Page 45 of The Princess and the Pizza Man

His heart hummed under her palm, and he swallowed hard. “I’m not so sure he has.”

Her wide eyes blinked up, and he almost laughed at what he knew she had to be thinking—did he really just say that?

Yes, he had. And he’d meant it.

His hands trailed up her sides slowly, and he gauged her reaction, making sure she was okay with him doing this—not just in front of everyone, but at all. When his fingers grazed just under her chin, a smile grew on her face, her teeth digging into her bottom lip. He let out a small chuckle when he heard a small squeal escape her.

She rose on her tiptoes, his hands moving to cup her cheeks and hold her like the precious gem she was. He leaned in, nose grazing nose, breath mingling with hers.

“I know who did it!”

The music cut mid-song, dancers stopped moving, and Will leaned back, breaking away from Winter who looked disappointed and irritated.

Alexis charged over with Detective Stacey, holding her trusty notepad up into the air. “I’ve solved it!”

Winter’s shoulders slumped; Alexis taking over the show was obviously not in the script.

“I’ve seen the evidence,” the detective said. “It all makes sense.” Her eyes moved to Winter, who nodded then took a deep breath.

“Who was it, Alexis?” She was back in acting mode. “We need to put this awful person behind bars before they kill anyone else.”

Alexis waggled a finger at her. “Right, we absolutely do.” She gazed around the room, back straightening as if this was finally her moment. Will held back a groan, knowing she was going to put on a show.

“Everyone thinks Michael is guilty,” she said, pointing at him from across the room. He showed no indication of surprise, only crossed his arms and tilted an eyebrow. Bells stood near him, watching him with the same focus Will usually gave Winter. Something clicked in his brain, but he didn’t have the chance to linger on it.

“But that would be too obvious, right? You almost had me fooled, too.” Alexis went back to addressing the room. “The scorned lover only wants what he thinks is his—half of the royal fortune. You were engaged to Winter, weren’t you? And she broke it off.”

Michael dropped his crossed arms, pointing an accusatory finger at Winter. “All I wanted was you, but you didn’t believe me, did you? You just thought I was after the money.” He strode over, his eyes so intense that Will had the urge to knock the man flat on his rear, even though the guy had about fifty pounds and six inches on him. “But I loved you, Winter. I still do.”

Winter looked frightfully back and forth between Michael and Stacey. “Please, not now. I can’t do this right now.”

“She won’t be able to do it ever,” Alexis butted in. Michael’s brow furrowed, and he spun around.

“What are you talking about?”

Alexis took another deep breath, suppressing what looked like a wide smile. “Who was at every event this week?” she said. “Who traded desserts with Joshua? Who was out in the gardens where Edward was last seen? Who wants Michael behind bars so she doesn’t have to share her fortune?”

A collective gasp fell across the room, excited whispers of shock bouncing from guest to guest. Eyes fell to Winter, including Will, who couldn’t keep his mouth shut. An amused and unapologetic glint rose in her gray irises as her eyes met his, and it went away just as quickly as she put her acting mask on.

Her head flashed to the door, and she took off. Will had to give her credit for being able to run so fast in those ridiculous shoes.

“Stop her!” the detective shouted. A couple of security guards blocked the ballroom exit, and Winter turned, panic written on her beautiful face. Will couldn’t help smiling, watching her act this out, watching the last person he suspected become the murderer of the entire show. And she’d kept it hidden so well from even him; the respect he’d had for her tripled.

“Winter Garland,” the detective said, grabbing her by the wrists and snapping handcuffs on, “you’re under arrest for the murders of Joshua Ortega and Edward Finch.”

“It’ll never hold up in court,” Winter shouted, sent daggers at Alexis. “I’ll get my hands on that notebook, you hear? You haven’t seen the last of me!”

Detective Stacey pulled her from the room, and the guests erupted in applause. Will joined in, knowing he’d be much more enthusiastic about the reveal if it hadn’t come at the worst time in the world.

The music started up again, and the excitement didn’t ebb as the guests chatted, danced, and snacked. Many congratulated Alexis on her dedicated research, including several actors. Will waited around for Winter to come back, but after a half hour, he resigned to the fact that she probably wouldn’t appear again until tomorrow when everyone left.

Bells sidled up next to him, her eyes distant. Garreth was on the dance floor, spinning Alexis around under his arm. Michael was nowhere to be found.

“You ready for bed?” he asked.

She let out a long sigh, turned to him, and nodded. He held out his arm and escorted her back to their room, an empty and lonely feeling in the pit of his stomach.

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