Page 122 of Forbidden Flame

Aiden stood at the counter. “You heading out early?”

“Yeah, we have plans.” I smiled down at Daphne.

Someone opened the door, letting in a gust of wind.

Daphne shivered as I helped her put her coat on.

Aiden came around the counter to help the guest with her luggage. She must not have been a party guest, but someone who was staying at the inn.

Daphne stepped forward. “Fiona? What are you doing here?”

A woman with dark hair turned to face us, her expression filled with emotion I couldn’t place. “I came for a visit.”

“You didn’t say anything to anyone.”

Fiona’s gaze darted away. “It was a last-minute kind of thing.”

Aiden cleared his throat. “I don’t have reservations for you.”

“I called earlier, and a woman said she had a room for me.”

Aiden stepped behind the counter to look at the computer.

“Fiona, this is Cole Monroe, my boyfriend.” Daphne reached for me.

I held my hand out to shake Fiona’s. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I didn’t realize you were dating anyone.”

“You’ve missed a lot,” Daphne said with a smile. “We were just stepping out. Cole has something he wanted to show me. Can we catch up later?”

Fiona smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m in town for the holidays, so we’ll have plenty of time.”

“Good.” Daphne moved closer to her. Then she said, “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want me to stay?”

Fiona smiled. “I’m here for a holiday visit. Dad insisted I come.”

“I’m happy you’re here. It would be perfect if Axel and Ryder could visit too.”

“That would be lovely. You two enjoy your evening, and we’ll catch up later.” Fiona’s smile faltered when she turned her attention to Aiden.

“Marley reserved a room for you. I’ll show you up.” Aiden grabbed a key and Fiona’s luggage and led the way up the stairs.

“Oh, that’s not necessary,” Fiona said as she rushed to keep up with him, but Aiden didn’t stop.

Outside, Daphne said, “I can’t believe my sister is home. She almost never visits.”

I would have insisted Daphne stay and catch up with her sister, but I had plans I didn’t want to put off, and it seemed like Fiona wanted time to herself. There was history between her and Aiden. I didn’t want to interfere with their reunion.

“Izzy will be excited,” I said as I helped her into the truck.

“The only way this Christmas could be any better is if my brothers were able to come home for a visit.”

I wanted Daphne to have her family in one place, but Axel didn’t have leave, and from what I’d gleaned, Ryder only visited with his wife’s family in Virginia.

When I got behind the steering wheel, Daphne turned to face me. “What’s the surprise?”

“I have something I’ve been working on. I couldn’t wait to show it to you.”

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