Grave Decisions (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 7)
Page 20
“I think being terrorized and chased through a maze is punishment enough,” Nick said. “I was the good one in this scenario, and now you’re punishing me because you won’t let it go, though. Put it out of your mind.”
“That’s some roundabout thinking there,” Maddie teased.
“Yes, well, you’ve been looking forward to this night for weeks,” Nick said. “I want our first Halloween together to be a good one.”
“As long as I’m with you, it’s perfect.”
“That’s good to know,” Nick said, rubbing his nose against her cheek and causing her to giggle. “Where is Maude tonight? She’s not going to hang around and interrupt us, is she?”
“She’s off with her Pink Ladies,” Maddie said. “She didn’t get to carry out her plan against Harriet last night – although I hear the cotton candy shenanigans were such a big hit it caused three of Harriet’s followers to defect to Granny’s side – so she’s over at Edna’s plotting.”
“That means she’s playing cards and drinking,” Nick said. “She’ll probably spend the night over there, right?”
“I think, even if she wasn’t drinking, she would find a way to stay out of the house tonight,” Maddie replied. “She knows we want to be alone.”
“She’s good like that,” Nick agreed. “Do you want to talk a little bit about what your mother did last night?”
“I … don’t know.” Maddie still wasn’t sure how Olivia managed to pick up a physical item and wield it like a weapon. She was filing it away for further thought at a later date because otherwise she wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about it.
“Jesse has been raving like a lunatic about the ghost who stabbed him,” Nick said. “It didn’t draw blood, though, and the wound is tiny so no one is going to believe him. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“I’m not worried about that,” Maddie said. “Even if his hand fell off – which he deserves, frankly – I know most people would assume he was making it up to bolster his insanity defense.”
“Exactly,” Nick said. “I heard her. I felt her fingers on my cheek. She’s the one who told me to come for you … again.”
“She’s still looking out for me. She says it’s a mother’s job.”
“It’s my job, too,” Nick said, rubbing his hand up Maddie’s bare arm. “Oh, I saw Christy today, too.”
“You did?” Maddie was intrigued. “Did she look okay? I was going to call her but figured I would give her a day to rest and visit her tomorrow.”
“She’s going out to the costume party at the bar in Elk Rapids tonight,” Nick said, a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
“She is? That was fast? Man, she bounces back quickly.”
“So do you,” Nick said.
“Is she going alone? I don’t want her to be lonely.”
“Does that mean you want to get back in your sexy costume and go over there?” Nick challenged.
“No. I want to stay here … just like this.”
“Good,” Nick said. “She’s not alone anyway. She’s going with a friend.”
“What friend?” Maddie worried she sounded shrill. “Please tell me it’s not Marla.”
“It’s not Marla,” Nick said. “It’s … John.”
Maddie stilled. “Seriously? She just found out the last guy she was interested in was a fraud less than twenty-four hours ago and she’s already going out with John?”
“They’re going out as friends,” Nick cautioned. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“Still, though, this could be good.”
“Oh, Mad, I already see your mind working,” Nick complained. “You’re picturing double dates and ski outings, aren’t you?”
“Would that be so bad?”
“Let them handle their own relationship,” Nick ordered. “You need to focus on me. I’m feeling neglected. I need some sugar from my woman.”
Maddie reached into the candy bowl and wordlessly handed Nick a chocolate bar.
“That’s not the type of sugar I was referring to,” Nick replied dryly, although he took the candy. “You’re mean.”
“I know what type of sugar you were referring to, and we can’t play that game until after the pizza shows up,” Maddie said. “You’re going to have to settle for this until then.” Maddie lifted her head up and planted a scorching kiss on Nick’s lips, giggling as he sank into the kiss.
“I guess I can live with that,” Nick said, slightly breathless when they parted. “Do you promise to show me your witchy ways after dinner?”
“I promise to show you everything … forever.”
“That’s the best offer I’ve had my entire life,” Nick said, his eyes shining with sincerity. “I love you, Maddie Graves. Don’t run off in the middle of the night again, though. I can’t take it.”
“I love you, too,” Maddie said. “Now, watch the movie. After dinner we’ll take this show upstairs and play cowboys and witches.”
“You had me at love and forever, Mad,” Nick said, grinning.
“You had me the moment I met you.”
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Acknowledgments
I’m a romantic at heart. A true romantic. I love the idea of a happy ending, so much so I have trouble writing a sad one. The world is sad enough. I like escaping in fiction. That’s just me. I like sarcasm and snark – but I’m not sure a sad ending is in me. If you’re looking for an edge like that, you’re probably looking in the wrong place. Just FYI.
As a heads-up, Ivy Morgan’s witchcraft growth will be coinciding with her relationship growth. That means she’ll be learning more about her powers and beliefs at the same time Jack does. I hope you enjoy their romance.
If you’re interested in upcoming releases, follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I do not spam. I don’t believe it and, as a reader, I find it annoying. Only new release information and special sales promotions will be posted.
This book is available for lending. Please do so.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
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Deadly Vacation
Deadly Secrets
Deadly Storm
Deadly Dealings
Deadly Christmas
Deadly Desperados
Deadly Arrival
Deadly Rivalry
Deadly Memories
Deadly Adventure
Deadly Reunion
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Grave Insight
Grave Delight
Grave Misgivings
Grave Concerns
Grave Discovery
Grave Decisions
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Wicked Dreams
Wicked Times
Wicked Places
Wicked Warning
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