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Aine waited until the two men were inside before she spoke. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go out tonight?”
“That wouldn’t be very hospitable.” Stuart rubbed his chin. “If you’re worried about me and your ex, I can handle myself just fine, darlin’.”
“It isn’t you I’m worried about. I mean it is, but not because you can’t handle yourself.”
“Look, either you’re with me, or you’re not. Best you
let me know sooner rather than later if you’re not.”
“I’m with you, Stuart.”
“Let’s not worry about Striper, then.”
“It’s Striker.”
“I know.”
—:—
Striker had drawn out his conversation with the innkeeper long enough to see that the plumber had only carried one bag into his room, shut the door, and then left with Aine.
It was an interesting development. When he was in Yachats, the night he took a walk on the trail down to her house, the plumber hadn’t been there then either. Now, instead of staying with Aine, he was staying at the inn. And it didn’t appear that Aine was staying there with him. So what was the deal between them?
He hadn’t planned to go over to Razor and Ava’s this afternoon, but with that development, he wasn’t able to stay away.
“I didn’t think we’d see you until Monday. I thought you and the crew were taking the weekend off. Where’s everyone else?”
“They returned to the East Coast since there was nothing happening.”
Razor nodded. “And you?”
“I need to brief you on my meeting with the ambassador.”
“Right. That couldn’t have waited.”
“It couldn’t.”
“Uh huh. What’s your deal, Striker? Either you want to be with Aine or you don’t. Don’t mess this up for her.”
“I can leave—”
“I’ve told you before, don’t be like that. I just want to make sure you’re here for the right reason. If you believe I need to be briefed tonight, then let’s do it.”
“Will Mercer be here later?”
“Affirmative. Would you rather wait?”
Striker nodded.
“Then let’s have a beer.”
He followed Razor upstairs and into the kitchen. From where he stood, he could see the plumber take Aine’s hand and bring it to his lips. It was an intimate moment he wished he hadn’t watched.
14
Aine sat on the same side of the table as Ava, leaving one seat in between, and putting the farthest distance between Stuart and Striker she could manage. It wasn’t difficult since Mercer had called to say Quinn wasn’t feeling well and they wouldn’t be able to make it to dinner.
Fortunately, Tabon kept Striker engaged throughout dinner. Although, every time Aine looked, her ex-boyfriend was looking at her.
