Death by Chocolate (Davenports Book 2)

by Shyla Colt

  “Then I take a crack at it with my expertise. We’re nowhere near out of options.” Mel gently squeezed her shoulder. “Hang in there with us.”

  “I have no other option.”

  “Where are you staying?” Mel asked.

  Daize glanced over at Micah.

  “She’s crashing in my spare room for now,” Micah answered.

  “Oh. I didn’t realize you had grown so close,” Trish said, glancing back and forth between them.

  Heat filled her cheeks and ran down the back of her neck.

  “So, we’re no longer ignoring the obvious connection the two of you have developed,” Eric said dryly.

  “No. She deserved better than that. I realize it’s unconventional, but we’re taking care not to let it affect the case.”

  The loud silence that followed made her ache for Micah. These were his peers. Their opinions mattered to him.

  “I’m not going to say it’s professional,” Brendon spoke softly.

  “I understand that. I’m not asking you to pretend it is. I couldn’t fathom losing her because I kept quiet. We discussed it and decided we both wanted to move forward together.”

  “I can respect that. I’m not sure I approve of the timing,” Brendon held a hand up, “but I get it.”

  “Then we won’t have a problem, because I’m not giving Daize up.”

  His proclamation silenced the doubtful voices inside of her mind and cemented his commitment level. Her lips twitched up at the corners. She glanced down to hide her pleasure from the others. What they had was new. Therefore, she would protect it.

  “DO YOU FEEL BETTER?” Micah asked.

  “Knowing there’s nothing demonic in my place? Yes.”

  “I sense a but coming.” Micah handed her an Angry Orchard Rose.

  “Everything is still so up in the air.”

  “You’ve got a roof over your head for as long as you want it, an answer to the immediate questions that concerned us, and me.”

  “I like how you threw yourself in there, too,” she said dryly.

  “I have to keep you on your toes.” He winked.

  She rolled her eyes. “You told them about us.”

  “I’ve never been one for secrets, and I wasn’t going to watch you be put into a position where you felt you had to lie. I’m not ashamed of you or anything we’re doing.” He held out his hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  “To where?”

  “Somewhere we can take our mind off everything and eat without having to worry about cleaning anything up. May I take you on a date?”

  “Yes.” She felt giddy as she placed her hands in his and he helped her stand from the couch. “I should change.”

  “No. You look perfect the way you are.”

  If she was the swooning type, her legs would be wobbling. She followed him to the door, and they bundled up and slipped out into the evening.

  Leaning back in her seat, she enjoyed the heat pouring out of the vent as he drove.

  “My brother, Asher, and I discovered this place when we were looking for something fun to do. I think you’ll like it.”

  “I’m putting my trust in your judgment.” She studied the tall brick buildings and stonework. It was unlike anything one would see in California. Ohio had a history that they’d proudly upheld, converting older buildings and using them for modern businesses. It created a unique charm she admired. With Micah as her tour guide, things had gotten a lot less lonely and more enjoyable.

  Going to the bourbon bar with her co-workers had cracked the ice. It might’ve taken three months, but she was finally starting to craft a new life. They parked in a lot, and made their way down the sidewalk, coming to a stop in front of a building with a pixilated figure. Large glass windows dominated the front of the building. An outside deck stood out on the right-hand side of the door.

  “This is 16-Bit Bar.” He opened the door, and she preceded him inside. The center bar was a wooden work of art. The multicolored wooded backboard matched the bar that was lined with the stools. Everywhere she looked she saw arcade games. On the left-hand side, there was a row of stools set up in front of large screens where people were also playing games via controllers.

  “This place is amazing.”

  “Wait ’til you see the drinks.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her to the bar. “They don’t serve food, but we’ll place a takeaway order at The Eagle. They have stellar food. How do brown sugar bacon, fried chicken, and fries sound?”

  “Delicious.”

  “Then I shall make it happen, my lady.” She listened to him order as she browsed a menu and laughed. The Patrick Swayze, Macho Man, and Bill Nye. The pop culture references were through the roof, and they worked.

  “Our food will be ready in about thirty minutes.”

  “Well I have to honor the eighties queen, so I’ll start with the Molly Ringwald. The cucumber vodka, grapefruit, simple syrup, and Sprite combined with a salted rim sounded refreshing.”

  “I’m going to start off with the Slush Puppie.” They took a seat at the end of the bar, and the bartender in the black company hoodie and matching ball cap walked toward them.

  “How are you guys doing tonight?”

  “We’re doing good. Can we start off with a Molly Ringwald and a Slush Puppie?”

  “Sure can. I’ll get them started for you. Do you want to keep a tab?”

  “I do.”

  Daize’s eyes widened when he handed over a black card. How much money did his family have? He seemed too down-to-earth to be so wealthy. It spoke to who he was as a person.

  The drink was beautiful when it arrived.

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, they go all out. Drink up. We have a two-drink minimum before we can play games.”

  “This sounds like a made-up rule.”

  “It’s a Davenport rule.”

  “Sir, are you trying to intoxicate me?” She lifted her eyebrows.

  “Only with my personality.”

  She rolled her eyes, nudged him with her shoulder, and lifted the drink to her lips.

  “I thought that was you.”

  She glanced up to find a brown-haired man with a curvy brunette. The family resemblance was apparent in his cheekbones and lips.

  Micah stood. “Looks like great minds think alike, brother.” They did a manly hug, and he hugged the woman. “Clara, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Hi, Micah.”

  “Daize, this is my brother, Asher, and his fiancée, Clara. Guys, this is my date, Daize.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My brother’s spoken highly of you.”

  “Has he?” she asked.

  “He exaggerates.” Micah elbowed him in the side, and Daize laughed. “Are you coming or going?”

  “We were leaving, but we can stay on for a bit to visit, can’t we?” Asher turned to Clara, who smiled.

  “Of course,” she replied.

  They took the seats to the side of Micah. The sudden ‘meet the family’ moment caught her unaware.

  “Micah told me you’re from California. How do you like Cincinnati so far?” Asher asked.

  “Now that I’ve been getting out, there’s a lot to love here. It’s a slower pace than we had in San Diego. People aren’t always in a rush, and it’s not as crowded. There are some beautiful older buildings also. I’m enjoying learning about the rich history the city is so proud of.”

  “The dollar must stretch further here.”

  Daize gave a bark of laughter. “Yeah. I’m never upset when I go grocery shopping.”

  “I need to run to get our food,” Micah said.

  “I’ll go with you,” Asher said, standing. “You don’t mind keeping Daize company, do you?” Asher asked Clara.

  “Of course not. Go, we’ll be fine.” Clara waved them off.

  “How did the two of you meet?” Clara asked once they’d left.

  “Through his paranormal investigation team.” Daize decided t
o keep it true and vague.

  “Oh, so you believe in ghosts?”

  “I didn’t use to.”

  Clara’s dark brown eyes grew as round as quarters. “You experienced something?”

  “More than I would’ve liked,” she admitted.

  “Wow. I can’t even imagine.” Clara frowned.

  “I hope you never have first-hand knowledge.”

  “The Davenport boys have a way of finding romance in the most unlikely places.”

  “How did you meet?”

  “I was his sister’s lactation consultant after her pregnancy. We got off on the wrong foot at first, but eventually, I came to see what a great guy he was.”

  “I feel like there’s a wealth of story you aren’t sharing.”

  She laughed. “Okay, I couldn’t stand him. He was rude to me at our first meeting. He’d been up all night with his sister and a crying baby. At the time, I didn’t know him well enough to gauge if it wasn’t his true personality.”

  “So, you made him work to prove himself?” Daize said.

  “Exactly.”

  “Do we want to know?” Micah asked. She looked up to see him with a plastic bag full of food.

  “Just girl talk, honey.” Daize fluttered her eyelashes.

  “Uh huh,” Asher said skeptically.

  “How cute, I think we made them nervous,” Clara said.

  “I leave my fiancée alone with your girl for a few minutes, and they’re already plotting against us,” Asher huffs playfully.

  “Us girls have to stick together, babe.” Clara winked at Daize who felt as if she’d met a kindred spirit. “We won’t interrupt your date any longer. Let’s exchange numbers.”

  “I’d love that,” Daize said brightly. She pulled out her cell and took Clara’s number, calling her so she could save it on her phone. They hugged as they said their good-byes, and she wondered if maybe things were taking a turn for the better.

  Chapter Five

  Three months later

  Micah

  “Look what the cat dragged on,” Luka drawled as we entered the front door.

  “We just saw you at brunch a week ago, drama king,” Micah said with a playful roll of his eyes. He liked this laid-back version of his brother. His wife, Olive, had done a good job of getting him to loosen up and enjoy life. As the head of the household and the company after their parents died, he’d aged overnight. His control freak tendencies had driven many women away, but Olive challenged him. I guess we have that in common.

  He smiled down at his steady girlfriend. Everything about their situation when they met challenged him. As did her current situation. She lived in a haunted house, and while the spirits had turned helpful when it came to Daize, they continued to show their disdain for him. He wanted her to move out, but she refused until they took care of her “friends” on the other side. Currently at a stalemate, they agreed to disagree.

  “What my husband means to say is he missed you,” Olive came up beside him all smiles in her bright yellow dress with a dark blue ethnic pattern. “We’re glad you guys could make it. Cookouts aren’t the same without you. Even Kane is here.”

  “How did you manage that?” Micah teased.

  “I think he’s simply refueling before he goes back out into the world. You raise them, they leave the nest and never come back.” Luka sighed.

  Micah grinned. “Papa bear is missing his cubs.”

  “Don’t worry, this one will be here soon enough for you to dote on,” Olive patted her rounding belly. Her skin glowed, and her smile appeared permanently pasted onto her mouth. “Everyone else is already in the back.” Olive and Luka lead them through the house to the backyard where everyone was gathered around a massive wooden picnic bench custom made to fit the Davenport family and plenty more.

  The candy brick patio led out to a natural grotto with a small waterfall that fed into a large pool. He’d whittled away hours in this pool as a youth. He couldn’t blame his brother for choosing to stay in the family home. Even if it was far too large for two people.

  “Hey.” A chorus of greetings rushed up to meet him. He hugged his little brother. “It’s good to see you in person instead of on Skype.”

  The lanky youth tossed his fringe of brown hair out of his hazel-colored eyes and grinned. “I figured it was time to come home for a while before you guys forget I existed.”

  “Wise plan,” Luka grumbled. It was clear he was proud as a peacock and happy to have them all in one place again.

  “I finally get to meet this beautiful lady in person.” Kane bowed and kissed the back of Daize’s hand after they shook.

  “I see the charm runs in the family,” she said dryly.

  Kane laughed. “Oh, this one is a keeper. She sees through us.”

  “Keeps me humble,” Micah replied.

  “It’s good to meet you, too, Kane,” Daize said with a smile. She’d gotten used to dealing with his random family.

  “When did you get in?” Micah asked Kane.

  “Late last night. I got up just in time to help Luka set up. My poor body is eternally confused about time zones.”

  “That’s what happens when you country hop,” Rachel called.

  “Your sympathy is staggering,” Kane replied drolly.

  “Welcome to my family’s dynamics.” Micah steered her away from the bickering siblings to greet Asher and Clara. The girls had become fast friends, and they did a lot of double dating.

  “When Kane comes back, we realize how quiet it is without him,” Asher remarked as the girls hugged.

  “Mean, but true.”

  We chuckled. As the second youngest, Kane often took his share of ribbing.

  “How are things at home?” Asher asked.

  “At my home? Great.”

  “Stop.” Daize sat beside Clara. “They still don’t like him.”

  “What did you do?” Asher said.

  “It’s more of what I represent for many of them,” Micah admitted. “We brought in a more powerful psychic who’d assured us the ghosts meant Daize no harm. Their goal was to be noticed, not to scare. They feel protective of and grateful to Daize.”

  “Daize the ghost whisperer,” Asher marveled.

  “Oh no, there is no whispering. I’m fine with the silent knowledge they’re around.”

  “Where are you in the battle to have something done?” Clara asked.

  “The owner of the building isn’t too keen on having rumors of dead bodies under his complex. We’re locked in negotiations at the moment.” He’d gotten their lawyers involved. If they could provide enough proof, the decision would be taken out of the owner’s hands, but he didn’t want to do that. He was hoping to eventually meet in the middle.

  “As far as we still have to go in society, looking back at the past shows me we have made major progress. I can’t even imagine not being seen as human,” Clara said.

  “I had the same thoughts,” Daize replied. “It’s why I can’t just leave them, not knowing what will happen next. If I don’t ensure they find peace, who will?”

  “I promise you, we’ll do right by them.” Micah squeezed her hand.

  “How’s the wedding planning coming along?” Daize asked.

  “I think we’ve gotten it all sorted out. We’ll be sending out the ‘remember the dates’ soon.”

  Daize grinned. “That’s exciting.”

  Asher and Micah got into a conversation about movies as the girls talk about wedding planning. This was happiness. Surrounded by his family with the woman he was falling in love with besides him.

  “Can you help me get everything from the kitchen?” Luka asked.

  “Yeah. I’ll be back, babe.” He kissed her cheek and rose.

  Inside the house, he dropped the façade. “I’m freaking out, Luk.”

  Luka patted his shoulder. “You’ll be fine. She doesn’t have a clue, does she?”

  “No.” Micah shook his head.

  “Enjoy this moment. The two of you are
meant to be together. It’s going to be fine.”

  “I haven’t even told her I love her yet.”

  “Then I suggest you remedy the problem before you pop the question, brother.” He smirked.

  “You love this, don’t you?” Micah scowled.

  “Am I enjoying seeing my baby brother find the love of his life? Yes. Am I also loving the freakouts from Mr. Cool? Also, yes.”

  “Evil.”

  “How long do we need to keep you here for everything to be set up?”

  “Mel and Trish said no earlier than eight o’clock.”

  “We’re long-winded, so it won’t be a problem. Come on, let’s get the meat going out to the grill before she notices how long we’re taking. If I didn’t believe with my entire being she was the one for you, I’d caution you to slow down and think things through. You realize I’ve never said a word against her, yes?”

  “I have.”

  “There’s a reason for that. Trust yourself and the people who love you. We’re backing your play, and we think it’s the absolute right one.”

  His words settled him. He had the same grounding effect of their father. Gathering his wits about him, he helped Luka bring out the pre-shaped beef patties and played his role until it was time.

  “I HAD A GREAT TIME with your family tonight. They’re fun.”

  “They’re all right, I guess.”

  She rolled her eyes, and he chuckled as she opened the door.

  “What is this?” she whispered.

  He placed a hand on the small of her back and gently nudged her into the apartment. White candles filled every surface. Their flames flickered, painting shadows on the walls. A vase full of white roses rested beside a silver ice bucket with a bottle of champagne. A manila envelope wrapped in a bow was surrounded by red rose petals shaped into a heart.

  He helped her out of her jacket and held her purse. She hesitated and glanced at him.

  “Go ahead and sit on the couch.” After hanging their coats on the coat tree, he moved to grab the envelope. He handed it to her and straightened. “Open it.”

  She untied the bow with long, graceful fingers, and opened the flap. He swallowed hard as she pulled out the papers. Her hands shook slightly as she read.