“The floor’s still curing, of course.” Aiden motioned for Brandon to follow as he wove through the maze of boxes. “But come take a peek. If I did it wrong, I trust you’ll pretend otherwise.”

Brandon surveyed the hall and the room opposite the office. “Seems like I won’t have to strain my acting abilities. You did a good job.”

The men chatted a bit, Brandon giving advice about the floor’s upkeep, which Sophie tucked away for later.

A while later Brandon said, “I should let you two get back to your books.”

When he passed Sophie he handed her a business card. “If you have any questions or need an extra hand, give me a call. And welcome to Piper’s Cove.”

“Thanks so much. I hope you can come to the grand opening.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. And my mom’s excited about that author who’s coming.”

“Tell her to bring all her friends.”

He chuckled. “Oh, she will.”

“Nice guy,” Sophie said once the door closed behind him.

“I seem to meet someone helpful every time I go to the hardware store.”

“It’s a friendly town. I hope they all like to read.”

“I’ll bet they do—and tourists are always after beach reads, right? You know what they say about setting up a business—location, location, location. I think you nailed it.”

“Hope you’re right.”

Aiden lowered a box at Sophie’s feet. “Here are the last memoirs I could find. What next?”

“Let’s do the biographies. I think most of those are over there.” She gestured to the corner, her eyes taking in all the boxes. It was a little overwhelming. “I hope I didn’t underestimate how much time this would take.”

“Any chance of calling in reinforcements this weekend?”

“Seth is working—wants to impress his new boss, I guess. And Jenna and Grant don’t return until tomorrow night. I hate to bother them the moment they step off the plane.”

Aiden said nothing, but a muscle flickered in his jaw. He settled across from her and helped her with the books. “What about Joshua?”

She glanced at him, but he was already busy with the price gun.

“That’s his name, isn’t it—the guy you’ve been talking to?”

“Well, yes, but . . .” She didn’t realize he’d noticed. “He did offer to help, but I can’t accept—we haven’t even met in person.”

That muscle flexed in his jaw again. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t turn down free help.”

She had no doubt Joshua’s offer had been sincere. But the thought of bringing the two men together gave new meaning to the word awkward. Kind of like when Tiffany had shown up on their doorstep last night.