“Not a chance. There’s something you need to see, and someone you need to talk to.”

Aria surveyed the construction yard, but from their position, only a few workmen were visible. “I don’t think so. Let’s go.”

“Don’t make a scene, Ri.”

“Fine.” She swung the door open, stepped down and stomped her foot. “I’m out. Now what do you want?”

“Walk around to the other side of the building.”

Curiosity getting the better of her, she started walking in the direction he’d pointed, jumping in surprise when the car restarted. It squealed across the gravel as Cooper reversed and left her in his dust. Literally.

“Asshole!” she shrieked, waving her fist at him.

Someone guffawed in the distance. She crossed her arms tightly and glowered. Then, without any other viable choices, she continued her trek around the building, wanting to see if she could find out why her brother had abandoned her in enemy territory. Already, she regretted her choice of footwear as she stumbled over the rough ground; she had to stop herself from tripping over loose boards more than once. On the other side of the lot, she came across a scene so bizarre it halted her in her tracks. Her hand shot to her chest.

Half a dozen local business owners, including Mrs. Dodd from the post shop, her friend Emily, and Eliza Brown, were gathered around Eli and a slim blond man. When Mrs. Dodd stretched onto her toes and kissed Eli on the cheek, Aria gaped in astonishment.

What on earth was going on?

The baker, a burly man in his fifties, stepped forward and shook Eli’s hand, then clapped him on the back. The blond man stood slightly removed from the others. Even at this distance, he appeared aloof.

She must have made a noise, because suddenly, Eli looked back over his shoulder, right into her eyes. Slowly, a smile spread across his face. Aria stepped backwards. She should leave. She had no right to be here, and Eli was clearly conducting business. He waved her over, and as if they had no connection to her brain, her legs moved toward him of their own volition. She stopped with a comfortable amount of space separating them, but he closed it and took her hands.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Wearing a business suit with a silk tie, with his hair stylishly tousled, he was mouth-wateringly sexy, though the skin surrounding his left eye seemed to be tinged violet.

She stared down at their clasped hands, relishing the contact, and pushed her doubts to the back of her mind. “What’s going on?” she asked, raising her head.