Page 4 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

I gave him a cheeky grin. “And neither are ghosts.”

The gorgeous giant laughed, the sound husky and rough, as though he didn’t use it much.

As though it had a mind of its own, my hand shifted, and my thumb slid across his bottom lip. I was being drawn to this guy like a hungry moth to an ugly Christmas sweater.

“You’re beautiful,” the man whispered, the mirth in his eyes being replaced by something dark and alluring.

I blew out a breathy laugh, trying to drag my wits back to me. “Yeah, if sweatpants-for-life girls are your type.”

When I first started living the easy-breezy-ghost-girl life, I’d spent countless hours learning to visualize and finally swap my outfits. But after a while, I realized no one could see me, so why bother?

And for the past two years, I’d opted to stay in my favorite sweatpants, fuzzy socks, and an oversized white T-shirt. They didn’t get dirty, and I didn’t sweat, so they stayed clean. It was another ghostly perk.

I finished my look with a messy bun to keep my long hair out of my face—and to avoid looking like a certain unkempt and soaking wet ghost chick that scared the crap out of, well, everyone. The last thing I needed was for a kid to see me looking like that and convince the adults to perform an exorcism. I hadno idea if it would work, but it was bound to cut into my reading time.

He shook his head at my words and caught my chin between his fingers. “I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.” His lips moved toward mine.

Holy hollyhocks!

Was he about to kiss me?

Was I about to let him?

After only a moment of hesitation, I tilted my head back, giving him better access to my mouth.

Just as our lips were about to touch, the library’s intercoms crackled and I jerked back, clutching at my no-longer-beating heart as though I might have a heart attack.

It was another reminder that I was far too jumpy for a ghost.

A metallic voice announced, “The library is closing shortly. Please bring your books to the front to be checked out. Thank you.”

“You should probably go.” I backed away from him, not liking the feeling of loss that welled up in my chest as I said the words.

What was wrong with me? I shouldn’t have felt anything over this stranger at all.

He took a step toward me, and suddenly afraid of the pull I felt toward him, I released my ghostly body and allowed myself to become one with the shadows.

Maybe he wouldn’t be able to see me in this form.

Maybe he would leave before he messed up the perfect death I had going for myself.

“I’ll come back.” His eyes scanned the darkness, searching for me.

When I didn’t answer, he returned the book to the shelf. Striding to the door, he flicked off the light and was gone.

Wasabi’s twitching nose appeared at the edge of the shelf, sniffing in my direction. Calling my energy back, I put my ghost form back together.

“I have no freaking idea what just happened,” I whispered, reaching up to scratch his ear.

“Impossible. You must’ve heard her wrong.” Lochlan leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest.

I tossed the paper bag with the fries and hamburgers onto the counter. “Ev! Dinner is here.”

Grabbing one of the foil-wrapped burgers, I took a bite and turned to face Lochlan. “I know what I heard. Plus, I double checked. She was annoyed at me for questioning her.”

“I guess there’s a first time for everything,” Lochlan mumbled, unwrapping his burger.

Evander came down the stairs, a book tucked under his arm. “A first time for what? Has Lochlan finally agreed to read a book?”

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