I was hoping for two things from my new job as the head teacher of Puffin Bay's primary school: zero relationship complications and a quiet life where I could focus on my career.

Meeting Romy McAllister, widow of the town's maritime hero, was unavoidable given that she had a daughter at my school. She was fierce and beautiful; becoming friends with her was going to make my life complicated, but I did it anyway. She'd said she had a crush on me - I pretended I didn't feel the same.

Life could've been simple if Romy hadn't delved too deep into what was going on in the private life of one of her friends. Nowhere does secrets like a small town, and when those secrets started to threaten Romy and her daughter, I chose to throw my chances of a quiet life away.

Even if it meant I risked breaking my heart and hers in the process.