ready for deep winter with her turtleneck and parka.
“Hello, ladies.” I give a quick wave. “Welcome to the Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery.”
They offer pleasant smiles as they head this way.
“Noah Fox.” Cokie gives a wistful shake of the head. “You never fail to stun my good senses into submission.” Her attention turns my way. “Lottie, you are glowing and as you should. Your mother told me all about your good news. Congratulations on the baby.”
“Yes,” Rachelle is quick to add. “Your mother is very excited.”
“Why, thank you both. And yes, she is pretty excited, and so am I. Could I get either you some coffee? An apple crisp?” I cringe as soon as I say it. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“No, don’t think of it.” Cokie waves it off. “We just popped in to grab a quick bite. We’re still taking items for the fundraising to your mother’s B&B. She raved about your napoleons. Those are my favorite, and I see you have plenty. I might just clear out a shelf.” A warm laugh streams from her, and just like that, she sobers up once again. “Noah, it seems someone took that autographed copy of Desmond Meadows’ book last night. Is there some way we could ask the general public for information?”
Rachelle nods. “It’s a valuable copy. I’m sure whoever took it isn’t aware of that.”
“Oh, no need to put out a bulletin,” I say. “I have it. I mean, I was holding it, and the next thing I knew, I had brought it home with me in my bag. My apologies. I’ll be sure to bring it to my mother’s before the big fundraiser.” I decide to hold off on telling anyone about the envelope I found tucked in the back. I set it aside to give to Noah. There’s no reason that needs to be auctioned off to anybody.
Cokie gives a slight frown. “Not a problem. I suppose that’s one mystery taken care of. I’d better get those treats. We told your mother we’d bring back enough for all three of us.” She licks her lips as she looks to Noah. “Don’t be a stranger. How about dinner sometime?”
Noah’s mouth opens, but I intercept before he can answer.
“He’d love to.” I force a smile. “I mean, as long as you don’t mind double dating with Everett and me.”
“Good old Essex.” She gives a sly wink. “I’ll take you up on that offer any day of the week.”
“Great,” I say brightly. “How about tonight at seven? We can go for a pizza across the street at Mangias?”
Cokie’s ruby lips curve with delight. “I would love that.” She gives Noah’s hand a quick pat. “I guess I’ll see you tonight, hot stuff. Maybe afterwards we can see if you still live up to your nickname?”
They head over to the register, and Noah leans my way.
“Lottie.” He gives a slow blink. “I’d ask what you were up to, but I have a feeling I already know.”
I give a slight nod. “And if you dare try to French kiss Evie’s principal, I’ll personally cause great bodily harm.”
His brows hike a notch. “To me or her?”
“Don’t push it.” A tiny smile crimps my lips. “You and Everett can babysit me all you want, but you’ll have to do it on my terms.”
Noah takes a deep breath. “Why do I feel as if I’ve just been bested by a baker?”
Carlotta steals a rose from my bouquet. “Don’t get her angry, Foxy. In her state, she’s liable to take you outside and have her way with you behind the bushes.”
A sly smile rides up Noah’s cheek, and I shake my head at him.
“Don’t tempt fate,” I say.
I don’t plan on tempting fate either. I simply plan on tracking down Brenda Phillips’ killer.
My stomach does a hard roll, and I run right outside and puke in the bushes.
Carlotta had it half-right.
I tangoed with two men and tempted fate, and now the universe is having its way with me behind the bushes.
I sure hope things get easier.
Noah comes out with a glass of cold water and holds me, whispering into my ear that everything will be okay.
But deep down inside, I don’t think either of us believes it.
Chapter 5
Why?
Why in the name of all things good, and holy, and right, did I suggest we go to Mangias?
A hard sigh expels from me as I stare up at the cheery red and green neon sign. I know why. Because some of my best culinary memories