Page 23 of One Time in Paris
Ouch, that was harsh.
“That’s not fair. I have someone who can step in. This is a one-time thing. And you know I’ve done more than my share of the bargain with this inn, Callum. It’s not like you’re here running it day-to-day, making all the sacrifices. Sure, you write the checks, but the last time I checked the ledgers, you’re alsogettingthe checks, too. The inn is profitable. At this point, you’re just a glorified bank.”
As soon as the words were out, she regretted them. She wasn’t trying to be cruel—she was just desperate.
Callum sighed. “I wasn’t a glorified bank when you came to me begging to buy the inn, was I?”
She released a slow sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. She didn’t want to sound ungrateful. Callumhadsaved this place. For her. For Mum.
“I’m sorry?—”
“No, it’s fine,” he said tersely. “I’m overreacting. I’m just ...surprised. I know it doesn’t seem as though I’m that involved, but I do plenty on the administrative side that you don’t even know about. But if this is that important to you, and you’ve got coverage, and you promise you’re not going to make a thing of it, then go ahead. I just want to be certain you haven’t suddenly gotten cold feet to running the inn.”
She grabbed a fistful of sand, letting the warmth of it heat her palm.
His words hit harder than she wanted them to.
Cold feet?
She swallowed hard. “It’s a one-time thing.” But she sounded less than reassuring, even to herself. “I promise.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m sorry. I’m just a little stressed at the moment.” He cleared his throat. “I’m actually going for a run with Aiden, but I’ll call you in a little while. We can talk more about this then.”
“Aiden?” she repeated, his name jarring her. “Didn’t you just say it was practically bedtime over there?”
“Yes, we’ve been running most days together. But with his schedule, it’s either got to be at the crack of dawn or once it’s dark. Work is full on for him all the time. Funnily enough, I think he just got back from Vegas, too.”
Of course they run together.Because apparently her life was now a comedy being directed by Satan himself.
“Oh really?” she choked out, her throat tight.
“Yeah, I meant to tell you, but I forgot. I’m sure your paths probably wouldn’t have crossed anyway. He was there on business. Not quite the hen party scene.”
She forced a laugh. “Yes, not quite.”
They said their goodbyes, then a flurry of panic raced through her.
Oh no. Why didn’t I just tell Callum I saw Aiden?
And what if Aiden told him when they went running? Callum wouldknowshe hadn’t said anything on purpose. And once Callum started wondering, he wouldn’t stop until he had an answer.
Shit.
But Aiden wouldn’t do that, would he?
10
AIDEN
LONDON, ENGLAND
“Your mail, Mr. Camden,”Louise said, setting a stack on his desk.
Aiden looked up from his laptop and glanced toward his assistant for the barest second. “Is it that time of day already?” he asked.
Louise always brought the mail at the end of the day, as he’d directed her to do. Nothing worse than getting a letter in the middle of the workday that could derail him from the task at hand.
“Well, probably not for you, but as for the rest of us . . .” Louise shrugged with a smile. “Good night.”
