Amber Crewes [Crewes - Cookies and Buried Secrets

IT WAS A BRISK MORNING, and Meghan Truman pulled the collar of her blue coat to cover her exposed neck as the chilly breeze nipped at her bare skin. She shivered as the salty air flew off of the ocean and ruffled her dark hair, but she did not move from her spot on the beach. Meghan had moved from Los Angeles to Sandy Bay a few months ago, and while she wasnt quite used to the cool weather and dark skies of the Pacific Northwest yet, she was enjoying the change of pace.

Hey! Meghan!

Meghans heart fluttered as she heard the deep, familiar voice of Jack Irvin. She took a long, deep breath, trying to contain her excitement before turning around to greet him.

Meghan!

Meghan slowly pivoted to look up into Jacks handsome face. She grinned, her dark eyes dancing as Jack smiled down at her, his blue eyes sparkling.

Its good running into you! What are you up to? All alone at the beach, huh? Jack asked.

I dont mind, Meghan said, tucking a lock of dark hair behind her ear. Its so beautiful here. The beaches in LA were always so crowded, and I love having some peace and quiet.

Jack chuckled. I wouldnt say youve had a lot of peace and quiet since youve been here, he said, and Meghan lowered her eyes, shifting uncomfortably as she stood in the white sand. You opened your bakery and then Norman Butcher was murdered, and then that couple was murdered, and you just seem to find your way into the middle of it all!

Meghans jaw dropped. She was shocked by Jacks words, and her dark eyes filled with tears as she recalled the murders that had scandalized Sandy Bay and almost ruined Meghans bakery, Truly Sweet.

Hey, Jack said as he saw the look on Meghans face. I didnt mean to say it like that. Im sorry. The murders in town werent your fault, and it wasnt your fault that your name got tied up in both situations. I shouldnt have said that.

Meghan turned away from Jack to face the sea, struggling to keep the tears from spilling onto her pale cheeks. She and Jack had finally started getting along; Meghan had even developed some romantic feelings for him, but his joke was simply uncouth.

Meghan, Jack said, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. Im sorry. Let me make it up to you. Ill be at Karen Dentons birthday party tonight. Its going to be a fun time. Let me pick you up for a nice dinner beforehand!

Meghan blushed. She and Jack had been out together a few times, but nothing had ever come out of their few dinner dates. Was this the chance for something to happen between her and Jack?

Okay, Meghan said, turning back to look at Jack. Dinner, and then Karens birthday party.

Great! Jack said, turning to leave the beach. Ill see you tonight! Itll be something, I promise!

That night, Jack picked Meghan up in his squad car and took her to dinner at Feast , a farm-to-table restaurant in Sandy Bay. Meghan had worn her favorite dress, a form-fitting green dress that accentuated her curves and brought out her dark eyes, and she felt confident as she sashayed to Jacks car.

You look great! Jack had said as Meghan answered the door. Lets have a good night!

After dinner, they drove to Winstons Bar, a local watering hole. Jack escorted Meghan inside, and she saw that Karens birthday party was well underway. Streamers had been hung from the rafters of the bar, and a band was playing in the corner. Jack led Meghan to a stool at the bar and helped Meghan climb onto it.

Here you go, maam, Jack said, pushing his blond hair back from his face as Meghan settled in. Ill go get us some snacks!

Perfect! Meghan cooed. I made all of the food here myself; I hope you like what Karen requested!

Jack returned five minutes later with two cookies in hand. He handed one to Meghan, and then took a large bite out of his. Meghan watched as his eyes widened, and he swallowed the cookie as quickly as he could.

You know I love your treats, Jack whispered to Meghan, their heads huddled close together. These spinach-almond-quinoa cookies just arent hitting the spot for me. Did you bring any of your brownies? Your brownies are out of this world!

Meghans eyes sparkled at the compliment, and she nodded at Jack. Ssshhh, lets watch Karen blow out her candles, and then Ill go get some of the brownies I brought. I left a whole pan in the back!

Jack grinned, and he gestured at Karen Denton, Meghans dear friend. With her insistence on healthy cookies, not to mention the size of her biceps, you would think shes turning twenty-three, not seventy-three!

Meghan laughed. Hey, if these spinach-almond-quinoa cookies are the secret to having that much vigor and energy in my seventies, Ill take them over my brownies any day!

Meghan edged off of the stool and made her way into Winstons kitchen. As she scanned the room for her pan of brownies, she felt a strong tug on her arm.

Meghan! Sweetie, hello! I saw you walk in with Jack Irvin. How fabulous! I want to hear all of the details!

Meghan grinned as the birthday girl, Karen Denton, peered up at her, her blue eyes glittering. We had dinner before your party, Meghan whispered to Karen, pulling her deeper into the kitchen. It was his suggestion!

Fabulous! Karen squealed. I could not ask for a better birthday present. Ive always liked that Jack Irvin, and you know I just think the world of you! Ill keep my fingers crossed. Maybe by my next birthday, you two will be a real couple!

Meghan giggled. Well see, she said, reaching to hug Karen. Enough about me. How are you enjoying your party?

Karen beamed. Its exactly what I wanted! I dont have a family of my own, but everyone in Sandy Bay came together to celebrate my birthday! Its just fabulous ! Everyone is here, Winston kindly opened his bar for us, and those healthy cookies you baked for me are a delight! This old lady couldnt ask for anything more on her birthday!

After finishing their hug, the two women turned to walk back into the main area of Winstons bar. Meghan had a plate of brownies for Jack, and she could feel her body growing warm as she caught his eye from across the room. Jack looked so handsome in his blue button down shirt, and Meghan turned to gush to Karen about how happy she was to be at the party with him. Before she could whisper into Karens ear, however, Karen stopped in the middle of the room.