“It’s not personal.” Eli scowled at the phone. “I’m protecting my business.”

“Then consider it done. Send me her details.”

He did, like a total cad. He’d asked for Aria’s help, and she’d kindly agreed. Investigating her in this way seemed wrong, but he quashed his reservations. It was necessary, just to make sure she was exactly how she painted herself.

“Be careful,” Mark warned him. “If this girl finds out you’re investigating her, anything between you will be over.” Then he disconnected the call.

Eli tried to convince himself that he was doing the right thing, but digging into Aria’s past while using her to help with his sister didn’t seem right. On any level.

CHAPTER 12

When Teri opened the door to Aria on Saturday morning, she was decked out in a black mini-dress with boots and dark makeup.

“I’ve got my bikini on underneath. Is that all right?” she asked anxiously.

“That’s great,” Aria replied. “So do I.” It was a beautiful day, with the sun beaming down and only a few fluffy clouds floating in the sky. Perfect for swimming. “Shall we get going?”

Teri hesitated, glancing back into the house. “Uh, actually, my brother is coming with us, if that’s okay.”

Great, more time with Mr. Hottie—the same Mr. Hottie who wanted to take her on a date. Aria began re-thinking her choice of swimsuit. Usually, she was comfortable in the purple halter-neck bikini, but it did show off a lot of skin. That wouldn’t help maintain the distance needed from Eli.

“It’s fine,” Aria said, ignoring her misgivings. “The more the merrier.”

“Glad to hear that,” Eli said, appearing in the doorway.

“So, you’re coming with us.” She tried to look more enthusiastic than she felt.

“If I won’t be intruding.”

Aria gave him the once-over. Was he going for casual? His lips kept twitching, and he sounded stiffer than a board. The slacks and open-necked shirt he was sporting had probably cost more than all the shoes she owned, and she owned a lot of shoes.

“Of course, you’re welcome to come,” she said. “As long as you realize there’ll be a spot of shopping before the beach.” She didn’t know what devil had driven her to adjust their plans, but it was probably the same one that was desperate to see how Eli would handle a situation outside of his control.

To his credit, Eli winced but didn’t falter. “I could do with a new pair of shoes.”

That was a massive fib if ever she’d heard one. His handmade leather shoes were in perfect condition. She’d bet that he polished them every night before bed. “Come on, then.” She waved at her car.

Eli groaned. “This isn’t a car, it’s a golf cart.”