The Heart of Lies by Debra Burroughs

Author:Debra Burroughs [Burroughs, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Mystery
ISBN: 9781480107502
Google: 9GO9NAEACAAJ
Amazon: B0095BV5FO
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2012-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

“We should get going pretty soon.” Emily rolled her wrist to check her watch. “I’ll do the dishes later.”

Colin brought their plates from the table and set them in the sink. “It’ll only take a minute to rinse them off and stick them in the dishwasher.” Because of his military training, Colin always liked things squared away when he left them.

“I’m anxious to talk to Isabel. She was so mysterious on the phone.” Emily cleared the glasses and silverware off the table and set them on the counter next to the sink.

“Get your shoes on, and your purse, and we can go,” he said, sticking the glasses in the dishwasher and closing the door.

She put a hand gently around the back of his neck and drew his face down to hers, giving him a quick kiss. “Thanks for making dinner and cleaning up.”

“My pleasure.” He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her tight.

She made an exaggerated fanning motion with her hand. “Why, whatever will I do when you’re gone, Mr. Andrews?” Emily teased with a heavy Southern drawl, purposely sounding like a helpless female.

“Miss me like crazy?” he replied with a grin.

“Absolutely.” She threw her arms around his neck and planted a wet, passionate kiss on him.

“I thought you were in a hurry to leave.”

“I am.” She released him and stepped away. “Just wanted to make sure you were going to miss me like crazy, too.” She sauntered down the hall after her shoes, swaying her hips, assuming he was watching her go. She slanted a quick look behind her—she was right.

~*~

By the time Emily and Colin arrived at Maggie’s, the small gathering of friends had already eaten, and Camille and Isabel were cleaning up the kitchen. Emily could hear the girls chattering in the kitchen and noticed through the rear kitchen window that Jonathan and Alex had retreated to the back deck. The guys were sitting on canvas director chairs, when Colin stepped outside and joined them.

“Hey, Em, so glad to see you made it.” Isabel looked up from the suds-filled sink as Emily stepped into the small, cozy kitchen.

Maybe the 1920’s cottage lacked a dishwasher, but it definitely oozed with charm. A fair trade-off, Emily always thought.

“Yes, we were starting to wonder about you.” Camille was drying a platter with a well-worn, checkered dish towel.

Before she could respond, Maggie came rushing into the kitchen with her arms outstretched to Emily. She looked exhausted and frail in her sweatshirt and jeans, nothing like her usual vibrant self. Her face was bare of makeup and her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail.

“Emily!” Maggie cried out, squeezing her firmly.

Emily returned the hug. “How are you holding up?” Emily asked once Maggie released her grip.

“I slept most of the day, but I’m doin’ better now. Havin’ everyone here helps so much.” She smiled at Camille and Isabel, still doing the dishes.

“I’m assuming your brother came by to see you too,” Emily said.

“Yes, Sully was here this afternoon for a bit.

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