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

removed their salad plates. She then served their entrées.
    “I want it all!” Tobey exclaimed. “Shopping cart, promotional videos, banner ads on the top, search-engine sites as well as Facebook and YouTube. The only thing I don’t want is a way for people to pay with credit cards.”
    Nathan looked surprised. “Really? That’s kind of standard with business websites. Lots of folks pay with credit cards. It’s convenient.”
    “No plastic,” Tobey insisted. “I’ll take PayPal or whatever program will put money directly into my bank account, but that’s it. For a small-business guy like me, those credit card company fees are too steep. They really bite into my profits.”
    Nodding, Nathan turned his attention to Cooper. “How’s the steak?”
    “It’s really good,” she said. “My daddy would give his left leg for a bite.”
    “Your daddy ?” Tobey mocked her good-naturedly. “That is so Southern.” He dropped his cutlery on his plate and leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. “I thought this whole interview thing was kind of weird. Most people dream of getting a client like me who wants the works and has the money to pay for it, but I guess when you’re the best, you can do things your way.” He looked at Nathan as he signaled for the waitress. “And I could tell right off, by checking out your other sites, that you’re the best.”
    Nathan’s cheeks grew warm at the compliment, but he said nothing. Tobey didn’t seem to notice. He signaled for the waitress again. “I don’t do dessert as a rule, but why don’t we have some Irish coffee? I can see you need a few more minutes to make your decision.”
    “Just decaf for me,” Nathan said and Cooper followed suit.
    Tobey gave the waitress a winsome smile. “And bring me the check, okay? I’m doing my damnedest to impress this man.” He wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Seriously, Nathan. My product gives stringy, wimpy guys some confidence. Sometimes it helps them land a better job. Sometimes it gets them the girl. Sometimes they can finally stand up to the loser who’s been bullying them for years. It’s good stuff, I promise you that. Nothing slimy. Nothing illegal. Just a confidence boost. Everyone can use one of those once in a while, am I right?” He stood. “I’ll go powder my nose, and when I get back I hope you’ll tell me that we can work together.”
    After he left the table, Nathan looked at Cooper. “What do you think?”
    “Lots of people could use a fresh dose of confidence,” she said. “If the product is safe and effective, then it sounds like a good thing.”
    Nathan nodded. “That’s what I think, too. It’s just that Tobey can be a little pushy, so I wanted to make sure I was going into this venture on my own terms. I’m really glad I had you here to help me come to a decision.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, just as the waitress placed their beverages on the table.
    Cooper and Nathan were stirring cream into their coffees when Tobey returned from the restroom. Nathan held his hand out to Tobey. “I’ll build your Big Man site, Mr. Dodge.”
    “Awesome!” Tobey slapped Nathan vigorously on the back just as Nathan picked up his coffee cup. The liquid sloshed over the rim and spilled onto his yellow tie.
    Cooper stared at the stain spreading over the silk. It resembled the dark thundercloud from her dream. While Nathan dabbed at his tie with his napkin, Cooper cupped her hands around her coffee cup in search of warmth.

5
     
    Cooper practically floated into the office on Monday. She kept rewinding the scene at Hondo’s bar when Nathan had told her that he wanted to make more of an effort to see her. Though he hadn’t exactly said as much, she assumed he wanted her to be his girlfriend.
    “You’re grinnin’ like a child on Christmas mornin’,” Angela said. “I have an equally smug smile. I suspect we both have our minds on our men.” She gestured at her desk. “See