Cookies & Chance Mysteries Boxed Set by Catherine Bruns

Author:Catherine Bruns
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic suspense, murder mystery, romantic comedy, recipe, cookie, women sleuths, culinary, bake
Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing

* * *

"Don't let it get to you," Josie said. "He probably did it after he found out you were running a successful bakery, and he was drowning in a cesspool of alcohol, drugs, and cheap tramps."

It was late afternoon, and we were lying on chaise lounges by the hotel pool. This was our one opportunity for a little relaxation before the competition tomorrow. I'd already told Josie that I wanted to try to find Amber tonight and possibly Ramon on Friday morning before our plane took off. We'd agreed to take this one afternoon to enjoy the sunshine and try to clear our heads before the competition. So far, it wasn't working for me.

Josie was probably right, but seeing those pictures made me realize I hadn't healed completely from all the betrayal. It wasn't so much about finding Colin in bed with another woman because that had been the actual wake-up call I needed to realize I'd been living a lie. It was more the fact that Colin had purposely done some malicious things to me, like attempting to steal away my bakery and lying to his family about my having a miscarriage. Although I hadn't suffered from physical blows at his hand, I was convinced in my heart that this was just as bad. During our divorce proceedings, Colin had said so many hurtful things to me that I was convinced I had in fact been a victim of abuse.

"It hurts," I confessed. "I didn't think it still would, but that picture made me realize Colin never loved me. Plus, he'd told me that the night he died. So why did he marry me?"

My best friend shrugged. "Maybe he thought your family had money. Maybe he did think he loved you at the time. Who knows? People change. It doesn't matter anymore. You've got Mike, and there's no doubt in my mind how much he loves you."

"Yet I don't even know where he is," I blurted out. "And to make matters worse, while you were changing clothes, I got a call from Brian Jenkins. He wanted to stop by and see me tonight."

Josie's mouth twitched into a smile. "Oh, really? Officer Hottie's moving in on Mike's territory already?"

"Very funny." I took a long sip of my piña colada. "When I explained I was out of town, Brian asked if Mike was with me. I said no, but I'm not sure he believed me. He said he'll stop over to see me when I get back. If Mike hasn't returned by then, and the police get wind of it, things are only going to get worse."

Josie rubbed suntan lotion on her legs. She looked terrific in the pink, two-piece suit she was wearing. I wore a black bikini with a bathing cover-up. The cheesecake dream had left me feeling a bit insecure these days.

"Look, you told Officer Hottie you'll be back on Friday?" Josie asked.

I nodded.

"Then don't worry. A lot can happen in a couple of days. Mike will be home by then.

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