Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

I MMY

How could my life have gotten so screwed up? First, I get set up on a date with a witch who only wanted my family name. Worse, he couldn't even spring for appetizers, much less dinner. Hell, I didn't even get a drink out of it besides water! If Erik thought I would recommend him to my family or anything but the boot, he was crazy. Though, honestly, my word carried no weight with the family and they'd ignore me or promote him out of spite, most likely.

Second, I had some ghostly pirate haunting my every move, trying to ruin what had turned out to be a horrible night. And I thought it couldn't get any worse. Though, to be fair, the ghost was actually cuter than my date and far more interesting than Erik, or anyone else at the Rusty Anchor. A little part of me, the side that I refused to acknowledge at the moment, was a little glad he kept popping up. Even though I was having an awful day, at least he was nice to look at. Really, really nice to look at.

I felt bad if I had actually run Edge over in the parking lot. I didn't see him, that much was true. But I was also known as a terrible driver. My family wouldn't get in the car with me because I tended to space out and get distracted too easily. I could have been thinking about my date, planning what to say, and dealing with my nerves instead of paying attention. But really, Edge was a ghost. Did I really hurt him that much?

I threw down some money since it was clear Erik was gone and I saw the waitress hovering with the check. He had made sure to have a drink, probably one of the more expensive drinks on the menu, and he ducked out without paying. Loser. I'll report him to Love Bites tomorrow. I also left a generous tip. It wasn't the waitress's fault we tied up a table and didn't actually order anything. She shouldn't be penalized.

I didn't see Edge, so I thought it was safe to leave. As I stepped away from the table, I tripped on his damn plank, the nails gouging a cut in my new Pavarda shoes. Damn it. First my car and now my new shoes. When would the curse of the annoyingly hot ghost end?

I picked up the plank so no one else would be bothered by it, careful to avoid the nails, and hurried from the Rusty Anchor, ignoring the hostess's cheerful, Come back again soon!

Yeah, that wasn't happening.

Standing at the edge of the parking lot, I realized I was still holding that disgusting piece of wood. My hand ached from gripping it. Plus, the rusty nails were a hazard. I glanced around and, seeing no one around, I tossed it into the bushes along the side of the walkway and heard the wood crack as it broke over a rock. If Edge liked it here so much, he could stay here. I was done with the Rusty Anchor, Erik, and Edge. I had a life to plan.

I hurried to my mini cooper and checked around me to make sure I was okay. I winced at the scratch from Edge's plank and made a mental note to call the body shop tomorrow to get it fixed before any rust set in. Who knew what was transferred from those horrible nails? I shuddered to think how many centuries of rust was now embedded. Could rust be contagious for cars?

I got in the driver's seat and started up the engine. My hand was sore as I gripped the steering wheel and I flexed it a bit, noting a red and swollen spot on the fleshy part of my palm by my thumb. I made a note to make a poultice when I got home. I had no idea what it was. Probably something from that horrible plank.

I looked around behind me cautiously for Edge, but I didn't see him. I put the car in reverse, turned to look behind me, and screamed.

Edge was sitting in the passenger seat, looking thoroughly pissed off. Unfortunately, it didn't detract from his cuteness. If anything, it made it worse. Dang it.

My gaze met his, and my breath disappeared. His features were striking, etched with the kind of otherworldly beauty that both enchanted and unnerved me. His eyes were deep pools of an indiscernible dark hue, holding the weight of centuries. Pale lips, hinting at a mysterious smile.

I leaned forward, nearing where his spectral form sat. What would his lips feel like? Would they be cold? Or maybe it would feel like a whisper of a touch?

Wait, why was I contemplating kissing his infuriating ghost?

"What the hell are you doing here?"

He faded in and out a bit, then firmed up. "I'd like to know the same thing. Where's my plank?"

I waved vaguely in the direction of the walkway on the other side of the lot, deciding to omit that it broke over a rock. "I threw it over there."

He looked outraged. "It's not garbage. It's my life. I am bound to that plank. And you threw it away like it was nothing."

I frowned. "Wait. If you're bound to it, then how can you be here when it's all the way over there?"

He looked puzzled for a moment. "I don't know. Are you sure it's over there?"

I scowled at him, ignoring the way his eyes gleamed in the darkness. "I know where I put it."

"You have to show me." He sounded desperate and I couldn't resist. He was almost on the verge of some kind of emotion because the air in the car got really cold and my hair stood up from a sudden static charge. I felt terrible for causing him pain in my own fit of anger.

I turned off the car and got out, walking over to the scrubby bushes where I tossed the plank. After a few moments of searching, we found it. There were two pieces laying side by side, broken in half.

Edge let out a wail of despair. His image flickered. "You've destroyed me, you horrible woman. How could you have done this to me?"

Guilt reared its ugly head, and I felt terrible for causing him such pain. "I'm so sorry, Edge. I didn't mean to do it. Is there anything I can do?"

He glared at me. "You mean like burn it or break it into more pieces? No, I am doomed. This wood was all that kept me here. Leave me alone, woman. I don't need you here. Not that I'll be here much longer."

His wails of sadness were truly distressing, but when I tried to comfort him, he shrugged me off, moving a few steps away. I decided to do as he requested and leave.

"If there is anything I can do, please come find me, Edge. This is my fault, and I would like to make it right."

He turned his back on me, ignoring me completely. I sighed and made my way back to the car. I started the engine and turned to look behind me and screamed.

Edge looked thoroughly disgruntled. "What witchcraft have you wrought on me, woman?"