He was leaving in a few days, and they wouldn’t see each other again. Aiden hadn’t necessarily had people in his life who’d encouraged him. His mom abandoned him and his dad, though he loved Aiden, had never been quick with validation or praise.

“I was thinking . . .” Sophie bolstered herself with a sip of coffee. “That you’ve turned out to be a pretty great guy.”

His eyebrows jumped, but she saw the real effect of her words in his eyes. Felt it in the pause, when he seemed to struggle to find words. “That’s—that’s really nice of you to say, Soph.”

Those soulful eyes of his drew her in and wouldn’t let her go. They were still hungry for approval, perhaps because he’d lost his mom so young.

“I mean it.” She suddenly wanted more than anything to fill that deep, empty well inside him. “Not only have you stayed to help me at considerable personal cost, but you’ve poured yourself into this place as if it’s your own. No paint drips on your watch. And when you weren’t sure how to apply a topcoat, you researched it and went after it like a pro. You’ve worked long hours without complaint and won’t even let me pay for your meals.”

There was so much more she could say. But she couldn’t get too personal. There was a line she couldn’t cross—for both their sakes.

chapter twenty-nine

Aiden couldn’t look away from Sophie if he tried. He soaked in her words like a dry sponge soaked up water. He didn’t know why she was suddenly so keen on saying all these nice things, but she had his attention.

She’d always had his attention. With her long, glossy brown hair, expressive brown eyes, and warm, caring spirit. She was like balm on a wound, soothing and refreshing. She always had been. Had he ever told her that?

A crack sounded somewhere outside, barely registering. He was too busy trying to formulate the words he wanted to say. Who could think when she was looking at him like that?

Something crashed overhead, loud and close. He looked up. The ceiling was caving in! He dove for Sophie, laying her flat. A cascade of debris rained around them.

The crash reverberated through the room. Rubble clattered and thumped to the floor around them. Something hit the back of his head. He tucked Sophie’s head beneath his own, vaguely aware of her shrieking.

Time slowed, turning seconds into minutes. When the noise finally stopped, Aiden cautiously lifted his head. He frowned at the branches and chunks of bark nearby. He ducked as a piece of drywall thudded belatedly to the floor a few feet away.

“What’s happening?” Sophie’s voice trembled. “What’s going on?”