Lyndsey Cole - Lily Bloom 05 - Hidden by the Hydrangeas by Lyndsey Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

me it was love at first sight for him and he had some convincing to do to get her to marry him. I don’t know her very well since they got together well after we graduated from college, and even though we stayed close we didn’t see each other much. At least, not until Harriet and I bought the Lyman Estate and moved back here to Misty Valley.”
    Iris eyed Lily carefully. “Why all the questions?”
    “Nothing in particular. Emma hired me to make some arrangements for a shower she’s having for her niece on Saturday, and after seeing their farm I just got a little curious.” Lily drained the last of her champagne and set her glass down, avoiding Iris’s piercing glare.
    “Well, I hope it doesn’t have anything to do with that body you think you saw.”
    Lily jumped when she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned her head to see Ryan Steele standing next to her.
    Ryan politely excused himself for interrupting their dinner as he zeroed in on Lily. “I need to talk to you.” He looked at the others. “I hope you don’t mind if I steal Lily away for a few minutes, but it’s urgent.”

Chapter 7
     
    Iris winked at Ryan. “I know that feeling, take all the time you need.” She said as she shooed Lily off.
    Ryan held his hand on the small of Lily ’s back, guiding her between the tables to the front door as Daisy jumped up and followed.
    Betty darted over , looking concerned, just before they managed to get outside. “I hope everything is fine, you’re leaving kind of abruptly?” Betty said, more as a question than a statement.
    “Everything was perfect and we’ll be right back for dessert, they needed a little alone time.” Lily nodded toward Iris and Walter who were already cuddling at the table with their heads bent together studying one dessert menu.
    Betty smiled and nodded in understanding of the situation
    Ryan leaned close to Lily when Betty was out of earshot. “That was quick thinking. I wonder if she thought it was weird that I showed up in my uniform looking for you.”
    Lily shrugged. “Maybe if you put your arm around me and give me a kiss, she’ll just assume we’re lovers or something like that instead of some sinister story good for the gossip mill.”
    Ryan didn’t hesitate to take Lily up on that idea, pulling her close and bending down to give her a toe curling kiss.
    Daisy hissed at them, pulling them out the door , “This is not very professional behavior, Mr. Police Chief Steele. You’ll have the whole restaurant staring.” After the front door closed behind them, she added, “Maybe this cold air will cool you two down long enough so you can tell me what’s really going on.”
    Ryan reluctantly let Lily go as his gaze swept over her from head to toe. “You’re irresistible when you get yourself all dressed up.”
    Lily raised one eyebrow and put her hands on her hips, pretending to be annoyed. “And I’m not when I have my tight, comfy jeans and t-shirt on, Mr. Steele?”
    Ryan stuttered , “Umm, that’s not what I meant. Of course you’re also irresistible even without your fancy clothes on.”
    Lily and Daisy roared with laughter as Lily managed to sputter out some advice to Ryan. “Maybe you’d better try not to explain, it’s just getting worse and worse. I know what you mean and thanks for the compliment.”
    “Okay then, that laugh felt good but I need to get back to the serious business I came here about. I’ve got some aerial photos I want you to look at. Can you both come to the station first thing in the morning?”
    “Of course.” Lily looked at Daisy for confirmation before continuing. “ How about seven? Do you have more information?”
    Ryan winked at Lily. “Seven sounds perfect and you know I can’t tell you any details. You’d better get back inside and see if your dessert is there yet.”
    Iris had ordered hazelnut coffee and was cutting into the fruit tart that Daisy had brought. “So what was so important that couldn’t wait until