“Man, that must be nice to live near the beach”, Mal sighed. “When I was a little boy, back in Maryland, my dad used to take us to Ocean City every summer”, he shrugged, “It was a big deal to me. I know the Atlantic isn’t quite the same as the Pacific.”

Malachi thought her shyness and modesty was adorable. He was used to girls that practically ripped his clothes off. Having a girl that blushed when he spoke was a nice change. “I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable”, he soothed, “You do know you’re a pretty girl, right?”

Speeding along, Mal could feel Colby’s heartbeat through his back and it made his own heart race to know how excited she was. He wondered what her brothers would say if they could see her now. He wondered if they would forbid her to be around him.

Colby’s answer made him grin, “Here you go, angel…”, he offered her his hand, “…I got ya!”