Marcus let out a shaky exhale. “I had no idea.”
I spoke for Mike, knowing he needed to gather himself. “Mike didn’t tell me until last night. It was a shock to him and until now we hadn’t known what it was either.”
“I’m just glad you weren’t alone when it happened,” Marcus said, stepping closer to Mike to squeeze his shoulder. “I don’t know if this will mean anything, but I wouldn’t have continued banishing ghosts either.”
That seemed to break Mike’s silence. “Really?”
Marcus nodded.
“Thank you,” Mike whispered, smiling weakly.
“I think we’ll head back to our hotel now,” I announced, sensing that Mike needed time to process this news.
“I understand,” Heidi smiled. “I’ll talk to Rino and explain further. I did tell him I knew about Mike’s extra ability, but we didn’t have time to talk details. He only knows a little about it, so I’ll update him fully.”
“Thank you,” I said, offering her my hand. “We hope to return again some day and work more cases.”
“I hope you do,” she smiled, shaking my hand.
Rino had told us we didn’t have to take the other two cases when I’d spoken with him this morning and I figured this had to be the reason why. He knew Mike needed some time to process what had happened and even though he hadn’t been told all the details, I’d given him enough so he could understand what Mike had been through.
We left the headquarters and once Marcus had dropped us off, we promised to still meet up with them later for dinner. It was rather fun having a double date where I couldn’t see or talk with one of the participants, but Mike needed a proper goodbye and so did I.
“Damn, you look amazing,” I gushed, turning Mike around to appreciate his butt. “Is this for Erik’s benefit?” I teased, palming his ass.
He blushed, but didn’t deny it. I just smirked at him knowingly. Erik meant a lot to him and it was cute that he wanted to look good for their last night together, at least for a while. We had no idea when we would see them again, which was why Marcus had made reservations at an amazing restaurant for us. One Erik and Marcus had frequented together many times when they went out on dates.
“You look perfect yourself,” Mike grinned as he eyed my dress shirt and sweatpants combo. Now I was glad the pants were black; at least I could pretend they were a conscious choice. I really hoped Marcus had told the restaurant about my appearance. I didn’t want to wear denim and risk the fabric rubbing against my stitches.
“I know,” I said, returning his grin.
He shook his head but continued to smile fondly at me. “I really need this tonight. Just us and friends, no work.”
I completely agreed with him on that. “How about Norway?” I asked, kissing his cheek because he was just too adorable to resist.
He blinked in surprise. “Norway?”
I just nodded, kissing down his neck. “For one whole week. Just you.” Kiss. “And me.” Kiss.
He moaned and moved his head so I had more room to kiss. “I like the sound of that.”
“Good,” I whispered. “Because we’re leaving tomorrow.”
That had his attention. “What?Tomorrow?!”
I nodded, ignoring his protest when I tried to resume the kissing. I wasn’t done showering him with my love. “Rino already gave us his approval.”
“Is it a vacation?” he asked, a tad breathlessly.
“Hmm, a whole week where the only thing we have to do is relax and have some…fun.”
He shivered, then swallowed, “I’d like that.”
I smiled against his neck; he had no idea how much fun we were about to have.
A loud ping interrupted us.
“They’re here!” Mike exclaimed, grabbing his phone eagerly. “I’ll tell them we’re coming.” I just smiled and followed Mike out to the elevator.
