Page 27 of Gift for My Ghost

“You’re the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. I don’t ever want to lose you.”

His smile widened as he lowered his mouth to hers and she shoved her worries aside for the moment, determined to enjoy their time together.

CHAPTER 12

Halloween

Leo watchedthe golden light of dawn filter through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Jessica’s face. He stroked her cheek, relishing the softness of her skin beneath his fingers and hoping desperately that he would still be able to touch her tomorrow.

“Today is the day,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

He heard the uncertainty in her tone, the slight tremor that betrayed her fear, and wrapped his arms around, attempting to comfort her—and himself.

“We’ve come this far,” he said softly. “Whatever happens, we face it together.”

She nodded, but her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, and he could almost see the thoughts racing through her mind, the doubts and fears that had plagued them both in the days leading up to this moment. Tim hadn’t manifested again, although he’dcontinued to make his presence known—overturning tables and breaking glasses, causing whatever damage he could.

Frustrated by the vandalism and concerned that someone might get hurt, Damian had decided to close the restaurant until after Halloween. He knew that Jessica felt guilty about that as well, but he thought it was a sensible decision. Unfortunately, it had also given her more time to worry.

Although he did his best to hide it, he shared her fears. What if the ritual went wrong? What if it brought Tim back instead? He resolutely pushed his doubts aside, concentrating on the woman in his arms as they lay there, watching the sun climb higher in the sky. For better or worse, today was the day that would change everything.

At last she sighed and wiggled free.

“Time for breakfast.”

He watched appreciatively as she stretched, the pale strip of skin it revealed when her top lifted as enticing as ever. His cock, already swollen from having her in his arms, flexed against his jeans. If they hadn’t been part of his ghost form, he was sure he would have worn a hole in them by now.

Instead of getting dressed, she pulled on a short, silky robe and headed for the kitchen. He followed, smiling appreciatively when she pulled out a package of bacon. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling bacon soon filled the air and he leaned against the counter watched her move about the kitchen, her movements as precise and graceful as ever.

“Has Gladys given you any more information?” he asked.

Jessica had been to see the witch several times since Tim had appeared, but Gladys hadn’t been particularly helpful. She sighed, her hands trembling slightly as she flipped the bacon.

“Just the same warning not to let Tim distract me.” She shook her head, spatula pausing mid-air. “What does that even mean?”

“It just means we have to stay focused,” he said softly. “I know you can do this, sweetheart.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly at his words and she turned to face him, searching for reassurance. He held her gaze, pouring all his love and faith into that look.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if something goes wrong? What if–”

“We can’t think about the ‘what ifs’ right now,” he said gently. “We have to believe that this will work. And if it doesn’t, we’ll just try again next year.”

He hated the thought of spending another year in limbo. Every year the world drifted further away from anything he understood, but as long as he was with her, he would find a way to cope. Her expression lightened a little.

“That’s true. This doesn’t have to be our only chance.”

Unless Tim ruined everything. He suspected that she was thinking the same thing but neither one of them mentioned it. He cupped her cheek gently, then opened the French doors leading out onto the balcony and walked out, smiling at the now familiar feeling of the cool morning air. He pulled in a deep breath as the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke tickled his senses. It was a perfect autumn day, the sky clear and blue overhead.

As he glanced down at the quiet street below, he felt an odd pull toward the edge of the balcony. He approached it cautiously, expecting to feel the usual invisible barrier, but there was no resistance. He stretched out his hand, watching in disbelief as it extended past the balcony’s edge.

His heart, though long silent, seemed to leap in his chest. Was it possible that he could actually leave the manor? That he could explore the town, walk beside Jessica in the daylight, interact with people…

He did his best to temper his excitement, afraid to get carried away, but he couldn’t help imagining the possibilities. Was it possible that his situation had changed, even without the ritual?

Before he could decide, a familiar figure appeared on the street below. Flora, clad in a bright orange tracksuit with “Witch, please” scrawled across her chest, her arms crossed and an annoyed expression etched on her face. His excitement dimmed slightly at her disapproving look.

“I feel… different,” he said. “Like I can actually leave this place.”

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