Page 56 of Summer Kisses

"I hope you find something that works for you," Hazel said.

Dalton touched her shoulder. "Sorry for walking in this morning unannounced. Brady told me how rude it was, and I don't want to intrude on your time."

"That's okay," Hazel said simply.

When he left, I sighed. "Was that the right thing to do? Dalton has always had a place here."

"I think if he has this place, he'll keep going back and forth. He needs to make a decision before the baby comes. This one will give him stability and confidence. Plus, it sends a message to Oakley that he won't be played with."

"Yeah, I don't like how she's handling this. It's a tough situation, but she's making it worse. And what will it be like when the baby comes? More drama? That can't be good for the baby."

"No, it won't." Hazel put her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest. "He'll be okay. You'll see."

"I've always been a place Dalton can come to. It feels weird telling him no."

"For what it's worth, I think this will be better for him, his baby, and Oakley. Someone needs to put a stop to her drama. Dalton is sending her a powerful message that he's no longer playing her games."

It was nice to have a partner to talk this through. If Hazel hadn't been here, I probably would have been okay with Dalton moving back in. The cycle would have continued, and that wouldn't have been good for anyone. "I was worried about Dalton, how he could sustain things. But he finally has a plan, and it's because of you."

"He would have figured it out eventually."

"I don't know about that. He wants to be a good partner and father. He'll do anything for Oakley as the mother of his child, and she's taking advantage of him."

"Once he talks to an attorney, he'll have a better idea of his rights."

"Now that things with Dalton are going in the right direction, do you want to help me film more shows?"

Hazel grinned. "Absolutely."

Hazel was the first person in my life who didn't think my hobby was a waste of time. She treated it as a business that needed to be nurtured. Hazel supported me, and I could see that Oakley wasn't doing the same for Dalton. What I had with Hazel was special.

We spent most of the day filming, then changed into our suits before taking a long walk on the beach with Max. On the way back, I asked, " Do you want to get in the pool?" I had a small one that was good for just cooling off. It wasn't big enough for laps or exercise.

"Sure."

At the outdoor shower, I turned on the water, and we waited for it to turn warm. We took turns washing off, and then we jumped into the pool.

"This feels good after a long day of work," Hazel said as she lowered herself into the water.

"I appreciate you helping me," I said to her.

"It was fun."

"Most women wouldn't think so. I'm not sure I've dated anyone who didn't view it as a waste of time."

Hazel frowned. "Aren't you making money from it?"

"Yeah."

She moved her hands through the water. "And it's something you enjoy. Why would it be a waste of time?"

"I guess because it's not a traditional source of income. If I built a porch on the weekend and got paid for it, then that would be worthwhile. But filming a show about playing a video game is a waste of time. At least that's what my dad thinks."

"It's something people don't understand. That doesn't make it wrong."

I moved closer to her, pulling her toward me so that her legs came around my waist in the deep water. "I like your view on things."

Hazel smiled, looping her wrists around my neck. "I'll always support you."

---