“We’re never getting a tree,” I say.
“We’re getting a tree,” he says.
“When?”
“Soon.” He winces because it came out sounding like a question.
“You said soon three days ago.”
“I meant a different soon.” He glances at the shopping bag beside my purse. Midnight Velour Intimates printed acrossthe side in fancy script, sitting there like a question nobody’s asked yet.
“Interesting bag,” he says.
“It was an interesting day,” I say.
The candle between us flickers, and it’s safe to say things are about to get heated.
“Anything in there worth seeing?” He lifts a brow in anticipation.
“If you’re good,” I say, “I might just take you back to my place and show you.”
A predatory look in his eyes takes over as a wicked grin twitches on his lips.
He nods my way. “How about we skip dinner?” It’s more of a statement than a question.
Oh thank goodness,Cricket sighs.I thought we’d be here all night. Someone owes me a can of Fancy Beast cat food when we get home.
But the bacon—Rookie starts.
No,Cricket says.
The busboy promised?—
Rookie.
Fine.
I grab my coat, Killion takes the bag, and we leave the Cottage Grill, the untouched menus, and the promise of bacon behind.
Some things are worth skipping dinner for.
CHAPTER 14
The next day, at approximately noon, my phone starts buzzing with a group text tornado.
Murder Club Group Chat
Chevy: Tonight’s the night! Murder club meeting at Hattie’s! I’ve got my investigation supplies ready!
Hillary: Can we solve this quickly? I have a facial at 9 and cannot reschedule. My pores don’t wait for justice.
Kick: I’m bringing the kids. They can practice Christmas carols while we discusshomicide. Multitasking!
Bunny: Kick—do NOT bring your children! Anyway, I’ve got champagne and theories! Both are bubbly and guaranteed to make everything more interesting—without the littles!
Tipper: Henry made “Conviction Canapés”! He’s really getting into this murder theme. Should I be worried?
Peggy: Sugar, I’m bringing my famous interrogation casserole! Nothing makes people confess faster than proper comfort food!
