Murder By the Glass Michele Scott

Chapter 29

Nikki lay awake for hours tossing and turning, willing sleep to help her escape from this madness. Life was bizarre, sad, funny, and so ironic. She didn’t know what to think of Andrés’ words and kiss that had surged through her like a bolt of lightning. She also didn’t know what to think of Derek and his flirtations, and then the way he continually backed off. It was enough to drive a woman crazy.

Then there was the issue of that biological clock that had somehow started ticking recently. Maybe it was when she’d seen those little children with their parents at the hotel in the city, or maybe it was the fact that every time she saw a baby these days, she got all mushy inside. And Andrés wanted that. He desired a family, and God, how he could kiss. But she couldn’t deny her feelings for Derek. No matter what, they were there bubbling over the surface and she wanted to flipping explode.

Maybe Andrés was right. Maybe she should take that chance with him. Derek certainly didn’t seem to be all that interested, and she was sure she’d sent him the signals. One minute he was hot and the next minute he was cold. Andrés did seem to know exactly what he wanted, and that was her. Both men were maddening in their own way.

Nikki was at least thankful for the fact that her best friend was now home and in her own bed, free to let her life unfold. She turned on the clock radio on the nightstand. Sheryl Crow was singing “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” When the singer got to the part about trying to love again, Nikki groaned and turned it off.

She started to drift off to sleep with so many questions still on her mind, one in particular kept playing out. Was it better to try and fall in love with a man she had simmering feelings for—a man she considered a dear friend? Or should she continue pining away for a friend she wished loved her in the way she loved him? There had to be an answer out there somewhere, but for that moment, sleep finally took precedence and would delay any answers to the questions on her mind and in her heart.

Strawberries & Cream Napoleon
with Deerfield Ranch Gold, Late
Harvest Dessert Wine

So, the question remains, will Nikki and Derek ever fall into each other’s arms, or will Andrés be the one who holds the key to her heart?

No matter who the man of her dreams turns out to be, she can’t go wrong with this sensual and simple dessert. It’s full of berries and whipped cream! Karen Bertrand and her husband, Christian, the owners of the Glen Ellen Inn Restaurant and Cottages, were gracious enough to share this recipe. Karen also recommends pairing it with Deerfield Ranch 2000 Gold Late Harvest Dessert Wine. It’s a full-bodied botrytis white wine, very rich and very sexy (think of the Marilyn Monroe of dessert wine.)

MERINGUE

4 egg whites
1¹⁄2 cups of confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp Framboise liqueur

Heat oven to 200°. Line baking sheet with baking paper. In electric mixer, beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Add confectioners’ sugar slowly, and continue to beat for approximately 10 minutes, until firm. Gently fold in Framboise liqueur.

Using pastry bag, pipe mixture directly onto baking sheets into flat heart shapes. Bake 2 hours, until meringues are dry.

STRAWBERRY CREAM

1 cup mascarpone
7 oz heavy cream
¹⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tbsp Framboise liqueur
Fresh strawberries, tossed in sugar

Combine all ingredients and whip until they fold into soft peaks.

Assembly

Place meringue on plate; top with dollop of strawberry cream, top with meringue; repeat with more strawberry cream and top with meringue. Garnish with fresh whipped cream; this is also delicious served with strawberry champagne:

Fill glass ³⁄4 with champagne, add 1 oz Framboise liqueur, garnish with fresh strawberry and raspberry.