Page 55 of Everything We Found

“Has she mentioned anything else about him?”

His eyes narrowed. “Like what?”

“Like she believes he’s still alive?”

His cheek flexed and the breath rushed from Nadia’s lungs. Wow. He knew. Her nails dug into her palm as she glanced away. She didn’t know how she felt about this. Aimee confided in him before Kristen. She hadn’t even called Nadia. Hurt, sadness, jealousy. It was all there. It also wasn’t shocking. She’d intentionally kept her distance since James’s funeral fearing Aimee would see right through her. She’d only have to look at her and know she’d betrayed her.

Ian shifted his stance, looking a little uncomfortable she’d brought this up. “She might have said something.”

“Well, she’s apparently found proof of life and she’s flying to Puerto Escondido in the morning.”

This time his mouth fell all the way open. “Oaxaca?”

“You know of it?”

“Yeah. Some big surf tournament is happening there this weekend.” He forked his fingers through his hair, further messing his bed head. He looked askance at her. “She’s really going there?”

“Eight a.m. flight out of San Jose according to Kristen.” She’d texted Nadia on her way over here.

“Is that wise with all the unrest happening around there?”

“Exactly why I’m here. You’re coming with me to Aimee’s to help me talk her out of it. You’re the world traveler. She’ll believe you when you tell her it’s not safe.”

He huffed a dry laugh. “Yeah, right. What’s her flight info?” he asked, moving to his desk.

“Don’t know, why?”

“Guess we’ll just have to ask her.” He changed course and headed into his room.

“What are you doing?” Nadia asked, following him.

He threw a duffel bag onto the bed and scooped clothes from his dresser.

“What are you doing?” she asked again with a sharp edge of panic.

“Packing.”

“Packing?” she shrieked. “You’re supposed to talk her out of going, not GO WITH!” Alarmed, she tailed him into the minuscule bathroom. Good grief, the space was the width of her elbows. He packed up his toiletries and abruptly turned into her.

“Whoa. Personal space.”

Nadia backed up out of his way. He dropped the toiletries bag into his duffel and started sorting through his camera bag, inspecting his equipment. “Be real, Nadia. We both know she won’t listen to me either, not if her mind’s set.”

“Would you at least try?”

He zipped his bags and grabbed the handles. “Waste of time.” He flicked off the light and left the room.

“What’s wrong with you? We can’t just let her go!” She rarely wigged out, but she was almost in full panic mode. Aimee could not find James. It would be bad for all of them. James especially.

“We can.” Ian pocketed his wallet and keys. “She’ll never get over him if she doesn’t go and see for herself.” He opened a lock box and pocketed his passport too. Then he turned to her, his face going deadly serious. A shadow darkened his amber eyes. “Here’s the thing I don’t think you understand, Nadia, and this is where Aimee and I are on the same page. If there was the remote possibility someone I loved didn’t die, but is very much alive, I’d search the ends of the earth for her. And there is nothing you could do to stop me. So, no. I’m not going to convince her otherwise. She’s going, and I’m going with her.”

“Ian…” Nadia stared at him, showing no outward reaction at this startling turn of events. But inside? She was flushed, on the brink of burning up. Hot, sick, and at a complete and absolute loss over how she could regain control of this situation.

“Besides,” Ian said, turning to look over his shoulder at her as he headed for the door. “I might have my own reasons for going.”

This time, he let her see exactly what he felt for Aimee. Hewasin love with her.

And that right there changed Nadia’s mind. She’d let Aimee go. She might actually find James. But with Ian there, she’d remain levelheaded. She hopefully wouldn’t do anything rash to endanger herself.