Merrill crashed his ax against a block of wood, splitting it in two. His forehead was sprinkled with sweat even though little puffs of fog escaped his mouth. After speaking with Lucinda, he had more pep in his step as he completed his morning chores. He was excited for his trip to Breeze Bay. It had been so long since he left the farm for vacation that he was half tempted to get an early start on it. He could picture Lucinda's shock at the sight of him at her door, earlier than expected. Her eyebrows would most likely fly up to her hairline along with the widening of her eyes to the size of the moon. He chuckled at that thought. Her face certainly didn't hide her emotions very well. Instead they rolled out across her face like a red carpet.

As he went to swing the ax again, he paused in mid air. From the corner of his eye he saw Duncan walking toward him. He set the ax down and folded his arms with his mouth curling into an angry frown. Ever since Lucinda's departure, Duncan had been showing up less and less. Which Merrill had predicted, but he never anticipated just how absent he would become.

"Where've you been?" Merrill asked and reached for the ax.

The young man ducked his chin to his chest and stared sheepishly at the ground as he stopped in front of Merrill. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, causing his shoulders to hunch around his neck, making it disappear. "Just hanging with some friends..."

"What friends? You don't have any."

"Well I do. Ok?" Duncan snapped, only briefly looking up at the man.

"Bull! Since when have you had friends."

"Since now!" he spat out.

"Oh really?" Merrill challenged. "And what kind of friends drag you away from your responsibilities here?"

"You don't even pay me."

"I pay you in life experiences." Merrill grunted as he swung the ax again. When Duncan didn't respond, he continued. "One day, when you're older, you're going to be thankful for the old man who taught you how to repair a car, how to take care of a farm and how to make repairs on the home." He swung the ax with another grunt and for each point he made to Duncan, he drove the ax into the wood. "I've taught you how to build your own furniture." Thwack. "How to cook." Thwack. "How to fish..." Thwack. "One day you'll have a wife and children and you'll have the skills to take care of them."

Duncan was quiet for a while as Merrill continued to chop the wood. Then he finally said, "yeah but, none of those things will help me make money."

"No?" Merrill set the ax down onto the ground with a thud and began counting on his fingers. "I've taught you how to re-roof my home. I've taught you how to rebuild cars. I've taught you how to-"

"And for all of those you at least need some sort of college for employers to even want to hire you!" Duncan spat out. "Every single job I've looked at, they all ask for some level of college... but I barely passed high school! So I signed up for online classes and that's where I've been! But since my uncle doesn't have a computer, I have to drive into town to use the ones at the library."

The scowl on Merrill's face instantly melted after hearing his words, but then he pushed his brows together in confusion. "Online classes?"

"Yeah..." Duncan looked down at his feet. "Lucinda told me about them before she left."

"She did?" Merrill's face brightened with a soft smile. Of course she would find a way to help the young man. She cared about him and that warmed Merrill's heart since he loved Duncan like a grandson. "Well, what kind of classes are you taking?"

Duncan's cheeks flushed with a light blush as he kept his focus on the ground. "For now it's just general stuff, like English and algebra, but once I get past those then I'd like to sign up for some medical stuff."

"Really?" Merrill pulled his head back in surprise.

"Yeah." Duncan shrugged. "Some of the stuff seems really interesting. I like the thought of being able to save lives. I was thinking about... maybe..." He teetered back and forth on his feet like a shy little boy. "Becoming a Paramedic."

"That's great, kid!" Merrill moved in close and patted Duncan's shoulder, which were more like heavy thuds with how happy he was. "I'm really proud of you."

With that, the young man shot his eyes up to Merrill's. "You are?"

"Yes, absolutely!" He embraced him and repeated how proud he was of him while rubbing rough circles into his back. When he pulled away, Duncan had a dopey grin on his face, one that showed how delighted he was to make an old man proud of him. "Alright, now what do you say you help me finish chopping this wood and I'll go make us a celebratory lunch?"

"But... what's there to celebrate? I haven't graduated or anything."

"Not yet." Merrill squeezed his shoulder and began heading towards the house. "We'll just call it a pre celebration for when you do graduate paramedic school."

As Merrill got to work on preparing their lunch, he couldn't help but smile as he stared out of his kitchen window. Duncan was swinging away at the wood and the boy actually seemed happy as he whistled a tune. Then an idea popped into Merrill's head, and it was one that suprised him since he never bothered with modern technology before. He decided to have WiFi installed in his home and even buy a computer so that Duncan wouldn't have to go into town to use the ones at the library.

Once Duncan was done with his task, he barreled into the house with sweat on his face and a pleased expression. He salivated as Merrill motioned toward the small dinning table with two steaming bowls of beef stew in his hands.

"You make the best stew!" Duncan praised while rubbing his hands together.

After setting the plates down, Merrill took a seat and asked, "what would you say if I got wifi set up in my home and bought a computer?"

"I'd say you've gone nuts!" Duncan replied with a mouthful of stew.

"Well, it wouldn't be for me. It would be for you. That way you wouldn't have to bother with the bus routes or borrowing your uncle's car to go into town and you'd have your own quiet space to study."

Duncan shook his head. "I can't let you do that..."

"And why not? Don't you want your own computer?"

"You do know there's a monthly fee for wifi, right? And computers can be expensive."

"So?" Merrill bunched his brows.

"So everyone knows retired people are poor!"

Merrill let out a laugh and threw his napkin down as if he couldn't believe Duncan's words. He shook his head, the smile still on his face and leaned forward. "Kid, I'm pretty sure I can afford wifi and a computer. Think of it as my way of paying you for all that you do around here. Plus, once I go visit Lucinda I'll need you to look after things for me. Having a computer here means that you won't have to miss any classes while taking care of my property."

"Ok, fine. You've got a deal," Duncan replied bashfully and then his face fell slightly. "Will you tell Lucinda that I'm sorry for not seeing her off back when she left?"

"Sure kid. She'll be happy to hear from you." He motioned with his fork to their bowls. "Now let's eat before this meal gets cold."

Not wasting another second, Duncan plunged his fork back into the bowl a little too enthusiastically, but Merrill didn't mind one bit. It was a good day.

🌲🌲🌲

That evening Lucinda rang the doorbell to Raif's home. As she waited for him she wrapped her shawl around her bare shoulders thinking that she should have worn a sweater instead. Her chambre shirtdress fluttered slightly with the breeze, sending a shiver up her legs. Then she froze as she heard a loud thumping sound coming close to the door and Raif's voice chasing after it. With a smile he pulled the door open and stepped aside to reveal a panting bulldog.

"Meet Frank, the boss of the house."

"So this is Frank!? I didn't realize he was a dog. The way you talk about him sometimes... I thought he was a person!" Lucinda said laughing.

"Well, I'm not sure Frank realizes he's a dog either and he is my family and well, he's my roommate too. But come on in." He motioned with his hand. "There's less of a breeze in the back yard."

As he lead the way, Raif's cologne trailed behind him, causing Lucinda to lean forward and inhale his yummy fresh scent. She was surprised to see his home so neatly decorated as they past through it. It looked photo shoot ready for a magazine with the pillows on his couch perfectly fluffed and a throw blanket draped over the back at an angle. His coffee table had lit candles flickering at different heights down the middle, and a short stack of books fanned out in front of them like decoration. Looking around, Lucinda felt embarrassed that her own home looked so drab with its mish-mosh of furniture. As Raif showed her to the backyard, she noticed that he had a lot of pictures hanging on the walls. Some were paintings and others were photographs. Studying them, Lucinda recognized the ocean and the pier in one of the photos and began to think that maybe Raif had a photography hobby?

Stepping into the backyard, the smell of the salty ocean air hit her, but Raif was right, the breeze could not be felt at all. He took Lucinda's hand, guiding her down the steps onto the cobblestone patio and invited her to sit down. There were fruit trees along the edges of the yard, except for the picket fence that opened up to a grand view of the ocean and beach. Even the backyard looked photo shoot ready as she sat in a rattan chaise lounge with reddish orange cushions. There was a tiki bar off to the left of her and in front of the lounge was a large picnic table already set up with place settings, silverware and candles. Above the table was an oversized canopy in the same color as the lounge seat cushions. Peacefully sitting back, Lucinda watched Raif turn the meat on the grill. It sizzled with a savory aroma floating her way and she realized she should offer to help.

"I can do that, if you want," she said as she stood up from the chaise lounge.

"Now what kind of host would I be if I asked you to do that? You just sit your pretty little butt right there." He pointed with a pair of tongs. "And I'll take care of dinner, but first, are you thirsty?"

"Sure." She nodded as she sat back down.

"Then I'll fix you up a cocktail." Disappearing behind the tiki bar, she could hear him shaking something up, followed by the sound of liquid pouring over ice. He returned to her with some sort of concoction that had muddled blueberries at the bottom. "Here you go. Try it."

Taking the glass from him, she pressed her lips to it and sipped. "I like it."

"Good." He smiled devilishly and lifted Lucinda's chin, planting a soft kiss on her lips before deepening it. When he had his fill he pulled back and said, "definitely my new favorite thing."

Lucinda's insides melted at his words and he smiled as he stole one more kiss before returning to the grill. It all felt so unreal. Her mind kept telling her to fight the magnetic pull she had to Raif, but she simply couldn't. He was sweet, sincere, thoughtful... nothing like her ex, so she decided to allow herself just one night to let things unfold the way they may.

During dinner Raif told her stories of surfing in places like Thailand, Australia and Hawaii and how it inspired him to do a little photography. He showed her his photo album with genuine pride on his face as she turned the pages and stared in awe at some of the shots. But she was even more amazed at how he expressed himself so openly. Lucinda was even a bit of envious because she'd never been able to express herself as freely as him and what if her stories didn't measure up? What if she was boring?

After clearing the table, they took their drinks into the living room and sat closely on the couch. Reggae music played softly in the background as they chatted and Frank played with a chew toy at their feet. Lucinda could easily picture the scene becoming a ritual for them. Dinner, conversation and relaxing together on Sunday nights to top of the week. It was a nice thing to imagine and a routine she wouldn't mind at all. Not when cuddling with Raif made her soul become warm with happiness.

Raif caressed her thigh as she talked about milking cows and learning to fly-fish with Merrill. Having his thumb swipe back and forth on her leg didn't even panic her as she became lost in the memories of her older friend. Even Raif seemed completely at ease as he leaned his head against hers, listening closely. Then when Lucinda went on to talk about Duncan, he lifted his head and eyed her curiously.

"Sounds like he had a crush on you."

"What? No. No way." Lucinda shook her head. "He just... I think I gave him the wrong idea."

"Maybe, but he definitely had a crush. And can I blame him?" Raif cupped her face. "You're irresistible, you know."

"I am not!" Lucinda pushed on his chest, trying to hide her blush.

"Yes, you are." Raif insisted.

Leaning in, he kissed her shoulder and noticed how she shuttered. Then he moved on to kissing to her neck and Lucinda shivered. He grinned as he moved his mouth up to hers for another taste. She could feel him easing her down on the couch and she willingly went with it, basking in the softness of his lips. As she stretched her neck to allow him more surface area to kiss, her eyes widened at the sight of Frank staring at them with his head tilted curiously.

"What's wrong?" Raif asked, a slight panic in his words. "Is this too fast? I can stop."

"No, no. It's Frank. He's just staring at us..." Lucinda laughed nervously.

"Frank. Go to bed!" Raif commanded as he pointed towards a big fluffy pillow by the couch. The dog grunted before hobbling over to the pillow. He plopped down and rested his chin across his paws, pouting. "Now where were we?"

Lucinda gripped the material of Raif's shirt between her hands and with a grin pulled him back down to her mouth. They resumed kissing and the same desire she had for him the night before, returned. It started in her stomach with flutters and then radiated out to her limbs in a tingle, spreading warmth all over her. Adding fuel to the fire building inside her, Raif began running a hand up her bare leg and caressed her thigh before hiking it over his hip. The position caused his hips to become flush with hers and she instinctively tightened her leg around him. Raif groaned and then pulled his mouth away from hers.

"Would... you like to go to my room instead? If this is too fast, I understand."

"Yes."

"Yes it's too fast?"

"No." She shook her head slowly. "But like I said last night, I haven't been with anyone in three years... so I'm... nervous."

"We can just stay right here," he replied. "Continue to talk."

"No." Lucinda shook her head again and then gathered up some courage. "I'd like to go to your room. Just be gentle, ok?"

Raif got up from the couch and extended his hand to Lucinda. "I can be gentle. I can be gentle all night, if that's what you want." He smiled and leaned in for a kiss.

He guided her down the hallway toward his bedroom and she followed without protest, even though her heart was thumping so hard it pulsed in her ears. Frank trotted happily behind them until Raif gave him a stern look.

"Go on boy, we need some privacy. Go sleep on your giant pillow."

Frank whimpered, but then turned around to make his way back to the living room. Once the bedroom door was closed behind them, Raif pulled Lucinda into him and began kissing her again. He unbuttoned the front of her shirt-dress and let it fall to the floor while moving on to kiss her neck. As Lucinda stood there in her underwear, she wondered if he saw her imperfections? He traced the outline of her back and hips with his hands and then rested them on her bottom.

"I love the way this looks jeans," he said while giving her bottom a squeeze. "You have no idea how much I stare whenever your back is turned."

Lucinda giggled, but her heart was pounding as she nervously removed Raif's shirt and began kissing his chest. His muscles were well toned from surfing and it made her feel unequal. Sure she jogged every day, but she was still soft in places that she wished she wasn't and now she stood half naked with a man. Completely self conscious. Would he notice the stretch marks on her hips? Were her breasts too small for him? Her ex certainly seemed to think so with his constant offers to pay for a boob job.

As Raif stepped back and rolled his gaze over her, she wanted to cover herself up with her arms. He was perfect and she was... average. What if he didn't like what he was seeing? Without realizing it, her attention had gone to the floor as her mind swam with self doubt. Then Raif tilted her chin up and his intense gaze froze her focus on him.

"You're beautiful, Lucinda." He walked her backward until the back of her knees met with the bed and he lowered her down. His eyes never left hers as he shimmied out of his pants and she scooted towards the middle of the bed. Again his eyes appraised her and with a shake of his head, he said, "So stunning!" As he began to crawl over her, he plotted kisses up her bare legs and then up her abdomen, causing Lucinda to suck in a breath. He paused to look up at her. "You still have time to back out. We can stop. I'll never pressure you."

"No." she cupped his face while swallowing down some nerves. "Please, whatever you do, don't stop. I want this."

Raif grinned devilishly. "Then lets finish getting naked!"

As they crashed their mouths together, they simultaneously removed each other's undergarments, practically ripping them off and then tossing them to the side of the bed. She could see by the look in Raif's eyes, that he meant what he said about her being beautiful as he ran a hand up and down her body. He stared at her flesh as if it were sprinkled with diamonds, his eyes bright with wonder before taking a teasing bite of her hip. She giggled and then went quiet as he brought his mouth back to hers. Within second they began slowly moving together and for the first time in years, Lucinda let go of the doubts swimming in her head. She was letting things unravel as they may. It was scary but she knew it was good for her.

Raif, was going to be good for her.