Love Walks In(12)

She could have handled his annoyance or arrogance, but she wasn’t prepared for his obvious concern. It wasn’t something she was used to, and all she could do was nod and stare.

“I told your…companion…you’d left for the airport. He’s packing up and getting ready to head there. No doubt he’s going to look for you.” He took a seat beside her on the sofa. “Care to tell me what’s going on?”

Aubrey took in his strong features as her eyes scanned his face. The strong jaw, the sandy-brown hair that matched the color of his eyes. He had a five o’clock shadow darkening his jaw, and she thought it made him look beyond attractive.

Whoa, girl. Stop thinking like that right now! she admonished herself. Tearing her gaze away, she cleared her throat. “Who are you?” It came out before she could stop it. “I mean, other than the owner of the resort.”

His features softened a little at her inquiry, his smile growing, and Aubrey noticed the dimples and almost hummed with appreciation. Unable to help herself, she smiled back and waited. And waited. And waited. If she wasn’t mistaken, he seemed as interested in looking at her as she was with him.

“Hugh Shaughnessy,” he finally said, holding out his hand.

Aubrey didn’t hesitate to reach out and shake it, but as soon as she did, she gasped. His hand seemed to swallow hers. It was warm and hard and so…masculine. Wow. “It’s nice to meet you, Hugh Shaughnessy,” she said shyly, but didn’t make a real effort to take her hand back.

And he didn’t seem in a hurry to release it.

Growing a little uncomfortable with the silence, Aubrey reluctantly removed her hand from his and asked, “Why did you cover for me?”

He shrugged. “Honestly? He was being a major jerk and harassing my employee. I figured if you were so anxious to get away from him that you climbed through a window to get in here unseen, combined with the way he was talking to Tim…well, it seemed like the thing to do.”

“Oh. Thank you.” Aubrey tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear and shifted. “So…um…once Paul’s gone, I guess I’ll need a cab too.”

“Where are you going? I thought you missed your flight.”

“I did,” she began, “but I’ll still need a place to stay tonight. I don’t want to sleep at the airport—or risk running into Paul—so…”

“We have a room for you here,” Hugh said.

Aubrey was a little taken aback. How could she possibly explain that while she appreciated the offer, this resort was a little out of her comfort zone? Well, not her personal comfort zone but her wallet’s comfort zone.

“That’s very nice of you, but I think I’ve outstayed my welcome here.” She rose and walked over to the mini fridge he’d referred to earlier, helping herself to a bottle of water. “I think it would be better for everyone if I found someplace else to stay.”

From his spot on the sofa, Hugh continued to silently study her. Aubrey took a long drink of water, and when he still didn’t say anything, she found herself starting to fidget. “Thank you for the offer though. I mean, if I were you, I would be happy to see me getting in a cab and driving away. I’m sure I messed up your evening—you must have had other things to do than apprehending a luggage thief. Well…not really a thief…it really is my luggage and I was simply getting it back. I didn’t notice if there were other hotels nearby, but I’m sure I can use my phone to Google the area and find something appropriate for the night and—”

“Aubrey?” Hugh interrupted.

“Hmm?”

“You’re rambling.” His smile deepened. Those dimples were back and Aubrey’s knees went weak.

“I… I know. You just make me a little…nervous.”

“Me?”

She nodded.

“Why?”

Oh God. Was he really asking that? “Well, to be honest, you’re a little intimidating.”

He chuckled. “Really? Because I thought the same thing about you.”

The very idea made her laugh and she quickly covered her mouth to try to control it. “Me? I’m not intimidating to anyone!”

Hugh stood and walked toward her. “You broke into my office and had the nerve to make me feel like I was the one doing something wrong,” he said, and soon they were both laughing again.

“It was…what do they call it…false bravado. Trust me, this is not something I normally do.”

“Good to know I’m not harboring a fugitive.”

Her brows rose at his teasing tone. “Very funny. But seriously, I need to find a place to stay. Can you maybe check and see if Paul has left?”