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“Oh.” Aiden runs a hand through his face. “Gosh, I'm sorry, Charlie. Of course.” Another sigh, a reminiscent one. “I remember needing to get away from all things that reminded me of Marybell.”
I groan internally. Way to go, Charlie. Now you’re bringing up painful memories.
I don’t confirm nor deny his assumption. “You can most definitely stay here. Let’s make it five days. I’ve got a room. We’ll get it ready for you.”
“Thank you so much.” I immediately dig into my purse. “I looked up your rates online and can prepay now. How much is the total with taxes and fees?”
“One hundred dollars.”
I blink up at the tall man. “No, I meant for the full five days. It should be close to six hundred?”
“Nope. It's twenty a day. That includes breakfast and dinner.”
“Dinner?”
He nods casually and opens his ledger. “Optional, but yes. We’ve got a great menu.”
“Mr. Reeves—” I start to protest.
“That's my rate, Charlie,” he starts, like he’s getting the better end of the deal. “Take it or leave it.”
I swallow, knowing I have no choice but to accept his generous offer—I refrain from calling it a charity case or I’ll really start crying. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Thank you.” He takes my credit card and updates the ledger.
I chew on my lip. How do I explain all my stuff? “Oh and…ha, I uh travel heavy…so if you don’t mind, I’ll just drop off some bags and then go back for a few more things…just a couple of boxes.”
He pauses and stares at me.
Or maybe glares. I recognize it. It’s that same look that made him one intimidating boxer back in his day.
Aiden sets down his pen and exhales a slow breath. “How much time did they give you, Charlie?”
My shoulders fall and I’m too tired to pretend anymore. “I have to be out by midnight.”
Aiden stands in the small foyer of my apartment. He insisted on following me here in his truck so we could use both cars to bring back the rest of my things.
It doesn’t get more embarrassing than this.
He assesses the small space before stepping to the boxes. I expect him to lift one, but he reaches into his pocket.
“You look pretty beat, Charlie. This is the key to room four-ten at the Inn. Why don’t you go and get settled, your room should be ready. I’ll have someone unload your car and bring you up tonight's special."
“Are you sure? I can help.”
He chuckles. “It’s not like I’m letting you lift any one of these, so I’d rather you get some rest. I’ll keep it all safe for you and we can talk tomorrow.”
God his voice, like an older version of Noah’s only more soothing, reassuring. Fatherly.
I set the keys on the counter for Mike, as promised. “Thank you.” I don’t bother with a last look at the place before turning to leave.
“Charlie?”
“Yeah.”
Aiden pins me with those familiar blue eyes. “Thanks for coming to me.”
8
