Page 42 of Hot Ghoul Summer

I listen to the soft metallic noise, so melodic as it drifts on the lakeside breezes. I have to remind myself that this isn’t actually a tropical paradise. I’m hiding for my life, and Lake Erie sees its fair share of blizzards.

But the music, the breezes, and the scent of hibiscus, lime, and sizzling steak and pineapple convince me I’m in paradise.

And when Toby scoops me up and carries me outside onto the beach that’s suddenly right at our door, you can’t convince me otherwise.

“It’s not right to be so afraid and feel so safe at the same time,” I whisper, letting him whirl me around on the sand.

“It’s not dangerous here. That’s why I did everything I could to make you stay,” Toby whispers back, forehead to mine. “When I wasn’t trying to get some Heavenly assistance, I was warding this place. Uh—setting up better mystical defenses. This place was only revealed to you because I wanted it to be, but I’m a little concerned that because I told Gary, that...” Toby gropes for words. “That somehow his information could reveal the location to a third party. I don’t think it can, but I don’t take chances with you.”

I smile as he sets me down. I stay close to him, swaying in his arms. In the moonlight, I see outlines of a skull and dark hollows around his eyes. Angry Toby. Not at me, at the threats around me.

“I do appreciate the extra protection.” But what would he be like in normal life? He seems so sweet, but what would he be like if there wasn’t a crisis? Would he be worrying about me getting hurt at all times? Would he turn into a controlling person who still keeps me a prisoner, trying to protect me from everyday threats?

“You’re frowning. I promise, the wards will hold unless Cross has one hell of a magical assassin on his team—and that doesn’t seem his style.”

“There are magical assassins?” I yelp, eyes wide.

“Um. Not many. Margarita?” Toby runs to get my drink.

“Hey. Tell me something. What happens when this is over? I mean, I can’t hide out forever. Hopefully, you get things taken care of soon.” I push the shadowy fears aside for a moment. I couldn’t have done that a day ago. I guess Toby gives me hope as well as uncomfortable truths.

“Wh-what do you want to happen?” he stammers, sipping from his own glass.

“I want to get a job at a hospital that actually understands the value of nurses and has the right ratio of staff to patients for the level of care required. I want to date a nice guy.” I want to get married. Have kids, maybe. I don’t know if that could even happen with Toby. Then again, I know for sure it would never happen with any of the other losers I’ve dated. I want a man who treats me like a queen, but not always a queen in peril.

“Pine Ridge has one of the nicest hospitals I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. I know some folks on staff there. I could put in a good word.”

“Pine Ridge? Where you live?”

He gives me a bashful look. “Mhm.”

“Answer the question this time. Don’t pass it back to me.” I stare him down. Good. My fighting spirit wasn’t charmed or fucked out of me—not entirely.

“When this is over? I mean, if I’ve still got a job, I’ll go back to work. If I don’t take any further ‘unsanctioned actions,’ I’ll be fine. I’ll go home, back to the little place I have in Pine Ridge.” He looks at me. “You don’t have a job lined up anywhere, yet, right?”

“Not yet.”

“Maybe you’ll end up in my neck of the woods. You could come over for dinner.”

“Dinner?”

“And a movie?”

“Like... we date?”

“Yeah! And...” He stops, a sad smile on his face. “Was this a test? Did I flunk?”

“No. I mean, yes, it was a test. No, you didn’t flunk. That sounds pretty normal.” Normal is suddenly such a prize right now. Normal with a side of amazing, ultra-flexible-tongue boyfriend would be even better.

“Death is a normal part of life when it comes at the right time. Together, we’ll be on the same side. You keep people on this plane until they’re properly supposed to get off,” Toby encourages, clinking his glass to mine.

“I’d like that.” I swallow a large gulp of the icy drink and move to the big purple beach blanket that’s spread on the sand. “Life is full of ordinary dangers, especially when you’re a nurse. There are drunk patients, drug addicts, contagious viruses, stress, lifting-related injuries, and so many more.” I tick off the problems I’ve pledged to face.

“There are dangers in every job. That is a natural part of life, too.” Toby joins me on the blanket.

“Would you let me live a natural life, or would you be popping up every five minutes, telling me ‘Don’t touch that patient, she’ll give you a cold!’ ‘Stay in the house! Today you’re going to get in a car accident!’ Actually, that would be handy.”

“But you can’t live like that, and I can’t work like that. If you like, I’ll make sure your scroll is sealed when this is over. I’ll never be able to peek again. Whatever happens, happens. I’ll just be loving you while it does.”

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