Aiden moved to another wall, ripping the carpet free from the strips. When it proved stubborn, Sophie joined his efforts. Finally the old carpet came loose. Some minor discolorations marred the wood near the door.

“Looks like a good place for a rug,” Aiden said.

“Doesn’t it?”

“How long will the shelving take to install?”

“Leonard said two days. He called last night to tell me they were ready. We just need to take care of this floor first.”

“You’ll have to give the polyurethane some time to cure before installing the shelves.”

“I have the fast-drying type, but it needs two coats, and you can’t walk on it for twelve hours. You’re supposed to wait three days to put furniture on it, but we don’t have that kind of time. We’ll clean the floor and hopefully get both coats done today. Tomorrow, while it cures, I can price books—I should have no trouble doing that on my own.”

Aiden sat back on his haunches, bringing him close enough for her to see the silver flecks in his blue eyes and the stubble on his jaw. Smell the lingering scent of his soap.

He regarded her with an enigmatic expression. “Are you saying you’ll be finished with me after today?”

She shrugged, her stomach wobbling at his nearness—and at the thought of his departure. “I know you have a life to get back to. Once the shelves are in, it’ll just be a matter of setting up my shop. My ankle is already a lot better. I’ll be off the crutches by tomorrow, I think.”

The look in his eyes might’ve passed for regret. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

“You’ll still be hobbling around.”

“I can work around that. There’s nothing too arduous ahead of me.”

“What about the heavy boxes of books? You shouldn’t be carrying that kind of weight.”

She hadn’t really considered that. “I’ll see if I can get some help. Seth might be able to come after work tomorrow, and maybe Jenna and Grant wouldn’t mind pitching in once they return from their honeymoon.” Though she hated to ask them.

His eyes searched hers. “Sounds like you’ve thought it through. I guess I should book a flight for tomorrow then.”

“Sounds reasonable.” The thought of him leaving made her gut twist. She’d gotten used to having him around again.

That live wire stretched between them, zinging pulses back and forth. Drawing her in. Making her wish things were different.

She broke eye contact, giving a quiet laugh. “You’ll probably be glad to get away from these mundane chores and get back to your adrenaline rushes.”

His gaze traveled over her face, his eyes turning thoughtful. “I’m glad I stayed.”