Page 17 of Donut Disaster
Lily points hard. “She’s your killer, Lottie.”
Naomi shakes her head. “It’s not her. Too obvious. Besides, who in their right mind acts that erratic after taking someone off this planet?”
“A psychotic killer?” I say as another crowd files in. I let Lily sit and enjoy her time with Mr. Muscles while I sell out of what little crullers I have left.
Lainey and Meg take off, as Naomi comes up to the counter along with Alex.
“That Cassie girl? She checked into the Evergreen Manor this morning.”
“What? Really?” I ask, slightly stunned. “I wonder why?”
Naomi tosses her glossy black hair. “She said something about not being able to stay at her place now that he was gone.”
“Huh.” I look to Alex. “I didn’t realize she lived with him.”
Alex shakes his head as he steps in close. “She didn’t. But maybe there are just too many memories at her place? Pictures, things he’s bought her over the years?”
“Maybe.”
I tip my head at Naomi. “When’s the next meeting of your naughty book club?”
“Three days from now. You have plenty of time to catch up onHis Silent Need.”
I make a face at the title meant to titillate. “Perfect. Do me a favor. Have it at the Evergreen and make sure she’s there.”
Keelie comes up with the dishes from the table. “What did I miss?”
Naomi offers up hermost flirtatious and someone dangerous lookinggrin to Noah’s poor brother. “Alex is going to be our special guest at our next book club. Three days from now, eleven in the morning, the Evergreen Manor. Are you in?” She tosses the question to him like a dare.
“Oh, I’m in, sweetie.”
“Good.” Naomi straightens. “I’ll have a passage for you to read out loud. Don’t worry, Semper Fi, I’ll make sure it’s extra steamy.”
She takes off and Keelie fans herself with her fingers. “What a great idea! I’ll have Bear there to read a passage as well. And Lottie, you can bring your boyfriends, too.” She starts to take off to the kitchen with the dirty dishes. “Lily, find someone to read dirty books to you!”
Lily reaches across the counter and takes up Alex’s hand. “What are your plans for dinner tonight, big boy?” Her voice dropped an octave, and she sounds exactly like the sultry vixen she is.
Alex’s dimples dig in deep. It’s apparent he likes what he sees. “I’m headed to some Italian place with my buddy Jeremy at six. You want to join us, sugar?” His cheek flickers and Lily spurts out a rather embarrassing chortle.
Jeremy?I perk to life.
“Would you mind if I joined in on the fun?” I’m quick to offer myself an invite. “Noah and Everett, too?”
“No problem.” His brows furrow as he says it. “You’re not really dating them both, are you?”
“Oh no, we’re just sort of always together.”
Lily nods. “It’s called ambush dating, Lottie.” She looks to Alex. “They’re dating. They’re officially the first threesome Honey Hollow has ever had—nothing but head games between the three of them. It’s worth the entertainment alone to work here.”
“Very funny, Lily,” I say, pulling out my phone and sending a group text to Noah and Everett that readsMangias tonight at six. And they both reply instantly that they’ll be there.
Love you,Lemon. Everett adds the tag, most likely to annoy Noah, but I know he means it.
Love you, Cupcake.Noah texts my way, and I can’t help but giggle. Cupcake is sort of a nickname they both call me, but I think Noah does it to spite Everett now and again because Everett thought of it first.
Come to think of it—it does sound an awful lot like a head game, and I swallow hard at the thought.
But never mind that. We don’t have time for head games. I’ve got a killer to catch. And I’ll begin my investigation tonight at six at Mangias.