Page 15 of Poison Apple Crisp

But too bad for me, I’m right back to being all wound up again.

Noah doesn’t look so sure about it. “Lottie, if things are going south with you and Everett, I want you to tell me.”

Carlotta takes another bite out of her donut.

“Why?” she mumbles through a mouthful. “So you can swoop on in and steal her back again?”

“Yes.” Noah gives a wild nod. “Lottie, I love you. And as much as I hate to say it, I care about Everett, too. We were family once. But if things aren’t moving in a positive direction, I don’t want it to affect the baby. The last thing we need is Everett’s moody behavior putting you in a bad mood.”

“I love you, too, Noah. But Everett and I are fine. It was all an act.”

Noah is right back to being suspicious.

“So what are you doing here?” I ask. “Shouldn’t you be down in Ashford trying to figure out who killed that poor woman last night? What did toxicology say? Do we know what did her in?”

“Not yet. And I’m actually working remotely today, so I’ll be able to stay right here in the bakery and still get paid. Ivy is holding down the fort at the station.”

Ivy Fairbanks is his hot redheaded partner who happens to be more than a little suspicious of me.

Carlotta brays out a laugh. “You’re not fooling me, Foxy. You’re here watching over Lot Lot so she doesn’t run off and get herself in a potentially deadly pickle.”

“Please,” I say in an incredulous tone. “Noah isn’t here to babysit me. If anything, I would have pegged Everett for that duty.” A visual of seeing Noah and Everett having a private powwow last night flashes through my mind, and I suck in a never-ending breath. “Youarebabysitting me!”

The door opens, letting in an icy breeze and in walk two women, Cokie Hickman and Rachelle Dalton.

Cokie’s red hair is windblown as she pulls a black peacoat tightly around her waist. And Rachelle looks as if she’s 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.”