He checked the website for the Charleston airport. Still closed but expected to open “soon.” Then he checked his weather app, hoping for more good news—but what he saw there weighted his chest like a lead brick.

*  *  *

At the sound of a whine and the feel Pippa’s tongue licking her cheek, Sophie opened her eyes.

“What?” Sophie croaked. “It’s too early.”

The faint light coming through the curtain’s slit promised it was still early, but a quick check of her phone refuted the notion. After eleven? She hadn’t slept this late in years. Everything from the night before came rushing back. The scare, Aiden’s appearance. He was here.

She fell back against her pillows, her nose detecting familiar and tempting aromas: coffee and bacon. Someone had been up awhile—and apparently helped himself to her groceries.

Like it or not, she would have to face him once again. But he’d be gone in less than an hour. And it would take her half that time to shower and get dressed.

She took a moment to check her texts. Jenna and Grant had arrived safely in the Bahamas. She sent a quick response and moved toward the shower, her muscles aching from last night’s short but brutal battle.

Stupid Aiden.

She helped Pippa onto the floor. Usually she let out the dog first thing, but Pippa had had a potty break late last night. And Sophie wasn’t facing Aiden without clean hair and a bare minimum of makeup.

“Give me a minute to shower, and we’ll go outside.”

Pippa cocked her head, eyes twinkling and tail wagging at her favorite word.

“Who’s a good girl? Huh? My little Pippa is, yes she is.”

The Yorkie followed her into the bathroom and occupied herself by sniffing every nook and cranny while Sophie showered. After toweling off and dressing in shorts and a T-shirt, she dried her hair straight and applied foundation and mascara. By the time she finished it was eleven thirty.

She looked down at Pippa. “See, that didn’t take long. And now we only have thirty minutes with our unwelcome guest. Isn’t that right?”

At the sounds coming from the kitchen her pulse found a new gear. She paused before opening the door, steeling herself against Aiden’s innate appeal. “Let’s get this over with.”

Pippa squeezed through the door before Sophie had it fully opened. The dog lifted her nose, and her ears twitched toward the sounds coming from the kitchen.

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—”