Sophie crossed the threshold of the living room as Pippa reached the kitchen. Aiden stood at the stove, wearing well-fitting jeans and a black T-shirt that showed off an impressive pair of biceps.
“Good morning.” A smile formed as his gaze fell to Pippa. “Who’s this little guy?”
“Careful,” Sophie said as he squatted down. “She doesn’t really like—”
Pippa sniffed his hand, then gave it a lick. Two licks, three. The dog gave a little yap—her playful yap—and stood there, tail wagging, looking up at Aiden with wide, adoring eyes.
Sophie scowled at the little traitor.
Aiden laughed at the dog and ruffled her head. “Wanna play, girl? You wanna play?”
“Come on, Pippa. Let’s go outside.”
Hearing her favorite word again, Pippa trotted over to Sophie, who leashed the dog. Once outside, Sophie noticed the strands of lights had been taken down. The patio furniture had also been removed. The dog did her business in record time, which Sophie was grateful for since it was still raining.
When she returned inside, Pippa gave a quick shake on the rug and ran to her dog dishes beside the pantry. Aiden had apparently filled them with fresh water and kibble.
“She’s cute.” He turned back to the stove and flipped an egg. “How long have you had her?”
“Four years.”
The granite island had been set for two. A platter of bacon sat in the center beside a tall stack of pancakes. A bowl of fresh fruit rounded out the meal. He’d been at this awhile.
She felt a prick of guilt for wanting to rush him out the door. “Thank you for making breakfast. You didn’t have to.”
“The fridge was well stocked—hopefully you didn’t have other plans for the food.”
“Other than eating it, no.”
He scooped up the eggs and settled them on the plates at the island while Sophie filled their glasses with orange juice. It appeared she’d have to make it through one last meal with her ex-boyfriend. She checked the oven clock. One quick meal.
They settled at the bar stools, and Aiden offered up a prayer. Sophie didn’t hear a word. She was too consumed by her awareness of him, inches away. She focused on the quiet sounds of Pippa munching on her kibble.
When he finished the prayer, Sophie dug in, suddenly ravenous. She’d been too busy socializing during the reception to eat much. The bacon was lightly crispy, just the way she liked it. And he seemed to have remembered the way she drank her coffee, a little sugar and plenty of cream.
So he had a good memory. That didn’t mean anything.
“You okay? Did I hurt you last night?”
“I’m fine.” She had a couple bruises, and it hurt a little to swallow, but she kept that to herself. She glanced at the fresh scab on his temple and resisted the urge to ask how his head was doing.
“Thanks for clearing off the patio,” she said instead, wanting to keep the conversation neutral. “I was going to do that this morning.”
“I felt bad leaving the party early.”
“Understandable.”
“So, you’re going to be opening your bookshop soon . . . Will you be renting an apartment in town?”
“My shop’s on the boardwalk, and it has a small apartment upstairs. It needs a little work, but I hope to have it livable soon after my grand opening.”
“So . . . you’re staying here in the cottage until then?”
Something in his expression made dread spring to life in her chest. “Yes. Why? Is that a problem?”
“Of course not.” He stirred an egg around on his plate. “Have you checked the weather lately?”
“Not this morning. Why?” She reached for her phone. “What’s going on?”
“The, ah, tropical storm was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane.”
“Okay. Well, that’s not too bad.” She’d need to make storm preparations, but she planned on that anyway. She’d still have the afternoon and evening to start painting her shop.
“It’s also picked up speed.” The intensity in his eyes conveyed something more than his words. “It’ll be barreling down on us in a few hours.”
“So, what’s the big—?” Her stomach bottomed out as realization hit. “Your flight.”
He held her gaze for a full five seconds. “It’s already canceled.”
Sophie dropped her fork, and it clanked against her plate. That dread worked its way through her blood like poison. “And I suppose you’ll be wanting to stay here tonight.”
He tilted his head, giving her a helpless look. “I really don’t have another option, Soph.”
“Have you even checked the hotels?”
“Come on, you know they’re full up.”
“An Airbnb, then, or a—”
“In the middle of a hurricane? Everyone’s boarding up—which is what we should 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