“Yes. Well, his upcoming novel is set here in Piper’s Cove, and I’m hosting his book release party a week from Tuesday. It’s going to be huge. I have flyers up all over the region and a webpage devoted to the event. I sent out press releases, and the local media will be there, not to mention all his fans.”

“Wow, how’d you score that gig?”

“Rosewood Press contacted the mayor, asking who could host it. I initially wasn’t planning to open the shop until mid-June, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for so much exposure. By the time the party’s over, every reader in a hundred-mile radius will know about Bookshop by the Sea.”

“Talk about an influx of capital.”

She needed it too. The cost of a website designer and renovation materials had drained her savings. Not to mention the fees associated with registering her business and getting her permits.

“So you see why I have to open on time. I had the renovation scheduled out to the day, and because of the storm I’m already behind.”

“You should be able to start tomorrow afternoon, though. The storm’s supposed to let up in the late morning.”

“I’ll be fine as long as I don’t encounter unexpected problems. The shelves have to go in over the weekend, so the walls and floors need to be finished by then.”

“Is your apartment ready for occupancy?” He pushed the popper, then scowled when he had to pass his turn again.

“Not quite but that’ll have to wait until next week.” She stroked Pippa’s back. “We’ll be quite cozy up there, won’t we, girl? And we’ll have our pick of books to curl up with at night.”

“You always did have your nose in a book.” His tone held a hint of affection.

“What about you? I always thought maybe you’d be a reader when you got older—spy novels or true crime, maybe?”

He arched a brow. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Not at all? Not even when you’re super bored or stuck at the doctor’s office?”

“Do magazines and newspapers count?” Aiden’s phone buzzed with an incoming text. He checked the phone, then set it down without responding.

Sophie moved her piece. “Is that your girlfriend?”

His eyes met hers across the coffee table, then darted away. “Yeah.”

“You can answer if you want to.”

“It’s nothing that can’t wait.”

Sophie was curious about the woman. What did she look like? What did she do for a living? Did Aiden tremble when he touched her the way he had when he’d touched Sophie?

She shook the thought away. “How’d the two of you meet?”

He took a sip of his iced tea, then took another turn, finally getting the right number. “She’s a pilot at the airstrip we use for jumps.”