Bookshop by the Sea - Denise Hunter Page 0,68

but didn’t say anything. The level of tension had gone up another notch. This morning was not going the way she had hoped. First Seth and now Joshua.

Of course, Aiden could hardly blame her for not contacting the other man yet. It had only been a matter of hours since they’d decided to give their relationship a try—and she’d spent almost all of them sleeping. But at the same time, it couldn’t feel good to see a friendly text from another man on her phone. A man who was supposed to take her out soon.

She reached for Aiden’s hand and offered him a tentative smile. His big hand engulfed hers, giving a reassuring squeeze, and his own smile warmed a few degrees.

Relax. She was worrying for nothing. They were both on edge because of everything they had on their plates at the moment. He was here helping her through a crisis and probably stressed about his business back home.

Once they arrived at the shop Aiden went to work on the drywall while Sophie hung plastic to keep the dust down. She’d already let Leonard know what they’d be working around today. Aiden hoped to have the ceiling painted by midafternoon, which would allow the bookcases to be installed in the main room.

Once the shelving crew arrived, chaos broke loose. The high-pitched whine of cordless screwdrivers joined the scratching sound of Aiden’s sanding and the chatter of the crew.

In between answering questions Sophie worked in the office, pricing nonbook merchandise: necklaces and earrings made by area artisans, locally made candles, magnets, bookmarks, and pens. She stocked a wooden rack, to be placed near the register, with luxury stationery, journals, and planners. She’d put a lot of thought into her selections, and she was proud of the unique appeal and diversity of her merchandise.

Dave and Anna were kind enough to deliver lunch from the deli, which kept the crew going. Aiden worked right through the meal. Having finished with the sanding, he was already applying a coat of primer.

While the crew ate, Sophie slipped outside to call Joshua. She got to the point pretty quickly, admitting that her relationship with her old friend had recently flared up. Joshua was obviously disappointed, but he handled the news gracefully. He even told her he’d welcome a call from her if things didn’t work with Aiden. Sophie hoped that wouldn’t happen.

She went back inside, relieved to have the call over with, and wolfed down a sandwich. While she ate she replied to Jenna’s text—the newlyweds were about to board their last flight home. Next Sophie went to work on the window display, which showed off Nathaniel Quinn’s new release and advertised the party.

She hadn’t gotten far when Haley stopped by, offering her help. Sophie was happy to have a second opinion from someone with artistic flair. The other woman had good ideas for the seaside display, which Sophie incorporated.

“When things settle a little for you,” Haley said as they put the finishing touches on the display, “we should grab a bite to eat or something.”

Sophie smiled, feeling as though she’d found a new friend. “I’d like that. I’ve been dying to try out some of the restaurants around here. You know, someplace I can actually go to, sit down at, and be waited on.”

“You’ve had a crazy week. But things will slow down a bit once you’re past the opening.”

“I hope they won’t slow down too much.” But Sophie had to admit regular hours and real meals—not to mention time to read—would be a welcome change.

“So . . .” Haley nodded toward Aiden, who was up on a ladder rolling on paint. “You and your handsome friend . . . Am I imagining things, or has something changed between the two of you?”

Sophie couldn’t help the private little smile that curved her lips. “Your spidey senses are spot-on. As of last night we’re officially dating. Which might be a little tricky, being as how we live five hours apart and he’s going home Wednesday morning.”

“Well, you never know. Maybe he’ll move here eventually.”

Sophie didn’t see him leaving the business he and Ross had worked so hard to establish. But maybe his recent award would open another door—one that would bring him closer to Piper’s Cove.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” Sophie said.

chapter thirty-two

It was after eight o’clock when the last of Leonard’s crew left. Aiden put down the dust rag and went to find Sophie. She was carrying a box of books into