Page 55 of Upside Down Magic

“Looksclosed,”Iansaid, testing the front gate.

Itwas waist-high and easy to unlock from outside.Sincethere were no no-trespassing signs or other warnings,Ianopened it and we went up the flagstone path to the front door.Theyard was kept in good order, and while the first-floor shutters were closed, the ones upstairs were not.Itwas obvious the house was kept in use in some capacity during the off-season.

Irang the doorbell and heard it echo inside the house.

Aftera minute passed,Irang again.

“Eitherit’s closed down or the owners are out,”Isaid after another few minutes of no response.

Ianarched an eyebrow in a clearno, really?motion.

Icleared my throat. “It’simportant to state facts aloud so we know we’re on the same track.”

“Whateveryou say, angel.”

Imock growled at him, and he laughed, then pulled me in for a fast kiss.

ThenIstayed for a definitely longer kiss.

Oncewe were done with our slightly public display of affection,Itook out my phone and brought upJim’snumber, which had been helpfully written down on his business card. “I’mcallingJim.Maybehe can get the owners to open up for us.”

“Whatexcuse are you going to give him?”Ian’shand lingered on my waist over my winter jacket, butIfelt the way he moved his thumb up and down as if it were straight on my skin.

“Don’tdistract me,”Iwhispered, blushing.

“Mmhmm.”

Jimchose that moment to pick up. “JimCooperspeaking.”

“Hi,Jim!It’sHopeAveryfrom theTeaCauldron.”

“Abouttime.AmIin?”

Ittook me a few moments to put two and two together and figure out what he was talking about. “I’mnot calling about theChristmasevent.”

“Thenwhat do you want?I’mbusy.”Hisvoice gained an impatient edge.

“Iwas hoping you could get the haunted house open for me.”

“Whichone?”

“ThethirdSister.”

“Why?”

“Iwanted to do some research on the tale about the servant who left the owners’ son in the basement.Notfor any future haunted house,”Iadded in a rush before his head exploded.“I’m, uh, writing a blog post about haunted places for my website.Youknow with all the witchy theme and…stuff.”

Ahmphwas his answer.

“IfigureIcould also mention your attractions in the blog?”Iventured.

“Ihave nothing scheduled there untilFebruary.”

“Icould be convinced to time my post with whatever gig you have then.”

“Thatsounds like an idea.”

Justnot an idea that impressed him too much, judging by his band tone.

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