Free Recipe for Love (Entangled Select Suspense) by Dyann Love Barr

keep.
    “We threw around the idea of helping Detective Jericho, but—”
    “According to the talk I had with the commissioner, whose wife is an ardent fan of your show, he’s more than willing to let you work on the investigation. Of course we will be donating some new equipment for the CSI department.”
    Her heart sank. She knew exactly where the conversation was going. “But I don’t think I’ll be able to do it. I have to be in Philadelphia on Tuesday.”
    “My personal assistant has rescheduled your book signing for two weeks from now. This is more important.” Hirschberg didn’t give her a chance to argue. “Kelly’s idea is great. Can you imagine what it will do for ratings? We’ll be sure to do an entire feature on the two of you helping to solve the murder.” He stopped just long enough to breathe and hurried on. “Of course it will be done in good taste—as a memorial to Max.”
    She glared at Jordan, who took a sudden interest in the arrangement of his place setting at the table. “Of course.” It was difficult to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. He had more or less told her that the idea was a complete stinker, and now he planned to cash in on it, along with The Culinary Channel.
    “Let me know when the police have something solid. I’ll keep Miranda and Nick there to film.”
    She narrowed her eyes. The rat sat there looking as innocent as a big-eyed harp seal pup. “Okay, but I can’t guarantee they’ll allow a cameraman to follow us around.” One way or another she’d find a way to put the kibosh on the project, especially if it meant greasing the skids from under her remaining nemesis.
    “That’s my problem. You two stay put until I tell you to leave.”
    “But—”
    Hirschberg cut the connection. Obviously, her boss didn’t want to hear any of her objections, not when he could be chasing dollar bills to his heart’s content.
    She stabbed the icon to turn off her phone, wishing it were her boss’s eyes she poked.
    “It looks like we’ll be stuck in Kansas City for a bit longer than planned.” She swiveled to face Jordan. “What were you thinkin’? Or did you even bother to think?”
    “You’re the one who mentioned helping the police. The more I thought about it, the better I liked the idea. It’s perfect. We both like crime.” He pointed at her. “You watch all the technical stuff, I know the criminal mind.”
    “So the NYPD whips out the old phone book and begs you to come to their rescue whenever there’s a case they can’t solve?”
    He frowned. “Don’t be sarcastic. It doesn’t suit you.”
    “How do you know what does or doesn’t suit me? You don’t know anything about me.”
    “I know you’re a pain in the ass.” The Jordan Kelly she recognized, and didn’t much care for, roared to life.
    A red haze filmed her vision. No matter how gorgeous he might be, right now, he looked like the Prince of Lies, the Devil Incarnate, and an asshole all rolled into one. “And the sun shines out of yours?”
    “Calm down.” He took her arm and led her out of the restaurant. “You’re close to making a scene,” he snarled into her ear, hurrying her past a few people loitering around the restaurant door. “That’s the last thing we need. Reporters will eat it up with a spoon.”
    “I don’t care.” She jerked away and walked as fast as she could until she was a good ten feet ahead of him. She’d reached the end of her endurance and wanted nothing more to do with death or Jordan Kelly.
    “Whoa, hold up.”
    “I’d rather be stuck in Possum Trot, Tennessee than here with you. Believe me, what Possum Trot lacks in excitement, it makes up for in boredom.”
    “Possum Trot?” A laugh erupted from him. Several hotel guests turned to gawk at them. “Seriously?” He snickered. “Possum Trot?”
    She waved at him to shush. “Be quiet. It’s not funny. Kansas City used to be named Possum Trot, too.”
    “You’re kidding.” His chuckle sounded