Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53698 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 179(@300wpm)
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Hot off the press. Your only competition is yourself.”
Ashley Katz, The Headliner
At 7:00 p.m. sharp, a hard double knock sounded at Jane’s door. Eek! Conrad was here.
She hadn’t yet chosen a hat. Nothing matched her bright blue and white dress with half sleeves and a flowing skirt. She shouldn’t have spent so much time watching internet videos of Reggie Belfry, but each one had been more fascinating than the last, providing insight into his character.
He was definitely capable of murder. Impulsive. Someone who made lightning-fast, last-minute decisions to use incompatible ingredients. Unwilling to tolerate a single question from those there to help him. A risk-taker who thought of himself as a ladies’ man. How many times had he purred his words and winked at his audience after dishing some wild innuendo? Any errors he’d blamed on his sous chef.
“Behave while Momma is out with Conrad, all right,” she told Rolex, who stretched out on the bed amid the myriad of outfits she’d tried on and discarded. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to fall for him.”
His paw pointed to a headband with a small white bow on the side.
Oh! How perfect. “Thank you, darling.” Stomach in knots, she anchored the headband in place, then made her way to the front door. Her hand trembled as she turned the knob…
And there he was. The city boy slash fairy tale prince of her dreams and nightmares.
He stood on the porch, framed in fading sunlight, a golden halo seeming to shine above his dark hair. The perfect contrast for the determined gleam in his amber eyes. He’d shaved, yet she detected a shadow of scruff on his strong jaw. A charcoal gray suit fit his broad shoulders and muscular build in the best way.
He absolutely stole her breath. Even better—and worse—he held the most amazing funeral arrangement she’d ever seen. An array of pink, purple and red roses, carnations, and mums, mixed with lighter accent flowers and lush green foliage.
Voice a bit rough, he said, “You are exquisite, Jane.”
A flush burned her cheeks. “Thank you. And you are…all mine. No!” she rushed to correct, even as she imagined dropping into a six-foot hole. “I mean, you are beautiful. No, I mean, you are handsome. A real grade A beefcake. Yes, that’s the phrase I was searching for.”
“I liked your first description best.” He winked and unveiled a genuine smile. “Are you nervous, sweetheart? Don’t be. I won’t bite. Unless you ask real nice.” As she floundered for a response, he laughed and offered her the flowers. “These are for you.”
“Thank you,” she repeated, clutching the bouquet to her chest. “Come in while I gather my things.”
After placing the colorful arrangement in Grandma Lily’s prized crystal vase, Jane displayed the masterpiece on the mantel. Rolex watched her from the couch. He perched at the top, gargoyle style.
She skipped over to give him a scratch behind the ears. More interested in their guest, he leaned to the side to peek around her.
“Remember what we discussed, young man.” Jane padded to her bedroom and snatched up her purse. Her phone rang. Ugh. It was the reporter again, wasn’t it?
Yep. Sure enough. To ensure the woman didn’t bug her the rest of the night, Jane answered with a firm, “This is Miss Ladling.” Someone pat her on the back, because dang. She’d never sounded more professional.
“About time,” the journalist muttered. Then at a louder volume, she said, “Hello. My name is Ashley Katz, and I’m with the Headliner. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to talk with you about—”
“I don’t have a few minutes,” Jane interjected. “I don’t even have a few seconds.”
Far from deterred, the reporter asked, “Are you sure? Because rumors are already circulating. Several people in town think you paid your friends to kill Anthony Miller in order to spice up your party.”
Well. As far as motives went, that wasn’t bad. “What about the rumors suggesting your involvement, Ms. Katz? I heard you might have committed the heinous crime to give yourself a story.” Truth. Jane had heard it all right…in her own mind. Just now. And honestly? It made all kinds of sense. The woman’s persistence screamed On the hunt for a cover-up.
After sputtering a bit, the reporter hung up. Jane decided to pay her new nemesis a visit very soon and confront her about her potential involvement directly.
Satisfied with a job well done, she double checked the position of her headband, then rejoined Conrad in the living room. He waited by the door, his expression softening as she approached.
When he wound his arm around her waist and escorted her outside, her heart thumped all over again. Warmth radiated from him, chasing away the evening chill. She waved to Rolex before shutting and locking the door.
Conrad helped her into his sedan. Soon, they were on the road, headed to…the city? Oh goodness gracious. A solid hour in a small space, breathing in his incredible scent? Would she survive? Already her thoughts were growing foggy, making her forget all the reasons being with him was a terrible idea.