Page 86 of Tempt Me

I feel a jolt of excitement. “Oh my god. Noah!” I take the paper, beaming. “Thank you!”

Charlotte hurries over and we gaze at it lovingly.

“It’s so pretty,” Charlotte says. “Look at your name, all formal and shit.”

I glance at Noah, wondering if he checked out Carl’s second alibi yet. I might be furious with Caden, but I got really invested in helping with his mother’s case. I still have the files he sent me. I’ve been debating looking at them—just in case I see something useful.

“Hey, so, any news on Carl Fillion?” I ask.

“We were able to confirm his new alibi,” Noah says. “Caden didn’t tell you?”

I shake my head. I guess Caden didn’t tell Noah we aren’t speaking. Or Noah is just being nice and pretending he doesn’t know.

Suddenly, I hear a set of footsteps coming up the stairs. Luke’s face appears in the open doorway.

“How’s my queen today?” he asks, another bouquet of flowers from Joni’s shop in his hands. I see him realize there are other people here. His eyes flit to Charlotte land on Noah.

Something hardens in his gaze.

“I didn’t realize you had company,” he says, a faint chill in his tone.

“Charlotte was helping me with some stuff for Magnolia Day,” I say. “Noah stopped by to give me the permit!”

I hold it up, but Luke doesn’t seem thrilled. He keeps staring at Noah.

“That’s great,” Luke says woodenly. There’s an awkward silence.

“I was just leaving, actually,” Charlotte says, standing. “Noah was too.”

“Right,” Noah says, picking up on the change in atmosphere. “Yeah, we?—”

Just then his phone starts to ring.

“Hey, Cade what’s—whoa, whoa, slow down.” I feel a thousand prickles run up my spine, my ears straining to hear Caden’s side of the conversation. “Where are—what? Wait…found what? Where?” I glance at Charlotte, who looks as confused as I do. “Stay there. Don’t touch them. Seriously. I’m on my way.”

“What’s going on?” I ask as Noah hangs up.

“Nothing,” Noah says quickly but the look on his face and the tone of his voice say the opposite. “Sorry. I’ve gotta run. Nice to see you, Luke.”

He brushes past Luke and out the door. Charlotte gives me a quick nod that lets me know she’s on the case. I flash her a look of gratitude as she waves and leaves as well.

Once the two of them are gone, Luke’s face shifts into a jovial expression. “What weird friends you have, babe,” he says with a chuckle.

“They’re not weird,” I say, my thoughts in a snarl. What did Caden find? Was it about his mom? What did Noah not want him to touch?

I don’t realize Luke is still talking until he touches my arm.

“Sorry?” I say.

“I’ve got a little surprise for my queen.” He pulls me close, his lips brushing my ear.

“A surprise?” I blink, still distracted.

He leans back and smiles. “We’re taking a helicopter to Cape Cod. I’ve got a dinner on the beach in Truro all set up for us.”

This is the sort of romantic gesture Luke loves to do for me, but right now, I don’t want to go to Cape Cod. I still have boxes to finish putting together for Magnolia Day. And now I want to know if Caden got another break in the case. But I’m not about to say no to my fiancé.

“Wow,” I say, hoping my enthusiasm sounds natural. “That’s amazing. Just let me freshen up real quick.”

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