Page 10 of Something Cryptid This Way Comes
He takes out his phone, opens the recording app, and sets it on the table. “Tell me about what happened.”
She refills her tumbler with the tawny liquid of her favorite whiskey. “We played our set at The Striped Maple, an homage to eighties punk bands.”
“We rocked the place.” Rae lifts her glass, clinking it to Agnes’s.
“When I was driving home, a massive shadow of something with huge wings was ahead of me on the road. I couldn’t make out what it was, so I turned on my highbeams. I looked up and there, darker than the night sky, was thisthing.” She shivers. “Flying, or more like hovering over me. My heart was in my throat. I nearly ran off the road. Then it flew into the woods.” She shakes her hand toward the sky. “Scariest night of my life. And you know some of the things I’ve seen and done. I’m not easily frazzled.”
Eleanor rubs Agnes’s back in soothing circles and adds, “I saw something huge and hairy in the woods on the edge of the highway last month. Rae saw the same thing a week later by the fairgrounds.”
“And you’re sure it wasn’t a bear?” Bram asks.
Rae lowers her large sunglasses to peer at us over the top. “It didn’t lumber like one. It was quick, on two legs. Moved more like a primate.”
Interest piqued, Bram leans forward, his forearms resting on his thighs while maintaining the contact of our legs. “Have you seen anything since then?”
“We’ve heard things.” Celia glances at Agnes, who nods. “Bram, we’d like you to come to our next gardening club meeting on Thursday afternoon. People there have similar stories. Daniel is convinced there’s a wolf-man in the woods.”
“Sure. I’ll be there.” He leans back, his arm resuming its position draped across the back of my chair.
“My tap dancing class is on Wednesday morning. You can meet me after it. Our instructor saw the winged thing too. He’d like to tell you about it.” Agnes’s eyes light up and I can’t tell if it’s from the excitement of the sightings or having Bram in town. “Oh, and my friend Zeke always puts food out for Mabel. Something’s eating it. You should chat with him.”
Sipping my latte, I listen as the Rocktogenarians toss out name after name of people Bram should meet amid tales of their escapades. The brush of his hand against my shoulder is distracting and comforting, causing an eruption of goosebumps over my too sensitive skin and ramping up my desire to see exactly what the skin beneath his ear tastes like.
Having him back in town is better than I imagined. But I’m beginning to doubt that I’ll be able to keep my feelings hidden. Facing down mythic monsters is less scary than the thought of accidentally blurting out that I love him.
CHAPTER 4
BRAM
The quiet of Trevor’s gray and white kitchen, scented by coffee and the faint trace of toasted bread and ham from the sandwiches we shared at lunch before he returned to the inn, turned out to be a good place for me to jot down notes and record the stories of sightings I gathered yesterday.
I’ve been in here for hours, refueling with coffee and just enjoying being in his space. From my conversations with Agnes and her friends, and the people I met when we grabbed dinner last night at Sparky’s Diner with Ever and Dmitri, I’ve filled several pages. And with the interview I have scheduled for later tonight, I know I’ll add more.
It’s only my second day here, but I hope Trevor and I are able to start most of our mornings together like we did today, sharing coffee and breakfast. I knew I missed him, but I didn’t realize how much. Whenever Trevor and I met up for our group vacations, I always felt lighter, felt like I could breathe, and I figured it was because I was in vacation mode. But being with him yesterday and this morning confirms that it wasn’t the vacations that made my heart feel like it was going to flutter out of my chest. Norwas it hanging out with friends that sharpened my senses so I always knew where Trevor was, even if I couldn’t see him. No, it was the man himself who did all those things and more.
My phone beeps with the alarm I set four hours ago, when I resumed working after lunch. I turn it off, save my document, and glance at Hades, lying on the floor by my chair. “It’s time for us to meet up with Bram and Jo. And Bandit.”
His ears twitch at Bandit’s name, the same way they do when I tell him we’re going on a walk. When Trevor and I came down this morning, we found the dogs curled up together on the couch. I figured they’d get along, and I’m so happy they do.
After closing my laptop, I stand and glance at my jeans, T-shirt, and the black and gray plaid shirt Trevor left hanging on the back of the chair before he went to work. It’s warm and soft, and smells like him. Wearing it is like being wrapped in one of his hugs. He told me I could borrow anything I wanted and I’m taking him at his word.
“Come on, boy, let’s go.”
At the sight of his leash in my hand, Hades dances my way. We grab the key Trevor left so I could lock up, my jacket, and head outside. The air is colder than early October in Philly. Fresher too, without the air pollution that comes with living in a big city.
We cross the lawn, go by the carriage house, and then walk up the steps of the mansion. Entering is like stepping back in time. Pieces of furniture that are so familiar mix with newer items I’ve only seen in photos Trevor has shared. The scent is different from when I was a kid too, maple and cinnamon, welcoming us inside.
Jo is behind the desk and Trevor in front, leaning over the polished wood, studying a screen. His burgundy plaid shirt, tighter than the one he wore yesterday, shows off his muscles,as do his jeans, and they have me stumbling to a halt. My gaze lingers on my sexy friend.
“Bram!” Jo spots me first and I tear my gaze from Trevor’s body.
She rushes around the desk, a brunette whirlwind bedecked in purple. Hades pulls me forward, ready to meet a new friend. Trevor, with Bandit trotting beside him, follows at a slower pace.
Jo’s hug is as fierce as I remember. When we separate, she cuddles Hades, her attention split between us. “Seeing you on the socials is nice, but in person is better.”
“Always.” We’ve been friends for almost as long as I’ve known Trevor. “You still like working with this guy?” I clap Trevor on the back and my fingers flex at the combination of soft flannel and hard muscle under my hand. I’m reluctant to let go.
Jo flicks an amused glance at our friend. “Enough that I’m invested in his happiness and well-being. I convinced him to take time off while you’re here. My homecoming gift to you both. You’re welcome.”
