“Hey, it happened. Gaslighting, the abuse cycle—whether emotional or physical—it can happen to the smartest people. I know that. It’s okay, I’m out of there now.”
“Well, if we’re done, I need to go home, shower, and dress,” Teran said, standing up. Her knees popped and she grimaced. “Sometimes getting older sucks, but I’ll take it over the alternative. Anyway, I have a date tonight, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Date? You’re dating?” I had never once heard my aunt talk about dating. She had never seemed interested in relationships.
She grinned. “Yes, I’m dating, but don’t hold your breath. You aren’t getting an uncle any time soon.”
“Have you ever wanted to get married?” Ari asked.
Teran shook her head. “No, I knew early on I’m not cut out for commitment. I’m set in my ways and I like my independence. But it’s nice to have company now and then, and it helps that he’s very adept in the bedroom.” As I blushed, she waved off my look. “You know perfectly well that all the women in our family are sexual. I have to say, I’m so surprised you stayed with Ellison so long. The man seems so self-absorbed I can’t imagine he’d notice an elephant in the room, let alone pay attention to a clitoris.”
“Well, you have me there,” I said, blushing. “Oh good gods, why did I stay so long? I guess…well, he didn’t hit me, and while he was a jackass, we did have a lot in common.”
“Yes, both Ellison and you loved Ellison. But you’re here now.” After a peck on my cheek, Teran headed to the door. She paused, glancing over her shoulder. “The house has stood empty for too long. You should do some warding.”
Ari started to say something and I knew she was going to tell Teran about the voices, so I jumped in before she could voice anything.
“I will, I promise. See you later!”
As my aunt left, Ari turned to me with an inquisitive look. “Why didn’t you tell her?”
“I don’t want her to worry. She’d cancel her date, drag her bundle of supplies over here and insist on a midnight ritual. Which I really don’t feel like holding right now. I’ll take care of things tomorrow.”
“I see your point, but she might be able to shed some light on the subject. She might even know who the ghost is.” Ari shrugged.
“I don’t even know if it is a ghost,” I said.
“Then let’s hold a séance to find out.” Ari jumped up. “I know where your mother kept her crystal ball and it’s still there. I found it when I was putting away your stuff in the library today.”
I snorted. “My first day home and you want to have a séance? Are you nuts? I haven’t held a séance since I was twenty-two.”
“So what? I have. You’re not the only witch around here,” she said, laughing. “I can lead a séance.”
I sighed. One thing about Ari—she was a pit bull in a size 2 body. She might look willowy and petite, but her red euro-bob fit her nature. And when she decided she wanted to do something, nobody could stop her. That was one of the things I loved about her, and always had.
“Fine. We’ll hold a séance. Although I’m not sure—” I paused as the doorbell rang. “Who could that be? I wonder if my aunt forgot anything.” I headed to the door. But when I opened it, I saw that it wasn’t my aunt. Instead, I found myself staring at a man who was a little taller than me. He had curly light brown hair, down to his shoulders. There was a small scar on his cheek that looked long healed. And he had the most beguiling green eyes I had ever seen. I found it hard to look away, actually.
“Hi, I’m your new neighbor. I bought the house next door. My name’s Killian O’Connell, and I wonder if I could borrow a cup of salt,” he said, with an impish smile.
At that moment, all I could do was stare. There was something about him that took my breath away, and I could barely find my tongue to answer.
Chapter Three
I blinked, staring at the glass cup he held out. It was a measuring cup, all right. But a cup of salt? Sugar I could have believed, even in this day and age. But salt? Confused and a little flustered, I motioned him in.
“Salt… You need salt?” I stammered, forcing myself to stop staring at him.
“Yes, I would like to borrow a cup of salt. I’m sorry, but you didn’t tell me your name,” he added.
I raised my eyebrows. “Of course, I forgot. I’m sorry, I’ve had a long day. My name is January Jaxson, and this is my best friend, Ari.”
Killian paused and the smile abruptly slid off his face. “Oh, you’re…” He stopped. “I’m sorry for your loss. My real estate agent told me that the couple who owned this house…” Again, he looked tongue-tied.
His hesitation gave me time to compose myself.
“Yes, I’m Trevor and Althea’s daughter. My parents died in a plane crash about five months ago. I’ve decided to move back to Moonshadow Bay, and I just arrived today. Please, come inside. I’ll see if there’s any salt in the kitchen.” I had spent so many years of playing the gracious hostess that, given the breathing space, I was able to hide my distress. I had spent many an evening soothing ruffled egos with Scotch and bourbon. I could do it with my eyes closed when I wasn’t taken by surprise. The artsy crowd liked their booze.
I led him into the living room. Thanks to Ari and my aunt, the boxes were gone, collapsed and out in the garage, and the house looked tidy and neat.
Killian glanced around. “This is a nice house. You have a great yard. I love how we live right up against the park.” He sat down when I motioned to the sofa.
“This is a wonderful neighborhood. When I was little, I spent more time playing in the woods than I did in my yard. I used to run wild out there, even though my mother tried to put a stop to it—the Mystic Wood is full of shadow as well as light. But Ari and I never let that stop us. We were out there constantly during the summer.”
Ari flashed me a bright smile. “We were, at that. I’m so glad you’re back. Why don’t I make us all some hot cocoa? While I’m at it, I’ll see if you have any salt around.” She turned to Killian. “January just moved back today, so I’m not sure what we’ll find in the pantry, but I know my way around the house.”
“Oh, don’t bother—” he started to say, but Ari shook her head.
“No, you sit here and talk. Moving’s hard enough, and since both of you have been at it today, I’m happy to help.”
She darted into the kitchen as I slowly sat down opposite Killian. He was a striking man, now that I’d had time to get a better look at him. His hair was almost corkscrew curly and the color of honey. But his eyes…they captivated me. The color of spring leaves, they glittered like gems, and the crow lines at the edges of his eyes told me he had a few years on him. His features were angular, almost chiseled. He was sturdy—muscled and firm—and my imagination lingered, thinking about what his chest and abs must look like beneath the sweater he was wearing. Over the sweater, he wore a black leather jacket, and I noticed that he was wearing a pair of motorcycle boots. All in all, my new neighbor was smoking hot.