“See?” I poked him in the ribs. “And that’s what I love about you. You’re a solid, upstanding citizen.”
“I’m glad you love something about me.” The half-smile turned into a smirk. “That implies Greyson is not, you know.”
“Not what?”
“A solid, upstanding citizen.”
“Now don’t go putting words in my mouth.” I tipped my head. “We good?”
“We’re good.”
“All right. Let’s go inside and get the paperwork over with. I still have this imp to take care of.”
He laced his fingers with mine as we started walking. He shook his head and laughed softly.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. Just you being you.”
I was about to say something when a familiar voice called out my name.
We both turned to see Birdie dashing across Francine’s lawn.
Cooper snorted. “And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any more interesting.”
Birdie caught up to us. “Princess Jayne, are you all right? Is Greyson all right? I just heard on the scanner that something was going on over here. Is Francine dead?”
I blinked at her. “No, Francine is not dead. And yes, Greyson and I are both fine.”
She suddenly gasped. “Hold still, Princess. The imp is on your shoulder.”
Cooper rolled his lips in like he was trying not to laugh.
“I know, Birdie. Blueberry is sleeping. He’s had a big night.”
Her penciled-in brows scrunched up. “Blueberry?”
I looped my arm through hers. “Walk with us and I’ll explain.”
As early as possible the next morning, Delaney had Stanhill drive us out to see Matilda Sharpe once again. Rising that early wasn’t easy given how late I was up taking care of all the details involved with Francine’s nonsense. I’d also called my dad on the globe so he’d know all was well before he read something in the Tombstone, which he now subscribed to. But the early start was important. I wanted to fulfill my promise to Blueberry as soon as I could, lest he think it was all a ruse and get up to mischief again.
Mattie had graciously offered to give Blueberry a home, and he seemed thrilled to be offered the job of guardian of the bees. Especially since he was so fond of their honey.
The handover went smoothly, and when we got back to the warehouse, I invited Delaney up before I got out of the car. “Come on. I want to introduce you to someone.”
She gave me a curious look. “What have you got up your sleeve?”
“Nothing, I swear. But I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”
She leaned forward to speak to Stanhill. “I’ll be right back.”
We got out and rode the elevator up. Spider greeted us with a full front shot of his belly on display from the couch. “Don’t mind my cat. I haven’t taught him to wear pants yet.”
Delaney went right over and gave him some tummy rubs, which secured her place as Spider’s new best friend, I’m sure. “Oh, he’s such a sweet baby! And so little. My cat Captain is a beast. Stanhill sneaks him bacon every chance he gets.”
“Spider doesn’t seem that interested in people food. Fortunately.” I picked up the globe from the side table and gave it a shake.
Didn’t take long for my dad to answer. “Hi, sweetheart. All set?”
“Hi, Dad. All set.”
He gave me a wink, then disappeared off-globe.
Delaney came and stood at my side, most likely curious about what I was up to. It wasn’t every day you saw someone using a snow globe as a communication device.
My aunt appeared in the glass. “Hello, darling.” She waved at me. “Is that your little vampire friend?”
I laughed. “Yes, Aunt Martha. This is Delaney Ellingham.” I turned to Delaney. “This is my aunt Martha, maker of the fudge you like so much.”
Delaney let out a soft squeal. “That fudge is genius. You’re a genius. It’s the best thing ever. Did Jayne tell you that I’m just dying to sell it in my shop?”
Aunt Martha beamed with pride. “She did. And I wanted to let you know that I’m willing to work something out with you. I can’t give you the recipe, of course, but I think a few batches of fudge a week would be doable.”
More squealing. Then Delaney hugged me. “You’re awesome.” She grinned at my aunt. “You’re even awesomer. Thank you so much.”
“You’re very welcome, dear. And congratulations on your little one.”
Delaney put her hand on her belly. “Thank you. I’m due the end of October, so my staff will be handling things at the shop for a few months after that, but I assure you the fudge will be in good hands.”
My aunt nodded. “Jayne has told me all about you and your shop. I have no worries.”
“Aunt Martha, I’ll call you back later tonight and we can work out the details, okay?”
“Very good, Jaynie. I’ll talk to you later, then.” She glanced at someone off screen. “How do you turn this thing off?”
She disappeared and the snow stopped swirling. I put the globe back in its spot. “There you go. I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you how she wants to proceed.”
“Anything is fine with me. I just want that fudge in my store for Christmas.” She shook her head. “Thank you again. This makes my day.”
“You’re welcome. You hooked me up with Mattie, and her honey is what made capturing the imp possible, so…” I shrugged. “I just wanted to find a way to say thanks.”
“Well, you did it.” She checked her watch. “I better run. I need to get a couple batches of cookies done before the shop opens.”
“I definitely don’t want to stand in the way of baking.” I saw Delaney out, then took a long, hot shower in an attempt to wake myself up a little more. I was going to be a little late to work, but frankly, today I didn’t care. I deserved a late morning after the last couple of days.
And things still weren’t entirely figured out. My supply of Dr Pepper hadn’t stopped magically replenishing itself, but Spider hadn’t said a word since I’d returned home last night. I had no idea if his ability to talk had been one of the things Blueberry had fixed or not.
I got ready for work, drying my hair and fixing my makeup. I contemplated the finished product in the mirror. Thankfully, the ancient magic Francine had used on me didn’t seem to have any lasting effects.
In the living room, Spider was still asleep on the couch. I gave him a little scratch on the head. “Are you going to sleep all day?”
He yawned and stared sleepily up at me. “Spider tired.”
“I guess that answers that.” So the Dr Pepper and Spider’s voice were permanent. Maybe because they’d been wishes? Accidental wishes, but wishes all the same. Interesting. “See you after work, baby.”
I grabbed my purse and went down to my office. I tossed my purse on my desk, then headed into the shop. Juniper and Kip had things well in hand.
I slid behind the counter to hang with Juni for a few minutes. “Did you hear about last night?”
She nodded. “Word spreads fast in this town.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t want to know all the details.” Then she peered at me, and concern marred her pretty face. “You okay?”
“Yep. A little tired.”
“But not injured or anything?”
“Nope. Although…I could be better.”
“Oh?”
I nodded. “I could use a girls’ night in. You, me and Buttercup. What do you say?”
She grinned. “I say you’re on.”
“Perfect. I’ll bring the pizza. And some ice cream.”
“I thought you just had pizza last night?”
I sighed and shook my head. “Never got around to it with all the excitement.”
She snorted softly. “Tonight’s going to seem pretty boring after that.”
I smiled, utterly happy with the thought of doing nothing but hanging out with my friends and not worrying
one bit about who might be plotting to revenge. Or worse.
“Good. Boring is exactly what I want.”
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About the Author
Kristen Painter is a little obsessed with cats, books, chocolate, and shoes. It’s a healthy mix. She loves to entertain her readers with interesting twists and unforgettable characters. She currently writes the best-selling paranormal romance series, Nocturne Falls, and award-winning urban fantasy. The former college English teacher can often be found all over social media where she loves to interact with readers:
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram.
Other books by Kristen Painter
COZY MYSTERY:
Jayne Frost series:
Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case: A Nocturne Falls Mystery
PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Nocturne Falls series:
The Vampire’s Mail Order Bride
The Werewolf Meets His Match
The Gargoyle Gets His Girl
The Professor Woos The Witch
The Witch’s Halloween Hero – short story
The Werewolf’s Christmas Wish – short story
The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée
The Vampire’s Valentine Surprise – short story
The Shifter Romances The Writer
The Vampire’s True Love Trials – short story
Sin City Collectors series:
Queen of Hearts
Dead Man’s Hand
Double or Nothing
Box set
Standalone Paranormal Romance:
Dark Kiss of the Reaper
Heart of Fire
Recipe for Magic
Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
URBAN FANTASY:
The House of Comarré series:
Forbidden Blood
Blood Rights
Flesh and Blood
Bad Blood
Out For Blood
Last Blood
The Crescent City series:
House of the Rising Sun
City of Eternal Night
Garden of Dreams and Desires
Nothing is completed without an amazing team.
Many thanks to:
Cover design: Keri Knudson
Interior formatting: Author E.M.S
Editor: Joyce Lamb
Copyedits/proofs: Marlene Engel
Miss Frost Ices The Imp: A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost Book 2) Page 21
