“Yeah, that’s him.” Aiden’s lips twitch. “Looks like Eli’s in damage control mode.”
“Oh, you better brace yourself,” I tease. “Claire takes self-defense classes. She’s totally going to drop-kick you as soon as you’re within range.”
“I think I can manage.” His eyes glance at Claire like he’s trying to size her up.
The street parking is full, the festival likely in full swing, so we end up a few cars down from where we spot Claire and Eli. He executes that perfect three-point turn they teach you in driver’s ed—one hand on the wheel, theother braced on the back of my seat—I had to check myself for any drool that results in the sight of his forearm flexing as he steers.
Making our way towards the arguing couple, I can tell my sister was two seconds from calling in the cavalry.
“God, where could she have gone?” Concern and panic are etched in Claire’s voice.
“Do you think she stopped by the General Store to get more flour? Didn’t you say she had an emergency order last night?” Eli’s rubbing soothing circles up and down her arms.
“Maybe I should call Will, the sheriff; he could help us.”
They’re both too engrossed in their conversation to notice us approaching. Jake, however, doesn’t miss a beat. He wiggles out of Eli’s hold and comes barreling toward us, drawing both their attention. Claire’s eyes lock with mine, and before I can even react, she’s running toward me, arms wide, pulling me into a tight hug.
“Thank god you’re okay!” she breathes out.
I hug her back tightly. “Yes, I’m okay. Just a little mistaken-identity trope in real life.”
She pulls back, glaring. “What?”
Her gaze shifts past me, and when she spots Aiden, her eyes narrow. “Who are you?”
“This is Aiden. He’s my roommate and best friend. I called him to help look for Charlie.” Eli provides.
“But, you guys showed up together?” Claire looks between us, her brows furrow as she tries to piece together the situation.
Eli, seeming to realize that we did indeed walk up together, looked at Aiden in surprise. “Actually, yeah, why are you here together?”
“Should you tell them or should I?” I say, giving him a cheeky grin.
Aiden sighs, preparing himself to recount the most ridiculous fake-kidnapping scenario there ever was. “Look, I was just following your dumbass boyfriend’s plan. He said you liked those dark romance books and convinced me to help kidnap you, but I accidentally napped your sister.” Tossing his thumb in my direction as he finishes up his recount of the morning’s event.
“What?!” Claire shouts in disbelief, looking at Eli, who is looking at her sheepishly.
“I did not know this.” Eli lifts his hands in surrender. “Why didn’t you tell me when I called earlier?”
“Well, earlier I didn’t know she was Claire’s sister. I thought I kidnapped a stranger.”
“How could you not realize she wasn’t the right girl?”
“They’re identical!” Aiden shoots back. “You could’ve mentioned she had a twin sister!”
“I did mention she had a twin named Charlie!” Eli argues.
“Yeah, and I thought Charlie was a guy!”
Claire and I both burst out laughing at their married-couple bickering. The arguing duo stops at the sound of our laughter, as if suddenly remembering we’re still here. I bend down to scratch Jake behind the ear before straightening to give Eli a quick side hug, then lift my gaze to meet Aiden’s emerald green eyes.
“Okay, Mr. Grumpy Captor,” I say through giggles. “Looks like our trope did turn from captors to lovers. How about we start over?”
Aiden chuckles. “Alright, princess, I’ll play.”
“Hi, my name’s Charlotte, but everyone calls me Charlie.” I wink at him.
Taking my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, the gesture causes the butterflies in my stomach to flutter.
