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The worst trait about Mr. Lee, bless his loving, bald head of a soul, was his ability to forget to tell me the most important things. Like the fact that my ex was staying at the inn where I spent the majority of my time. Why was he staying here? Why wasn’t he staying with his parents?
Aiden seemed somewhat surprised by Mr. Lee’s warm embrace but melted into the hug. It was no secret that Mr. Lee gave the best hugs in all of Leeks. I knew I hadn’t seen much of the world outside of our small town, but I had no doubt that he might’ve had some of the best hugs in the whole world.
“It’s good to see you, Mr. Lee. It’s been a long time,” Aiden said. His voice was deep, and strong, and oh-so kind. That hadn’t changed much. What had changed was the fact that he was built like no other. Aiden was always a good-looking guy. He had the kind of smile that made it easy to fall head over heels.
“I was surprised to hear you wanted to stay at the inn instead of with your parents,” Mr. Lee mentioned.
You and me both, Mr. Lee.
It was fine. I could deal with one weekend of avoiding Aiden.
Aiden grinned, and my heart almost exploded. “No, sir. I have a few work commitments and business calls I’ll be taking throughout the next few months. Figured it would be best to have my own space.”
Months?
I’m sorry, did he say months?!
He was giving me heart palpitations. My stomach was twisting and turning. Now for a fun game of “is it gas or is it anxiety?”
Probably both.
Mr. Lee nodded toward Aiden in understanding. “Makes sense. We have more than enough room for you here.” He placed his hands on his hips and glanced around. “Let me get someone to help with your suitcase.”
Not it!
I took a nosedive behind the couch in the sitting area before their eyes could locate me. My breaths weaved in and out as I placed my hand over my mouth to somehow muffle my state of panic. I wondered if they could hear my erratic heartbeats, too. My heart pounded against my rib cage as if it was trying to escape to Narnia. Far, far away where Aiden would never find it. Where was a cupboard to walk through when you needed one?
“Don’t you worry, Mr. Walters, I’ll help you with your bags,” Henry said, probably tripping over his feet as he hurried back into the inn. “My name’s Henry J. Peterson. I am the bellhop for Starlight Inn. Anything you need, I’ll get it for you. If you’d like, I can even give you my cell phone number. You can dial me up day and night, Mr. Walters. Truly. I am at your beck and call.”
“Fewer words, more working,” Mr. Lee told Henry, waving him away. “Take Mr. Walters to Room thirty-four. Best room in the inn, Aiden.”
A wave of nausea hit me as I realized that for the next few months, I’d be working for my famous ex-boyfriend. Or even more so, my ex-best friend.
Good grief.
“I appreciate that. Thank you,” Aiden said to Henry. He sounded so grateful for the help, and I knew he meant it. Aiden was one of the humblest guys in the world. When people in the tabloids called him one of the kindest guys, I knew it was true and not some role Aiden was playing up. Gratitude could’ve been his middle name.
As Henry started rolling Aiden’s suitcase toward the staircase near the sitting area, I held my breath once more as they chatted their way up the stairs, allowing my cheeks to look as if they were storing nuts for a great winter harvest. A sigh of relief hit me as I heard Aiden thank Henry before he closed the door behind him.
“What are you doing?”
I jumped out of my skin as I turned to see Mr. Lee staring at me behind the couch. I stood and smoothed out my outfit. “Dusting.”
“Dusting the… carpet?”
“Yes.”
“With your body?”
“Uh-huh.”
He narrowed his eyes as if trying to figure me out.Good luck, Mr. Lee. I can hardly figure myself out.
He shifted his weight to his left side and crossed his arms. “Are you okay, Hailee?”
I pushed out a fake grin. “I’m dandy.”
“Great. I need you to be on top of your toes these next few months with Aiden staying here.”
