Haunted on Bourbon Street (15 page)

“You are the first woman I’ve taken out who really gets me,” Ian whispered in my ear.

“Oh?”

“Uh-huh. Most of them don’t understand the ghost thing.”

“As in, don’t believe? Maybe they just don’t have any experiences with them?”

Ian tilted his head. “Probably. But it’s more than that. You accept me for me. That’s rare, you know?”

I did know. More than I could explain. I nodded.

“Most women I meet can’t accept my passion is ghost hunting and not climbing the career ladder. It must be because you’re an artist. Your living isn’t exactly conventional either.”

I laughed. “No, it isn’t. But that can’t be rare in New Orleans?”

Ian moved a lock of hair from my eyes. “No. Not really. There’s something a little bit different about you. I haven’t put my finger on it yet. But I like it. I like it a lot.”

Heat rose to my cheeks, making me grateful for the dim lighting.

Ian brushed his fingers along my jawline then tilted my face toward his. As he leaned in his eyes flickered slightly toward the stage. “Oh my God!”

I followed his gaze. “What?”

“Do you see them?”

“Who?”

“The two people on the left? The woman and the man? There’s a faint outline of them.”

I squinted, searching the stage. I didn’t see anything. “I only see smoke.”

Ian frowned as he glanced at me.

“Sorry,” I said. Though I wasn’t. While I understood Ian’s excitement, ghosts were not on my list of things I wanted to experience. Enough was enough.

“It’s all right. Maybe they’ll appear again.”

For the next two hours Ian stared diligently at the stage, only speaking to relay tales of previous ghost sightings at the club. After catching me covering up a yawn, Ian reluctantly paid our tab and had the doorman call us a cab.

The ride didn’t take long, and within minutes, we pulled up to the corner of Bourbon Street closest to Wicked. As usual, Bourbon Street was barricaded, with the street party in full swing.

“Looks like a busy night,” Ian said, helping me out of the cab.

“Looks like it.”

“I’ll walk you to your building.” He put his arm around my waist, guiding me as I hobbled on my blistered feet.

When we reached the building entrance I stopped. “I think I’m safe from here.”

“Oh, okay then.” His disappointment penetrated my defenses.

“Thank you for the nice evening. Dinner was excellent.” At least, the food and wine was.

Ian smiled. “You’re welcome. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

“Sure.” I pulled the door open. “Goodnight, Ian.”

He leaned in, and I automatically turned my head slightly to the left. The kiss landed on my right cheek.

“Night,” I said again. “I’ll talk with you soon.” Before he could say another word I scooted through the entrance door, pulling it closed behind me. Thank God that was over.

“Have a nice date?”

I jumped. “What the hell are you doing? Spying on me?” I glared at Kane.

“Why would I do that?” He backed up in front of the stairwell, effectively blocking me from going to my apartment.

“No idea. But why else would you be skulking in the hallway?”

“I’m not skulking.” Kane crossed his arms, a mix of irritation and amusement floating around him.

I rolled my eyes.

“How long have you been dating Ian?”

“I’m not dating Ian.” What the hell? Who did he think he was? I tried to move past him but he put his arm out, blocking me.

“You just went on a date with him. That’s dating where I come from.”

“Fine, I’m dating Ian.” Irritated, I flung a hand out, gesturing to the stairwell. “Can I go up to my apartment now?”

“I didn’t picture you with a guy like that.” Kane’s eyes stayed level with mine.

“You were picturing me with guys?” I smiled, my irritation replaced by smug satisfaction.

“No.”

“Okay, sure.” My smiled blossomed into a grin. “Excuse me, but these feet are ready for some pampering, so if you’ll kindly move—”

“This was, what, the second date?” Kane asked, still blocking the stairwell.

“What? No. The first,” I said, caught off guard.

“Huh, I must have been mistaken.”

I smirked, remembering the night Ian stayed over. “Why are you so interested?”

“I’m just wondering why.” He shrugged.

“Why what, exactly?”

“Why you’re dating
him
?”

“Because he asked.” I pushed past him and paused for just a moment. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

Chapter 10

Sitting at my computer, I took a big bite of my freshly made omelet. My hangover specialty. I wasn’t nauseous, so I knew it wasn’t really a hangover, but I’d woken up with a headache. Maybe the smoke in the jazz club caused it. More likely, it was Ian and his nonstop ghost hunting. Or possibly the latest dream I’d had—but I didn’t want to think about it.

I went for a second cup of coffee, leaving my breakfast on the desk. As I poured the drink, a loud knock sounded on the door.

Checking the peephole, I bit my lip, took a deep breath and opened the door. “Good morning, Kane.”

“Morning.”

“What’cha got there?” I eyed two paper coffee cups and a pastry bag.

He held a cup out.

I inhaled the sweet honey spice of chai. “You’re my hero!”

“Mission accomplished.” He set the bag on the counter.

“Breakfast, too?”

He nodded.

I picked up the bag and peeked inside. “Chocolate muffins? That’s not breakfast, that’s dessert. You’re sweet, but my breakfast is right there.” I pointed to the desk, trying to behave.

Kane looked to my omelet then back at me. “Aren’t you going to share after I brought you a chai?”

My gaze shifted from the plate to the muffins, and I shrugged. “Sure.” If I was going to be polite and eat the muffin he brought me, I needed to save some room.

I grabbed another fork, returned to my desk and cut a line through the middle of the omelet. “That half is yours.”

“Don’t trust me?” he asked with mock surprise.

After claiming a spot on the couch, I gestured for him to join me. “Nope.”

Kane’s eyes crinkled as he laughed. Damn, that was sexy. My heart melted.

Lost in my own thoughts, I missed what he was saying. “Huh?”

“You forgot your chai.”

“Oh yeah, thanks.” I grabbed the cup and a muffin and reclaimed my seat. “What brings you by this morning?”

“The ghost report.”

Damn it. Why did my life have to be all about the ghost? I sampled my chocolate muffin, and then relayed the information I’d learned from Ian.

“The ghost is attached to Pyper too?”

“I don’t know. He apparently likes her since he showed up in her photos.”

“I better tell her.” Kane got up, taking the plate to my sink.

“All right. See you later.” I waved from the sofa.

He lifted one eyebrow. “Trying to get rid of me? And after I brought you breakfast?”

“Uh, no…I just thought you said you were…never mind.”

“Do I make you nervous, Jade?” Kane walked toward me.

“No.” I stood up, concentrating on the cinnamon flakes in his eyes.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, have dinner with me tonight.” His voice held a bit of a challenge.

“What makes you think I don’t have plans?”

“Considering you ditched your date last night without inviting him up, I’m not too worried.” However, nervous energy radiated off him like static. If I hadn’t had my special ability I’d be thinking he was a smug bastard right about now.

My lips turned up in a little smile.

“Is that a yes?”

“I’m thinking it over,” I said, enjoying myself.

“Hmm, let me convince you.” The nervous energy vanished, replaced by determination and confidence. He leaned in, eyes locked on mine. I stood motionless as one arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. He bent his head, bringing his lips inches from mine. I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing.

His lips brushed mine while his free hand trailed down my bare neck. My body shivered against his, and he chuckled softly. Closing my eyes, I focused on the nerve endings, which sent electric shocks through my body.

“Tonight at eight,” he whispered.

“Okay.”

His lips clasped my lower lip, sucking almost painfully, until a small moan escaped my throat. At the sound he crushed me to him, tongue exploring. I molded my body to his unyielding frame, desperate to be closer. The passion of my nightly dreams sparked a fierce intensity, propelling the aching need deep in my center.

He pulled back. “Eight it is.”

“Huh?” I looked up, dazed and breathless.

“I’ll pick you up at eight for dinner.”

“Right. Dinner.”

Kane leaned in, brushing a soft kiss over my cheek. “Thanks for breakfast.” Then he left.

“Holy Jesus.” I stared at the door. A flash of light to my right startled me. The apparition grew into the shape of a person, glowed a bright gold, turned red, then melted into a blob on the floor before finally evaporating.

Leaning back, I put a hand over my eyes. “This is too weird.”

Feeling like I was being watched, I headed to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and took off for the studio.

***

Sweat trickled down my back as I fumbled with the key in the doorknob. “Damn it! Come on.” Glancing at my watch, I groaned. Only twenty-five minutes until Kane was due to pick me up.

I’d been grateful for the distraction of the weekly beadmaking class earlier that day. Thank God Bea had been there. Her energy calmed me just enough to be able to teach the class successfully. I really wanted to know how she did that. Maybe I should have taken her up on her invitation. When she’d asked me after class to join her for lunch I’d turned her down. I’d already committed to helping out a fellow glass worker in the hot shop making paper weights and goblets. It had been the perfect thing to get my mind off my ghost and my upcoming date. Unfortunately, I’d completely lost track of time. No way was I going to be ready by eight. Kane would just have to be patient.

At the thought of him I practically swooned. It’s a damn good thing I’d been busy all day. If it hadn’t been for that I’d be ready to explode by now. Who was I kidding? I was a walking time bomb, and just the thought of him lit my fuse.

But first I needed a shower. Maybe a cold one. I taped a note to the door, telling Kane to come in and wait in case I didn’t hear him knocking.

Grabbing my favorite green cotton skirt and a black tank top along with my favorite bra and matching thong, I headed to my bathroom, thinking I’d be quick. However, removing the hair from my legs proved to be more important. My quick bath turned into a longer grooming session than normal.

Stepping out of the shower, I spied the Honey Dust. Unable to resist, I applied it all over with a silly grin on my face. After I was dressed, I poked my head out of the bathroom and spotted Kane relaxing on my couch.

I smiled. “Hey there.”

“Hey yourself. Mighty risky asking me to let myself in while you’re in the shower, don’t you think?” His lips turned into a sly smile.

“No choice in the matter. Sorry I’m running late. Grab yourself something to drink out of the fridge. I’ll be out in ten.” I winked and shut the door. Twenty minutes later, my hair and makeup done, I strolled out of the bathroom.

Kane stood up, gave me an approving glance and kissed my cheek. “Nice. Ready for dinner?”

“Definitely.” I took his hand, and we walked toward the door. As I was closing it, a gust of wind kicked up and slammed it hard. “Oh!” I said, startled. “Must have left the window open.” I turned the key in the lock. “Let’s go.”

Kane fell in step behind me. “No, you didn’t.”

“Didn’t what?”

“Leave the window open. I closed it while you were getting ready. It looks like a storm might blow through, and I didn’t want you to forget about it.” He opened the door to the street for me.

I stopped in the middle of the doorjamb. “You did? Damn it. That’s twice today.”

“Your door slammed like that twice today?”

“No.” I turned around to face him. “My ghost made two appearances. I don’t think he likes you much.”

“Huh?”

“He appeared after you left this morning, and apparently just slammed the door on us.”

“Did you call Ian?” Kane frowned, unhappiness flowing from him.

“No. I was busy and forgot.” His unhappiness dissipated, replaced by relief. I stared at him, confused. “You don’t want me to call Ian?”

“No, not right now, but if you need to fill him in on the details, I can wait.”