Ghostly Liaison (7 page)

“Just so you know, I saw him first,” Tori said. “In fact, we got rather close at the wedding. I would have pursued him sooner, but I’ve been letting him grieve.”

“Ahh, so you met at the wedding.”

Tori usually zeroed in on the best-looking available man at any occasion she attended. Problem was, she usually had no problems snagging them. It almost hurt thinking Rob had fallen under her spell.

“Actually, I met him at the clinic. We just got closer at the wedding. It was very magical. Too bad you couldn’t be there.”

Right, because she’d had a choice in the matter.

“How do you suppose he’ll react if he ever got a real good look at you anyway?” Tori whispered.

“Good look at me?” Bridget took a bite of her salad. The lettuce tasted bitter.

“Oh, don’t play dumb with me. I saw you in the hospital. I saw your body.”

And Tori wouldn’t have any problem spreading the news, either. Didn’t family mean anything to her? Or was that what four older sisters did to a person?

Bridget played it cool, unwilling to let Tori know how much her words hurt. “Then I guess you don’t have anything to worry about. Besides, the only thing between us is business.”

“Business? You mean charity, don’t you? I heard Kate beg him to take you in.”

“Well, if that’s what you heard, then you’ve got nothing to worry about, do you?” The back of Bridget’s eyes stung. Suddenly, the salad was unappealing and her appetite went out the door. She wouldn’t put it past Tori to make up such a thing, but it also sounded like Kate. Bridget would find out the truth in the morning.

“I’ll let you go back to your business dinner, then.” Tori rose and brushed the back of her dress as if she’d sat in filth. With a pivot, she hoisted her purse onto her shoulder and marched out of the restaurant.

This whole dinner thing was a huge mistake. Sure, it started out fun. Watching those teenage girls drool over Rob made Bridget feel special, because she got to sit across from him. The poor guy hadn’t a clue, which was kind of nice. But then Tori had driven past and pulled a U-turn. She should have known something was up.

Maybe she could find out what Charlie looked like without going through Rob. Henry Murdock, for instance. Or she could quit being a wimp and just ask Rob straight-out. Why would he object?

Rob was leaning against the glass, talking on his phone and Tori stood a polite distance away. She glanced Bridget’s way several times. The hairs on the back of Bridget’s neck prickled. What was Tori planning?

He pocketed his phone. Tori glanced once more, her devilish grin telling Bridget the show was on. Standing in a position giving Bridget a full view, Tori took his hand and swayed her hips back and forth. She batted her eyes, rested a hand on his shoulder, leaned in, and planted her lips on his cheek.

Why stop at his cheek? Go for his lips and twist the dagger a little more.

Bridget pursed her lips and clenched her fists. Tori’s conduct had never bothered Bridget before, so why did her chest hurt? Maybe if it were anyone else but Tori. Still, who was she to tell him who he could and couldn’t see? She had no intention of dating him.

Tori caressed his cheek with her thumb, probably rubbing off her lipstick as an excuse to touch him some more. If Tori thought Bridget was a threat, she would have left it on as a brazen reminder of what she owned.

Rob returned, sat, and smiled. No sign of lipstick on his cheek. “Sorry about that. It was one of the guys at work.”

Bridget pushed her salad around with her fork. “I guess when you own a business, the place never closes, huh?”

“Something like that.” He took a bite of his burger. “Something wrong with your salad?”

She shook her head and took a bite, but her stomach wasn’t in it.

“Tori’s your cousin, right?”

“Yeah. Kate hired her straight out of college.” A smarmy comment was on the tip of her tongue, but she refrained.

“You have a lot of cousins?”

“My dad was one of five and they all had kids. You do the math.”

“Wow. I can’t even imagine. How about you? Any brothers or sisters?”

She shook her head, but took the opening. “Did you only have the one sister? Or do you have other siblings?”

“Just Charlie.”

“Did she go to Woodland High?”

“Yeah. Why? Did you know her?”

“I don’t know. The name’s not familiar, but that doesn’t mean anything. Do you have a picture of her?”

“Sure.” He put the burger down and wiped his hands on a napkin before pulling his wallet from the back of his jeans. “It was taken a few years ago, but if you knew her in high school, then it’s probably okay.”

He removed the photo and handed it over. She hesitated for a moment. What if the woman wasn’t her hallucination? Then again, what if she was? Fear wouldn’t solve her problems, only the truth would. Bridget took the photo.

Rob had a goofy grin and an arm wrapped around a woman—his sister. Bridget smiled at the sight, at his happiness. Again, she pictured herself in his arms, like she had done with those stupid wedding photos. As if that would happen now. He belonged to Tori, which was for the better.

Bridget blinked back to reality and paid more attention to the woman in the photo. A woman with long dark hair and dark eyes. A woman who was every bit the hallucination she’d conjured. Or should she say ghost guest? Did that make her any less crazy though?

“Well?” he asked.

She returned the photo. “She looks familiar, but that’s all. How did she die?”

“I’d like to think she died of a broken heart, and maybe she did, but the reality is, she committed suicide.” He returned the photo to his wallet.

“No foul play?”

He frowned and shook his head. “She left a note.”

Wow. She not only had a ghost for a roommate, but a lying one at that.

Rob dumped the remnants of their dinner into the trash bin and placed the empty tray on top. Ever since Tori had left, Bridget had been quiet, reserved. Gone was the sweet laughter that lifted his heart. Gone was the smile that brightened her face. Did she think he was dating Tori? Or had he depressed the heck out of her with their talk of Charlie?

Bridget emerged from the ladies’ room, limping. In fact, she’d had a hard time standing, claiming her muscles went on strike from her bike ride the other day. But if that were the case, shouldn’t it have affected both legs?

Only her left leg seemed to give her difficulties. She’d either hurt it falling off her bike, or it was the result of her accident last year. Would she ever tell him about that? Probably not until she knew him better, and the only way for that to happen meant ignoring Kate’s request—or demand—to stay away.

Bridget didn’t appear to be some fragile waif. She was strong and willful. Riding her bike in the rain proved that. Kate might hate him for making the moves on Bridget, but he wasn’t looking to date Kate.

“All set?” he asked.

She nodded and he held the door open for her. When she’d placed one leg inside the truck, he resisted the urge to lend her a hand. She grabbed the inside handle and slowly pulled herself up, wincing with each movement.

Once she was settled, he closed the cab door and sprinted to the driver’s side. On the ride back to the house, she kept her gaze focused on her lap. Something she had also done on the trip to the restaurant. Even on the day of her bicycle mishap, she had kept her gaze on Barnaby.

“Does my driving make you nervous?”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t say that, exactly.”

“Then what would you say? Exactly.”

“I’ve discovered I’m…less of a distraction if I don’t see what’s out there.”

She distracted him all right and it had nothing to do with her gazing out the window. “Then I’ll make sure to bring Barnaby next time. He’ll give you something to do.”

She gripped the armrest. “Next time?”

He pulled into the driveway and turned off the ignition. “Sure. The next time we go out.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think there should be a next time.”

“I’m not dating her.” That only made her furrow her brows in confusion, so he clarified. “Tori, your cousin.”

Her face softened. “Oh.”

“But I’d like to date you.” He scooted across the bench.

The movement was a mistake. Her eyes widened in alarm. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Are you saying you’re not interested?”

“That’s not it.” She grasped the door handle. “It’s just a bad idea.”

She slipped out, but he wasn’t letting her get away so fast. Not that she was fast. He climbed out of the driver’s side and easily blocked her way. “Why is it a bad idea?”

“I hardly know you.” She stepped to the right.

He mirrored her movement. “So we should date.”

“I don’t think so.” She stepped to the left.

Again, he followed. “Am I repulsive to you?”

She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. “No, of course not.”

“Do I stink?” He brought his shirt up and sniffed.

A chuckle escaped as her lips curled at the edges. Her face softened.

“There it is,” he said.

“What?”

“Your smile. I thought it had left.” He ached to kiss her, to taste everything she had to offer. But it was too soon. Wasn’t it?

* * * *

Bridget nearly swooned with excitement. Part of her leaped for joy from his interest, thrilled he wasn’t dating Tori. But that was the old part. The part that existed before… The part that wasn’t scarred.

“What are you afraid of?” Rob took a step toward her, staring intently.

“I’m not afraid.” She stepped back right into the garage door. Oh yeah, that was showing him.

“Then why do you run?”

You’re dangerous to my heart.
“You’re my landlord. Sort of.”

“You think I’m going to kick you out into the street if it doesn’t work out? Is that it?”

Sure, let him think that. It was better than the truth. “Maybe.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

I know.
“Like I said, I hardly know you.”

He stepped back and ran a hand through his thick, dark hair. Oh, how she’d love to do the same. Was it soft or coarse? Would it tickle her or feel luxurious?

And his lips. She’d dreamed of kissing those lips since the day she saw his photo. Now he was standing in front of her, wanting to date her, and she couldn’t say yes. It was better to dream than live in reality.

His face lit up. “If I can make it where you feel safe from eviction, would that help?”

He affected her brain. Or maybe her hearing. “What?”

He stepped in and placed his hands on the garage door, trapping her. Being this close caused her heart all sorts of commotion. And her brain? Gone. So was her headache. Her head was blissfully peaceful.

“How about I write up a contract leasing you the house for six months? I can’t evict you no matter what. Would you date me then?”

“Why? You hoping I’ll date you out of some kind of obligation, then?”

“I don’t want you to feel obliged. I just want a chance.” He leaned in closer. “I’ve never felt like this with anyone else before. I’ve never wanted to be with anyone like I want to be with you. Are you telling me you don’t feel anything?”

Oh, why couldn’t she have met him before? But if she gave in, it would only end badly. She blinked back the sting of tears.

“Bridget.” He lifted her chin. “What are you afraid of?”

Of falling in love and having her heart stomped on. Of seeing the repulsion in his eyes once he saw the real her. She ran her tongue over parched lips and stared at him.

He stroked her cheek and she closed her eyes, enjoying the stimulating sensations coursing through her body. Without the pain in her head, she should be able to think. But she couldn’t. Even breathing became a chore. The man sure knew how to mess with the elements.

His breath tickled her mouth. “May I kiss you?”

If she’d had any common sense, she would have said no and pushed him away. Instead, she must have nodded because his mouth covered hers. Soft and hesitant and oh so good.

* * * *

Her lips were softer than he’d imagined and he wanted to devour her, but he had to practice restraint. She was a flight risk. Still, his body ached with need and his cock sprang to life. He slid his hand behind her back, intending to pull her close.

“Bridget?” A woman’s voice came from behind.

He froze. Damn, he hadn’t heard anyone drive up, no less a car door close.

Bridget pulled away and muttered a curse. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

Mom? He straightened and turned to face an older version of the woman he’d been kissing.

“I came to take you curtain shopping.” She fixed her gaze on him and narrowed her eyes. “Who’s your…friend?”

Oh great, just what he needed. An angry mother would not give him any points to win Bridget’s favor. Time to put on the charm.

Bridget stood beside him. “This is Rob Gentry. Rob, this is my mother, Mona Quigley.”

He held out his hand. “How do you do Mrs.—”

“Is that any way for a landlord to treat their tenant?” Her glare rivaled that of a
Star Trek
phaser that wasn’t set to stun.

Holy shit! Mama Bear was out and ready to defend and he was her target.

“Mom! Stop it. You’re being rude.”

“Rude? He was molesting you.”

Now there was a strong word. He’d barely touched her.

Bridget clenched her fists. “I hardly think a kiss is molesting.” She held out a key to her mother. “Will you wait for me inside, please?”

Mona glanced between the two of them before taking the key and heading for the front door. Bridget waited until her mother was inside before she spoke.

“I’m sorry about her, but I can’t do this.” Her hand waved between them.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. “So she caught us kissing. We’re adults. Next time I’ll make sure we’re inside.”

Her eyes widened. “There can’t be a next time.”

His heart sank for a moment, but he wouldn’t give in to despair. She was scared, that’s all. Instinctively, he caressed her cheek to soothe her. She closed her eyes and he leaned in close. “You feel something, too. I know it. Why are you fighting it?”