The Ghost from the Sea (29 page)

Authors: Anna J McIntyre

“Their spirits are. I wasn't sure if I could really pull it offâit's a little tricky once they've moved on.”

“Like my Christmas dream?”

Walt nodded. “If it was possible for me to bring back all your family for regular visitsâI would Danielle. But unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.”

Danielle set the half full champagne glass on the table between their chairs. “This is lovely Walt. Your yacht was beautiful. I can't imagine how it would be to have something like this.”

“Chris could afford a boat like this. I should talk to him.”

Blushing, Danielle stood up. “You're funny, Walt.”

“I'm not trying to be funny. I just meant, he seems crazy about you, and if you two get together, he should spoil you. You deserve it.”

“If you'll remember, I have money of my ownâthanks to you.” Danielle flashed Walt a grin and sashayed to the railing. Leaning against it, she gazed out to sea and took a deep breath. In the distance, she spied dolphins. She stood there a moment, watching them leap and dance like a water ballet, when she felt something brush over her cheek. Turning from the railing, she found Walt's blue eyes staring into hers. They were just inches apart.

His right hand reached up and cupped her face, his thumb gently caressing her skin. Unableâor unwillingâto move away, Danielle's eyes widened as he moved closer, his lips a breath away from hers. Walt hesitated, as if rethinking his bold advance. In that moment she was certain he was going to pull away, so she did the only thing she could.

Danielle leaned forward, claiming Walt's kiss, while wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close.

H
er eyes flew open
. Danielle was in her bed. Moonlight streamed through the bedroom window. She was alone.

“Oh crap,” she groaned, grabbing the tops of her sheets and dragging them over her head, she scooted down in her bed, hiding under the bed linens.

The Ghost and the Mystery Writer

Revisit Marlow House in

The Ghost and the Mystery Writer

Haunting Danielle, Book 9

A
killer strikes
under Frederickport Pier.

Before dawn the next morning, Marlow House's celebrity guest, mystery author Hillary Hemingway, is busy writing about the crime for her upcoming novelâincluding details that only the real killer would know.

Coincidence? If so, it isn't the first time.

Coming July 17, 2016

Haunting Danielle Series

by Bobbi Holmes