Fudge-Laced Felonies (10 page)

Ethan glanced up. “Why me, God?”

I frowned. “She invited me over for tea, cookies, and a look around. My first successful investigation. It wasn’t a stalker. Seems old Mr. Langley has a crush on Mrs. Hodge. It’s cute, don’t you think?”

He pierced me with his stare then put the truck in drive.

“I dropped my camera and notepad in the ditch. Can you get them for me before we go?”

He exhaled sharply from his nose and jammed the truck back into park. While he searched for my equipment, I studied my knees in the light of the dashboard. Yep, I’d scraped them. Badly. Blood trickled around several small pebbles stuck in my skin. I raised one leg to examine my ankle, which was swelling. I’d be limping tomorrow. Hopefully, Uncle Roy still had his cane from when he’d had foot surgery.

Ethan returned and tossed my retrieved items on the seat between us. “What aren’t you telling me, Summer? There’s always something you leave out.”

The man knows me so well. And, since I’d kind of made a promise to God not to lie anymore, I spilled my guts. “A car swerved toward me. A big car. I think they tried to run me over. On purpose. I had to jump out of the way and fell in the ditch.” Please, have mercy on me.

A muscle twitched in Ethan’s clenched jaw. He spun gravel as the truck roared back onto the highway. “You’re not going to leave this alone, are you?”

“I can’t, Ethan. Not now. I’m involved.”

He drove me home in silence. Once we arrived, Ethan swept me into his arms. I couldn’t help but wish it were under different circumstances. He carried me into the house, calling for Aunt Eunice. Truly whimpered and jumped against Ethan’s legs.

She took one look at me, dirty and disheveled, and shrieked. “What happened? Oh, Lord, help us!”

Ethan deposited me on the counter beside the sink and sat in the nearest chair, leaving me to Aunt Eunice’s ministrations. He propped his elbow on the table and rested his handsome head in his hand.

I had to admit to a certain sense of embarrassment at having him leave me on the counter like a five-year-old, but I wasn’t in any condition to argue with a man who resembled a marble statue. Without lifting his head, he raised his eyes to peer at me before closing them. The pain there hurt more than the scrapes on my knees or the throbbing of my ankle.

He turned away from me. “I’m calling Joe.”

Aunt Eunice scrubbed my knees clean, wrapped my ankle with an Ace bandage, and started a pot of tea. Her cure for everything. I slid from the counter, reaching my good foot to the floor. I hobbled to the front porch, deciding the matter between me and Ethan warranted attention before changing from my muddy clothes. Ethan hung up the phone and followed me before taking my smarting hand in his large one and leading me outside.

Once I sat safely on the porch swing with pillows fluffed and propped behind my back, he took the seat beside me. He laid his arm along the back of the swing, and I curled into him, resting my head on his chest. I could’ve stayed there for the rest of my life, listening to his heartbeat and the rhythm of his breathing.

“Ethan, why won’t you talk to me?”

“I don’t know what to say.” I strained to hear his words. “You scared me. When I saw you sitting on the side of the road. . .”

“I’m sorry. I’m fine.”

His arm lowered to wrap around me. He pulled me tight to his side. I breathed in the manly scent of his cologne. I could’ve died happy right at that moment.

Uncle Roy roared up the drive and honked a greeting.

“Woman, you do beat all.” Ethan squeezed then released me and stood. “You’ll be the death of me.” Ethan bent and planted a kiss on my forehead. “Your uncle’s home. I’ll leave you in his protection. Be careful. Please.” With those words, he bounded from the porch and to his truck.

Darkness swallowed his taillights. I set the swing in motion with my good foot. Ethan had been frightened. His look in the kitchen seemed to be of a man who cared about a woman. My heart did cartwheels. He cares for me. Dare I think it? Maybe even loves me? Why wouldn’t he open his mouth and say it outright?

“Where’s Ethan?” Aunt Eunice pushed open the screen door, her hands busy with a tray of iced tea and cookies.

“He left.” I accepted the tea and shook my head at the cookies. Baked goods had a habit of going straight to my hips, and I’d already had five cookies at Mrs. Hodge’s. Aunt Eunice set the tray on the wooden patio table.

“I’m onto something, Aunt Eunice. I really think I am. Someone deliberately tried to run me over tonight. I’m sure of it.”

Her hand flew to cover her heart. “Did you see who it was?”

“No. It was too dark to get a good look at the car.” I sipped my tea. “What I’m wondering, though, is why the diamonds were stashed in our yard rather than Mrs. Hodge’s. She’s got a jungle in her backyard.”

“That garden is her world.” Aunt Eunice brushed cookie crumbs from her bosom. “Our yard is easily accessible. The river runs behind Mae’s yard; then there’s her fence. We’ve got a cleared yard and woods in the back to hide in.”

“Mrs. Hodge did mention she thought she heard voices arguing a few nights back.”

“Really? Way out here?” Eunice lowered herself into a rocking chair. “I’m thinking the woods behind our house might warrant some exploring. I’ll get your Uncle Roy to help. He needs something else to do besides spending so much time at that nursery of his.”

“Tonight?” Fatigue weighed me down. The thought of traipsing through the dark woods on a bum ankle wasn’t my idea of fun.

Aunt Eunice glanced at my iodine-stained knees and bandaged ankle. “I guess not. You’re in no condition. We couldn’t see anything in the dark anyway.”

I lifted my tea to my lips, as did my aunt. We continued to swing, our feet pushing in unison. The squeaking mingled with the serenading of frogs and locusts, and I grew drowsy.

My aches and pains caught up with me the next morning. Debating whether to stay in bed, I chose to get up, despite a stiff back and aching joints. I felt ninety rather than nearing thirty. Dear Aunt Eunice had propped Uncle Roy’s cane within easy reach, and I used it to hobble into the bathroom.

Getting into the shower required an art of body manipulation. I was almost tempted to call Aunt Eunice to help me. Memories of her cleaning my wounds last night as if I were a child dissuaded me. I didn’t need her scrubbing my back.

I decided on a bath, hoping the hot water would melt away the pain. As I settled back into the warm cocoon of a tub full of bubbles, I prayed. Maybe late in the game, but I figured better late than never when asking for God’s help.

I prayed for wisdom, discernment, and protection until the water grew too cool for comfort. I emerged with a sense of renewed purpose, peace, and slightly less stiff muscles. The appetizing aroma of sizzling bacon drifted up the stairs, causing me to don my clothes as quickly as standing on one foot would allow.

Making my way down the stairs required balance and nerves of steel. Especially with an excited dog frolicking around my legs. A fine sheen of perspiration dotted my upper lip by the time I reached the kitchen.

Aunt Eunice greeted me with a chipper grin. “Good morning, Hopalong.” I winced at her new endearment for me.

“Good morning. Breakfast smells good.” I sank into the nearest chair with a sigh.

“How are you feeling, sweetie?” Aunt Eunice placed my breakfast plate in front of me. Did she have me confused with my uncle? I’d never be able to eat an entire omelet, toast, and bacon.

“Better. I don’t think I’m up to any heavy cooking at the candy store today. I’ll take up position behind the counter and let you do the hard stuff.”

“Don’t forget you need to dip the rest of those creams. You can do that sitting down.” She fiddled with the kitchen faucet. “Your uncle still hasn’t fixed this. I’ll have to ask Ethan or Joe.”

“You’re right. I’ll dip, and I’m sure they won’t mind fixing the sink.” Dipping would be easier than jumping up and down to wait on customers.

We bounced to work in Aunt Eunice’s truck, the cane beside me. By the time we arrived, I couldn’t have told which hurt my body more—landing in the ditch or riding in the truck.

The morning passed with as much speed as a snail. I dipped tray after tray of creams, putting the fancy letters on top, stifling yawns, and fighting drooping eyelids. I perked when the bell over the door tinkled.

In strolled Terri Lee, looking amazing in tight designer jeans and a vintage T-shirt. She’d swept her raven hair in a loose chignon. I strained to see what shoes she wore. They were the most adorable pair of royal blue ballet slippers. I shoved aside my shoe envy and grabbed my cane. Only Terri Lee could make jeans and a T-shirt look glamorous.

Her glossy pink lips curled into a sneer. “Did you hurt yourself? I’m so sorry.”

“Just a little sprain. I’ll be fine.” I glanced out the window, trying to get a glimpse of her car. I had a strong suspicion she was the one who’d tried to run me over. I couldn’t spot anything other than Aunt Eunice’s clunker.

I motioned to my aunt that I’d wait on Terri Lee and limped to the counter. “What can I get for you?”

“A three-pound box of dark chocolate creams.” The woman actually giggled. “They’re Ethan’s favorites, I’ve heard.”

God had to rein me in. I wanted to hurl the box and bounce it off her head. “Yes, they are. Would you like the box wrapped?”

“Of course.” She gave me a thin smile and handed me her credit card. “Ethan and I are going to dinner at that new seafood restaurant. Since he’s paying, I’d like to get him dessert.”

I bet you would.

They’re going out on a date? Did the woman collect men like shoes? My heart plummeted, landing with a thud. I wrapped her gift in the most attractive paper we carried—a pristine white with subtle stripes—and tied it with a silver ribbon. The candy was still for the man I loved. I wanted it to look nice. After all, he’d know it came from my store.

I thanked her for her purchase. She glided out the door with a merry wave. I turned and locked myself in the bathroom for the next fifteen minutes, battling tears.

Had I imagined Ethan’s feelings last night? Was I seeing only what I wanted to see? But I’d been so sure.

Placing my hands palms down on the restroom vanity, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Why, Lord? Why couldn’t Ethan return my feelings? If he’s not the man for me, why can’t I find someone else? Why won’t You take away this desire?

With a heavy heart, I hobbled back to the dipping machine. Aunt Eunice waited on customers. Despite my melancholy mood, I thanked God for the continuing support for Summer Confections. During one customer’s visit, my ears perked up at the mention of a newcomer to town.

“He’s new at Mountain Shadows Fellowship,” the woman went on to explain. “He’s looking for a job. Something besides coffee barista. Good-looking young man. Pleasant with the thickest brown hair I’ve seen in a long time.”

Well, I’d identified my mystery man from church. I wondered if he had anything to do with the recent crime spree. He’d make as good a suspect as anyone. I sighed and turned off the dipping machine. I was getting nowhere fast on this case. Other than having an unidentified vehicle almost run me over, absolutely nothing was happening. I wasn’t even sure if my near miss had anything to do with the diamonds.

Then, speaking of the devil, in strolled the man. The previous customer had been on the right track. He had dark chocolate eyes and thick, wavy hair the color of the rich mud of the South. My breath hitched when I got a close-up look at the man.

He sauntered up to Aunt Eunice and held out a hand.

“I’m Nate Landon, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Eunice, and back there is my niece, Summer.” Aunt Eunice simpered like a schoolgirl. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m making the rounds, introducing myself. Heard this place made the best fudge in the world. Thought I’d try it for myself. I’ll take a pound.” Nate leaned against the counter, his eyes remaining fixed on me. I couldn’t help but put up a hand to smooth any stray hair. Horror! Chocolate covered my fingers. Not my usual type of hair gel.

Aunt Eunice thrust the fudge into his hands. “First order’s on the house.”

Nate snickered. “Ladies, it’s my privilege.” The man actually bowed before exiting the store.

Aunt Eunice swooned. Her hand fluttered to her forehead as she draped herself over the counter. “If only I were thirty years younger. Hubba hubba!”

“You’re married.” I rose from the dipping stool to wash my hands.

“I can still see, girlie.” Her eyes widened. “You’ve got chocolate in your hair.”

“I know.” I tried stomping to the bathroom, winced at the pain in my ankle, and resorted to sulking as I pushed open the door. The sink seemed suddenly tiny. No way would my head fit under the faucet.

I grabbed a handful of paper towels and shoved them under running water then started the laborious job of pulling chocolate out of my curly hair. Great. One side now lay flat against my head, while the other curled in a riotous auburn display. Please, Lord, don’t let Mr. GQ visit the store again today.

Eight

I sat in the coffee bar the following Sunday nursing my favorite mocha and staring with hungry eyes at Ethan as he laughed at something Terri Lee said. Yep, it’s time to move on. The thought stabbed me in the heart. I pursed my lips around the straw, sipped—and slurped as Nate slid into the seat beside me.

He had made a habit of visiting the candy store each day since his first stop. Sometimes to make a purchase, more often to talk. He focused his conversations on Aunt Eunice but centered his attention on me. To be honest, the attention flattered me. I’d mooned after Ethan for so long that I’d put dating on a back burner.

“Good morning, Summer.”

“Good morning, Nate.” I took a daintier sip of my coffee and tried not to notice Ethan watching us.

“Summer.” Nate placed a hand over mine. His were soft, not the working hands Ethan possessed. “I’m hoping you’d do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight.”

“Dinner?” I yanked my gaze from Ethan and stared into the dark depths of Nate’s eyes.