be doing here soon.”
Sophie sat back in her chair, her appetite gone regardless of the food still left on her plate. He was right, but that only irritated her more. She didn’t know why his presence bothered her so much. What they’d had together was long gone. She’d moved on and he was with someone else now.
She was a different person than she’d been then. More mature, more resilient, and yes, maybe a little more jaded, as Jenna had said. Although Sophie preferred to call it realistic. Having a few walls to guard herself was perfectly acceptable as long as there was an operable doorway.
But if she looked more closely at the situation, she could see Aiden was a threat to her mental well-being. She was afraid she’d open that door and wind up with more sorrow and regret. Maybe he wasn’t the same person either. But he still exuded a certain charm she found irresistible. And he definitely had a way of trampling hearts—she’d learned that the hard way.
On the other hand, how much damage could the man do in twenty-four hours? She was afraid she knew the answer to that one.
She closed her eyes. What are You trying to do to me, God?
“Sophie?”
She opened her eyes and fell right into those twin pools of blue.
“It’s just one night. I’m sure the airport will open in the morning, and I’ll get out of your hair.”
He made it sound so easy. “Fine, Aiden. It looks as though we don’t really have a choice. And it’s a big house.”
“Meaning . . . I should stay out of your way?”
“Don’t you think that’s best? How’s your girlfriend going to feel about you being cooped up here with your ex?”
“She’s not my—” He sighed, looking away. “Listen, maybe this will be a good time to find some closure. I don’t feel like things are really settled between us.”
“As far as I’m concerned things are as settled as they’re ever going to be.”
He gave her a long, soulful look, the same one that had always made her want to palm his scruffy cheek and whisper soothing words. But why should she comfort him? She was the one who needed comfort at the moment.
She got up from the bar stool and took her plate to the sink. “We should get the windows covered before the storm moves in.”
chapter seven
The rain was coming down harder. Sophie was soaked to the skin by the time she finished securing the colonial storm shutters. Since Aiden was so fond of heights, she let him handle the upstairs windows. He was still on a ladder, closing the last shutter. The process had taken longer than she’d anticipated, and the storm would soon be bearing down on the cove.
She dashed through the open doorway and stood dripping on the rug while she shrugged from her raincoat.
Pippa looked up at her with questioning eyes, head cocked, ears perked. “It’s gonna be okay, sweetie. Just a little storm.” Sophie swept the trembling dog into her arms. “Let’s go find Mama a dry set of clothes.”
She took her time in the bedroom, especially once she heard Aiden come back inside. She soon heard him moving around overhead. They could just keep to their own spaces. There was no reason they had to hunker down together.
In the bathroom she picked up her blow-dryer and looked at Pippa staring at the ceiling. “We don’t like him, you know. He’s the enemy.”
Pippa gave a playful yap.
“Yeah, yeah, he’s got his charms, but trust me on this. He’ll only break your heart.”
Her phone buzzed. Sophie set down her hair dryer, grateful for the distraction—a text from Seth.
Everything okay? I felt a twin twinge and checked the weather. The storm was upgraded to a Cat 1.
Sophie replied. We’re all boarded up, and the patio furniture is secure. I’ll wait it out until it blows over.
She was eager to get started on her shop. She’d waited so long for this, but she’d have to be patient. She could use her time wisely—finish her business book or scour Publishers Weekly for upcoming releases the local readers and tourists might like.
She set down her phone and tugged a comb through her damp strands. If she were here alone she’d let it air dry. But it tended to dry frizzy, and for some ridiculous reason she didn’t want Aiden seeing her at her worst. He should know what he’s missing, she thought, though the excuse rang hollow.
Another text came in. Wait. We?
She skimmed