Page 9 of It'll Always Be Her

“It’s entertainment, nothing more and nothing less.”

“In my case, it’s quite a bit more, actually,” Bee said.

She hadn’t told the producers that she wanted to use the show in her fight to save the library. She knew the house’s history and the story of John Marcus would be enough to entice them. But she’d also thought they were all hard-core believers—on board with the other world and in sync with the magical.

Well. It certainly wasn’t the first time her illusions had been shattered.

“All right, then, Dr. Powers—”

“Adam.”

“Adam.” His name tasted good in her mouth, like a ripe plum laced with brandy. She cleared her throat. “Adam, the ghost of Captain John Marcus lives in this library. He haunts these rooms and makes his presence known both visually and aurally. I promise you will have evidence of his existence and proof that not even a skeptic like you can debunk.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. Her belly fluttered almost in warning. She didn’t want to know how a full-fledged smile from him might affect her.

“Is that a challenge?” he asked.

“Absolutely. The Bliss Cove Libraryishaunted.”

“I believe that you believe that.” He straightened, his gaze still on her. “And I accept the challenge. I haven’t been bested by a hoax yet, nor do I intend to be. But I’m happy to let you try.”

He reached for a pecan roll, but Bee slammed the lid back on the box. Their fingers brushed, and an electric shock snapped across Bee’s skin so sharp and fast that she gasped. Adam looked startled, pulling his hand away from her as if he’d been burned.

“See?” She snatched the box of pastries out of his reach and stepped away. “Even Captain Marcus’s ghost is telling you that these are for open-minded individuals, not arrogant scientists who think they know everything about this worldandother worlds.”

Wedging her way out from between the counter and a library cart, she strode toward the conference room. Adam’s deep chuckle followed her the whole way.

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