Page 21 of Only One More Lie

“A relationship will happen when it’s supposed to happen,” Duke said. “There’s no need to rush things.”

He wasn’t usually one to counsel other guys on dating. After all, Duke was in his early thirties and had never been married. But he had Andi now. However, based on the walls she’d been putting up lately, things weren’t perfect between them either.

Matthew shrugged and backed up until he leaned against the wall. “I know. I’m not in the easiest position to meet people right now, if you know what I mean. I work at home by myself, and when I’m not doing that, I’m traveling with you guys. That’s why I decided to give online dating a try. I won’t be doing that again.”

“You never know when the right woman will show up.” Duke stepped closer to drive home his point. “Just hold tight and be patient. You don’t need to apologize anymore.”

“Thanks for being so understanding.” Matthew nodded at the door and sighed. “I guess we should get to dinner.”

“Probably.”

They headed into the small living room area to meet the rest of the team.

Everyone waited near the fireplace.

Duke’s gaze went to Andi as she hovered near the fire.

She was not only beautiful with her blonde hair and trim figure, but she was intelligent and spunky as well.

If Duke had his way, he’d never take his eyes off her. She was amazing, and he was so thankful to be with her. It had been a long journey to get to this point, filled with too many ups and downs—and near-death experiences. He hoped most of the danger was finally behind them, though he wasn’t naive enough to think that was true.

Andi spotted him, and her gaze lit. “I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starving. Investigating murder can really work up an appetite.”

“Then by all means, let’s go eat.” Duke was rather hungry himself.

Maybe some food was just what they needed to clear their minds.

The gang stepped outside into the darkness.

Andi and Duke walked side by side through the snow toward the lodge.

Soon, they’d need to dive deeper into their investigation. But for now, they’d eat and get a feel for this place. She hoped they might have a chance to see Peppermint’s place later and check for any clues there. But right now, the police had cordoned it off and given strict orders for no one to go inside.

She would try to respect that.

“Why would someone leave that note on Peppermint?” Mariella asked, looking like a snow princess in her white coat, pink hat, and sparkly earrings.

That was typical Mariella for you. She liked to add a little sparkle wherever she went.

“Was that a message for Pepper?” Mariella continued. “Or for someone else?”

“Excellent question.” Ranger tugged his black stocking cap down over his ears as the breeze picked up.

“It said: I told you this would happen,” Andi said as she jammed her hands into the pockets of her black down coat. “It almost sounds like someone warned her and wanted to make a statement.”

“This investigation could be a lot more interesting than I anticipated,” Duke murmured. “It’s certainly started with a bang.”

“You think the person who killed Pepper is still here at the camp?” Simmy asked.

“It’s worth considering,” Ranger told her.

“I just feel so badly for Juniper,” Simmy said quietly. “She’s carrying so many burdens for someone her age.”

Andi knew Simmy had been through a lot of loss also. If anyone could understand, it was Simmy. Her compassion made her a valuable part of this team.

“Should we ask Juniper about it?” Matthew asked.

“I’d think she would volunteer that information if she knew more,” Simmy said.

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