Chicken Caccia-Killer (A Jordan McAllister Mystery) by Liz Lipperman

herself for the naughty thought that invaded her mind and sent a warm surge through her body, she reminded herself that his mother was in the next room.
    She forced her eyes away from his face and reached for the pastry. “This doesn’t look like Myrtle’s Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake.”
    “It isn’t. By the time I got to the diner, she’d already sold out. You know how those good old boys like to congregate in there on Saturday mornings.”
    “What time is it anyway?”
    “Seven thirty.” Alex pinched off a little of the chocolate treat and put it into his mouth, running his tongue over his lips in a way that almost made Jordan forget there was chocolate in the house.
    Almost!
    “It’s a new recipe she calls Chocolate Bread Pudding that she made for lunch today. I sweet-talked her into letting me have four pieces even though she wasn’t selling it yet. She said since it’s made with liquor, it would be sacrilegious to serve at seven in the morning.”
    He grinned when he saw Jordan’s face fall. “I convinced her that it was five o’clock somewhere. I’m only sorry I won’t be around to watch your face when you eat it. Just so you know, though, I will expect some kind of sexy reward for my efforts.” He winked before adding, “Later, of course, and back at your place.”
    He bent down to kiss her just as Kate walked into the living room. Her eyes were bloodshot and a little puffy, and Jordan guessed she had cried herself to sleep.
    “Ready, Alex?”
    He turned and kissed his sister’s temple before ruffling her hair. “Hey, wipe that sad look off your face. This will be over in no time, and I guarantee after Jeff works his magic at the station, they’ll be glad to get you out of there.” He tried to sound convincing but couldn’t quite pull it off.
    He followed his sister to the door, but before he walked out, he turned back to Jordan. “My mom’s still asleep. Kate said she didn’t sleep much last night, either. When she wakes up, her cake is on the counter. I know you have a lot of things to do today, and I think she’ll be okay by herself.”
    “I’m good,” Jordan answered. “I don’t think she should be alone. If she’s anything like me, her imagination will run wild if she’s by herself.” She peeked at the clock. “Any idea when you’ll be back?”
    He shook his head, his eyes telling her that he was more than a little concerned. “I have no idea how long this will take, but I’ll try to call to give you some idea.” He headed out the door before pausing, “I owe you big time for this.”
    Then he was gone, and she was left alone to think about what Kate would have to go through at the station. She wished they were going to the Ranchero Police Station instead of the Plainville one. Since Alex had worked with the Ranchero sheriff on an undercover assignment the previous year, they’d become pretty good friends. It might be advantageous to deal with a familiar face.
    Jordan shook her head, finding it hard to believe so much had happened since she’d first met Alex. Had it only been eighteen months ago that she’d gone on her first assignment as a culinary reporter for the Globe ?
    She remembered that day like it was yesterday. She’d been sent by the newspaper to critique the food at a local steakhouse outside of town, and she’d ordered foie gras by accident. It had ended up in her purse when no one was looking after she’d found out it was fatty duck liver and knew there was no way she could eat it. When her dessert came, she’d still been starving, and the restaurant’s chocolate decadence cake had been almost orgasmic.
    She chuckled to herself as she remembered seeing Alex sitting a few tables away and watching his face as she’d performed for him, licking her lips and making soft moaning sounds. He’d tried so hard not to smile but had eventually given in to her antics. It had been her first shot at flirting since her breakup with Brett, and apparently she