“Glad it worked out,” Aidan said. “Invoice the resort so you can get paid.”

“You sure? Because I heard the bills aren’t getting paid right now.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I get that you’re keeping this tight. You never did do failure well. But come on. Since when do your friends get left out of the loop?”

Aidan felt his temper stir. Standing up, he closed the office door before turning back to Lenny.

“Right,” Lenny said, before Aidan could speak. “Wouldn’t want anyone else to hear this.”

“Actually, I don’t want anyone to see me kick your ass,” Aidan said, definitely pissed off now. “The only thing that’s ever come before my friends is my family.”

“Then explain Lily.”

Aidan narrowed his eyes. “What’s your problem today?”

“I’m practically one of the Kincaids. Or I was, until you got too busy for me. Still, the rumor is that you’re losing the resort. You could’ve told me yourself that you’re going to have to cut employees next quarter to save yourselves.”

Aidan let out a long breath. “Okay, I want you to listen to me very carefully. We’re not losing the resort. And any employee layoffs have not been decided on.”

“Got it,” Lenny said snidely. “So as long as you Kincaids stick together all is good, right?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I got the four-one-one at the salon. People talk about all sorts of things there, including you and your daddy’s money issues.”

Aidan stilled at that. There were damn few people who knew about his relationship with Richard and how it affected the future of the resort. Gray, Hudson, Kenna … but they’d never say a word. They just wouldn’t.

Lily knows, too, a small voice said—which he ignored.

Or tried to.

“Something else the salon has,” Lenny said. “Nice view, your latest hot piece working there.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I know you’re not talking about Lily like that.”

Lenny smiled grimly. “She grew up nice, yeah? I mean she has a smart-ass mouth on her, but she’s still sexy as hell. I heard things were getting hot and heavy between you two, but apparently not that hot and heavy if she’s still open to chatting it up with other guys.”

Aidan stared at him. “Why don’t you just come right out and tell me what it is you really want me to know.”

“All right,” Lenny said. “You give me work. You let me tag along with you when you’re feeling generous. You throw me a lot of bones, we both know that. But this time, it’s my turn to win.”

“I wasn’t aware we were in a competition,” Aidan said as mildly as he could.

“Bullshit.”

“What exactly is it that you think you’re going to win?” Aidan asked.

“Maybe your girl.”