Page 38 of Summer Affair

“Good, because I really wanted to hit the flea market tomorrow and I hate going alone.”

“What time should we meet up?”

“Come by my place around nine. We can grab some breakfast at Sunset Café before we head into Destin.”

“I’ll see you then,” he said and then he quickly added, “Andrea, don’t mistake my bolting for not enjoying what happened.” He thought for a moment. “I’m just…it’s never…” He backed out the entire message. “I really enjoyed today.”

“Me too. See you tomorrow,” she said, and he relaxed.

The next morning, Dean arrived at Andrea’s house, his heart pounding a little faster than usual. He took a deep breath, straightened his shirt, and walked up to the door. Before he could knock, Andrea opened it with a smile, holding his flip-flops.

There was no odd look in her eyes, no weirdness that he could see as she looked him over.

“Hey there,” she greeted easily. She was wearing a summer dress with thin little straps showcasing her tan shoulders. Her hair was in another long braid. She looked like a summer goddess.

“Morning,” he replied back, pushing the guilt of leaving her the night before to the back of his mind. “Ready?” He took his shoes and put them on.

“Absolutely,” she said, grabbing her bag and locking the door behind her.

They got into his truck and he drove to Sunset Café while the early-morning sun cast a warm glow over the landscape. The drive was filled with easy conversation and laughter, the kind that felt effortless and natural. It was obvious that whatever worry he had about the way he’d left her wasn’t going to hinder their day.

He’d thought long and hard the night before about his actions. He shouldn’t have bolted, but he’d felt something that he’d never experienced before in his life. And it scared him.

When they arrived at the crowded café, they were greeted by the familiar, cozy atmosphere. The scent of fresh coffee and baking pastries filled the air, and the sound of clinking cutlery and quiet chatter created a comforting background hum.

They were seated at a table by the back window that offered a perfect view of the creek that ran through the woods behind the building. As they settled in, a waitress came over with menus.

“Can I start you off with some coffee?” she asked them.

“Yes, please,” Andrea said, glancing at Dean. He nodded quickly. “Two coffees, black,” she said. The waitress nodded and left them to peruse the menu.

It was nice that they knew each other enough to know what they both liked. How many times had he enjoyed a meal with her and their friends. He couldn’t count the times. Over the years he’d worked at the camp, they’d gone sailing together, enjoyed hanging out at Damion’s family’s place down the coast for long weekends, and even taken small road trips with their friends.

Being with Andrea felt as right as eating at this café.

“This place feels like home,” Dean said, looking around. “I spent a lot of time eating here when I was in school. I’m glad Mary and Everette didn’t sell it.”

Andrea smiled. “It’s a little slice of heaven. Every local knows that they have the best breakfast in town. I think they’re hoping their daughter will take the place over when her kids get a little older.”

They ordered their meals—pancakes with fresh berries for Andrea and a hearty omelet for Dean. As they ate, they talked about everything and nothing, the conversation flowing effortlessly.

After finishing their breakfast, they headed to Grayton Beach for the farmer’s market. The small beach town was bustling with activity. Vendors had set up their stalls and early risers were already browsing the fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

The market was a vibrant display of colors and scents. Fresh flowers, ripe fruits, and an array of vegetables lined the stalls. They wandered through, stopping to admire the goods and chat with the vendors.

“Look at these,” Andrea said, holding up a bunch of sunflowers. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

“They are. Sunflowers are your favorites, right?” Dean remembered.

A look of surprise flashed in her eyes as she added the flowers to her basket. “Yes, they are.” She smiled. “How did you know?”

He reached over, took her hand in his, and ran his fingertips over the sunflowers on her arms. “You have them here.” He leaned closer to her. “And other places.”

She chuckled. “Okay, so body art is very telling. In that case, you’re favorite animal is…a dolphin?” She cocked her head.

“Shark,” he corrected with a wince. “It’s my spirit animal.” She was teasing him, he knew it.

She laughed. “Right,” she said slowly. “Remind me to give you the number for my tattoo artist.”