“It’s definitely that,” Nick agreed.
“I CAN’T believe you’re back again, Maddie. You’re going to get fat if you keep eating all these treats.”
Mary Boardman’s eyes twinkled as she studied Maddie’s serious face from behind the counter in the ice cream shop. Maddie wasn’t offended in the least by the statement.
“I’m not too worried about it,” Maddie said. “At the rate I’m sweating, I’m going to lose weight instead of gaining it.”
“Good point,” Mary said. “What do you want?”
“Can I have a blueberry slush? Make it the biggest one you’ve got.”
“Coming right up,” Mary said, pointing at one of her workers to start the order and collecting Maddie’s money. “So, I heard that Maude and Harriet are competing in the upcoming beauty pageant. Is that really true?”
“It’s true,” Maddie confirmed. “Granny is home right now deciding on shoes.”
“Well, at least this year’s pageant will be entertaining,” Mary said. “There’s nothing worse than watching teenage girls twirl batons and call it talent. Harriet and Maude will be good for some laughs.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Maddie said, accepting her slush. “Thanks so much for this, Mary. I’m sure I’ll be back later.”
“Bring your handsome boyfriend next time you come,” Mary said, winking. “I always knew you two would make a beautiful couple. It’s too bad it took you so long to realize it.”
“It is,” Maddie agreed, turning to leave and jolting when she realized Cassidy was standing behind her. “Oh … um … hi.”
Cassidy looked as nervous as Maddie felt. “Hi.”
“How are you doing?” Maddie asked, working furiously to regroup. Cassidy already thought she was something of a spaz. There was no reason to further the woman’s suspicions. Besides, since helping Cassidy escape a murderous former classmate’s trap, Maddie was hopeful she and Cassidy could at least be pleasant to one another.
“I’m good,” Cassidy replied, holding up her finger to still Maddie so she could place a quick malt order before returning to the conversation. “Thanks to you I’m still alive and have a chance to be good. I know I thanked you then, but I was a mess that day. I want to make sure you realize how grateful I am.”
“I didn’t do anything special,” Maddie said, her cheeks coloring. “Max was crazy. Anyone would have taken him on under the same circumstances.”
“I don’t think that’s true,” Cassidy countered. “Many other people – Marla included – would’ve run to save themselves. You stayed to protect me.”
“I don’t think we need to keep rehashing it,” Maddie said, hopping from one foot to the other as she took a huge swig of her slush. “How are things otherwise?”
“They’re good,” Cassidy said. “I’m dating someone new. It’s still relatively early, but things are going well.”
Even though it felt disingenuous, Maddie feigned surprise. “Oh, you’re dating someone? That’s great. Who is it?”
“His name is David Bennet. Do you know him?”
Maddie nodded. “He was like ten years older than us in school,” she said. “I’m pretty sure he’s a carpenter now. I think Christy mentioned that when we were looking for someone to update the house.” That was a total lie and Maddie’s stomach twisted, but she pushed forward because the last thing she wanted was to upset Cassidy. “Everyone says he’s a really great guy. I’m happy for you.”
“I’m happy for me, too,” Cassidy said. “It’s still early and we’re just getting to know one another, but I made sure to ask if he had a female best friend who he was secretly in love with before we went out on our first date. I didn’t want to take any chances.”
“Oh.” Maddie’s cheeks burned and she had no idea how to respond.
“That was a joke, Maddie,” Cassidy said. “Too soon?”
Maddie laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “Well, I’m glad things are going well for you. I was worried after what happened out at the Denton house, but I didn’t feel right calling to check up on you.”
“I’m doing fine,” Cassidy said. “How about you?”
“I’m doing great.”
“And how is Nick?” Cassidy tilted her head to the side, uncomfortable with the question but determined to ask it all the same.
“Nick is doing really well,” Maddie answered. “He’s at work right now. The heat isn’t good for anyone, but we’re surviving.”
“Did I hear Mary right earlier? Did she say Maude and Harriet were competing against each other in the town pageant?”
“Yup,” Maddie replied, resigned to her fate. “They are … going all out. Granny dyed her hair pink and she’s picking out shoes. I have no idea what she’s going to do for talent, but everyone in town seems thrilled with the idea of her doing whatever strikes her fancy on the day of the event.”
“She’s funny,” Cassidy said. “I might watch the pageant just to see that. I’m usually not big on beauty queens, but this year’s event sounds like it could be fun.”
“I wish I had your faith,” Maddie admitted. “I’m afraid she’s going to make a fool of herself and then be crushed when everyone laughs.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Cassidy said. “Maude knows she looks like a fool and doesn’t care. She likes to entertain people. That’s all this is.”
“You’re right,” Maddie said, shaking herself out of her reverie. “Well, it was good seeing you. I need to get home and take another cold shower. I hate Michigan winters, but these last few days have been brutal. I would welcome snow right now.”
“You and me both,” Cassidy said, offering Maddie a small wave as she moved toward the door. “Take care. It was nice seeing you.”
Maddie internally marveled at the conversation as she hit Main Street. It wasn’t what she would call easy or fun, but it was much better than what she expected. Perhaps David Bennet was the one for Cassidy after all. Of course, he could also be a murderer, Maddie reminded herself. If that was the case and Nick arrested him … .
“Well, that has the potential to get ugly fast,” Maddie muttered to herself as a myriad of scenarios flooded her mind. She realized she’d rather sit through eight different pageants than watch Cassidy melt down again. She could only hope that wouldn’t be a possibility. She didn’t think the woman’s already fragile ego could take another blow.
9
Nine
“Oh, this feels so good,” Maddie said, leaning back in her chair on the outdoor patio of a nearby lakefront restaurant. “Can you smell that?”
“What am I supposed to be smelling, love?” Nick asked, smiling. Maddie dressed in a muted spaghetti strap dress and tied her hair back in a simple bun before leaving the house, and yet she looked like she’d spent hours getting ready. Nick loved that about her.
“The water,” Maddie replied. “It’s been so muggy that you can’t smell anything but sweat in town. That’s just … wonderful.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Nick said. “I was worried you were going to shoot me down when I suggested going out to a nice dinner. You usually don’t like getting dressed up.”
“This isn’t really dressed up,” Maddie said. “It’s comfortable.”
“And you look like a dream,” Nick said. “Maybe we should take a walk on the beach when we’re done. If I stuff you full of crab legs and wine, I might be able to convince you to skinny-dip down there.”
Maddie glanced around to see if anyone heard and then fixed Nick with a dark look. “Do you have to say things like that in public?”
“Yes.”
Maddie shook her head and turned her attention to the menu. “You’re right about me getting crab legs, though. I love them.”
“And I thought you loved the man buying them for you,” Nick teased.
“Him, too.”
“I think I’m going with a steak and salad,” Nick said, closing the menu. “It feels too hot for potatoes.”
&nbs
p; “You should get the crab legs,” Maddie suggested.
“I don’t like crab legs.”
“Yes, but if you add a side of them to your order I can eat them without feeling guilty about ordering them myself.”
Nick grinned. The only time she exhibited a monster appetite was when seafood was involved. “I guess I can’t say no to you,” he teased.
“Thank you.”
She was too cute for words, and Nick lifted her hand and pressed the palm to his lips before resting it back on the table.
“Tell me about your day,” Maddie instructed. “Did you miss me?”
“That’s a given,” Nick said, enjoying her playful mood. “We didn’t get as far as I would’ve liked on the case. We brought David Bennet in for questioning, but he seemed legitimately surprised when we told him about Andrea’s death.”
“Do you think he’s putting on an act?”
“I don’t know him well enough to say either way,” Nick answered.
“Did he have a reason for picking up a new girlfriend before he knew what happened to his old girlfriend?”
“I asked him that very question, Mad,” Nick said. “He claims that he went out on five dates with Andrea and liked her, but when she disappeared he thought she took off to hang out with her brother, just like everyone else.
“He said Chelsea told him that she was prone to taking off so he wiped his hands of the situation and moved on,” he continued. “I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same thing in his situation. He didn’t really know the woman.”
“Would you have found someone else if I disappeared after our fifth date?”
“We didn’t technically date, Mad,” Nick pointed out. “We fought really hard to stay away from each other until I could break up with Cassidy. Then I told you I loved you and you hemmed and hawed about ruining our friendship to the point where I thought I was going to pass out.”
“That’s not what happened,” Maddie protested.
“I’m talking, love,” Nick said, wagging a finger as he enjoyed the game. “Then I kissed you senseless. After that we were pretty much done with dating. We didn’t have any of that awkward ‘go to dinner and get to know you’ stuff. We already knew each other.”
“Well, if you ask me, that’s the best way to date,” Maddie sniffed.
“Oh, I definitely agree,” Nick said, leaning forward to give her a soft kiss. “What did you do today?”
“Oh, well … .” Maddie wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Well, great,” Nick muttered. “I’m going to hate this, aren’t I?”
“I don’t think so,” Maddie hedged. “It’s just weird to explain. I went to the ice cream shop.”
“I believe that’s your second home now.”
“I ordered a blueberry slush.”
“I’m surprised your skin isn’t turning blue from all the slushes you’ve been drinking,” Nick said.
“When I turned around, Cassidy was behind me,” Maddie added.
Nick stilled. “Oh. I’m almost afraid to ask, but how did that go?” He looked worried.
Maddie wanted to lead him on a bit, but she ultimately didn’t have the heart. “She was extremely pleasant,” she said. “She thanked me again for helping her with Max. She asked how things were between you and me. She told me she had a new boyfriend. Then I left.”
“Huh.”
“Huh, what?”
“I’m not sure where in that statement I want to start,” Nick admitted. “Okay, let’s go for the big one first. What did you say about our relationship?”
“I told her we were doing well and were happy.”
“That’s it?” Nick was dubious.
“Should I have told her something else?”
“No,” Nick replied hurriedly. “I was honestly worried she went after you again or something. I’m relieved to hear that’s not the case.”
“She meant what she said out at the Denton house that day, Nicky,” Maddie supplied. “She doesn’t want to come between us. I believe that.”
“I’m less easy to convince, but we’ll let that go for now,” Nick said. “What did she say about David Bennet?”
“Well, here’s the thing … .”
“Oh, I love it when you qualify a conversation that way,” Nick said, although his tone was sarcastic.
“I kind of acted like I didn’t know she was dating anyone,” Maddie said. “I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want her to think I was spying on her when I was really spying on her boyfriend. Oh … wow … that came out wrong.”
Nick hung his head and laughed. “Oh, love, you have no idea what you mean to me,” he said. “You are … delightful.”
“Does that mean you’re not angry I lied?”
“I think it’s cute that you’re worried about lying,” Nick clarified. “That’s not a really big lie, Mad. It’s a white lie. Those don’t count. Everyone tells them.”
Maddie narrowed her sea-blue eyes, suddenly suspicious. “What white lies have you told me?”
“I walked right into that one,” Nick muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Where is the waitress?”
“The restaurant is busy,” Maddie shot back. “I’m not going to let this go until you tell me what white lies you’ve told me.”
“Fine,” Nick said, resigned. “Do you remember when we were seventeen and I told you I didn’t realize you weren’t wearing a bra before I sprayed you with the hose? I knew, Mad. That’s why I sprayed you with the hose.”
Maddie was mortified. “Everyone at the car wash could see my … stuff,” she hissed. “I was embarrassed that day.”
“I know you were embarrassed,” Nick said. “That’s why I lied. I’ll have you know, though, I was a hero of the free world that afternoon. Every guy in our school high-fived me.”
“That is terrible,” Maddie scolded. “That was years ago, though. What white lies have you told me since we got together?”
There was no way Nick was falling for that trap. “I haven’t told any.”
“Oh, no, I don’t believe that,” Maddie said. “You must have told me something. I … when you told me that every guy needs the lights on once a week to make love, that was one, wasn’t it?”
Nick smirked at her outrage. “I … think that one is true.”
“I knew that was a lie when you told it,” Maddie grumbled. “You just like to look. When you told me that you read that article that said I should go without underwear one day a week, that was a lie, too. I’m such an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot, Mad,” Nick countered. “You’re easily … convinced of things when you trust someone. Now, I know you’re angry about that, but those were both innocent lies.”
“You wouldn’t have thought it was so innocent if I didn’t wear underwear and bent over one day so everyone could see my … you know.”
“I probably wouldn’t have thought that was funny,” Nick agreed. “I knew you weren’t going to do it, though. You’re a woman who is always going to wear underwear.”
Maddie made a face. “You think I’m a prude.”
“I never said anything of the sort.”
“No, that’s what you think,” Maddie countered, chewing on her bottom lip.
“I’ve ruined dinner, haven’t I?” Nick asked, his face falling as he took in her serious countenance. “I never know when to keep my mouth shut.”
“You haven’t ruined anything,” Maddie said. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Nick didn’t believe her. “It’s a good thing I’m buying you extra crab legs, isn’t it?”
“It’s the only reason we’re fine,” Maddie acknowledged.
“YOU haven’t said much since our fight, Mad,” Nick said, watching Maddie as she dipped her toe in the bay. Her sandals sat on a rock behind them because she loved digging her toes in the sand. “Are you going to stay mad the entire night?”
Nick wouldn’t change a thing about Maddie. He loved every smile and thought. Her insecurity was t
he one thing that gave him pause.
“I told you I was fine, Nicky,” Maddie said, focusing on the water. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“I don’t suppose you want to go home with me so I can take you swimming, do you?” Nick looked hopeful. He was sure he could get her out of her foul mood at the lake.
Maddie swiveled, her face lovely beneath the moonlight, and Nick regretted messing with her. He never wanted to cause her pain. He was convinced he’d inadvertently done just that. “I don’t want to go home,” she said.
Nick’s heart plummeted. “Okay.”
After casting one more furtive look around the deserted beach, Maddie reached for the straps of her dress. “I do want to go swimming, though.”
“What are you doing, Mad?” Nick’s mouth fell open as she tugged the straps of her dress down and dropped it on the beach. She stepped out of her dress, leaving it behind, and moved toward the water wearing nothing but her panties.
“We’re going swimming.” Maddie waded into the water, the moon bouncing off her bare shoulders as she moved away from him.
“Is this about what I said at dinner?” Nick asked, dumbfounded. “I … .”
Once she was far enough out in the water to cover her chest, Maddie turned back and arched a challenging eyebrow. “Are you coming?”
Nick was confused, but he was also titillated. This was the boldest thing she’d done in … well … forever. He immediately reached for his shoes and tugged them off before turning to his jeans and unsnapping them. He left his shirt on top of Maddie’s dress and hurried into the water, wearing nothing but his boxer shorts and laughing when he caught up with her and jerked her into his arms.
“You’re full of surprises tonight, my Maddie,” he murmured, kissing her softly.
“I don’t want you to think I’m a prude.”
Nick’s expression softened. “Maddie, I love you just the way you are,” he said. “You don’t have to change for me. I don’t want that.”
“I don’t like being scared to do things,” Maddie explained. “You make me feel safe. I … want to be bolder. Sometimes my head gets in the way.”
Nick pressed her to him, swishing in the water as he hugged her close and kissed her neck. “I love your head. I love your heart most. You’re my everything, love. Never doubt that.”
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