Divorced, Desperate And Dating
Page 34
“I was beginning to get worried,” said a familiar voice.
“Oh, hi.” After kissing her mom’s cheek, Sue skirted her to take a seat behind the stack of her books. “How did things go with Bill and Grandpa after I left the other night?”
Her mother stepped closer. “Your grandfather gave Bill the third degree. He actually asked him where he saw himself in ten years!”
Sue smiled. “What did Bill say?”
“He said he hoped to still be selling pineapples and moving his hips like Elvis. And that he hoped I’d be with him.”
Sue smiled. “Do you love him, Mom?”
Her mother took a deep breath. “He’s the King—what do you think?” Then Peggy Finley studied Sue’s face. “You’ve been crying.”
“It’s nothing,” Sue said. “Now…you’re not going to run off and get married too soon?”
“Not too soon.” Her mom took her hand. “But you’re okay with it now—Bill and me?”
“I’m more than okay with it. I’m thrilled that you’re happy.” Sue grinned. “Though we’re still not discussing sex.”
Her mom grinned. “Bill asked me to tell you that he’d really like for you to come to Graceland with us in a couple of months. He wants to celebrate the engagement.”
Sue chuckled. “Would it make you happy?”
“Very,” her mom said. “I know it’s crazy, but he really loves Elvis.”
“Can Jason come, too?”
“I think that would be great.”
“Then I guess we’re going to Graceland.”
Her mother kissed her. “Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?”
Sue held up her hand. “You’re gonna make me cry again.”
“Then I ‘d better stop.” Peggy grinned. “Because you, just like your mother, don’t cry pretty.”
Sue chuckled just as a lady stepped over and picked up a book. “Hi!” Sue said, turning her attention to being an author.
The lady flipped through the book. “Did you write this?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Sue said.
“That’s a lot of words.” The lady nodded as she spoke.
“Well, I have been accused of being wordy,” Sue admitted.
The lady grinned and then handed the book over for an autograph. “I guess if you can write that many words, I should be able to read them. And the spinach dip was great.”
“So you came just because of spinach dip?”
“It’s good dip,” the woman said. “But I do love to read.”
Sue flipped open the cover of the book to sign her name.
Thirty minutes later, Sue was still signing and chatting with the crowd. They’d discussed everything from murdering someone by lacing their bedsheets with contact poison to unstopping toilets. Sometimes, Sue worried about the people who read her books.
The line was dwindling, and it was a good thing because she wanted to call Jason and ask him to come over for a black-teddy party. She grabbed another book and glanced up at the next person in line…and her heart stopped.
Jason.
In his right hand he had a bouquet of red roses, tucked under his arm was a box of chocolates. But in his other hand was…a cat carrier? He stared at her, and she saw a touch of nervousness in his eyes.
He set the carrier on the table and handed her the roses. “For you. And yes, I know what red roses mean. I never answered that question the other day.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand to stop her. Cat noises drifted from the carrier, and her gaze shifted downward then back to him.
“Let me finish.” He pushed the chocolates in front of her. “You like chocolate, and I really like seeing you get what you like. And…” He leaned down, opened the carrier, and reached inside. “I want you to meet Tabitha.” He pulled out a tiny red and white kitten wearing a pink bow around her neck.
Sue stared at the little creature, whose eyes were open. It was curling up sweetly in Jason’s palm. She bit down on her lip. “Jason, I—”
“Let me finish.” He looked at the cat and said proudly, “She’s a girl.”
Sue felt her sinuses begin to sting as Jason carefully returned the kitten to the carrier.
“This”—he pulled out a gray tabby—“is Tom. He’s a boy.” The little kitten, wearing a blue bow, let out a pitiful meow. “The vet had to really look at him to be sure. So it’s not just me that has a hard time telling the sex.”
Okay, Sue was going to leak for real now. She sniffled.
“This is Pistol—another girl. I think she’s going to grow up to be a pistol.”
One by one he brought out the kittens, and then at last he pulled out Mama. “This is Taco. The first time I saw her, she was eating tacos from my garbage on my apartment patio. Oh, and the vet’s certain she’s a girl.”
Sue wiped her nose with the back of her hand. Someone behind the table dropped a box of tissues in front of her. “Can I talk now?”
“No. Not yet.” Jason waved for whoever had provided the tissues to leave. Sue pulled one out and wiped her nose as he turned around and handed the carrier to Chase, who walked away with it. When she looked to her right, she saw Kathy and Lacy standing beside the spinach dip—the mysterious tissue donors, no doubt.
Jason wiped his palms on the front of his jeans. “I’m not good with words.”
Sue snatched another tissue, cleaned most of her leakage, stood, and moved around the table to stand in front of him. The man she loved watched her, looking nervous.
“Jason—”
“I’m not done,” he interrupted, taking a deep breath. “Where was I?” He paused. “Oh, yeah.” He held out his right arm. “You’re my right arm. I can’t lose my right arm.”
“What?” Sue stared at his proffered appendage.
A hand moved nervously over his face. “That sounded so good when Chase said it.”
He swallowed, then launched into an explanation: “Sue, I’m scared. You scare me. From the first time I laid eyes on you I’ve been scared. You were perfect. And then when I kissed you, I knew I had to stay away from you. Because I wanted you too damn much. That’s why I didn’t call.” He inhaled. “I didn’t do holidays. Lord knows Maggie tried, but I figured I was too far gone for that stuff. Now all I can think about is decorating a tree with you. I ordered stockings and your Easter basket from the Internet last night. I Googled Christmas tree farms.” His voice grew tight. “I want us to cut down our own tree. I want…holidays. I want to count on them. I want them with you.”
Sue gave her nose another swipe. “Anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?”
He looked heartbroken. “I’m sorry. I wanted to do this right. I wanted—”
“Jason!” She placed a hand on his arm, interrupting. “You have done it right.”
He touched her face. “I think you’re beautiful, even when you’re leaking. I think your animal-exercising pajamas are sexy as hell. You make me laugh, and you’re the best writer I know.” He glanced around and lowered his voice. “You’re not stale. You’ll never go stale. You’re the hottest piece of bread I’ve ever tasted. And”—he grinned—“what you do with a MoonPie should be outlawed. In some states, I think it is.”
Sue laughed.
“Will you marry me?” He sounded so unsure her heart broke.
“Yes.”
“Yes,” he repeated, as if in awe.
“And do you know why?” she asked.
“Because I’m good in bed?” He tugged her a little closer.
“No. It’s because I need you, Jason Dodd. Not just for protection, not just because you make me laugh, not for sex or because you like my writing, but because…” She placed her hand over his heart. “Because waking up in the morning doesn’t feel right if you’re not there. Food doesn’t taste good. Not even chocolate. And no one’s there to eat my French fries.” Sue could swear she saw a bit of mist in his eyes. “I need you because I love you, Jason Dodd. And I’m going to love you forever and eve
r. And maybe a few days after that.”
He blinked. “I don’t think I can I top that.”
“Then why don’t you just shut up and kiss me?” She pulled on the collar of his shirt until his face was inches from hers.
“I can do that,” he said. “Words I screw up. Kissing I can do.” He took her mouth in a soft sweet kiss that only got sweeter.
“Don’t you French her,” a familiar voice snapped from behind them.
Sue jerked away and stared at the Cucumber Lady from the grocery store. Her gaze shot to Jason and then back to the granny. “What? How?”
“My insurance,” Jason whispered. “I brought her to remind you that even if I am a pain in the butt I deserve a second chance.”
“You two love each other,” the woman said. “I can see it. So marry him and be done with it.” She looked around. “And can you get some more spinach dip over here?”
Jason put his arm around Sue and whispered. “I’m kind of afraid I’ve sort of accidentally adopted her.”
Sue laughed. “That’s okay. I think she’s sweet and just crazy enough to belong in my family. Which reminds me, I sort of signed you up to go to Graceland with me and my mom and Bill.”
Jason smiled. “Maggie will be jealous. She’s always wanted to go to the King’s place.”
“Then why don’t we take her with us,” Sue offered.
Jason’s looked a little shocked by her offer, then he said. “A family vacation.” There was almost a longing in his voice when he said it. Then he leaned in. His mouth touched hers.
“Ah, phooey,” said Mrs. Cucumber. “Go ahead and French her.
Jason did.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’d like to give credit where credit is due:
To the people who, at the last minute, helped me get this book out the door: Faye Hughes, my writing partner, personal publicist and computer guru who talks me down from my computer ledges; Suzan Harden, my cliché police—she’s one in a million; Jody Payne, who stays up way past midnight to read my work and swears it’s because I’m good and not because she likes me. Thank you all.
To my father, from whom I inherited his wacky sense of humor. (If you think I’m nuts, you should meet my dad.) To my mom, for passing on her ability to laugh at her own mistakes, as well as her love of telling a good joke. (Let’s keep ’em laughing, Mom.) To my husband, who makes being married to me look easy, who never complains if I use him in my books or blogs, and who never whines when he has to share me with the characters living inside my head.
To Lieutenant D. R. “Duke” Atkins, Jr., with the Houston Police Department, who is finally going to get to read the gun/tampon scene. Don’t shoot me, Duke.
As always, thanks to my editor Chris Keeslar and agent Kim Lionetti for putting up with me. And finally, to Erin Galloway, Marketing Manager at Dorchester, who is always there to answer my questions and assist me on whatever crazy idea I get.
CRITICS PRAISE CHRISTIE CRAIG AND WEDDINGS CAN BE MURDER!
“Although the plot is threaded with sassy humor, a lighthearted touch, and misaligned lovers hinting strongly of Shakespeare, a deranged psychopath, a trail of murdered brides, and threats of real danger keep the story on the suspenseful side. Craig’s lively story puts a new spin on weddings and will appeal to those who like their lethal tales with a little humor on the side.”
—Library Journal
“Once again Craig brings a wonderful story to life with a number of likable and interesting characters. There’s a quite decent mystery, a fair amount of suspense and two lovely romances.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Ms. Craig delivers a well-paced and well-plotted mystery that will keep you guessing to the last page without compromising the happily-ever-after romantic ending.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Humor runs rampant…Christie Craig takes the reader on a ride between laughter and fear. The pace is as quick as the quips. While the characters moan and complain about their various love dilemmas, they share humorous banter, making this trip to love a racy road.”
—Romance Reviews Today
“If you want a sexy romance that will put a smile on your face, a Christie Craig book is the way to go!”
—Night Owl Romance
“A story that twines emotions and feelings with sizzle and steam, all wrapped around bits of humor…Weddings Can Be Murder combines passionate and intense characters with a plot that’s well-balanced and fast-moving. It’s edgy and fun.”
—Once Upon a Romance Review
PRAISE FOR DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS!
“Christie Craig delivers humor, heat, and suspense in addictive doses. She’s the newest addition to my list of have-to-read authors…. Funny, hot, and suspenseful. Christie Craig’s writing has it all. Warning: definitely addictive.”
—New York Times Bestselling Author Nina Bangs
“Readers who enjoy Jennie Crusie and Janet Evanovich will fall head over heels for Divorced, Desperate and Delicious, a witty romantic adventure…filled with humorous wit, sexy romance and just enough danger to keep you up long past midnight.”
—New York Times Bestselling Author Dianna Love Snell
“Suspense and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat…until you fall off laughing…a book you can’t put down.”
—RITA Finalist Gemma Halliday
“…an exceptionally funny, fast paced, snappy read with unusual humor that will make you laugh.”
—Huntress Reviews
“I would compare this book to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, but Divorced, Desperate and Delicious is even funnier and a thousand times sexier.”
—Night Owl Romance
“This is an entertaining, fast-moving mystery and romance peopled with interesting, likable characters, as well as warm and cuddly animals. The main romance, as well as the secondary ones, are delightful, and the suspense is well done. This is an all-around enticing and fun story to read.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Divorced, Desperate and Delicious is funny, witty, suspenseful, and very entertaining…. This is a wonderful book. The characters are charming, and there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Christie Craig has a winner.”
—Romance Reviews Today
Other Love Spell books by Christie Craig:
WEDDINGS CAN BE MURDER
DIVORCED, DESPERATE AND DELICIOUS
Copyright
LOVE SPELL®
December 2008
Published by
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
200 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Copyright © 2008 by Christie Craig
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