She was eager to get started on her shop. She’d waited so long for this, but she’d have to be patient. She could use her time wisely—finish her business book or scour Publishers Weekly for upcoming releases the local readers and tourists might like.

She set down her phone and tugged a comb through her damp strands. If she were here alone she’d let it air dry. But it tended to dry frizzy, and for some ridiculous reason she didn’t want Aiden seeing her at her worst. He should know what he’s missing, she thought, though the excuse rang hollow.

Another text came in. Wait. We?

She skimmed her previous text. She had said “we,” hadn’t she? Now she either had to lie or tell her brother that Aiden was here.

Aiden’s flight got canceled, so he came back here.

His reply boomeranged back. You’ve got to be kidding me.

Three little dots told her he wasn’t finished, so she waited. Might as well let him get it all out of his system.

What right does he have, imposing on you after what he did? You should kick his butt to the curb.

Chill. He didn’t even know I was here. It was a surprise to both of us. She skipped the part where he’d nearly strangled her. And the hotels are full up because of the storm.

A cascade of texts followed.

You don’t have to let him stay there, Sophie.

You don’t owe him anything.

He dumped you out of nowhere.

At the worst possible time.

Seth must’ve run out of steam because there was a long pause before his next message.

He’s going to suck you right back in.

He was only stating Sophie’s deepest fear. And he hadn’t said anything she hadn’t already thought herself. But it was nice to know Seth was looking out for her, trying to protect her.

I know you’re only concerned, but give me some credit. I’ve learned a few things since then. I’ll be fine. We’ll keep to our own spaces, and he’ll be out of my hair tomorrow.

I don’t like it.

For what it’s worth, I don’t either. It was time to end the conversation. I hope you have a nice day. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.

Wait. I hate to bother you with this right now, but I have a document I wrote for work. Nobody edits like you . . . I want to make a good impression.

Sophie paused, a feeling of reservation sweeping over her. Seth wasn’t a kid anymore. He wasn’t even in college. He was a grown man with a grown-up job. And Sophie should probably start letting him fend for himself.

On the other hand she liked helping out. And she didn’t have anything better to do.

No problem. Send it over.