SPILLING THE OLD BAY: Our Grumpy Ex-SEAL & Not-So-Ice Princess Tell All! (Or Try Not To…)
Oh, my darlings! You won’t believe what I witnessed at Aisling’s bakery this morning. Our favorite neighbors were having their “totally coincidental” coffee break (the fifth this week, but who’s counting?).
“So, dears,” I asked, sliding into their booth with my signature timing, “on a scale of Old Bay to Ghost Pepper, how spicy was that self-defense class?”
Maddie choked on her latte while Damian’s half-grin appeared – you know the one, ladies! “The class was… educational,” she managed, just as Damian leaned forward with that intense gaze of his. “Very thorough instruction,” he added, making Maddie turn pinker than his infamous towels.
“And these interesting changes?” I pressed. “The Hallmark movies appearing in a certain someone’s Netflix queue? The Formula 1 racing sounds at midnight?”
“Mom’s been visiting,” Damian growled just as Maddie blurted, “Research purposes!” They shared a look that could’ve melted all the snow from last winter.
When I innocently mentioned certain gym… activities, Maddie nearly dropped her phone. “Would you look at the time?” she squeaked, while Damian suddenly remembered a “very important class to teach.” They practically raced out – though I couldn’t help but notice they went the same direction. Again.
Mrs. Bittel swears she saw something through the gym window, but she might need new glasses. (Though that doesn’t explain why she’s ordered three new pairs just to “make sure.”)
The Ladies’ Bingo Night pot remains unclaimed, but between you and me, darlings? Those “practice sessions” must be quite… instructional. 😉
Your favorite town gossip who’s absolutely not installing a bench outside the gym (Though if anyone needs me, that’s exactly where I’ll be!)
PS: Have you already met Maddie and Damian? (the first part Definitely NOT Lovers is free and of course their follow-up # Dear Santa, With Love is already available).
PPS: Oh, and remember audiobooks, I have a few books available on YouTube… (Spotify, Audible, Apple, libraries and more…)
If you’re on my newsletter, I sent a bonus scene yesterday 🙂
Elodie Nowodazkij 