Jasper’s lucent gray eyes bear hard into mine. There’s a smile flirting on his lips, but he’s too stubborn to give it.
“Mind if we take a walk by the water?”
“I’d love to.”
Jasper takes my hand as we head for the sand and a crisp autumn breeze picks up, making me wish I had opted for a coat. But the last thing I wanted was for Jasper to miss out on this bustier that makes my body look as if it’s something you purchase from a box by Mattel. There’s a reason I only wear this corseted contraption once a year, and breathing has something to do with it.
All right, fine. Emmie might have tightened it a notch because she knew Jasper and I were about to have the talk, and I foolishly let her put my respiration in peril for a man.
The Atlantic Ocean is roaring and angry, a vastness of steely gray water bucking and writhing as the surf pounds over the shore with a marked aggression. Jasper pauses just as we hit the damp sand and pulls me in.
“As you know, that talk I was having with Camila at the party ended abruptly, but this morning we were able to finish it. I made it clear as crystal that the two of us are over for good. I let her know we could be friends and nothing more.” His lips cinch tight and tiny comma-like dimples erupt on either side of his cheeks. “I also let her know that I’ve given my heart to someone new.” His eyes widen just a notch. “And that you and I were excited to see where the future takes us. I asked her to be respectful of that.”
“Wow.” My chest palpitates as I struggle to catch my breath. “Thank you. And by the way, I am extremely excited to have a future with you.”
A crooked grin hikes up on his face as he nods. “Then we’re together.”
“We’re together.”
A choir of barking erupts around us as Sherlock and Peanut offer up their unanimous approval.
Fish scampers this way and lets out a sweet meow.
I’ve always liked him, Bizzy. Does this mean we can keep him? He can sleep on that tiny bed you bought me. I’ve never used it. It’s as good as new.
A laugh bubbles from me. It’s true. Fish sleeps right on top of my head, and it’s often her tail swatting me over the face that wakes me up far before my alarm ever goes off.
But I won’t be offering Jasper a place on my floor.
He’s already got a place in my heart.
He leans in and the warmth of his cologne permeates me. “Do French maids charge for kisses, or am I confusing them for another profession entirely?”
I give his ribs a quick pinch. “They don’t charge if you’re their boyfriend.”
“I guess I’m lucky then.”
“I guess you are.” I pull back for a moment and give him the once-over in his tweed jacket and jeans. “Hey? You didn’t dress up today.”
“I sure did. I’m a big, bad, scary detective, and I’ve got the gun and badge to prove it.”
“Do you have the cuffs? Rumor has it, there is an extremely naughty French maid running around the inn.”
His lids hood low as he scours my outfit with his eyes. “I’d better look into it. But fair warning—I might have to haul her over to my cottage for further interrogation.”
I bite down playfully on my lower lip. “Don’t let her get away with anything. I hear she’s very wily.”
“I’ll make sure to give her exactly what she deserves.”
Jasper lands his lips to mine and we indulge in all the kisses we want, for free.
Halloween night at the Haunted Harvest Festival is where all of Cider Cove has decided to congregate, according to the wild turnout. There are witches and goblins of every shape and size as kids young and old take over the fairgrounds hyped on far too much candy and cider.
Clouds hang heavy in the violet sky, and every now and again they part ways, allowing the full moon to inspect the happy chaos ensuing below.
A large banner that reads Happy Falloween! hangs over the dessert table Emmie and I just refreshed with baskets of pumpkin spice mini muffins. Judging by the way we’ve been selling out at the café, they were a very big hit.
Jasper pops up next to me, holding up two large black tickets with orange print that reads good for one haunted hayride.
“We’re in.” He lands a kiss to my lips. “They said to come back in an hour when the line dies down.”
“Perfect. I hope it’s good and scary. Have I mentioned that I need to be held extra tight when I’m afraid?”
A crooked grin expands over his lips. “This is going to be one terrifying night.”
“That’s what I’m counting on. Speaking of tonight”—I offer him a cheeky grin—“I believe you owe me takeout at your place. Nessa is innocent. I won our little bet.”
“You at my place for takeout? I’m the clear winner here. In fact, I’m getting hungry already.” His lips twitch with devilish intent and his lids hang low. My guess is food is at the bottom of the list of the things he’s hungry for.
“Bizzy!” a bright and cheery female voice calls from the left and we turn to find Nessa Crosby dressed as an angel in a cute short white dress, a pair of billowy feathered wings that has more of a naughty runway appeal than anything truly angelic, and she even has a gold glittering halo strapped to her head.
“Nessa, you look amazing.” I pull her in for a nice, long hug.
“I thought I’d try to drive the point home for the people who still might think I had anything to do with this.”
“Don’t worry, Nessa,” Jasper is quick to comfort her. “You’re free and clear, and your record won’t be marred by this.”
“Believe me, I’m thankful.” She shrugs. “But I might don the halo straight through the new year just to shut down the naysayers at the inn. And speaking of the inn”—she looks my way—“rumor has it, there’s an adorable little puppy who still hasn’t found his forever home. I know that Shelby and I didn’t exactly get along, but I’d love to have Peanut if you’ll let me. I’ve never fallen in love so hard and fast before. And with everything he’s gone through, I’ll do my best to make it up to him.”
I glance to Jasper. “I don’t see why not. But only if you promise to bring him around the inn now and again. I think Sherlock and Fish will really miss him.”
“You bet.” Her eyes brighten. “In fact, I’ll make sure you see him more often than not. He’s so great with people and he truly deserves to have a family of his own.”
“I agree,” I say. “I’ll be heading back to the inn later tonight to relieve Grady, and I’ll be sure to pull out the blanket and toys I have for Peanut.”
“Perfect. I’ll swing by on my way home. I can’t wait to spoil that sweet little baby boy. He’s going to have a great life.”
“I know he will.”
She takes off, and an odd sight at the hot apple cider booth has me doing a double take. A part of me isn’t sure I want to bring it to Jasper’s attention. You know what they say, let sleeping dogs lie.
Jasper glances back and sighs once he sees it. “I know about them,” he whispers.
My mouth falls open as I follow his gaze right back to where Jordy and Camila share a quick laugh.
“I guess Jordy is interested.” I shrug. “Can’t say I blame him. She’s a beautiful woman.”
Jasper’s chest bucks with a silent laugh. “The interior doesn’t always match the exterior. Let’s hope she goes easy on the poor guy.”
I’m about to look away just as Leo and Mack step their way, and the four of them start in on a conversation together.
“You know”—I shake my head—“there are some couple cliques I just don’t want to be a part of.”
“Hear, hear. I think this is a good time to make a run for the funnel cake.”
“Or the haunted maze. Rumor has it, there are a lot of places to steal a moment of privacy.”
We take off in that direction, only to bump into a trio of familiar faces—Georgie, Macy, and Emmie.
Georgie holds her arms open wide, only to reveal she has three additional sets of
arms sewn to her kaftan and it has an unnerving human spider effect.
“Well, boo to you, too,” she sings as she pulls us both into a warm embrace. “Where are you kids off to? Let me guess. You’re off to get a room at the inn.” She elbows me in the ribs while offering a cheeky wink.
Macy balks as she looks to Jasper, “Please. My sister only pretends to be a naughty girl on Halloween.” Her black painted lips smear an ironic smile. “As soon as the clock strikes twelve, you’ll find out it was all hocus-pocus.”
Jasper’s cheek flinches. “So you’re saying there’s still time.”
A riotous bout of laughter breaks out from our little circle.
Emmie leans in. “Just FYI, Detective Wilder. That’s my best friend’s heart you’re holding. If you break it, you’ll have to answer to me. I’ve got a can of pepper spray, and I’m not afraid to use it.” She grimaces. “Okay, so I’m totally terrified to use the pepper spray. Just don’t do anything stupid for both of our sakes.”
Jasper nods her way. “Duly noted.”
“Ignore the threats,” I say, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Her bark is worse than her bite.”
“Not mine,” Georgie is quick to counter. “My bark is just as bad as my bite. Throw one of those hot Wilder brothers my way and I’ll be glad to demonstrate.”
Macy groans as she spots something just past my shoulder. “Incoming hot brother—attached to a rather witchy preppy.”
I turn around to see Mom and Max headed this way. They’re holding hands and look adorably like the perfect couple. I guess Mom hasn’t tossed Max out on his ear yet in lieu of a little extra sleep.
They say a quick hello.
Mom leans in. “Enjoy the festivities, kids. Starting at midnight, they’ll be shoving the next holiday down our throats.”
Macy’s chest pumps with a silent laugh. “Mom, you are forever a cheery point of light.”
Georgie raises all eight of her hands. “Next holiday? That must mean it’s time to leapfrog over the turkey. And who the heck cares? I love Christmas. I love the way all of Cider Cove is transformed into a winter wonderland.”
Emmie nods. “I love strolling through Candy Cane Lane. They have a contest every year to see who can do the most over-the-top decorations, and each year it gets crazier and crazier. I hear one of the houses will have a light show set to music and everything.”
Mom rolls her eyes. “Oh, goody,” she moans. “I hope they turn up the volume nice and loud so the entire town can hear it.”
Georgie lifts a finger. “Now you’re thinking.”
Macy wrinkles her nose. “I really miss those old-fashioned Christmases when all of us would get together—you know, the Crosbys and the Bakers.”
Georgie shoves a fist in the air. “And the Conners.”
“And the Conners, what?” Dad asks as he and Gwyneth emerge from the shadows.
Dad looks handsome, yet boyish, a running theme in his life. And Gwyneth looks sharp in a crisp black leather jacket with her hair slicked back and dark cherry wine lipstick slashed over her mouth.
They each have an arm wrapped around one another’s waist, and both Jasper and I exchange a quick glance.
I clear my throat. “I was just about to extend an invitation to everyone here to attend the inn’s very first old-fashioned Christmas Eve dinner. I realize it’s still months away, but I figure I’d plant the seed and hopefully convince you all to come out.”
“Yes!” Emmie cries out. “We’ll have the Cottage Café cater. And Bizzy and I will come up with an amazing dessert menu.”
Macy makes a face. “As long as you keep Bizzy from doing the actual baking.”
Georgie leans in. “You mean burning.”
And the entire lot of them has a laugh at my expense. Heck, I laugh, too.
Dad gives a firm whistle and garners our attention in no time flat.
“Since you’re all here, Gwyneth and I have an announcement we’d like to make—surprisingly, it’s about Christmas Eve as well.” He shrugs over at her and she shrugs right back. “In fact, I think we’d both be open to hosting the event at the inn so none of you would have to change any plans.”
“What event?” My heart thumps unnaturally because I’m pretty sure I’m not going to like it.
Dad takes a quick breath as he looks around to everyone in our circle.
“Gwyneth and I are getting married.”
An explosion of confusion breaks out—with the exception of Georgie who has decided this is the perfect time to offer a celebratory howl at the moon, forcing our small circle to break apart in an effort to save our eardrums. My dad and Gwyneth pretty much shot our sanity out for the night.
Jasper pulls me to the side. “Don’t worry, Bizzy. I’m on this. In fact, I’ll take care of it right now.” He takes off in their direction before I can wish him luck. Something tells me he’ll need far more than that. He might need a crucifix and some holy water to stop this heretical catastrophe from happening. My father and his mother are a train wreck in any capacity.
I’m about to head over to my sister and Emmie when a dark-haired, smoldering beauty steps in my path.
“Hello, Camila,” I say, lacking the proper enthusiasm. And as much as I’d like to thank my father and his eager-to-be bride for my morose mood, I have a feeling the vixen before me has something to do with it, too. There’s something about that smirk on her face that lets me know we’re still very much locking horns over Jasper.
“Bizzy.” Her lips curl with dangerous intent. “I suppose Jasper told you about our little talk. Congratulations, by the way.” Her left brow hooks into her forehead as if she were amused.
“Thank you. We’re excited about the future.”
“Oh, you should be.” The whites of her eyes glint under the duress of the lights strung up along the booths to our right. “You should be very excited about getting to know Jasper. He’s a very exciting man.” She shrugs, her dark eyes digging deeper into mine.
But he’s not as exciting as you, is he, Bizzy?
My own eyes widen a notch and a dark laugh strums from her.
That’s right. I’ve figured out your little secret. You see, I’ve known about Leo’s abilities all along. It’s what drew me to him to begin with—that captivating feeling that this gorgeous man was somehow always in the know. Always capable of hijacking my next thought. Of course, I was able to pull it out of him quite easily. She hikes a shoulder. A woman does know how to get certain things from a man, doesn’t she, Bizzy? She openly frowns at me. What do you think Jasper would do if he found out about your special ability? She rolls her eyes. I guess we’ll find out when the time comes. And what do you think the government would do if they found out about the neat little party trick you have up your proverbial sleeve?
My fingers float to my lips in horror. Camila is like a train wreck I can’t look away from.
I bet they would be very interested to speak to you, Bizzy Baker. In fact, I bet you’ll be far too busy—an irony I will never get enough of—once they cart you off to some government testing facility for good. I’m sure they have a special division for people of your talent. What do you think? Russian spy? I bet you’ll be traveling abroad quite a bit. That is, if they let you out of your holding cell.
I clear my throat. “Why are you staring at me?”
She belts out a laugh. Nice try, Bizzy. Has that line worked for you before?
She looks to her left and I follow her gaze to where Jasper seems to be having a rather animated discussion with both his mother and his brother, Max.
Camila steps over and effectively blocks my view of them. Of course, there is a way to avoid that whole awful mess. I’m thinking a rather abrupt breakup is in the cards for the two of you. She bleeds a dark smile my way once again. Japer is mine, Bizzy. And don’t you ever forget it.
She takes off, and I watch as she makes her way back to Jordy.
Camila has staked her claim to Jasper and driven her spear right through my
heart in the process.
If Camila wants a war, she’ll get one.
And I have a feeling my relationship with Jasper might be the very first casualty.
Recipe
Country Cottage Café
Pumpkin Spice Mini Muffins
Hello everyone! It’s me, Bizzy Baker! The Country Cottage Café has an amazing recipe for pumpkin spice mini muffins and I just have to share it with you. As you know, I’m a bit of a disaster in the kitchen but my best friend Emmie knows how to whip out a top notch treat that will be a crowd pleaser every time. And that’s exactly why she’s in charge of the kitchen at the Country Cottage Café. You must try these mini muffins. They are to die for. Jasper and I cannot get enough of their pumpkin spice goodness.
Happy eating!
XOXO ~ Bizzy
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
5 tbs butter
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup evaporated milk
Preheat oven to 375°
Line a mini muffin pan with paper pastry cups
Add into a mixing bowl sifted flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt. Cut butter into the bowl until crumbled.
In an additional mixing bowl add pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla. Add pumpkin mixture in with flour mixture and incorporate.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until you can insert a toothpick and it pulls away clean from center.
*yields about 24 mini muffins or 12 standard size muffins.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Country Cottage Mysteries Boxed Set Page 37