Page 14 of Gift for My Ghost

Jessica slept better than she’d expected. She’d been afraid that the old nightmares would return, but perhaps knowing that Leo was watching over her had kept them at bay. She’d also been afraid that he might look at her differently, but he gave her his usual warm smile before she headed off to the bathroom.

As she stood under the shower, her thoughts kept returning to the previous night. She couldn’t remember ever feeling that aroused, that needy. She hadn’t been afraid at all, just excited, until… She shivered and quickly finished her shower.

It wasn’t until after she dressed and looked at herself in the mirror that she realized she’d instinctively chosen one of her old outfits—a skirt with multiple layers of gauzy fabric and a brightly colored tunic layered over a silk cami and a tightly laced vest. She’d added most of her necklaces and pulled on her favorite pair of Doc Martins.

“You look beautiful,” Leo said as she walked out of the bathroom.

“Thank you.”

He frowned, studying her more carefully, and she could tell that he’d realized what had triggered her outfit. His expression softened and he moved closer.

“We’ll take this as slowly as you want.”

“If we can take it at all,” she muttered, but he smiled at her.

“Then I’ll be happy just spending time with you.”

“Really?”

He started to hold out his hand, then stopped.

“Really. As much as I want to touch you, to be with you, I’m also happy just being with you.” He sighed. “Although I’m obviously not capable of expressing it very well.”

She had to laugh and he grinned at her.

“That’s better.”

She took a deep breath, then lightly placed her hand on top of his. She could feel his hand, big and firm and still roughened by the work he’d done in life, but to her relief it felt safe rather than intimidating and she smiled at him.

“Then you can be with me while I eat breakfast.”

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’re cooking bacon?” he asked hopefully, and she laughed again.

“I was thinking of a kale smoothie.”

He gave a mock shudder then smiled at her, and she wrapped her hand around his as they walked into the living area. Maybe she could pick up some bacon for tomorrow.

He opened the doors to the balcony while she made her smoothie and she joined him there.

“Someone saw me yesterday while I was out here,” he said casually, and she almost choked.

“What? Who?”

“I’m not sure. A woman. Small. Curly white hair. Green skin.”

She groaned.

“Flora. I should have known. What did she say?”

“She told me to hurry up. That it was already the beginning of October. That’s what started me thinking about All Hallow’s Eve. Who’s Flora?”

“The town’s resident busybody. She’s an orc.”

“An orc? But she’s so tiny.”

“She has a fairy somewhere in her ancestry. Maybe that’s why she always seems to know more than everyone else—even if she rarely bothers to explain what she knows.” She tapped her fingers on the railing, considering. “I had intended to call a few acquaintances about your… situation, but maybe I should start closer to home and consult her instead.”

“Do you think she knows anything about ghosts?”

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