Read Evil In Carnations for Free Online Page B

into him. “Our weekend doesn’t have to end right now, Salvare.”
    “I think it already ended.” He cast a pointed look toward Nikki’s room.
    “I’m truly sorry about that.”
    He pulled me into his arms and gazed down at me with those sexy brown eyes. “That’s okay, Sunshine. We’ll have next weekend in Key West all to ourselves. Imagine us snuggled into that cozy little bed-and-breakfast just blocks away from Mallory Square. We’ll watch the sunset from the pier, then hit the town for a few hours, maybe listen to a band at Sloppy Joe’s or Schooner Wharf, then go back to the inn and . . .” He lifted an eyebrow.
    Oh, baby. “I can’t wait.”
    “Me either.”
    After a long, dreamy kiss, Marco left. As I locked the door behind him, I thought, Key West, here we come! I just hoped I could get Nikki out of her funk before we went so I could leave with a clear conscience.
    I poured two glasses of cabernet and carried them to Nikki’s room. “Hey, open up. I’ve got full glasses in my hands.”
    Nikki opened the door, then went to sit on her bed, long legs folded beneath her, back pressed against the headboard, a purple stuffed bear hugged against her chest. I put her wine on the bedside table, then sat on the edge of her bed. “Talk to me.”
    “About what? Being a big loser?”
    “Will you stop throwing yourself a pity party? It’s getting old.”
    “Well, I am a loser. I mean, look at me, twenty-six years old and all alone again. And there you two are—kissing, cuddling, holding hands, showing off your coupleness.”
    “Coupleness? Is that even a word?”
    “Shut up. You know what I mean. You flaunt being together.”
    I blinked at her in surprise. “No, I don’t.”
    “Oh, please. Every other word out of your mouth is Marco . I get it, Abby. You’re happy with him.”
    “Well, excuse me for being happy.” Scowling, I took a sip of wine, but didn’t enjoy it.
    Nikki sighed miserably. “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I’m glad you’re back together. I just wish you wouldn’t be so . . . I don’t know . . . smug about it.”
    “Okay, now you’re pissing me off. I am not being smug, or trying to flaunt my relationship. In fact, we’ve bent over backward to include you in our plans.”
    “Well, thanks for the favor.” She tossed the bear aside and got up. “Nothing like trying to make me feel worse.”
    Time for some tough love. “Poor Nikki Ann Hiduke,” I said, grabbing both glasses and following her to the kitchen, “can’t find a decent date. Well, here’s an idea. Get off your duff and go look for a guy, instead of whining in my ear every day about not having a guy.”
    She pulled a carton of ice cream out of the freezer, slammed the door, and whirled to glare at me. “Get off my duff ? Who says duff ?”
    “I was trying to be nice. But you know what? I’m sick of having this conversation with you. For the last time, stop being such a coward and get back out in the dating scene.”
    Nikki shoved the carton back into the freezer, then marched toward the living room in indignation. But by the time she reached the sofa, she was crying again. “You’re right,” she bawled into her hands. “I am a coward. I’m afraid of being dumped again. It hurts so much, Abby. I love Scott!”
    I put down our glasses and went to hug her. “I’m sorry, Nik. I know you’ve been deeply hurt. It’s totally understandable. I’ve been there, remember?”
    “I thought we were going to get engaged at Christmas,” she sobbed.
    “Yeah, well, I was two months away from walking down the aisle when Pryce pulled that petal-strewn rug right out from under me. Try explaining that to your family and friends.”
    “I’ll wind up an old maid,” she wailed. “I’ll take in stray cats and grow out my fingernails until they curl and everyone will call me the crazy cat lady of New Chapel.”
    Back to the pity party. “Okay, stop that. You’re going to find someone.”
    “I don’t