Lamb to the Slaughter (Serenity's Plain Secrets Book 1) by Karen Ann Hopkins

comfortable.” He laughed again, and Naomi loved the sound of it. She knew he was just chiding her, but she wished deep in her soul that he wasn’t.
    When Will quieted, he said, “Do you have a boyfriend?”
    Naomi didn’t know if it were the words or the smooth way he said it that caused her skin to tingle. Why would he ask such an inappropriate question, she wondered? Was he sweet on her? Naomi didn’t want to lie to him about Eli, but she didn’t want to tell the truth either. Lucky for her, that’s when Taylor showed up and distracted both of them.
    “Where to now?” Taylor bubbled, and Naomi envied her energy. She was plum worn out, the long night and day finally catching up to her.
    “Home, I do believe.” She turned to Will who held an amused expression on his face. “If that’s all right with you?”
    “Of, course, you’re the boss.”
    By the time they reached the farm, Naomi felt she’d known Taylor, and even Will, for her entire life. The atmosphere was easy going and fun in the cab talking with the two of them. She hated when she had to say goodbye.
    “Thanks again for helping carry the groceries in, and for dinner too.” Naomi eyed Will who’d stepped back into the cab. He was leaning out the window staring at her with interest again. When he grinned and told her, “You’re welcome,” she shivered and turned to Taylor who was standing beside her.
    “Hope I see you again, Taylor.”
    “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be seeing a whole lot of me with Will driving for Uncle Jerry all week.” Taylor smiled brightly.
    Naomi turned back to Will, her heart skipping a beat, “Are you really picking me up in the morning?”
    “Yeah, you and the other Amish girls, but since we’ve become good friends and all, I’ll make sure to drop you off last.”
    Will looked serious and Naomi hastily said in a whisper, moving closer to the window, “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t talk to me in front of the other girls, or else I’ll get into trouble.”
    Understanding flickered in Will’s warm brown eyes. He said, “Sure thing. You can count on me being discreet.”
    Taylor’s voice jumped into the air, tearing Naomi’s gaze away from Will’s handsome face. “It’s almost Fair time. Maybe you could come with us when we go?”
    Naomi had never been to a Fair. It wasn’t allowed. But she wasn’t going to tell Taylor that right now. Who knew, maybe she could work it out somehow.
    “Sounds like fun. I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Naomi said.
    Naomi smiled to herself as she slowly made her way to the house. After the horrible start, what an amazing day it had turned out to be. And, no matter how ill-tempered Mamma might be, Naomi wasn’t going to be brought down tonight.
    As she reached the porch steps, Naomi wondered which guy she’d be dreaming about that night, Eli…or Will?

5
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    DANIEL
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    November 10 th
    L ooking out the window, I thanked God that the sheriff had called first. I would’ve been extremely rattled if she’d shown up at the front door unannounced. Holding the curtain open just an inch, I watched Serenity Adams walk through the soggy grass with Todd Roftin by her side.
    There was no denying that the woman was beautiful, even in the manly officer clothes she wore. But, her fiery and independent nature was disconcerting. Maybe that’s why she wasn’t settled down with a few kids by now. It would take a man of strong constitution to win her heart. Letting my rampant thoughts go, I crossed the floor to open the door when the knocks sounded.
    “Hello, Sheriff Adams and Todd, it’s good to see you both.” I motioned for them to enter.
    “Oh, please call me Serenity,” she said as she removed her hat.
    “Would either of you like a cup of coffee or tea?” I asked, growing more uncomfortable by the second now that the officers were standing in my foyer. Serenity’s face was anxious, as if she wanted to get down to business immediately, but her partner was