m so sorry about Dalton. I don’t know what came over him. Please ignore what he said. I’m happy to be friends and see what happens in the future but right now, I just need some space. I hope you understand.”

Reaching out a finger to run down my cheek softly, he quietly says, “Of course. Whatever you need; but just know I will be around often, even if it’s just to say hello or get you a coffee or lunch.”

Looking up to meet his eyes I reply, “Thank you” as his hand drops to his side.

Micah left to start work and I decide to check on Dalton to see what my friend’s up to.

Outside in the scorching sun, I shield my eyes against the glare and stand in front of him, as he furiously shaves the edge of the door with sandpaper.

“Dalton.” I growl to get his attention, not believing for a moment that he doesn’t know I’m here. When he doesn’t answer, I reach out and grab his sweaty arm halting his work, his eyes flying up to meet mine in question. “Wanna tell me what that was all about?”

His look of confusion is genuine, as he replies “What?”

I raise my hands to my hips in a threatening stance and give him a look that could have frozen Hawaii.

“Don’t act dumb with me! You know exactly what I’m talking about. How could you speak to him like that?”

“The guy’s a player, Haven. You don’t need to be nice to him. Why you agreed to go out with him in the first place, is beyond me.”

“Mind your own damn business, Dalton. He’s a nice guy and I won’t have you being nasty to him.”

“Nasty? What are we... ten?” he says with a smirk, infuriating me even further.

“Don’t push me Dalton Walker Sullivan; I swear you haven’t changed a bit!”

We stand glaring at each other for a long moment before he breaks into a grin, making me smile involuntarily.

“You...you...mongrel bastard!” I try to make my words angry, but can’t keep a straight face, laughing along with him, tears eventually filling my eyes. They start out as happy tears, but soon they’re tracking down my face and loud sobs are filling the courtyard.

Dalton grabs me and pulls me into his arms, uncaring he’s sweaty and dirty, just knowing that he has to help.

Allowing me to cry till my sobs turn into loud hiccups, he pulls away slightly, wiping my cheeks gently with his thumbs to wipe away the last of the tears as I try to apologize.

He silences me with a finger over my mouth, a look of concern covering his face, his bright blue eyes turning darker as he studies me.

“Have you cried for him before this?” he asks gently, assuming the tears are a reaction to Ryan’s death.

“No. I don’t think I have...and...I have ...no idea why...I am...now. I’m ...sorry.” I say between hiccups, wiping the back of my hand across my face to get rid of the evidence of my breakdown.

“Haven, it’s perfectly normal...especially if you haven’t really mourned his loss yet. I remember when Kelsey died...I was a mess for months afterwards. I thought I would never get over losing her. Milly saved me back then. I had to keep putting one foot in front of the other – I was a single father with a baby to raise - but I still have my moments, even now.”

“Kelsey was your wife?” I ask as I sniff loudly.

He nods sadly as he meets my eyes. “She died just after Amelia was born. Ovarian cancer. She was advised to terminate the pregnancy so she could start on Chemotherapy but she refused. She knew that she wouldn’t ever have a chance to have another baby so she decided to ignore their advice...and died with Milly in her arms.” Looking to the ground and shaking his head slowly to rid himself of the sad memory, I rub my hand up and down his thick arm in support.

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea. That must have been a nightmare for you. I wish I’d known her; I’m sure she was lovely.” Taking a deep breath to get my tears under control I ask, “Does Milly look like her mother?”

“Sure does. Gets more like her every day.” He says with smile, obviously picturing his beautiful daughter in his mind.

“Then she must have been beautiful, because that girl of yours is a real cutie.”

His smile told me that he agreed, and you can see the love shining in his eyes as his daughter is mentioned.

“That baby girl is my whole world now. It’s just her and me and we like it like that.”

“What about your Mum and Dad? Are they still living out at the farm?” I ask, finally able to speak again.

His shake of his head tells me no. “They moved into town a few years back. Have a flash house up on the hill now, but Dad still comes out every day or two. Can’t help himself – he can’t stay away from the place.”