Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

J essica slept better than she’d expected. She’d been afraid that the old nightmares would return, but perhaps knowing that Leo was watching over her had kept them at bay. She’d also been afraid that he might look at her differently, but he gave her his usual warm smile before she headed off to the bathroom.

As she stood under the shower, her thoughts kept returning to the previous night. She couldn’t remember ever feeling that aroused, that needy. She hadn’t been afraid at all, just excited, until… She shivered and quickly finished her shower.

It wasn’t until after she dressed and looked at herself in the mirror that she realized she’d instinctively chosen one of her old outfits—a skirt with multiple layers of gauzy fabric and a brightly colored tunic layered over a silk cami and a tightly laced vest. She’d added most of her necklaces and pulled on her favorite pair of Doc Martins.

“You look beautiful,” Leo said as she walked out of the bathroom.

“Thank you.”

He frowned, studying her more carefully, and she could tell that he’d realized what had triggered her outfit. His expression softened and he moved closer.

“We’ll take this as slowly as you want.”

“If we can take it at all,” she muttered, but he smiled at her.

“Then I’ll be happy just spending time with you.”

“Really?”

He started to hold out his hand, then stopped.

“Really. As much as I want to touch you, to be with you, I’m also happy just being with you.” He sighed. “Although I’m obviously not capable of expressing it very well.”

She had to laugh and he grinned at her.

“That’s better.”

She took a deep breath, then lightly placed her hand on top of his. She could feel his hand, big and firm and still roughened by the work he’d done in life, but to her relief it felt safe rather than intimidating and she smiled at him.

“Then you can be with me while I eat breakfast.”

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance you’re cooking bacon?” he asked hopefully, and she laughed again.

“I was thinking of a kale smoothie.”

He gave a mock shudder then smiled at her, and she wrapped her hand around his as they walked into the living area. Maybe she could pick up some bacon for tomorrow.

He opened the doors to the balcony while she made her smoothie and she joined him there.

“Someone saw me yesterday while I was out here,” he said casually, and she almost choked.

“What? Who?”

“I’m not sure. A woman. Small. Curly white hair. Green skin.”

She groaned.

“Flora. I should have known. What did she say?”

“She told me to hurry up. That it was already the beginning of October. That’s what started me thinking about All Hallow’s Eve. Who’s Flora?”

“The town’s resident busybody. She’s an orc.”

“An orc? But she’s so tiny.”

“She has a fairy somewhere in her ancestry. Maybe that’s why she always seems to know more than everyone else—even if she rarely bothers to explain what she knows.” She tapped her fingers on the railing, considering. “I had intended to call a few acquaintances about your… situation, but maybe I should start closer to home and consult her instead.”

“Do you think she knows anything about ghosts?”

“She knows something about everything, and the fact that she spoke to you probably means she’s already involved.” She checked the time on her phone, then nodded. “I have an hour before I need to be downstairs so this is probably a good time to go look for her.”

“I wish I could go with you,” he muttered.

“I do too.” She hesitated, then put her hand on his shoulder and went up on her tiptoes. “But you can at least kiss me goodbye.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Mostly.

Her heart raced as he lowered his head but as soon as his mouth touched hers, her nerves disappeared, lost in a rush of pleasure. The taste of apples and the feel of his mouth against hers sent desire racing through her body, and she clung to his shoulders to support herself. She could feel his body responding, and she pressed closer against his erection.

He groaned into the kiss but kept it light and undemanding. When he finally pulled away, she could see the strain on his face. To her relief, there was no fear this time—only arousal—but she was painfully aware of how unfair it was to him. She reluctantly let him go and stepped back.

“I’ll see you later,” she promised.

He watched her go, the heat still lingering in his eyes, and she had to force herself to keep moving. She was halfway across the front hall when she realized that Cody was standing in the middle of the front parlor watching her, a broom in his hands. The brownie gave her a thoughtful look, then grinned.

“About time.”

“Time for what-” she began, then gave up. “I’m assuming you have questions?”

“Not at all,” he said cheerfully, but the sparkle in his dark eyes belied his words.

“Are you sure? You’re usually the first to ask.”

He shrugged.

“Nah. Just glad you’re not alone any more. Either of you.”

He strolled off, whistling jauntily, before she could think of a response. Was there anyone in this town who didn’t know her business? Which means I need to tell Wendy , she thought guiltily as she hurried by her friend’s house. Before anyone else tells her.

Her search for Flora proved fruitless. She wasn’t at the inn she owned, or the diner by the river, or her grandson’s bakery. She even checked the tavern at the edge of town, but it was empty except for a few early drinkers, most of them werewolves. They eyed her like she was their next meal and she left as quickly as possible.

Maybe Flora will respond to one of my messages , she thought as she trudged back up the hill. If not, she’d try again tomorrow.

She was almost back at the restaurant when a chipper voice made her jump.

“Looking for me?”

Flora was perched on the stone wall running in front of one of the older houses on the street, looking rather like some exotic bird in her sequined fuchsia tracksuit.

How the hell did I not see her?

“Yes, I was looking for you.” She hesitated, then decided there was no point in beating about the bush. “You told Leo that October was important. Why?”

“Did I?” Flora batted her eyes. “My memory just isn’t what it used to be.”

“You’re as sharp as a tack and you know it. Is there anything he can do to become… real?”

Those bright dark eyes studied her and she fought to keep from squirming, feeling oddly like a child called to the principal’s office.

“You don’t think he’s real, dear?”

“Of course he is. I just meant…” She waved her hand helplessly. “I meant… touchable.”

“Seems to me you’re doing pretty well on that front already. Don’t lumberjacks have the most amazing hands? I remember the first time I ran into one.” Flora sighed reminiscently. “He was an orc living deep in the woods. Hadn’t seen a female in months.” She winked at Jessica. “What that male could do with his hands—not to mention his–”

“You’re changing the subject,” she said quickly. “Can Leo become corporeal again?”

“Why do you care? You’re not in love with him or anything silly like that, are you?”

Her breath caught in her throat as the realization swept over her.

“I… I…”

Fortunately Flora didn’t wait for a response.

“Then I suppose you’d better go see Gladys.”

“Gladys?” she repeated, still dazed by the previous question.

“You know. Resident witch. Stubborn as all get out.” Flora hopped down from the wall. “Now hurry up. Time’s a wastin’.”

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”

“Always happy to help. Even if I am just the town busybody.”

Flora winked at her and was gone before she could even start on an apology. Damn. She should have known better than to say something like that aloud. Although it wouldn’t really surprise her if Flora could read her thoughts.

She continued down the street, thinking about Flora’s suggestion—although it had sounded more like an order. She knew Gladys was one of Flora’s friends but their paths hadn’t really crossed. She’d heard Gladys was a very powerful witch but as far as she could remember, she looked like any other older Southern lady. Then again, Flora didn’t look particularly dangerous either.

At least it gave her a starting point. She checked her phone and decided she didn’t have time to visit the witch right then, but with any luck she could duck out later in the afternoon. She was about to put her phone back in her pocket when she saw a message from Wendy. She’d completely forgotten about her decision to talk to her friend.

Just got back to the restaurant , she texted. Are you coming by?

I have a lot to do today, but I thought I’d bring you some clothing options tomorrow.

She looked down at her skirt and boots, then sighed.

OK. She hesitated, then added, I have a surprise for you.

Oooh. Can’t wait. See you then.

She had a sudden vision of Leo appearing behind Wendy. She had the feeling she was going to be answering a lot of questions.