Page 15 of Gift for My Ghost

“She knows something about everything, and the fact that she spoke to you probably means she’s already involved.” She checked the time on her phone, then nodded. “I have an hour before I need to be downstairs so this is probably a good time to go look for her.”

“I wish I could go with you,” he muttered.

“I do too.” She hesitated, then put her hand on his shoulder and went up on her tiptoes. “But you can at least kiss me goodbye.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”Mostly.

Her heart raced as he lowered his head but as soon as his mouth touched hers, her nerves disappeared, lost in a rush of pleasure. The taste of apples and the feel of his mouth against hers sent desire racing through her body, and she clung to his shoulders to support herself. She could feel his body responding, and she pressed closer against his erection.

He groaned into the kiss but kept it light and undemanding. When he finally pulled away, she could see the strain on his face. To her relief, there was no fear this time—only arousal—but she was painfully aware of how unfair it was to him. She reluctantly let him go and stepped back.

“I’ll see you later,” she promised.

He watched her go, the heat still lingering in his eyes, and she had to force herself to keep moving. She was halfway across the front hall when she realized that Cody was standing in the middle of the front parlor watching her, a broom in his hands. The brownie gave her a thoughtful look, then grinned.

“About time.”

“Time for what-” she began, then gave up. “I’m assuming you have questions?”

“Not at all,” he said cheerfully, but the sparkle in his dark eyes belied his words.

“Are you sure? You’re usually the first to ask.”

He shrugged.

“Nah. Just glad you’re not alone any more. Either of you.”

He strolled off, whistling jauntily, before she could think of a response. Was there anyone in this town who didn’t know her business?Which means I need to tell Wendy, she thought guiltily as she hurried by her friend’s house.Before anyone else tells her.

Her search for Flora proved fruitless. She wasn’t at the inn she owned, or the diner by the river, or her grandson’s bakery. She even checked the tavern at the edge of town, but it was empty except for a few early drinkers, most of them werewolves. They eyed her like she was their next meal and she left as quickly as possible.

Maybe Flora will respond to one of my messages, she thought as she trudged back up the hill. If not, she’d try again tomorrow.

She was almost back at the restaurant when a chipper voice made her jump.

“Looking for me?”

Flora was perched on the stone wall running in front of one of the older houses on the street, looking rather like some exotic bird in her sequined fuchsia tracksuit.

How the hell did I not see her?

“Yes, I was looking for you.” She hesitated, then decided there was no point in beating about the bush. “You told Leo that October was important. Why?”

“Did I?” Flora batted her eyes. “My memory just isn’t what it used to be.”

“You’re as sharp as a tack and you know it. Is there anything he can do to become… real?”

Those bright dark eyes studied her and she fought to keep from squirming, feeling oddly like a child called to the principal’s office.

“You don’t think he’s real, dear?”

“Of course he is. I just meant…” She waved her hand helplessly. “I meant… touchable.”

“Seems to me you’re doing pretty well on that front already. Don’t lumberjacks have the most amazing hands? I remember the first time I ran into one.” Flora sighed reminiscently. “He was an orc living deep in the woods. Hadn’t seen a female in months.” She winked at Jessica. “What that male could do with his hands—not to mention his–”

“You’re changing the subject,” she said quickly. “Can Leo become corporeal again?”

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