Page 9 of Bobbing for Bodies

That argument I witnessed between Bear and Hunter just a few minutes before I made the gruesome discovery comes to mind, and a breath locks in my throat at the thought of it.

“Lottie, what is it?” Noah leans in close, the tip of his head just an inch from mine, and his warm cologne permeates me with its warm scent.

“I—” A part me can’t do it. I know for a fact Bear would never kill Hunter. Why arm Noah with false evidence? “It was nothing. I’ll do whatever I can to prove Bear’s innocence. It’s the least I can do after he moved heaven and earth to open this place in record time.” Even if it means keeping his dark,angrysecrets.

Noah squints into me as if prying into my thoughts. As if he could. But then, if I can see the dearly furry departed, and on occasion those once robed in flesh, maybe he can pry into my thoughts? I straighten in fear.

“I’ve got a juicy tip for you.”

“Oh?” I’m right back to leaning in and swooning into those key lime green eyes, those kissable lips just inches from mine.

“I know of a couple of houses for rent side by side on Country Cottage Road.”

“Ooh, that’s a nice neighborhood. It butts right up to the woods. I just love that—Hey? Isn’t that the street you live on?”

He nods, and that naughty grin is right where it’s supposed to be.

“If you decide to take a look, call me and I’ll join you. In fact, I can have my realtor set up an appointment if you like.”

My mouth falls open at the thought of living in such close proximity to this alarmingly handsome man who has stolen my heart so quickly.

“I am more than interested. Let your realtor know we’ll take a look as soon as we can.”We. A content sigh expels from me. Deep down, I’ve always wanted to be a happy we. Although, we haven’t actually spoken about the fact we’re dating. Heck, I don’t even know if you could call what we do dating. We’re pretty good at kissing, though. My lips can’t help but curve up at the sight of his.

“Good.” He pats his hand over mine as he stands. “I’ll follow up on some leads I’ve got concerning—” He tips his head toward the alley. It’s probably wise not to shout Hunter’s name after what happened. The last thing I want is for my bakery to be a landmark for murder, or a place too sad to visit. “Text me when you hear anything.”

“Will do,” I say as he takes off with a wave.

Oh shoot. I forgot to feed him and give him coffee. Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Looks like I’m failing Boyfriend 101 right out the gate.

Speaking of boyfriends, I need to find a way to clear my ex’s name.

Micheline and those teary eyes she had at the grand opening come to mind. Hey, wait a minute. She looked like she was grieving before poor Hunter ever bit the big one.

I head back to the kitchen to pull out my cookies and cheesecakes. I think in a couple of hours I’m going to make a deposit down at the bank. And while I’m there, I’ll bring Noah a dozen fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies that I’m about to whip up just for him.

Look out, Noah Fox’s stomach, I’m gunning for you.

I cringe at my own analogy considering the fact Hunter was shot to death.

Regardless, I hope Noah’s heart is quick to follow his stomach.

I’m falling for him.

I just wish I knew exactly how he felt about me.

Chapter 5

Iwas right.

The thick, sweet scent of the Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery can joyfully be inhaled all the way down the street where I’m currently standing outside of Noah’s office cradling a box of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. But to my dismay, I’m not staring into the sea green eyes of that tall, dark-haired, and handsome private investigator. I’m staring into a cold hard sign that readsclosedin glaring red letters.

And since Noah isn’t here to partake in this warm batch of ooey gooey goodness, I decide to do the very next best thing with them. I don’t waste any time trotting them into the bank.

The Honey Hollow Savings and Loans isn’t too spacious inside, but it’s always offered a warm, comforting feeling with its maroon carpet patterned with leaves, its brightly lit foyer filled with coffee urns, and a box of donuts open for any willing customer to enjoy. Just ahead of me, I see a hole in the wall and construction materials strewn about. I know for a fact Bear put this job off until the bakery was finished, and I feel a bit guilty over it.

I give a quick glance around. A handful of customers are being tended to at the teller windows, but I don’t see Micheline.

A woman in a yellow pencil skirt and cashmere cardigan walks by with an arm full of files. “Can I help you?”