Page 28 of Just Dare Me
Now we’re kissing again. I’m completely melted, murmuring against his lips. “Mm-hm, opening day. You really remembered?”
“I wouldn’t have broken my cover for anything else.”
I sigh, feeling my heart give way to him. Completely surrendering. “But why can’t you stay?”
He shushes me with a finger to my lips. “We don’t have long. We’ll talk after the wedding.”
“Wedding! What, now?”
“Russo’s an ordained minister. He did all the cop weddings in Chicago. He was also the emcee, deejay, and caterer at the receptions.”
“Of course he was. But there’s laws, right? Don’t we need a—”
He unfolds a piece of paper. “A wedding license? Got it three days ago. Technically, you were supposed to be there too, so Dominique compelled the county clerk to think she was you.”
I study the license in shock. It’s the real thing, on official state of Michigan letterhead. Next to Jay’s information is my name, date of birth, and our address. The only thing missing is my signature. Jay offers me a pen with a hopeful grin. “All we need now are two witnesses.”
I open the small, sliding back window and wedge my face into the opening. “Shayne Davies task force, get your butts in here now!”
Russo is first to climb in, from the driver’s side. Dominique must have told them the surprise, because Russo has a goofy grin on his face before he even spots Jay. “No shit, partner!” he bellows, and he crushes both of us in a group hug over the top of the seat.
He left the door open, so of course Muppet leaps up into the cab and lunges at Jay, licking his face furiously. His wagging tail whips my legs. For once, I don’t get angry about it. I’m too giddy to do anything but smile from ear to ear.
Nora enters from the passenger side, all smiles. “Hi, I’m Nora. It’s nice to finally meet the person I haven’t stopped hearing about for the last two months.”
“Just like I never stopped hearing about you from Oliver,” Jay says, “when we were researching the revenants together.”
Nora beams proudly. “It’s good to be loved, isn’t it?”
Jay gives me a squeeze. “It’s everything.”
After that collectiveawwwwwmoment, Russo catches up with Jay, while Nora and I turn into total girls, giggling together over the wedding license. The truck fills with the happy noise of sociality. You’d think we really were just a group of friends enjoying a tailgate party.
Until Charlotte climbs in. Jay suddenly goes rigid, as though he’s been shocked by electricity. His grip tightens around me. Charlotte freezes, staring at Jay from behind the black shades. The truck goes silent, thick with tension.
“He’s here, isn’t he?” Charlotte asks.
I look to Jay. He’s gone pale. “Yes,” he says. “Right behind you.”
I see nothing behind Charlotte. When it dawns on me that they’re talking about the ghost of Arael Moaz, I feel an icy dread in my stomach. Jay blinks, grimacing, and I recognize in his face the return of that tortured, broken man I first met—the one who was terrified of the underworld, traumatized by it.
Charlotte backs out. “I should go.”
At the same time, both Jay and I say, “No.”
“Don’t go,” I continue.
“But demons are drawn to me. It’ll be worse for Jay if I’m around.”
“No, Charlotte,” Jay says firmly. “I don’t care if he does act out. You stay. Nobody was ever worse because you were around.”
Russo agrees. “Amen, brother.”
Even after such sweet encouragement, Charlotte seems hesitant. Jay sits forward, which is fairly difficult since I’m wrapped around him and won’t let go. “Think about this. Arael’s a vengeful demon warmonger. When it comes to corny Hallmark shit about love and friendship, he’s got even less tolerance than Shayne. So who’s really haunting who right now?”
Russo laughs. “Loving that.”
I know Jay’s only posturing for Charlotte’s sake, but it still works. She closes the door, resolved to stay.
