As I unwrap my lemon-shaped fruit bowl, I spy a family of ghosts outside the window as they float down the street. They look to be taking a late afternoon stroll around the neighborhood, and I make a note to say hello the next time I see them. I’m not sure how acquainted Jamie is with his neighbors, but I will definitely be bringing them a potted plant to introduce myself. It’s not like I can bake them cookies.
Joanna comes up next to me to investigate what I’ve been staring at, and it’s then I notice the family has a dog—also a ghost. I wonder if it found the family after death or if they’d already been together in life.
“I have a pit like that at the rescue right now,” Joanna tells me. “I wanted to spend time with her tomorrow and give her a bath, but I can’t take the time I need with her when there’s so much else to do.”
“Do you have help?” I ask.
Joanna rolls her eyes dramatically. “I did, but two volunteers backed out on me earlier today. Teenagers: they’re so lazy.” She groans. “I’m so jealous.”
“I can help,” I offer. “It’s the least I can do to repay you for helping me move.”
Joanna’s eyes go wide with equal parts shock and relief. “Really? You don’t mind?”
I snicker. “Why would I mind spending the day with dogs?”
“Ahhh,” she squeals, wrapping her arms around my middle and squeezing, “thank you, thank you!”
With my arms still pinned to my sides, I choke out a laugh. “What time do I need to be there?” I ask, trying to breathe.
Joanna finally lets go. “Just text me in the morning when you get up. Now,” she claps her hands together readily, “I have to ask you something.”
“Okay.” I’m caught off guard by her sudden change in subject, but I’m curious what she’s going to ask.
“Are you and Jamie hooking up?”
I almost drop the ceramic bowl in my hands. “What? Why would you think that?”
My visceral reaction only spurs her forward, and I wish I didn’t wear my emotions on my sleeve. “Because you two very clearly have chemistry.”
“We’ve been friends for years, Jo.”
“Yes, I can see that. But I’m not talking about friendly chemistry. I’m talking about bedroom chemistry.” If only she knew what we were doing on this counter yesterday. “All day he’s been looking at you like he wants to eat you. And what the hell was the comment about you not needing a bed?”
“Jo!” I hiss under my breath, hoping Jamie isn’t around to hear her.
“Okay, okay.” She holds up both hands in surrender. “You don’t have to tell me anything. He’s cute, though.” She winks. “I would most definitely let him step on me if I was in your shoes.”
“Jo.” I don’t exactly know what that means, but I get the general sentiment.
“Just know I’m a great listener when it comes to those sorts of things. You know,” she winks again, more suggestively, “smutty things.”
“Good to know,” I mutter, finally placing the lemon bowl in the center of the kitchen table.
“You girls wanna grab dinner?” Jamie’s deep baritone calls to us from the other room.
Joanna appears positively giddy. “Oh yeah, we can eat.”
Eager to change the subject I yell back to Jamie, “Coming!” and Joanna nearly bursts from the seams with joy.
Chapter Twenty-Three
JAMIE
Later that evening, after Jo leaves, Raegan and I find ourselves alone.
We might be close—especially given how long I’ve known her—but watching her casually brush her teeth after making her come on my kitchen counter is a whole different level of intimate.
Not to mention, I’ve never lived with someone of the opposite sex that isn’t related before.
