Cupcakes and Murder: A Frosted Love Cozy Mystery (Book 5) (Frosted Love Mysteries) (7 page)

Missy
jogged alongside her best friend, Toffee’s golden coat gleaming in the early
morning sun. The duo had risen early, determined to make the most of a
beautiful late-summer Louisiana day. They played a vigorous game of fetch, with
the panting dog eventually giving up and flopping at her feet, panting happily.
Missy took a small dog dish out of the backpack that sat next to her on the
park bench and set it on the ground, pouring a bottle of water into it to
refresh her tired pooch. Toffee lapped at the water and was instantly
re-energized, standing to her feet, ready to play.

“Later,
girl,” Missy promised, knowing that the dog would need the energy for the walk
home. She stood, shook the last drops left behind in the water dish out, and
put it in the backpack. Sliding her arms into the straps, she gathered Toffee’s
leash and snapped it onto her collar, signaling that it was time to go. The
loyal retriever walked in perfect step with her best friend, content to sniff
the fresh air and occasionally turning her head to plant a sloppy kiss on
Missy’s knee.

When
the pair turned the corner, Missy saw a figure sitting on her porch swing. Her
heart leapt within her when she got close enough to realize that it was Chas
Beckett waiting for her. Conscious of the fact that she was bedraggled and
sweaty after her morning of playing with the dog, but happy enough at seeing him
that she didn’t care, she climbed the stairs, greeting him with a kiss and an
apology for her appearance.

“You
look beautiful,” he observed. “But I’m thinking you need some coffee and a
bagel this morning.”

“You
know, I believe that you are correct in that assessment, Detective,” she
flirted. “But I’d really like a shower first.”

“I’m
not going anywhere,” Chas responded easily. “I think your girl, here, is going
to make certain of that,” he gestured to the adoring golden who had flopped
unceremoniously on his feet, demanding to be petted.

“I
knew I loved that dog,” Missy winked, heading for the front door.

“Her owner isn’t so bad either,” he remarked after she
was out of earshot.

A letter from the Author

To each and every one of my Amazing readers:
I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I
enjoyed writing it.  Let me what you think by leaving a review!

I’ll be releasing another installment in two weeks so to stay in the
loop (and to get free books and other fancy stuff)
Join my Book
club
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Stay Curious,

Carol Durand