by Erica Penrod
“I know he’s thrilled to see you. He hasn’t talked this much since he got here six months ago.” Doris dropped her hands. “You’ll have to come over for dinner. I’ll cook up something special. Would tomorrow night work for you?”
Levi crossed his arms and a notch appeared between his brows. “I’m afraid tomorrow night wouldn’t be good. Monica and I have plans.”
Monica choked and began to cough.
Levi looked down at her with a twinkle in his eyes. “Isn’t that right, Monica?”
She nodded as her eyes darted from Levi’s to Doris’s and she smiled.
“But I’m sure we can arrange something for next week.”
“Oh yes, I suppose that will work.” Doris looked Levi over before she turned to Monica. “I’ll be sure to tell Alex you’re in need of some help.”
“Oh, please don’t bother him.” Monica rose from the porcelain throne, waving the instruction sheet like a flag. “Alex is so busy.”
Levi intervened. “I’ll take care of it. Alex has a lot going on. I’ll be happy to help Monica.”
Doris lifted her chin. “All right, I’ll leave you two.”
The older woman might have lost the battle, but Doris would be back. She had plans for Alex and Monica that didn’t include Levi. Monica could’ve shot down Levi, right in front of Doris, and denied his declaration, but something stopped her. He didn’t have anything planned and was just making up an excuse to get out of dinner, but a part of her wished there was some truth to his story.
A twinge of disappointment pinched her side, and she sighed. “I guess I’d better get back to work if I’ve got any chance of getting this room ready for my guests on Tuesday. I’ll see you later, Doris.” Monica studied the instructions like they were a treasure map. The sooner Doris and Levi left, the sooner she could get back to work, working on the bathroom and forgetting about Levi.
Doris left, but Levi stood in the doorway and watched her.
“What?” She looked up at him. Her attraction to him was so much easier to deny when he wasn’t being nice and helpful.
“I’ll change my clothes and be in to help.”
“You don’t need to do that. It’s Friday night; I’m sure you’ve got plans.”
He loosened his tie. “No, I don’t.” Levi’s dark eyes pinned her down, and she couldn’t move from beneath his stare. “After the day I’ve had at the hospital, I’d like to feel like I accomplished something today.”
“I take it things didn’t go so well at the hospital.” Monica folded the instruction sheet in half and set it on the counter.
Levi huffed. “I met with most of the staff, and everyone says they’re willing to make changes.” He rubbed his forehead. “Until it comes time to actually implement the new protocol.”
“Change is hard.” Monica stood up. “I’m sure it will just take a little time.”
“I hope so. I don’t want to have to let go of anyone who said they wanted to stay.” His eyes narrowed as he shook his head. “There’s this Nurse Bean, who clearly does not want me there. She might be first on the list to go.”
“Susie?” Monica smiled. “I love her. My great-aunt Gwen introduced me to her years ago.”
“You’re kidding.” Levi’s chin jutted. “We can’t be talking about the same person.”
“Very tall, dark hair?”
He nodded. “Yeah, that’s her.”
“I’d suggest you sweeten her up instead of trying to strong-arm her.” Monica had met Susie on more than one occasion at the Sweet Shoppe and knew she had a weakness for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. “I could help you with that. I could bake something for you to take into the staff as a peace offering.”
“That shouldn’t be necessary.” Levi crossed his arms. “If they want to work there, they’d better do what I say.”
“Okay.” She grinned. “But like Aunt Gwen used to say, ‘You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’”
Deep lines creviced Levi’s brow. “Whatever. Let’s forget about the hospital for now.” He expelled the air from his lungs. “We’d better get to work, because I do have plans for tomorrow night.”
Monica tried to swallow the lump of disappointment in her throat. He had been using her as an excuse with Doris and probably had a date with some cute girl from Main Street. The Sweet Shoppe girls were adorable—and they made the world’s best fudge. There was also Maggie, the soap shop owner. She’d just opened up but was already the talk of the town with her goat milk recipes, flawless skin, and big brown eyes. The woman could be a cartoon princess, she was so perfect.
“Okay,” she managed. Why her heart pounded with frustration over being looked over by him, she didn’t know. He was a billionaire and she was a struggling business owner; in no way did pining after him make sense.
“Would you go out with me tomorrow night?” The corners of his eyes creased with his smile. “If we get this finished?”
There were so many reasons to say no, but looking up at the gorgeous man in front of her, she couldn’t think of a single one.
Chapter Twelve
Levi had stood his ground against many tough opponents in his lifetime, but he’d never surrender to a showerhead. In his defense, Monica had agreed to go out with him tomorrow, and he had a hard time focusing on anything else.
“Are you sure I shouldn’t call Alex?” Monica stood outside of the tub beside him. “We’ve been at this for more than an hour.”
“No, it’s fine. I just need to make a few adjustments.” He tinkered with the rotating head. “I’ve read the instructions and followed them to the letter. There is no reason for this not to work.”
“Other than it’s not working.” Monica rubbed her temples. “Maybe we should try what that guy suggested on the MyHeartChannel.”
“No, I’m sure this will work.” He twisted and turned the head to check the connection. “This is what the directions say to do.” Levi stood back and studied his handwork. “Turn the water on.” He stepped back even farther. “Just a little so we can see it’s working.”
Monica raised her brow, her voice filled with uncertainty. “Okay.” Levi wouldn’t gloat too much when the water poured from the showerhead like a tropical rain and Monica apologized for doubting his ability. She leaned over and turned the faucet. Water shot out like a rocket and hit him in the chest. “Oh crap.” Monica hurried and turned the handle. She looked up at him, her hazel eyes bright as she attempted not to laugh and failed. “Sorry.”
Levi tried to scowl, but laughter erupted. “Maybe we do need to call Alex.” His pride went down the drain with the water. Monica offered him a hand, and he took it. He stepped out of the tub, moisture dripping from his shirt. She reached for a towel beneath the cupboard and handed it to him. “Thanks.” He dried himself as best he could. “Maybe I should just stick to what I know.”
Monica grinned. “Maybe so, but I appreciate the effort.” She put her hands on her hips. “Besides, humility suits you.” She scrunched up her face like she was deep in thought and moved past him.
He tried not to notice the strands of hair slipping from her bun, or the urge coursing his veins to reach out and pull her to him.
Monica leaned over and twisted the showerhead. She turned the handle, and water poured in a perfect stream. “Fixed it.”
“Show-off.” Levi shook his head. He might as well give up and go to bed before he humiliated himself any further.
Monica smiled as she turned off the water and turned to him. Her foot slipped, and Levi caught her in his arms. Maybe the night wasn’t such a loss after all.
* * *
Monica found herself in Levi’s arms. “I might not be good at plumbing, but I managed to catch you.” He held on to her as a smile tugged on his lips.
She didn’t rush to right herself but relished the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her. His cologne filled her head, and she inhaled the musk of woods and spice. Monica watched his mouth, and the ferocity of her desire
scared her. She’d never wanted to kiss a man like she wanted to kiss Levi. The lights flickered, and Monica got the feeling Aunt Gwen wasn’t happy.
“I don’t know what you did before I came along.”
Me neither. Panic ebbed its way into her thoughts. The man was leaving Eureka Springs when the job was over. She’d be an idiot to give in and kiss him now. She wasn’t the sort of girl who could kiss someone without getting her heart involved, and it was way too late for that anyway. Her heart had gotten there first, long before her lips ever would. Levi had intrigued her from the moment she met him, but after she’d seen him with Alex, she knew there was so much more to the man than he allowed the world to see.
Monica gained her footing and pulled away. Warning signals continued to sound in her mind. “Thanks.” She took another step back.
Questions appeared in his eyes. “You’re welcome.” Tiny lines etched along his forehead. Maybe he was worried she’d back out of going out with him tomorrow.
Monica should’ve done just that. If they went out on a romantic date, she’d probably kiss him by midnight, and then where would she be when he left? But she’d already told him yes, and he’d given the showerhead his best effort. She owed him, but she had to be in charge and keep romantic settings out of the scenario. “How would you like to go on a ghost tour tomorrow night?”
* * *
The room was dark. The windows were dressed in full costume with red velvet curtains edged in matching fringe, and candles burned in the background. Black-and-white photographs hung on the walls, with clips of Eureka Springs newspapers framed beside them. Shelves lined with “I survived” T-shirts and hats were to the right, and a fireplace coated in faux spiderwebs and a mantel topped with an assortment of crystal balls were to the left. The Twilight Zone theme song floated from the speakers, haunting the air around them. Tourists huddled together on the various pieces of furniture in anticipation of what awaited on their twenty-five-dollar ghost tour.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this.” Levi stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked around. “This has got to be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever done.”
Monica bumped him with her shoulder. “Oh, come on.” She grinned at him. “You’ll love this.”
Levi thought the girl was crazy, and this ghost tour was one more piece of hard evidence to the fact. “I don’t think so.” He blew the air from his lungs. He couldn’t admit to Monica that what scared him most had nothing to do with a possible ghost encounter, but the idea that he’d go just about anywhere to spend time with the zany girl. Levi loved the challenge of his job, but over the last couple days, he’d found himself thinking about what his life would look like if he loved something or someone more than his career.
“If you want to make things better at the hospital, you should know more about the town you’re working in.” Monica’s perfume, something wild and sweet, filled his head.
Levi looked down at her and thought for the third time in one night how cute she looked in her coral-colored hoodie. Her hazel eyes glowed up at him. “How would that make things better at the hospital?”
“Maybe you won’t seem like such a foreigner to the staff.”
“I thought this was a ghost tour. How’s that going to help?”
Monica laughed. “Ghost tour is just a fancy term for a historical tour.” She tipped her chin and gestured towards the teenagers giggling on the couch. “I bet they wouldn’t be here if they advertised this as a historical tour.”
“False advertising?” Levi scowled. He was all for bringing in business, but not under false pretenses.
“Easy there.” Monica put her hand on his elbow, and his attention zeroed in on the feel of her touch. “You’ll get your share of ghosts, but there’s not a better way to learn about the history of this town.” She gazed up at him beneath a hood of lashes but didn’t remove her hand.
Levi might’ve been thinking about this all wrong. Monica might be more inclined to hold on to him if she was scared. Bring on the ghosts. “If you say so.” He tried not to flinch.
Monica lifted her hand and waved at a man walking in. “Hey, Wesley.”
The guy wore black-rimmed glasses and looked a little overdressed for a ghost tour in his button-down shirt and slacks. He waved back at Monica before he joined a group of people.
“That’s Wesley Bassett. His mother owns a hat shop in town. She’s an artist in her own right, and if you need a hat for any occasion, she’s got it. Wesley lives above the store and is employed there as well.”
Levi nodded, but his attention turned as a woman appeared in the doorway on the other side of the room.
“Oh, and there’s Molly Sawyer. She’s the tour guide.” She was certainly dressed for the part in her black leather vest, studded bracelets, and knee-high boots. Silver skull earrings hung from her ears. “She is so good at her job.” Monica’s voice bubbled with excitement. “Her mom owns the place, but Molly gives the tours.”
This was a strange town, where being a ghost tour guide was a respectable job. Levi listened as Molly introduced herself and issued instructions. Everyone stood up, ready for the walking tour. Outside the building, the summer night breeze kicked up, and Levi was glad that Monica had told him to wear a light jacket. They followed Molly down the steep flight of steps and walked the short distance to the street.
Levi tucked his hands in his pockets once more, although he wanted nothing more than to reach out and lace his fingers through Monica’s. He prayed he hadn’t misinterpreted the connection between them. There was an energy between them, Levi wasn’t wrong about that, but was the feeling just a fleeting attraction or more? There must be something in the Eureka Springs’s water, because Levi wanted to find out instead of ducking and running away like he had from any other possible relationships over the last five years.
“Our first stop is over this way.” Molly led them across a bridge and under an archway painted with the words “Balm of Life.”
Monica stayed close, occasionally bumping into him and sidling up beside him as they navigated the crowd.
“Here is one of the first springs discovered in this area. It was said to have healing powers, and some claimed it was the Fountain of Youth.” Molly continued to spin her tale.
The historical truth mingled with the paranormal kept his attention. He had to admit that Monica was right: Molly was good at her job.
The tour continued, and after several stops in front of some of the buildings lining Main Street, Levi was starting to understand the people of Eureka Springs better. Their town was a part of history, rich with tragedies and triumphs and a belief that ghosts lingered out of love. He wasn’t sure he believed the bit about the ghosts, but he admired Molly’s conviction to her stories.
The tour ended in some of the underground catacombs. It was damp and dark and the perfect opportunity to hold on to the person next to you. Levi braved his fears and reached for Monica’s hand. “Shall we explore?” He smiled at her.
She squeezed his fingers, nodded, and grinned up at him. “Yes.”
“And if I freak out, you’ll protect me?” Levi loved the feel of her soft flesh in his hand.
“Of course.” The faux candlelight flickered in Monica’s eyes, and she giggled. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Levi drew in a deep breath. It was too late for that. Something was definitely happening to him; heart palpitations, anticipation swaying in his gut, and moisture collecting along his brow all had nothing to do with ghosts.
He was haunted by Monica Fallentine.
Chapter Thirteen
The full moon illuminated the night sky as Monica and Levi made their way down the sidewalk along Main Street. So much for leaving romance out of the equation. She’d been on the ghost tour before and didn’t consider the activity to be romantic, but with Levi next to her, she easily imagined little cartoon hearts floating from her head.
Common sense reprimanded her once more, reminding her of why gett
ing involved with Levi was a bad idea, but she couldn’t stop herself. The wrong thing to do had never felt so right, and Monica gave in. They weaved in and out around tourists and locals and paused to watch couples swing dancing inside a bar and grill. Music blared from the open door.
“Do you like to dance?” She leaned into Levi and giggled when she felt his body stiffen beside her and a look of terror flashed in his eyes. “I’ll take that as a ‘no.’”
Levi glanced down at her, and the color slowly returned to his face. “I haven’t done a lot of dancing in my life.” He looked in the window. “And I certainly have no idea how to do that.”
“I thought you were a Texan. Aren’t babies born line dancing in the Lone Star State?” She couldn’t help herself; she loved teasing him. Levi’s usual self-confidence kept him serious and reserved. Monica discovered uncertainty and a little apprehension at new places and experiences, which gave her a glimpse at the man Levi was beneath his polished, professional exterior.
“I was born in Texas, but you might be disappointed to know I was pretty much raised a city boy.” His shoulders relaxed, and they continued their descend along the sidewalk. “I’ve never really listened to country music.”
Monica let go of his hand, and he stopped abruptly. “Well, that does it.” She fought to act disappointed. “I can’t see this thing between us going any further.” She shook her head. “No country music is a deal breaker for me.” Her lips quivered and she clenched her teeth to keep from smiling.
Levi’s eyes searched hers. “Seriously?”
Oh, the man was adorable. “No.” Monica took his hand and laughed, but the joke was on her when Levi pulled her into a small gap between the buildings. Levi turned so her back was against the wall. Her breath caught in her throat, and her pulse quickened. She was no longer in control of the situation.
He put one hand on her waist and gently touched the tip of her nose with his finger. “I didn’t know you were such a tease.” His obsidian eyes reminded her of the catacombs they’d just explored, a place she could get lost in. “A beautiful tease.”