Her eyes lingered on him for another second or two before moving over to Tiegan, who at the moment was talking and making hand gestures as her uncle listened. The girl was, in a single word, striking. Juliette didn’t know what her dad looked like, but considering how attractive the few members of her family she’d met were, it wasn’t a big surprise. Without any trouble, Juliette could see the girl doing photoshoots for the biggest names in pre-teen clothing or walking the runway during New York Fashion Week.
When she joined the family for dinner, maybe she’d offer to put Tiegan in contact with her agent, assuming the girl was interested and Candace approved—something the woman might not do. Her parents had refused to let her pursue that particular goal until she was seventeen. In fact, it was the only thing she could remember her parents ever refusing to let her try as a kid. But if Candace gave the okay, there wasn’t anyone better to represent Tiegan than Pierre. As annoying as he could be at times, the man knew the business inside and out. More importantly, he looked at the talent he represented as more than just a commodity he could use to make money. Not to mention, he was always on the lookout for the next breakout model, a title she believed Tiegan could easily earn.
Before they disappeared from view, she glanced back at Aaron. Yep, she could spend a lot of time appreciating Mr. Wright.
Juliette stayed by the window until she could no longer see Aaron and his niece. Was the man single? Holly might know, and if she didn’t, she could find out from her mom. According to Holly, in Avon everyone knew everyone else’s business, and secrets never stayed that way for long.
And what if he is? She’d come here to escape the media, which she’d done so far, and make some decisions about her life—a task she was still working on. Neither of those things required a man. It was probably in her best interest to maintain a look-but-don’t-touch attitude when it came to the campground owner’s son. Or anyone else in town, for that matter.
Despite telling herself not to worry about Aaron’s relationship status and simply appreciate him from afar, she found herself pulling up Holly’s contact information in her phone instead of picking up her e-reader again when she finished lunch half an hour later.
Holly answered on the third ring. “I was thinking about calling you today. How are things?”
“Okay. Are you still in Maine with your cousin?”
“Yeah, I plan to stay for a few more days, and then I’m going to head back to Avon.”
She’d expected Holly to return to New York after seeing her cousin. “Really? You’re not going back to the city?”
“Nah, I’m staying with my parents for another week or so. Before I left for Maine, Marc told me he plans to propose to his girlfriend. He already bought the ring.”
She’d last seen Marc in late October when he came to visit Holly. At the time, he’d come alone, and she didn’t remember him mentioning a girlfriend. She didn’t recall Holly telling her Marc had a girlfriend either. “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone.”
“Neither did I. I can’t believe he never told me. I’m his twin, for crying out loud.”
Juliette didn’t tell her siblings about every man she dated. Then again, few of her relationships ever lasted more than a month or two. But if one did or if she was with someone she thought she might have a future with, she made sure everyone in her family met him. “How long have they been together?”
“Since January. They haven’t even been together for three months, and he’s going to propose. It’s crazy. And trust me, I told him that.”
Oh, Juliette didn’t doubt it. When it came to sharing what was on her mind, Holly held nothing back. Her twin seemed to be the same way. At least that had always been the case when she’d been around Marc.
“Just because he bought a ring doesn’t mean he plans to ask this month.”
Holly laughed. “You know my brother. The guy has the patience of a two-year-old. He’ll ask before the month is over. Convincing him to wait until they’ve been together longer will never happen. So I’m going to spend some more time in town and get to know her.”
As interesting as their conversation was, she hadn’t called to hear about Holly’s brother and his engagement plans. “Speaking of meeting someone, I met your high school crush this morning.”
“I haven’t seen him in at least two years. Please tell me he’s still panty-melting hot. And if he has a beer belly and no hair, just lie to me.”
Juliette adjusted her position on the couch, grimacing a little when she stretched her bruised leg out straight. “Your panties would be sufficiently melted if you saw him.” She wasn’t lying. The man had most definitely caught her attention both times she’d seen him. “It’s kind of why I called. Do you know if he’s single?” His sister and niece lived with him, which made her think he wasn’t married, but it didn’t rule out anything else.
“No clue. But I can find out. I’m sure my mom or sister knows. Do you want me to call them?”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. I was just curious.” Until the media moved on to something other than her and Daniel, it was probably best she didn’t get into another relationship.
“Curious or bored?”
Except for her walks, she hadn’t left the cottage, so she should be bored, because it wasn’t like her to sit around at home for days and days. Oddly, boredom hadn’t struck her once.
“Instead of bored, maybe I should have asked if you’re lonely and looking for someone to pass the time with while you’re there. And if Aaron looks as good as the last time I saw him, I don’t blame you for wanting to spend your lonely nights with him.”
Despite the lack of company, she hadn’t been lonely since she’d checked in. “Curious. Until pictures of Daniel and me stop popping up everywhere, I think it’s better I don’t get involved with anyone.” Heaven knew how they might drag someone she started spending time with into the little drama.
“It might be a while before that happens. But if you change your mind, I can get you an answer in a matter of minutes.”
Thanks for the reminder.
“Have you checked the Star Report website recently?”
Juliette groaned. “Before you even ask, that’s not me and Daniel having sex. He must have been seeing someone besides me.” If he’d been getting some from another woman, it explained why he’d been willing to wait as long as he had to sleep with her.
“I had a feeling it wasn’t you. The woman’s hair looked longer than yours.”
Most people, including her parents, if they ever saw the picture—man, she hoped they didn’t—wouldn’t look close enough to notice the difference in hair length.
“Daniel was more of a jerk than I thought. I hope his wife takes him to the cleaners.” An annoying beep followed Holly’s statement, signaling that someone was trying to reach one of them. “It’s my mom,” Holly said before Juliette checked her phone. “I’m going to ask her about Aaron in case you change your mind. And if you see him again, tell him I said hello.”
Telling Holly not to bother was a waste of time, so she didn’t comment on Holly’s statement. “Talk to you later.”