“Okay,” he said simply, turning back to the computer.
Sofia returned to the kitchen to reshelve the books and pack up her notebook. By the time she was done, Isaiah had logged off the computer and was waiting by the front door.
“After you,” he said, holding it open for her. The slight smile was on his face again, that cocky charisma back in place.
How would I conduct myself if I didn’t have any memories?Sofia wondered, locking the library behind them.Would I trust people who were offering help? Or would I push them away? Then again, what choice would I have?
“So, what were you researching while I was trying to find myself?” Isaiah asked once they were in the Subaru, a teasing note in his voice.
Sofia glanced at him before returning her eyes to the snowy road. She wasn’t sure if she should tell him. She barely knew the man and, even though her suspicions had softened during her hyperfocused research session, she still didn’t know if she should trust him. Then again, maybe that made it a low-risk share. Within a few days, she would never see him again. In that case, it wouldn’t matter if he thought her plans were silly.
“I was working on a business plan.”
“What kind of business?”
Sofia thought she detected a note of surprise in his voice and wondered what that meant. She twisted her earring inadvertently and forced herself to stay focused on his question.
“I make jewelry,” she began then quickly added, “but I’m hoping to expand into other handmade gifts as well. I’ve been tinkering with suncatchers, beaded plant holders… things like that.”
“That’s amazing. I’m not very artistic.”
Sofia turned to him in surprise. “You remember that?”
Isaiah’s eyes widened. “Not exactly. It’s like, when something comes up, I instinctively know whether I’m good at it or whetherit’s something I like or dislike, but I don’t have any specific memories attached. It’s weird. I can’t really explain it.”
“So, for example, you know that you’re not artistic, that you’re a shameless flirt, that you like to hike—” The words were out of Sofia’s mouth before she’d fully formed her thoughts.
“Whoa!” Isaiah cut in, latching onto the barb she’d tried to sandwich between two other facts. “Who says I’m a shameless flirt?”
“Oh, come on. That little half grin you’re always doing? The teasing? The way all the women at the New Year’s Eve party were looking at you? I’ve known men like you. It’s in your DNA or something.” It was like the words were spilling out of her. She’d never been good at controlling what she said, and Isaiah’s proximity seemed to amplify her natural instinct to spout her thoughts like a fountain.
Isaiah’s jaw dropped, but Sofia was relieved to see amusement on his face. “You’ve known men like me? Other amnesiacs?” He grinned at her. “And what other women at the New Year’s Eve party? I was blinded by this one in a sparkly dress.”
Sofia rolled her eyes, but a little thrill rolled through her stomach. She shook her head and chalked it up to the excitement of sparring. Once they pulled into the parking lot of the Emerald House, she put the car in park and turned to him. She opened her mouth to say something, preparing to punish him further, but he cut her off.
“So, does your business have a name?”
Sofia sat back in surprise but responded automatically. “Sofia’s Creations.”
“Hmm.”
“Hmm what?” Sofia narrowed her eyes.
“Isn’t that a little… nondescript? With a business, you want a memorable name, right? Something that makes you stand out?”
Sofia had actually been considering a new name, but nothing she’d thought about had stuck. “Fine. What do you suggest?”
“Tell me more about the themes of your work.”
“The themes of my work? I think you might be a writing professor in your real life.”
Isaiah laughed but waited for her to continue.
“I draw on things that inspire me here in Emerald Hollow.”
“There you go. Maybe Emerald Hollow should be part of your brand.”
“What? Like the Emerald House? That’s Ash’s thing.” Sofia shook her head.
