“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re the best sister ever. Grant’s going to love it so much.”

“I’ll head up there after supper. I’ll call you once I’ve checked it out.”

“Oh . . .” There was a wince in Jenna’s tone. “I forgot to mention, the seller said you’d need to be there by nine o’clock.”

“Nine?” Sophie glanced at her watch. She’d have to leave in the next few minutes.

“I’m sorry, I know it’s really last minute, but he has to leave for work.”

Judging by Aiden’s irritated expression he’d figured out enough of what was going on.

Guilt pinched hard as the savory smell of his steaks rose to her nose. And yet, she’d already told Jenna she’d do it. She gave Aiden an apologetic look as she spoke to Jenna again. “All right, fine, I’ll do it. I’ll call you later.”

“Thank you, Sophie! You’re a lifesaver.”

But as she hung up the phone she couldn’t help feeling she was saving her sister at Aiden’s expense.

*  *  *

It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was going on: Jenna had asked another favor, and Sophie was rushing to her rescue. A drop of rain hit Aiden’s forearm as Sophie disconnected the call. Aiden set down the tongs.

She gave him a chagrined look, and he forced himself to wait for her explanation.

“I’m afraid I need to run over to New Bern tonight.” She went on to explain that Jenna wanted to buy Grant a Jet Ski but was afraid to send money, sight unseen.

He could understand that, really he could. If it wasn’t for the fact that Jenna—and Seth—always seemed to need something from Sophie. They took advantage of her. Couldn’t she see that?

So much for their evening together. He bit his tongue, just barely. He didn’t want their last evening ruined, and he didn’t want to upset her the day before her grand opening.

“The steaks are almost ready,” Aiden said. “I guess we can eat supper, then head over that way.”

Sophie grimaced. “Um, I hate to say this, but . . . I have to be there by nine. This guy has to leave for work, and another buyer’s coming in the morning.”

Aiden checked his watch, his body tensing. “We’d be cutting it close even if we left right now.”

“I know and I feel really bad about your meal. Could we refrigerate it and eat it when we get back?”