Page 15 of Road Trip With the Ghost Hunter

“It’s not like that,” I defended. “We’re acquaintances, at best. Met this morning.”

“Never would’ve guessed,” was his response.

“We hadn’t meant to share a room at all. You were all booked up.” My body grew more tense with every need to make him see. Li and I were strangers who were headed in the same direction and would never see each other again after this trip.

“You’re thinking awfully hard over there. Want to talk about it?” Jeremy asked.

“I just met her, man. I can’t go there.”

“You know, it’s funny, thinking back to how I met Dawn,” he started. “She had just moved here from Chicago to help out a friend. They had come out to watch the baseball game at Let’s Score. It’s a sports bar here in town. Foolish girl came dressed down in Sox gear like she was still back home. Had no clue they were our biggest rival.” He laughed at the memory.

“I’ve been a baseball fan my whole life, and I might be the only person in Missouri who loves the Royals and Cards equally. But damned if she didn’t make me want to cheer for that stupid team.”

“We got into a debate about history and sports.” He pulled his ball cap lower. “At some point, I made her laugh and damn, that’s when I knew. That woman was going to wreck my world and bring so much damn light into it. Didn’t even take twenty-four hours. Hell, I hadn’t even known her one night.” Jeremy looked me in the eye. “When that happens, you don’t waste time with logic. Fuck what society, family, people say. I knew I’dmarry that woman before I left the bar.” He took another sip. “Best ten years of my life.”

We finished our whiskeys in silence after that. It was comfortable sitting there with him, but inside, my mind and body were tumbling around. I knew what he meant with that story. I didn’t feel the need to explain. While that was sweet, it was also rare. And just because I was attracted and yes, drawn to Li as well, didn’t mean it was or ever would be anything more.

“Not sure you’re still hungry, but Dawn left you a slice of her best down-home pie. It’s lemon velvet cream, and believe me, you don’t want to leave Heartstone without having a slice. It’s in the kitchen.” Jeremy got up, took his bottle of whiskey, and headed for the front door. “Have a good night, Lucas.”

“You too, Jeremy.”

I sat out there a bit longer. It was officially after midnight. Call me a coward, but I hoped Li would be in such a deep sleep that she wouldn’t hear me settle in for the night. I grabbed the pie, which Dawn wrapped up like a homemade gift for a neighbor. Twine ribbon and all. Shaking my head, I went upstairs and entered the dark room, except for the bathroom light, which Li left on so I could see when I came in.

That tugged on my heart. I walked quietly to her side of the bed, where she slept on her stomach, holding a pillow under her head. Damn, she was beautiful. Her skin looked like soft porcelain. Her hair tumbled all over the bed, even over on my side. The covers rested at her waist, revealing a light gray, thin-sleeved PJ top. All that soft skin. The temptation to run the back of my fingers down her arm.

I closed my eyes, berating my thoughts. I got ready for bed and slowly eased into my side. My mind still wired, I sat against the headboard and unwrapped my pie. I left the bathroom light on so I could see without waking Li.

I took my first bite and hell. I accidentally groaned out loud. That shit was good. Lemon-filled and tart but balanced with sweetness. So creamy. And her crust was buttery and flaky.

“I know, right?” Li’s sleep-soaked voice caused me to startle. That sleepy chuckle went straight to my dick. “Sorry,” she smiled up from her pillow. I hadn’t even noticed that she had turned over at some point, facing me. “What time is it?” her groggy voice asked.

“I’m sorry I woke you,” I said quietly.

“It’s okay. I was having a weird dream anyway.” She settled deeper into her pillow.

“It’s past midnight,” I answered. “And what was the dream?” She was eyeing my pie. “Didn’t you already have your own?” I teased.

The smile she flashed could’ve stopped my damn heart. She pushed herself up and I held in my groan this time because that damn cotton PJ tank gaped open and gave me a full view of her firm petite breasts. I focused on my pie. Next thing I knew, her finger was dipping into the cream on top and bringing it to her mouth.

I looked at her, offended, which caused a musical laugh of pure joy to come out.

Fuck, I was in trouble.

Leaning against the headboard, we were shoulder to shoulder. “My grandmother,” she quietly offered.

I looked over, her warm brown eyes focused on my shoulder. I forked a bit of the pie and brought it closer to her. Her eyes met mine with a smile in them. Li leaned forward and wrapped those full lips around my fork. Swallowing, I watched every move with intense focus. She moaned quietly, which did not help my body from behaving.

Fucker, stay down.

“I almost forgot how good that is. I convinced myself I must have dreamed it,” she said.

“Jeremy warned me not to leave town without a slice.”

“You saw Jeremy?” she asked.

I nodded while taking another bite. “Had that whiskey Dawn told me about. He was hanging out front when I got in.”

“And how did everything go? With your errand?” Her voice was soft, a little cautious.

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