“Thank you, Ace. No adult has ever taken me seriously.”
“No problem, kid.” I pull out my phone. “What’s your number?”
He gives it to me and I drop call his phone so he has my number as well. “See you tomorrow.”
“Same time?”
“I’ll be here.”
* * *
Gilbert wrapshis arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. I’m stuffed full of pizza and just enough wine to make me a little tipsy. We’re working our way through theHarry Pottermovies and having a low-key night at home.
Jacques wasn’t sure about the ghost attack. He thinks it’s possible, but hasn’t come across any cases like that personally. So I’m back at square one and trying hard not to obsess, which seems to be my new thing nowadays. Though as a cop, I know that sometimes my inability to let something go means there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
And right now, I’m pretty convinced the ghost I saw walking through my house is out there attacking people. She already got one…I have a feeling it won’t be long until there’s another.
“Finally,” Gil says, sliding his arm up so his fingers rest at the base of my breast.
“Finally what?”
“You’re relaxing. Only took half a bottle of wine.”
“Shut up.” I laugh. “I’ve been relaxed this whole time.”
“Really?” He tips his head down, raising his eyebrows. “You still need lessons in how to let your hair down.”
“My hair is down,” I sass, making a face.
He gathers it to the side and kisses my neck. “You know what I mean.”
“I do.” I let my eyes fall shut and wiggle closer to him, stretching out my legs so they’re resting on the coffee table. We finish the movie and move onto the next one. The guys are pretty into the storyline, and are amazed by the realistic special effects. I spent a few minutes trying to explain it all, but lost them when I started talking about CGI and green screens.
After the second movie of the night ends, we get up to do something else. It’s late, but since I don’t have to be at work tomorrow I can stay up and sleep in and get more time with the guys.
When I’m too tired to stay up any longer, I head upstairs to brush my teeth and get into PJs. “Want some company?” Gilbert asks, stepping into the master bathroom with me. “I mean just company, not sex. I know you’re tired. Though if you do want to have sex, I’m willing to take one for the team.”
“You’re getting good with your modern phrases.” I turn on the shower, letting the water warm up. It takes a while in this old house. “And yeah, company would be nice. And I’m tired, but I wouldn’t rule out sex just yet.”
Once I’m ready for bed, we crawl under the covers together.
“Wake me up if I’m having a nightmare.” I hook my leg over Gil’s and snuggle against him.
“I will, don’t worry.” He kisses my forehead and holds me tighter. Listening to his heartbeat, I know I won’t worry at all.
* * *
I sleepthrough the night with no bad dreams or interruptions. I didn’t even stir after Gil left, and wake up after ten a.m. Lounging around in bed for a while before I get up, I stretch out and enjoy the sun shining through my windows. It’s a sunny day and I can tell already it’s going to be warm. I need to invest in some sort of air conditioning for the house. I know it’s possible to add central air to old buildings, but I’m sure it’s crazy expensive. A window unit for my room at least should do the trick for a while. I can’t sleep when I’m hot.
When I finally get up, I don’t bother getting dressed. I have no plans for the day. Pulling my hair into a messy bun, I go downstairs and make a cup of coffee, taking it to the front porch, my mind on the pink dress ghost. On my phone, I Google the guy who was attacked, and the same article I read yesterday pops up first. The same story appeared in a few local papers and news sites, as well as a few mentions on Facebook. I click on the first Facebook link, taking me to a ghost hunting club’s page.
They’re meeting at a coffee shop this evening outside of Philly, but only about an hour away. And the guy—Josh—who got attacked will be there. If this isn’t a sign, then I don’t know what is.
