Page 95 of Revved up & Ready

“You never have to,” Devon laughs. “Don’t worry.”

As soon as the idea of never running again—after putting all this effort into training—settles in, I start to think I’ll actually miss it. “Maybe not another half, but I’d be down for some casual after-work runs every now and then.”

Bea smiles. “Thought you might.”

We all head out for a celebratory late lunch, and maybe it’s just the endorphins talking, but I have the most outrageously delicious burger I’ve ever eaten.

Allie leans across the table toward Cam. “Did you tell her yet?”

I swallow down a mouthful. “Tell me what?”

“Whoops, guess that’s my answer,” she giggles. “Sorry to spoil it.”

“You’re not sorry,” Cam laughs, narrowing his eyes at her. “But that’s okay. It’s time she found out.” He looks at me, and I sneak a fry from his plate. “I found another way for us to check something off your list today.”

“Isthatwhy you were texting me about ghosts?” I ask, eating his fry.

He nods. “Found a haunted bed-and-breakfast between here and home. You and I are staying there tonight.”

I do my best to stay present for the rest of lunch, but it’s a struggle.How haunted is this place? How often do ghost sightings happen? Are they nice ghosts? Did we get the most haunted room?I get my answers when we check in via plaques and sepia-toned photos near the check-in desk.It’s super haunted.

Our room is on the third floor, with a four-poster bed, a writing desk in the corner, and a turret window overlooking rolling hills and oak trees.

“It doesn’t feel haunted,” I whisper.

“Don’t most hauntings happen at night?” Cam asks, putting the bag of clean clothes I packed to change into after the race on the luggage stand.

“Maybe, but if there are ghosts, they’d already be here. Right?” I ask, standing closer to him than necessary.

“Right.” He grabs my hand. “We’d better check.”

We move around the small room, looking behind curtains and under furniture. No ghosts, but when we push open the bathroom door I gasp.

“What do you see?” he asks, concern furrowing his brow.

“That tub,” I point at the claw-footed beauty beneath the window.

He chuckles. “Oh yeah, that’s the other reason we picked this place.”

“We?” I ask.

He explains that Allie, Rhett, and Luke helped him find it while they were waiting at the beach, keeping me company while I take a quick rinse before sinking into a glorious, steaming bath.

“You need anything?” he asks.

“What could I possibly need?” I wave my fingers through the top of the water. “I’ve never been happier.”

“A drink maybe?” he asks. “There’s a store down the street. I was gonna get toothbrushes and stuff too.”

I sit up, sloshing water over the edge of the tub. “Are you trying toleave mewhile I’m naked and vulnerable in a haunted house?”

His eyes drop to my chest where my breasts have risen above the water level. “What was the question?”

“Cameron, what if a ghost tries toget mewhile you’re out buying toothbrushes and rum?”

“So, you want rum?” he asks, backing out of the bathroom. “Got it.”

“Don’t you dare leave me,” I warn, bracing my hands on the edge of the tub as I prepare to chase him.

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