The Secret Wish — Annette Mahon

Eleven years have passed since Abby Andrews left Malino, Hawaii, but she never forgot her friends and the beauty of the town. Now at twenty-three, she decides it is time to leave Los Angeles to return to start a new life there.

Her lifelong dream of owning her own salon is coming true. She bought the old Malino beauty parlor and has plans to renovate and reopen the landmark cottage. Her godmother, and guardian angel, enlists the help of her childhood buddy turned hunky fireman, Kevin Palea. Together they begin renovating the old beauty parlor into a hip new salon with bright colors, larger rooms, and a cozy lounge area.

Abby remembered Kevin as her first crush in the second grade and now that he is such a handsome and nice man she secretly wishes he'd notice her. But he seems so aloof...

Kevin has waited a lifetime for the right woman. He wants someone who will be happy in the small town he loves and although he likes Abby a great deal, he's not sure she'll last out the year. Secretly he wishes she'd show some signs of attraction but she is always so busy...

Together through the renovations and beyond, the feelings they have for one another grow so strong they are forced to face them, even though both are afraid of what may happen.