Free The Way of the Wicked (Hope Street Church Mysteries Book 2) by Ellery Adams Page B

take my cardboard cat carrier with you,” Grammy added when Cooper turned to leave.
    “What? Why?”
    Grammy threw out her arms in a gesture of helplessness. “I’ve got one of those feelin’s again. The ones I get when there’s an animal nearby in need of help. Just take the carrier and put an old lady’s mind at ease, would you?”
    “Sure, Grammy.” Cooper kissed her grandmother’s papery cheek. “Though the only thing I’m going to bring home is a doggie bag filled with French leftovers.”
     
    • • •
     
    Cooper met Nathan at Can Can’s bar, where they shared half a bottle of white wine and an artichoke-and-goat-cheese tartine. The restaurant was packed. Every bar stool and cafe chair surrounding the white-clothed tables was occupied. The noise of the boisterous diners echoed loudly throughout the eatery. The abundance of raucous laughter, clanking silverware, and raised voices created quite a din.
    “Not exactly a place for quiet talks, is it?” Nathan shouted.
    “It’s a good thing you made a reservation!” Cooper yelled in response.
    A chic young hostess approached the bar and mouthed that their table was ready. Cooper and Nathan were seated next to the front windows, where they could watch passersby. In turn, the people strolling on the sidewalk could gaze at the entrées Nathan and Cooper had ordered. Nathan chose the salmon au poivre accompanied by roasted root vegetables, pickled beets, and horseradish potato puree.
    “You’re welcome to my beets,” Nathan joked. “I’ve never cared for them.”
    “No, thanks. I’d rather have what’s on my own plate.” Cooper smiled at him and then took a moment to appreciate the artistic display of grilled lamb chops, roasted red peppers, olives, and garlic sausage before digging in.
    “I love a woman who eats red meat.” Nathan raised his wineglass in her honor.
    Cooper grinned and clinked her rim against his.
    Nathan talked about how time-consuming his project involving Big Man Products had become and admitted that he’d been considering taking a break from his Saturday volunteering.
    “After this morning, I knew I couldn’t leave,” he said, setting his fork onto his plate, which had been completely cleaned with the exception of the pickled beets. “We need to get to know the other volunteers and quickly.”
    An idea came to Cooper. “Maybe we should host a party and invite all of them. We don’t really have enough time to talk to one another on Saturdays. The focus is on our tasks.”
    “That’s a great plan! What kind of party are you thinking of? Something casual like a potluck?”
    “I’ll ask my sister for suggestions. She’s the queen of organizing social events.”
    After the waiter removed their plates, Nathan gestured to the dessert menu. “Want to share one?”
    Although she wasn’t the least bit hungry anymore, Cooper didn’t want the evening to end. “You pick. I like all sweets.”
    Nathan deliberated over his choices for several moments. “How about the apple split with maple ice cream and praline sauce?”
    The dessert was smooth and rich and Cooper enjoyed every sugar-laden mouthful. Finally, their decaf coffees were drained, their table was cleared, and Nathan insisted on picking up the check. The noise level in the restaurant had dropped several decibels as though in tune with the deepening darkness beyond the front window.
    “Guess we should roll ourselves into the night,” Nathan said and held Cooper’s chair for her as she rose.
    Outside, he took her hand in his. “There’s something different about you tonight,” he said softly as they walked through the parking lot. “You have a glow about you. I’ve always thought you were the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen, but tonight, you’re radiant.”
    Cooper blushed and wondered if Nathan had noticed her fuller cleavage. Cooper had chosen a simple black dress, sandals with a small, square heel, and Grammy’s butterfly pin. And though there was