He sat there, long legs stretched out in front of him, his body loose and relaxed, though his eyes tracked her every movement as she stood over him. “You don’t trust me,” she murmured.

He didn’t respond to this and she had to admit, that one stung a little bit. But she gave him a trim and then led him to the private client room. “For our facial.”

“Lily—”

“Painless, I pinky swear.”

He eyed the bed. “Be gentle with me.”

“Lie down, Aidan.”

He stretched out on his back on the bed, feet casually crossed, his hands up behind his head. “My safe word’s more.”

She tried to ignore him, but that was all but impossible. She moved to the sink and mixed up their organic facial product—a recipe she was proud to have brought to this salon—and slathered it on his face. She nearly jumped when he spoke.

“So how are you doing?”

She stared down at him and his eyes opened, locking on hers. Not cynical or amused. Just genuinely curious.

“Truth?” she asked.

“Always.”

She slowly shook her head.

Making a sound of regret, he reached out and took her hand. “Can I help?”

She didn’t want to say the first thought that came to her mind, that by just being there for her, he’d already helped. “This is on me,” she finally said. “But thanks.”

“You know you’re not alone, right? Even if I look like an idiot with shit all over my face?”

“Yeah.” She smiled at him. “And it’s not shit, it’s magic. You’re going to have great skin when this is over. And you’re the one who’s supposed to be spilling your guts, remember? What’s this I keep hearing about saving the resort? Can you save it?”

He gave her a bland look. “My mom again, I take it.”

“She’s worried about you guys. She’s worried you’re going to lose the place.”

“There’s a lot we can do before that happens.” He blew out a sigh. “Might have to cut staff, but we’re going to try really hard not to do that.” He slid her a look. “That’s extremely confidential information, by the way.”

“Understood.” She didn’t mention Char had already told her that, not wanting to get her in trouble.

“My mom blames herself,” he said. “She shouldn’t. She didn’t walk away from her family, leaving them powerless and broken.”

Lily put her hand on his arm. “I knew you then. Knew all of you. I never saw you powerless or broken.”