Breakwater Lane

Chapter 1

Miss Reed, your grandfather left you his business in the will. The lawyer said in a monotone voice as Jordan sat across the table from him.

I’m sorry, what did you say? Jordan sat forward, trying to understand what the lawyer was telling her.

He left you his building, which is in Wishful Harbor.

Jordan sat back, covering her mouth with a hand as she gasped. Since she graduated from culinary school, her dream had been to own a bakery, but with college loans, money wasn’t filling her wallet.

On top of that, she’d never been close to her grandfather, but when she was small, she’d spend a week every summer in Wishful Harbor with him. The building he owned was at the end of the historical section of the little town. Every day she’d go with him to his little deli and watch him cook and bake. It’s where she’d gained her love of cooking. But then when her parents got a divorce, she moved across the country with her mom. The last time she saw him was when she was thirteen.

He always knew her love of cooking. Now he was giving her the building that he loved.

Miss Jordan, if you’ll sign here, we can get the paperwork completed for the transfer of ownership.

Then everything happened in a blur. The ownership transferred to her, and she moved back across the country to the little historic town of Wishful Harbor. The building included an apartment over the deli.

Now she stood in front of the building, looking up at the white clapboard sided building with awe and sadness. All the old memories flooded in. This was hers now. She grasped the key tightly in her hand and walked across the sidewalk to gaze into the windows. It was exactly as she remembered, even down to the closed sign in the door.

She took a deep breath and turned the key in the lock, opening her new life.

Hey, can I help you? A deep male voice said from behind her.

Jordan jumped, putting her hand on her heart. Oh, my goodness. You scared the life out of me. Jordan said as she whirled around, looking up into the most amazing set of eyes she’d ever seen. They weren’t blue exactly, but a greenish blue, almost the color of the water in Wishful Harbor just after a storm.

I’m sorry, are you Hank’s granddaughter?

Yes. Jordan reached out her hand to the man. Jordan.

Glad to meet you Jordan, for the second time. The man grinned. Skyler, Skyler Evans.

Jordan tilted her head, curious. Second time. I don’t understand. Have we met before?

We met behind the building. I was fishing and you were falling into the water. I dove in and saved you. Skyler said, crossing his muscular arms across his chest with a grin.

Oh, I didn’t recognize you. Jordan said with a giggle as she remembered the incident that he was speaking of. She also remembered the crushed she'd had on him.

I can imagine. You ran away as soon as I saved you. Skyler said with a little sarcasm lacing his voice. He remembered the spoiled little girl that she’d been. Now he saw a beautiful young woman, but had she lost her spoiled ways?

Well, I was so embarrassed. I’d been showing off in front of you, then fell over the side of the dock. Jordan said with a grin as she put her purse on the table, turning to look around. So, you stayed here?

It’s my home. I can’t imagine living anywhere other than Wishful Harbor.

But didn’t you want to get out and enjoy life?

Skyler scowled, bringing his brows together in anger. I see you haven’t changed a bit.

Jordan whirled back around to face him, confusion in her eyes. Excuse me.

You were a spoiled brat then, and I see you’re still a spoiled brat. Skyler turned to walk out the door.

At first Jordan watched him walking out the door, then she ran after him. Hey, wait a minute. Why are you calling me a spoiled brat?

Skyler stopped, not turning around. Lady, you don’t have a clue about small town life. It’s a way of life that some enjoy. Not everyone wants to travel or go to large cities. Then he turned around, looking down at her. And I do enjoy life, every day.

But that doesn’t make me a spoiled brat.

I don’t have time for this. Skyler started across the road toward a big red truck.

But I’m not a spoiled brat. Jordan said, trying to reason with this stubborn man.

Skyler just motioned with his hand that he wasn’t impressed. Then he climbed into the truck and drove away as Jordan stood on the sidewalk watching him.

Turning, she walked back into the deli. She mumbled as she ran a finger across the counter, feeling the dust. How long has it been since anyone has been in here? She said to herself as she moved behind the counter and up the back stairs toward the apartment. As soon as she walked into the small apartment, she groaned. Looking up, she saw a dark spot on the ceiling, then one on the hardwood floor.

She’d need a carpenter to come in and repair the roof, ceiling and floor. Moving out of the front room, she went into the kitchen and groaned again. One of the cabinet doors was hanging off its hinges. Turning her head, she noticed the dark spot on the ceiling over the windows. That’s when she looked at the view and memories flooded in of spending time in this kitchen with her grandfather. He’d always stand in front of the sink with his coffee, looking out at the harbor. As she stood there looking at the harbor, she understood why. It was beautiful and tranquil.

A knocking noise behind her startled her. She turned and saw the old water heater rattling and acting as though it was wheezing. That’s when she sat down in a chair at the little retro table that probably came from the 1960’s. She started laughing until she cried. She’d inherited a death trap, but it was hers. So now what?

Jordan pulled a notepad from her purse and started making a list of what needed to be repaired. As she walked through the two-bedroom apartment, her list grew longer and longer. By the time she made her way back down to the deli, she was on page three. As she walked into the kitchen at the back of the restaurant, she found the same conditions here. Reaching up, she ran her fingers through her hair in frustration.

In front of her was a number to a contractor. Well, that was convenient. Was her grandfather in the process of having this place repaired when he had the accident? She dialed the number.

The deep voice on the other end was familiar. Hello, this is Jordan Reed and I now own the old deli here in town. I need for you to come give me an estimate for repairs to the building.

She was met with silence, then the man cleared his throat. I’ll be over in about ten minutes. Then the line was dead.

Jordan put her phone on the counter and started taking a mental inventory of the equipment that she now owned. Most of the equipment seemed to be in working order. That was a plus. One look in the pantry had her running out holding her nose. How long had it been since it had been cleaned out? The smell was horrible. That was the first thing she needed to do after she met with the contractor.

With her long list in hand, she walked to the back door just off the kitchen and opened it. The sea air filled her nose as she inhaled. She looked down the boardwalk along the back of the other buildings with a smile. It was like she’d stepped back in time. The marina was bustling with activity as others sat at tables behind the restaurant that was attached to the marina.

There was a small bistro table with two chairs on the little deck that was attached to the deli. She sat down, pulling her sunglasses off the top of her head to shade her eyes. As she watched the sailboats ease across the harbor, letting the wind take them along, she sighed. Life was slow and easy here in Wishful Harbor. Could she live this slow life after the fast-paced life in Colorado?

A sound inside the deli told her that someone had arrived, presumably the contractor. She stood, taking one last look at the harbor, then turned to go inside.

The moment she stepped into the dining area, she made a face. You again. Are you back to sling more insults my way? Jordan said as she gazed into those stormy blue eyes.

No, you called me. I’m the contractor. Skyler said between his teeth.

You’ve got to be kidding me. Jordan threw up her hands in defeat.

I’m the only contractor in town, so you’re stuck with me or you can pay the cost of having someone come from another town. Skyler leaned against the counter, which shifted and groaned in protest.

Jordan knew defeat. Here’s my list. She thrust the list into his hands and walked behind the counter to get a breath.

Chapter 2

Skyler agreed to do the job, but Jordan had mixed feelings. With a frustrated sigh, she walked out the back door to the little table and dropped down into one of the chairs. Taking a deep breath, she looked out across the Harbor as a large boat blew its horn, bringing her out of her thoughts.

In the distance, she could hear the harbor buoy bell chiming to the rock of the waves. Then as she scanned the far horizon, she saw a huge sail boat coming around the jetties that surrounded the old lighthouse. It carried her back to the times she spent with her grandfather. He’d taken her to the lighthouse several times and let her play on the rocks. Even though she’d thought the time here would never end, only wanting to go back home, she’d enjoyed it.

Jordan? Jordan Reed? A feminine voice said with excitement from the boardwalk that separated the back deck from the water.

Jordan looked up with a frown. This woman that was quickly walking toward her seemed to know her, but how? As she continued to stare at the woman in confusion, a slight recognition came into her brain. Had they attended the same college? Was she from Denver?

I bet you don’t remember me. I’m Julie Hayden. We used to play together on the playground at the edge of town. The woman said in an excited voice that somewhat annoyed Jordan.

At first Jordan just stared at the woman, then she remembered. It had been a long time since then and she only vaguely remembered her. She’d been a bookworm of sorts.

Ah, yes, now I remember. You loved books, right? Jordan said, sitting up straight and gesturing for the woman to sit down. If she was going to make a life here in Wishful Harbor, she’d better be nice to the locals.

You do remember. Julie said with wide eyes. I own the bookstore next door.

Oh, then we’re neighbors. Jordan said.

So, you decided to take on Hank’s legacy. He talked about you all the time. I’m sorry for your loss. Julie said as she placed a friendly hand on Jordan’s arm.

Thank you. I hadn’t seen him in twelve years. Jordan felt a little guilty when she formed those words.

A noise behind them made both ladies turn to see Skyler coming out the back door. Hey Julie. I’ve got that shelf you ordered ready. I’ll bring it by later.

No hurry Skyler.

Then he turned to look at Jordan, his air changing to a cool demeanor. I’ll get the supplies ordered for the repairs. The hot water heater will need to be replaced. It’s been giving Hank fits for years, but he refused to get a new one. It should hold up until I can get one installed by the end of the week.

Oh good. I need to do a thorough cleaning and will need hot water. Jordan said, her eyes taking in the handsome man before her. He was a good-looking man; too bad the looks didn’t go with the attitude.

You won’t find a better contractor than Skyler. Julie said, a giggle punctuating her words.

Skyler grinned, then turned to look down the boardwalk with sudden interest. I’ll be back tomorrow to get started with the job. He started moving toward the boardwalk.

Jordan looked in the direction of Skyler’s gaze, she saw a young woman stepping out of a sailboat, waving toward Skyler. With a jealous feeling welling up in her stomach, she quickly turned back to look at Skyler. Fine. Her word was clipped with anger,