Page 21 of Poison Apple Crisp
I look to both Noah and Everett. “And don’t either of you even think of telling me what to do.”
Everett’s lids hood over his eyes, and this time there’s a touch of lust in those lusty high beams of his. Noah glowers as if I had just started a war, and something tells me I may have.
“We’ve got a long seven months or so ahead of us,” I say. “You both want me happy, don’t you?”
They’re both slow to nod.
Everett takes up my hand and kisses that wedding band he landed there a few months back—an emerald cut diamond surrounded with smaller sparklers. It takes my breath away each time I look at it.
“Lemon, I live to see you happy. But I’d also like to see you in one piece. If Cokie is right, whoever killed Brenda Phillips already knows that you’re one of the best.”
“That’s right.” Noah leans in. “And that means they’re ready for you to come knocking. Don’t put yourself in danger, Lottie. Don’t put our child in harm’s way, whether you mean to or not.” He runs his finger along one of the ridiculous pink ribbons attached to my wrist. I’m sure Cokie thinks I’m an insane person for far more reasons than these odd accessories. “Are you hoping for a girl? Is that why you’re wearing these?”
“I’m hoping not to puke. That’s the reason for the pink season. But to be truthful, I hadn’t even thought about what gender I might like best. I guess I’ll take what nature gives me. A daughter would be amazing.” My chest bucks with emotion, and Everett wraps an arm around me. “But then, so would a baby boy.”
“Let’s get you home, Lemon. It’s been a trying week, and we still haven’t got out of the gate.”
He drops a wad of cash onto our table and Carlotta’s. They left in such a hurry it seems they forgot to pay—seemswould be the operative word.
Once we step out into the crisp fall air, Noah wraps his arms around me and gifts a tender kiss to my forehead.
“If you need anything, I’m right across the street, Lot. I love you.”
“Love you, too,” I say as he takes off, and I turn and grimace at Everett. “I’m sorry. That was awkward and disrespectful.” I wince. “It sort of just slipped out.”
“It’s okay, Lemon. I know you’ll always have a heart for him.” His lips twitch. “Now get in the car,” he says it stern like he means it. “I’m taking you home.”
“Don’t you dare tell me where to go.” I bite down on a smile. “Now take me to my place. I expect to be bathed and put to bed properly. Do you think you’re man enough for the task?”
Everett gives a long blink. “You’ve pushed the limit, Lemon. And now I’ll be forced to show you exactly how much of a man I can be.”
Ginger appears next to me and barks up a storm. “Oh, Lottie, I’m swooning. He’s just as rough and tough as my Emmet was. And if he’s anything like him when you’re alone, you’re in for a real treat. I’ll be with the boys myself. The cats are rather taking a liking to me.” And with that, she blinks right out of sight in a plume of purple smoke.
Everett takes me home, indulges me with a bath, and teaches me one quasi-tender lesson after another until we’re both spent and fast asleep.
Chapter 6
Thump.
My lids are glued shut, and I can feel the weight of Everett’s arm over my body.
Thump.
I give a few light blinks as I begin to stir to life. It’s still dark out. My alarm hasn’t gone off yet, so it must be earlier than four-thirty.
Tap, tap, tap.
I sit up and give Everett a shake.
“What is it?” He sits up on his elbows as the moonlight streaks across his chest.
“I heard a noise,” I hiss.
“What kind of noise?”
Crash!
“That kind of noise.”