Page 19 of Haunted Hearts
Her words are like a slap in the face. Because I’m pretty sure she’s right. When it comes down to it, that’s exactly what I’m doing. It’s not just for me, though—right? It’s for Zeke, too. And Benji and Phoebe. The opportunity that lies on the other side of this library project could change our fucking lives. Still, I don’t like knowingI’mthe one crushing Lydia’s dream. It makes me feel like shit.
“Fine,” I say coolly. “I won’t offer again.”
“Good. It’s unprofessional.”
Lydia closes the door in my face and I’m left standing out in the foyer. The last rays of the afternoon sun seep golden through the windows, casting long shadows across the hardwood floor. It really is a shame we’re planning to be getting rid of it—it’s beautiful. And carries the presence of thousands of souls who’ve walked across it over the past two hundred years.
Suddenly, a rush of cold, like someone’s icy breath, sweeps across my neck. I freeze.
What thefuck?
I know that feeling—and I can’t be feeling it. There’s noway. My mind must be going off. I shut that ghost shit down forever ago, have spent way more fucking hours meditating than I ever thought I would in mylife—all to make sure that energetic wall I managed to build when I was 18 never gives an inch. And it works—usually. I keep those spiritsout. They can knock sometimes, but there’s no way they can get in.
I never asked for whatever this ability is, and it’s only ever brought me pain. And I’ve only ever hurt people as a result of using it. I don’t care if Zeke says ghost sex is out of this world. I’ve sampled that myself, and I will not be going back. This shitty “gift” comes from Dad, and I’m not interested in any of it. I willnotbe a repeat of my father.
“There’s nothing here,” I say aloud, just for good measure. “I’m not your guy.”
And with that, I’m out of there. Lydia will always hate me, and these fucking ghosts will probably always haunt me. But I don’t need to stick around for it.
twelve
LYDIA
Lydia: So… the architect…
Autumn: ????
Lydia: We were in the library today…
Autumn: ??????
Lydia: After hours…
Autumn: Meet me at Brewed Awakening STAT!
Autumn is already at the corner of Brewed Awakening when I get there. She jumps up from the bench she’s sitting on and walks toward me. Around us, the evening is quiet. The only sounds in the chilly autumn air are the laughter drifting in from the bar and the occasional bark of a far-off dog. My mind’s still spinning from what just happened, and every single nerve ending in my body is on high alert. I’m a little surprised I couldeven coax my legs to move after the delicious way Will fucked me with his fingers up against the library wall.
The library wall.Mylibrary.Fuck. I don’t know what to make of this.
Which is exactly why Autumn’s here.
Ever the fashionista, Autumn’s got on a hip-length navy peacoat that nips in at the waist, emphasizing her hourglass figure. I’m normally a bit envious of her voluptuous figure—especially in the boob department—as my hips always seem to look too wide, my chest too small. But then I think about the way Will kneaded my ass barely even an hour ago, cradling my hips in his giant hands like he couldn’t get enough, and I feel the tiniest bit… smug?
“Well,you’resure glowing,” Autumn says with a smirk as I fall into step with her on our normal route around town.
“Oh, stop,” I say. “It’s dark. I’m notglowing.”
Autumn scoffs, gesturing to the street lamps around us. “There’s plenty of light. I can see just fine. But hey, if you don’t want to admit that you let the gorgeous asshole architect?—”
“Autumn,” I hiss, elbowing her hard in the ribs. I lower my voice. “Don’t say it so loud.”
Autumn’s squeal pierces my eardrum. “So youdid?! You let him fu?—”
“No,” I jump in, gesturing frantically at her to be quiet. In case she’s forgotten, we both live in this town, and I don’t want to have to dodge questions. I’m notashamed—I don’t think any woman who laid eyes on Will would be—but it’s also not a good look to be rolling in the hay with the enemy. “We didn’t… sleep together.”
Autumn shoots me a side eye. “He may always look like someone just took his parking spot, but he’s hot. From the looks of him—and how long it’s been since you’ve had anyone decent—I’d say youwouldn’tget much sleeping done.”
“Wow. Okay. A lot to unpack there.Firstof all, Dylan is decent.” Here, Autumn makes a face and starts to protest, but I cut her off. “Andsecond, Will and I didn’t have sex.”
