“That’s not true, I operate by a set of rules.”
The detective raised an eyebrow at her. “Oh yeah, what rules are those?”
“Do whatever is necessary to find the truth.”
“Well, I can’t argue with your results—at least not anymore. How about a celebratory donut?”
Chloe was touched by the gesture. “You’re actually willing to give up a cruller at my expense?”
“Just take one before I change my mind,” he insisted.
“Actually, I’m going to have to decline. You know I’m a pie kind of girl.”
“This is why we’ll never see eye-to-eye. Donuts are a detective’s best friend.”
“All this talk about sweets is making me hungry. I’m going to have to swing by Pie Paradise for a celebratory slice.”
“While you’re doing that, I’ll be back at the station filling out gobs of paperwork.”
“No wonder you don’t seem to be in any hurry to get back to the station,” Chloe joked.
The detective laughed. “Anyway, let’s hope next time we run into each other it’s under better circumstances.”
“You tell me that after every case, then another murder occurs,” Chloe pointed out.
“Hey, a detective can dream about having clean streets. It doesn’t matter if it’s far from becoming a reality.”
“Let’s hope the Cape goes back to being a sleepy place again sooner rather than later,” Chloe said.
Detective Thicke nodded. “In the meantime, I have plenty of donuts to keep me company.”
Epilogue
When Hope found out the news that the killer had been caught, she breathed a huge sigh of relief.
“It’s finally over,” Hope said.
“I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now,” Chloe replied.
“It’s hard to find the words to express how happy I am right now. I have my life back, and it’s all because of you.”
Hope threw her arms around Chloe and gave her a big hug.
“Thank you so much for saving me,” Hope said.
Chloe remained as humble as ever. “That’s what friends are for.”
Hope pulled back from the hug and shook her head. “No. You’re more than just a friend. You’re the best friend a woman could ever have.”
“Even more than diamonds?” Chloe joked.
Hope nodded. “Even more than chocolate.”
Chloe disagreed. “Let’s not get crazy now.”
“You’re right. Chocolate is pretty amazing.”
Hope and Chloe both looked off longingly.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a yen for sweets,” Chloe said.
Hope’s mouth was watering thinking about chocolate as well. “Let’s go get some then. My treat.”
Chloe’s eyes opened wide.
Hope continued. “It’s the least I can do.”
“You’ll never catch me saying no to free chocolate. I’m no fool.”
“No, as the criminals of Cape Cod are quickly finding out, you’re anything but a fool.”
“The crazy thing is, I still think I’m a better makeup saleswoman than sleuth.”
“Why don’t we debate that over chocolate?”
“You’re right. My sweet tooth hates to be ignored,” Chloe joked.
Hope had another idea. “While we’re on the town, why don’t I treat you to that ladies night I had to cancel a few days ago?”
“I like the sound of that.”
Hope smiled. “Good. Let’s get to it. We wouldn’t want to keep all this fun waiting.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.”
***
The following evening, fresh off her girl’s night out, Chloe found herself getting treated again. This time, her boyfriend was the one spoiling her. Instead of taking her out, Dylan Robertson decided to mix things up and invite her over to his place for a home-cooked dinner.
Chloe had a weakness for comfort food. Dylan wasn’t afraid to exploit that weakness, with a nice, cheesy, homemade chicken broccoli casserole. It may have been bad for her figure, but it was great for her taste buds. The treadmill would have to wait until tomorrow. Tonight was about savoring the simple joys of a meal that brought a smile to her mouth.
“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” Chloe asked.
“Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?” Dylan wondered.
“From a murder suspect, that’s a bad thing. From my boyfriend, that’s a very good thing.”
Dylan smiled. “I just thought it was time to mix things up a little. You know, to keep things interesting.”
“Let me tell you, it would be hard to ever get bored being with you.”
Dylan blushed. “Thanks. So, what do you think of the casserole?”
“I’ve been to restaurants that can’t bake a casserole this tasty.”
“I’m glad you like your meal.”
Chloe wasn’t done. “Like it? Talk about an understatement. If you weren’t a doctor, I’d tell you to quit your day job.”
“But since I am a doctor, you think I should keep my day job then?” Dylan joked.
Chloe pretended to give it a lot of thought, then gave a deadpan answer. “I guess so. After all, it’s hard to juggle being a doctor and a chef at the same time.”
“I don’t know, you juggle selling makeup and solving murders pretty well.”
“Actually, I haven’t sold any makeup in a few days.”
“Slacker. You act like you were busy solving a murder case or something,” Dylan joked.
Chloe laughed. “Yeah. I have been working my tail off, haven’t I?”
Dylan nodded. “That’s why I thought you could use a nice night in. To eat a nice, home-cooked meal, then curl up on the couch and watch Zombie Invasion Part Eight.”
Chloe was thrown by that last part. “Did I hear that right?”
“I was just kidding. I have another chick flick queued up and ready to go.”
“Dinner and a chick flick. You know me so well.”
“Shall we head over to the couch then?”
Chloe stopped him. “No, hold on a second.”
Dylan was confused. “Why, what’s going on?”
“It’s not every day I see a man in an apron. I want to appreciate this moment,” Chloe said.
Dylan took off the apron. “All right, you’ve had your fun.”
“What did you take it off for? If anything, you should have added one of those tall, pleated, chef hats,” she joked.
“Maybe next time.”
“So, there’s going to be a next time then?”
“Don’t go looking too far ahead. We’re not done with this time yet,” Dylan insisted.
“Wait, do you have more surprises?”
“That depends, do you like dessert?”
“I’m alive, aren’t I? Of course I like dessert. Why, what did you make?”
Dylan reached into the fridge and pulled out two bowls of chocolate pudding.
“There’s a rumor going around that you like chocolate.”
Chloe couldn’t believe her eyes. “You really pulled out all the stops, didn’t you?”
“I figured it was the least I could do, considering I’m crazy about you.”
Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t believe how sweet Dylan was being.
“Well, go on. Give it a taste,” he insisted.
Chloe grabbed a spoon and took a bite.
Dylan waited with bated breath. “So, what do you think?”
Chloe gazed into her boyfriend’s eyes, then leaned in, and gave him a kiss. “It’s delicious.”
Dylan smiled.
Chloe continued. “But not as delicious as you.”
As Dylan gazed into her eyes, he couldn’t help but give Chloe a kiss of his own. It was the perfect end to an eventful week. And while no doubt plenty more surprises awaited them in the future, at that moment, time stood still while they reveled in each other’s company.
<
br /> The End.
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The Chloe Cook Series
Book 1 – Mattress Mart Murder
Book 2 – Reunions Can Be Deadly
Book 3 – Killer Finale
Chloe Cook Cozy Mystery Bundle Page 26
