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“Yep,” she answered, doing her best not to roll her eyes. “Fine and dandy.” It could’ve been worse. At least the woman hadn’t mentioned Griffin.
“Oh, Mr. Ellis, you’re back sooner than you expected!” exclaimed the woman, looking beyond Aine and Stuart.
It couldn’t be. Could it? Aine turned around and came face to face with Striker.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“Oh, um, Stuart is just checking in.”
Striker studied her but didn’t say another word.
“Ready?” asked Aine, seeing that Stuart had the room key in his hand. “Do you want to drop your bags off or do that later?”
“Now’s good.”
Aine almost offered to wait in the car, but if Stuart had something to say, now would be as good a time as any for her to listen.
“That was awkward,” he said after the office door closed behind them.
“He was supposed to be in South America,” she sighed, and then immediately wondered if she should’ve divulged that information. Would Stuart think she only invited him to visit because Striker should have been out of the country?
“It would’ve been less awkward if you’d introduced us.”
“Oh, God, I’m sorry. I forgot you hadn’t met before.”
“You seem flustered,” Stuart commented.
“What? No. Like I said before, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure you want me here?”
“Yes, Stuart. I want you here.” She folded her arms. “As I told you, Striker and I were together a while ago, and now we’re not. It’s not something I’m going to continue to apologize for.”
He held up both of his hands. “No apology necessary. I was merely wondering if there was unfinished business between the two of you.”
“There isn’t.”
She chose to ignore the doubtful expression on Stuart’s face. “Ready?” she asked for the second time once he’d put his bag inside the room.
“Sure.”
Aine watched Stuart, who was checking out the view from the deck.
“Doesn’t look much different than Yachats. Why does your brother-in-law own houses in two such similar places?”
“You know, that’s a good question. You should ask him.”
Stuart nodded.
“I was going to get a glass of wine. Can I get you anything?”
“A beer would be nice if they have it.”
“I’m sure they do. Be right back.”
“Everything okay?” asked Ava, who was in the kitchen with Tabon and Sam.
