“I thought they said you were a duck.”

She stomped her foot. “You’re not helping.”

“Yes, I am.”

She felt tears forming again. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Yes, you do. Suck it up, Shelby. Face down your fears. If you don’t, they’ll always win.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“HEY, AIDAN.”

The greeting, in stereo, had him looking at the two redheads who had just walked into his office. It was early on Thursday morning. A week had gone by without Shelby. Seven entire days without her. He knew that Taryn had been right when she’d said to give Shelby time. But how long was it going to take?

In the meantime he had identical twins smiling at him. Twins who were both beautiful and bright and very comfortable in their own skin. The three of them had spent an interesting couple of nights together the previous summer.

“We were in the neighborhood and wanted to say hi,” Paris said with a smile. He knew which was which because London had a small scar by the corner of her mouth. Yes, London and Paris—obviously born to parents with a strange sense of humor.

London moved close to him. “We had such a good time with you last year. We thought we could do it again.”

Talk about every man’s fantasy, he thought, feeling no anticipation at the thought. In fact all he felt was tired, which had nothing to do with how little he’d been sleeping and everything to do with being without Shelby.

“No, thanks.”

They exchanged a look. “Why not?” Paris asked. “We were good together.”

“I’m in love with someone else.” It was, he realized, the second time he’d said the words out loud. Huh. It still sounded pretty damned good, so he tried it again. “I’m in love with Shelby.”

Paris and London looked at each other. “Really? We would never have guessed you were the committed relationship type.”

“Me, either, but it turns out I am. Very much so. I like loving Shelby. It makes me a better man.”

London raised her eyebrows. “Wow, that’s impressive. Most guys aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings.”

“You’d be amazed by what I’m comfortable with these days.”

Paris sighed. “Our loss. If things don’t work out, call us.”

Things weren’t working out, but calling them was about the last thing he wanted to do. If he couldn’t have Shelby, he didn’t want anyone.

He saw them out. As the twins walked away, Nick drove up. Aidan waited until his brother got out of his truck and walked toward them.

“Anything I should know about?” Nick asked, looking over his shoulder at the departing twins.

“They’re in town for the weekend, if you want a going-away present.”

His brother raised one shoulder. “Tempting, but no. I think one at a time is enough for me. By the way, you look like crap.”

“Thanks.”

Nick’s expression turned sympathetic. “Shelby?”

Aware of a few customers by the front counter and Fay close by, Aidan grabbed Charlie’s leash from the hook by the door and stepped outside. The little dog trotted along with him. He and Nick headed for the trail by the office.

“I haven’t talked to her in over a week,” he admitted when they were out of earshot of the main building. “Taryn said to give her time, so I am, but it’s tough.”

“I’m sorry.” Nick grimaced. “That sounds lame, but I am. You two were good together. Do you know what the problem is?”

“I can guess. She’s scared. We were getting more and more involved and she couldn’t handle that. Or maybe she knew that I’d fallen in love with her and it freaked her out.”