Page 11 of Dancing with a Ghost

"They said I've been stealing! You know me, Tabs. I'd never do anything like that."

She turned to me and rolled her eyes. "I've got this, Toby. I know what he's like when he's had a drink. I'll make sure you get your things back and I'll pour him into a taxi."

"Are you sure? I should really deal with this."

By this time, Aaron had slumped against the wall and gone to sleep. How the fuck did you do that? Not only mid conversation but standing up.

Tabitha prised the bag from his grasp, emptying it out. He did indeed have a few glasses and more than a few pieces of cutlery in his bag and she handed them over to me, an apologetic look on her face.

"Sorry, Toby. I'll get him a cab and send him home."

I kissed her cheek and left her with him, noting Jeremy standing to the side. I nodded to him and returned to the kitchen, dropping the glasses and cutlery into the dishwasher. I could have done without that tonight.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch. I left the clearing up to the night manager and I made my way to my room.

I was lucky my parents let me use one bedroom close to my office, so on nights like these, I didn't have to drive thirty minutes to my apartment.

I kicked off my shoes and collapsed on the bed, exhausted from my long day.

My mind wandered again to my ghost friend, and I wondered what he'd thought of the day. If he'd been here as long as I thought he had, he must have seen some comings and going.

"What did you think of today? I bet it's different to what you know, or knew. I'd love to talk to you again." I glanced around me, waiting for something to let me know he was there, but there was no tobacco smell, no shimmering images. Guess he must have been asleep or whatever it was ghosts did when they weren't haunting.

I yawned, and my eyes drooped. So damn tired.

I needed to undress, get under the covers, but I didn't even have the energy to do that. I turned off the light, lying on my side, suddenly feeling a stroke down my back.

"Sleep well," a soft voice whispered. I should have been shocked, should have run for the hills, but instead, I sighed contentedly, relishing the touch. It was the last thing I remembered before sleep claimed me, dragging me under.

Chapter Six

Matthias

Asoftlightfilteredin through the parted curtains, and I glanced around for a clock to see what time it was. I knew it had to be early morning, the sun not quite lighting the sky.

I couldn't believe I'd been here all night. This was the second time it had happened, but the first time I'd woken to find myself alone. Not this time, though. Toby was right there next to me, where he'd fallen into a deep slumber.

Sometime during the night, he'd removed his clothes, so here I was, lying next to a near naked body. It was the first time this had happened to me and I wasn't quite sure what to do about it.

Looking over at his sleeping form, I noted how his lashes brushed his cheeks, his eyelids fluttering as he dreamt. I wondered what was going through his mind. Was it me? Did I occupy his thoughts and dreams?

The temptation to touch him, if only for a second, was strong. He wouldn't know if I did but lying here next to him, I'd never felt this good, as if just the nearness of him was making me feel alive.

My fingers moved, almost of their own accord, and I ever so gently touched his cheek. The tingle I'd experienced before was there, not quite as intense, but I felt his energy flowing into me, feeding my depleted reserves.

My gaze swept lower to his naked body, the sheet barely covering him. I'd never had the opportunity to view a man this close before. Yes, I'd seen a nude man. Showers in the barracks weren't exactly private. I'd shied away from them, worried that my body would give me away.

Looking at Toby would be perverted without his knowledge. It wasn't something I was comfortable with but it didn't stop my mind running wild, imagining what he'd look like, what his cock would look and feel like.

The thought sent a thrill through my body, one I'd not experienced in years. Could a ghost have an erection? Would I feel the same sensations as before or was it all lost to me?

I daren't look nor move my hand lower to investigate, but a warmth in my groin told me something was happening, real or imagined.

Toby murmured in his sleep, bringing my attention back to him. How handsome he was, how utterly captivating, and I stared, wondering how on earth I was going to achieve my task, make such a strong connection that my body and soul would be returned to me.

He rolled onto his side, facing me, and the sheet that was hiding him fell to the bed, exposing his body to me.

My eyes widened as I gazed at his glorious body. I allowed myself to study him in detail, no longer hindered by the bedsheet. His skin was golden and smooth. No hairs graced his body, not even around his cock. He was completely bald. It baffled me, as it was not something we'd done in my day, but the effect was arousing and that warmth I'd felt before became more heated. I felt myself swell, a throbbing between my legs.

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