by Rose Pressey
It was hard to say no to him. Callahan Weiss, he was all male, and I couldn't deny that fact. Also, I couldn't help but realize what a strong effect he was having on me. I looked at his tall frame, all six feet of it, standing before me. His short black hair was mussed, just the way I liked it. I never had wanted a man to spend more time on his hair than I spent on mine. I didn't hesitate on giving him an answer.
"I'd love to."
He smiled from ear to ear and walked backward toward the door.
"I'll see you at seven.” He smiled as he fumbled for the doorknob behind him.
The bell chimed above the door and he was gone. I sauntered over to my counter space and sank down onto my stool. My emotions were a combination of joy, excitement and undeniable confusion. Ignoring the group of ghouls who were smiling with approval at me, I became lost in my daydreams.
I usually stay in at lunchtime, since I am the only employee. Sometimes Mindy helps and Sarah, a high school student from town, works on some weekends. A brown paper bag, containing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, usually holds my lunch. I eat in between customers. It's not that relaxing, but it's not too bad. Today a trip to the bank was in order, so I figured I'd close up shop for an hour, run out, grab a bite and then dash back, I hoped, before anyone missed me.
Of course, I couldn't make the trip alone. No, I had to take my posse with me. Somehow all of us always managed to crowd into my car. Heaven forbid they ever stay behind and give me privacy. They had been talking about Callahan all morning, since they saw him kiss me. I expected them to break out into K.I.S.S.I.N.G Callahan and Larue sittin’ in a tree at any moment. I think they liked him much more than I did, even.
Locking the door behind me, I'd moved out from the entrance onto the sidewalk when, all of a sudden, a loud crash rang through the air above me. I looked up to see the Book Nook sign breaking free from the chains that held it.
An unseen hand shoved me onto the sidewalk as the sign slammed onto the ground. My heart jumped and I gasped for air right before my face smashed into the sidewalk bricks. Groaning, I turned my head to the sky toward where the sign had been dangling seconds before. I couldn't believe it had fallen, narrowly missing me. It had nearly hit me right on top of the head.
If it had, I'd have been a goner. I'd have been forever stuck with Abe and the gang, probably never crossing over myself. With all of my unfinished business lately, I can't help but think I'd be doomed to roam within the walls of my bookstore for all of eternity. What would all the spirits do then, without me to help them cross over from this world? Although, as of late, I couldn't even carry out that action correctly.
I wasn't sure what had come over me lately, but I dearly wished I could shake it. Pure bad luck had swung my way and I couldn't seem to break free of it. If it hadn't been for Abe pushing me out of the way at the last minute, I shudder to think what might have happened.
A tall, lean man who'd been walking on the street, ran to my side.
"Are you all right?” he asked, kneeling beside me, wrinkling his suit more than it already was.
"I ... think so,” I stammered. I leaned up from the sidewalk, glancing around to see who might be watching me. I was dazed and in shock.
The sign was lying on the ground, inches away from my feet; it had also come out unscathed.
I gazed up again at the empty spot where it had been hanging. Nothing seemed wrong, but somehow it had come loose.
Abe and the gang were standing around me with looks of concern furrowing their faces.
The man reached his hand down to me. “Here let me help you."
By that time, a few people were watching me from a distance.
'I was hoping to go unnoticed,’ I felt like saying ‘Nothing to see here, move along people.’ But I refrained. I felt the heat in my cheeks at the embarrassment of everyone watching me. I stood and brushed my jeans off.
"Are you all right?” the man asked.
"I'll probably have a bruise tomorrow, but I think I'm fine.” I didn't bother to tell him where I thought the bruise would be. Too much information.
"I don't understand how the sign fell. Maybe it was the wind."
The man peered up at the sign, rubbed his chin with his left hand and assessed the situation. “Well, there's not much wind today. But perhaps the screws holding it were loose."
"Yeah, maybe.” I smoothed down my hair. “I'll have to get that looked at. Thanks again for the help."
"You're welcome. It was my pleasure. Take it easy now, and watch out for those flying signs."
"I will.” I laughed.
I picked up the heavy sign and dragged it back up to the entrance, balancing it against my leg as I unlocked the door. Too bad I hadn't asked the man to help me move it before he'd walked away; it weighed a ton. Or too bad it would look strange if the ghosts helped me. I could have had them carry it. Needless to say, people would probably be freaked out to see a sign moving along the sidewalk by itself.
I propped the sign against the wall and turned to head out once again, this time making sure there were no flying signs. I'd have to call the man who had installed it as soon as I got back from lunch. After that near brush with death, I definitely needed some comfort food and maybe I'd even splurge on dessert.
My cell rang.
"What are you doing for lunch?” Mindy chirped.
"You're not going to believe what happened to me."
"What happened? Are you all right? You sound a bit panicked."
"The sign above the door at Book Nook fell just as I was coming out of the door and almost killed me."
Silence came across the line. Finally, she said, “You've got to be kidding me!"
"Again, Mindy, would I kid about something like that?"
"No, no. I just don't know what to say. Either you have the worst luck ever, or something weird is going on. You meet a great guy who is dating someone else, a car barely misses squishing you, ghosts follow you around and then this stuff happens."
"He is not seeing anyone else,” I said defensively.
She ignored my statement. “You can't even have any fun with the ghosts, like have them get things for you, because you can't tell anyone."
"Well that's hardly anything new. That's been going on since I was little. And really has nothing to do with luck."
"Seems like bad luck to me. If you had good luck, they could be working for you while you went to lunch."
I didn't respond. Instead I said, “I'll meet you at Lucy's in ten minutes."
"I'll be there, sounds so yummy. I'm starving."
I pulled up to Lucy's and luckily it wasn't packed yet. Lucy's was one of the most popular places in town. And rightfully so, their food was delicious. I was feeling a little jumpy still. Looking around for any zooming cars or flying signs, I bounded out of the car. Everything seemed safe.
Mindy spotted me as soon as I walked in. She waved me over to a modest table in the corner of the room. Lucy's had a great French country décor with the best southern cuisine below the Mason Dixon line. Mindy had beaten me there. I was surprised; she was always late. She'd been late for her own birth and everything else since.
"Oh. My. God. Are you all right? I've been so worried about you since I talked to you."
"Well considering that was five minutes ago that's not saying much.” I laughed. “But yes, other than having a seriously bruised butt, I'm fine. As soon as I get back to the shop I'll call and have the sign fixed, before people think I've gone out of business. They'll be calling my grandparents telling them I'm having financial difficulties."
Mindy pointed her thoroughly buttered biscuit at me. “Yes, you're right. I can totally see that happening."
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Chapter 13
Things had gone well on my pizza date with Callahan, so when he asked if I wanted to attend a concert in the park with him, I'd figured I'd give it a shot. Although Mindy said I was just asking for heartache, I thought possibly she'd misinterpreted C
allahan's contact with Brianna, or at least that's what I wanted to believe.
Abe and the gang seemed to think my date with Callahan was a good idea. They, for whatever reason, still trusted him, so I figured I should, too. After all, he was ‘Honest Abe. He should know what he's talking about.
I closed down my register, straightened up the few misplaced books lying around, and moved to the front of the store. The old wooden door creaked as I twisted the knob, I flipped the sign around to read closed, and the bell tinkled overhead as I slid out the door.
A swift breeze kicked up, swirling the fallen leaves around my ankles as I picked up my pace and hurried down the sidewalk toward my car. Sensing that someone was staring at me, I turned my head and scanned the area.
Across the street Brianna was watching me like a hawk stalks a chicken. I tried to ignore her glares as she stood perched in her window across the street. I could almost feel the heat from her malevolent looks. It was kind of scary to watch her as she flashed her bitter smile at me.
I slid into my car, locked the doors for protection and sped away. I drove home in a rush and jumped in the shower as soon I walked in the door. An hour later, my closet was practically empty, and lying in a huge crumpled pile on top of my bed. I finally decided on my best pair of jeans, ones that claimed to shape your butt. I hoped they worked, but it was probably just a gimmick.
Slipping on my favorite pair of wedge heels, I checked out my reflection in the mirror. My goal was to make my legs appear longer, but there was no way I could walk around the park in spike heels, so wedges it was. Picking my spike heels out of the dirt or falling flat on my face was not my idea of fun. Before I met Callahan, I had to run a few errands, so I needed to get myself in gear or I'd be late.
Painstakingly, I applied my makeup, styled my hair, and slipped on my favorite necklace. A cute silver butterfly my mother had bought me for my birthday last year. My cleavage, or lack thereof, practically fell out of my white v-neck shirt, thanks to my Victoria's Secret push-up bra.
After running my errands, I zipped back down Main Street to meet Callahan in front of my store. I knew, at some point, he'd have to pick me up at home, but for the time being it was best to keep him as far away from my bedroom as possible. Because my body was saying ‘yes’ to Callahan, but my mind was still saying ‘no, no.'
Callahan was waiting for me when I pulled up to the curb. Thankfully, this time Brianna was nowhere in sight. Callahan was leaning casually against the brick wall of the building, hands stuffed nonchalantly into his pockets. With his broad shoulders stretching his faded red shirt, and his worn jeans, he looked irresistible. His piercing blue eyes and chiseled features were enough to make any girl's heart go pitty-pat. Eat your heart out ladies; he's with me.
"You look amazing. You always look amazing,” he said as I stepped out of my car.
I could get used to those kinds of compliments. What woman couldn't?
"Thank you.” I smiled.
Callahan grabbed my hand and led me down the sidewalk toward the park. It was just a couple of blocks away, and when we arrived people were already milling around, finding their spots on the lawn in front of the stage.
Leaves from the trees surrounding us were steadily cascading to the ground. I watched the vibrant colors float effortlessly around us as we staked out our little spot on the lawn. The band had almost finished setting up its equipment on stage, and would be starting soon.
The sun was sinking in the sky, and the day had been warmer than I'd expected. Clouds were forming in the distance, and I knew that meant rain soon. I just hoped it would hold off until after the concert.
Callahan had brought one of those cute picnic baskets with the red-and-white checked tablecloth stuffed inside. I had no idea he was so detail-oriented to think of such particulars for our date. Inside the basket were yummy treats for us to nibble on.
As we sat on the blanket behind most of the couples, I felt the electricity that swept between us. I smiled at him, and I was pretty sure the desire in my eyes was evident. However, I wasn't sure if it was just me feeling that way, or if he felt it too.
Grabbing the basket, I reached in to inspect the wares as Callahan poured our drinks. Neatly packed within the basket, he'd brought grapes, cheese, crackers and, of course, pastries. They made me giggle when I saw them. He must never leave home without pastry.
Callahan scooted closer to me, leaned back on his elbows and then stretched his long legs out in front of him. With a flood of noise the band started, and we listened quietly as we sat on the blanket.
"What do you think of the band?” Callahan asked, in a raised voice so I could hear him over the music.
"They're great. I've heard a lot about them. They play a nice variety of music."
I hated to admit I wasn't really paying attention to the band.
When I thought Callahan wasn't watching me, I kept glancing over at him. Being that distracted, I couldn't even tell him what song they were playing.
"Do you come to the concerts here in the park often?” I said, nibbling on a piece of cheese.
"No, not really. But I heard it was fun, so I thought you might like it."
"Oh, I do like it a lot. Thank you again for inviting me. And the picnic is wonderful. You went to so much trouble."
"You're welcome. And it was no trouble. I must confess I've been looking forward to seeing you all day. Although, now that I think about it, it would be more romantic without the hundreds of people around."
I laughed. “Yes, I guess it would."
"Do you mind if I move closer to you?"
Do I mind? He asks me.
Even though he was already somewhat close, I certainly didn't mind if he came closer.
"No, of course not.” I probably had a tinge of red across my cheeks. Hopefully not too much.
There was no denying my temperature rose when I was near him. As if I were on an endless roller coaster, and I had no idea when it would end.
The next thing I knew, Callahan had tilted his head slightly to one side and leant in close to my lips.
I was a mere inch from his face.
His nose was almost touching mine as he whispered, “I'm so attracted to you, I can't think of anything else."
Wow, I did not see that coming. My breathing increased. Why did it seem I was always searching for the right words around him?
"You can't?” I whispered.
"No, I can't,” he said in a husky whisper.
He was quite possibly the most incredibly good looking man I had ever seen face-to-face. His scent was intoxicating, like spicy leather and sandalwood.
I felt like a teenager with my hormones in overdrive. Let's just say it was a good thing I was still sitting, because I was definitely getting weak at the knees; they had turned to Jell-O.
Softly, Callahan placed his lips on mine, skimming a succession of feathery light kisses on my mouth. Oh yeah, things were definitely heating up between us. At that moment I had all but forgotten about the Brianna thing. He pressed his lips to mine again, slightly harder, and kissed me. This time long and deep.
The music pulsed around us, but I couldn't tell which thumps were from my heartbeat, and which thumps were from the drums on the stage.
Callahan was exploring the texture of my lips with his tongue. It was the best picnic I had ever had.
Breathing fast, I pulled my lips away from his, bringing my hand to my lips and touching them, as they quivered from his kisses I threw him a look of embarrassment. Suddenly, when I heard some people giggling nearby I remembered we were not alone in the park. When he'd kissed me we'd been in our own little cocoon. Obviously, a passion-filled haze had clouded our eyes.
"We'd better stop,” I said with a shaky grin. I lowered my lashes so he could not read my eyes.
Rolling thunder boomed. It was moving closer—the storm was coming soon.
I leaned down, trying to be seductive by letting my shirt fall open and giving him a flash of my faux cleavage. It pr
obably wasn't fair for me to use my assets on him that way, but life was never fair, so I did it anyway. Drawing back slightly, I saw that his eyes did exactly what I'd intended.
Callahan glanced down and immediately back up again. As he locked eyes with me again, I knew my cleavage trick had worked. There was a desire evident within the depths of his pupils. A desire I somehow knew contained loads of salacious thoughts of what he'd do to my body if given the chance.
He leaned forward again. This time, I could feel his kiss was more self-assured.
I kissed him back, matching his tenderness and new-found self-confidence. His body radiated heat while pressed against mine. Feeling my confidence spike, I slid my tongue across his lower lip and he let out a soft moan. Suddenly, I felt my head become woozy and I wondered if he could feel the steam searing from my body as I felt it from his. I had more heat coming from me than my grandfather's old wood-burning stove that he'd always added way too many logs to.
Pushing on Callahan's hard chest—pumping iron daily had paid off for him—I broke away, again thinking of the people surrounding us. But as I glanced around, I noticed no one was paying any attention to us. Fortunately they were all too focused on the mesmerizing cadence of the band.
For a brief moment he looked at me bemused, and then, as if a light bulb had flicked on, he realized I was still embarrassed from our PDA session.
"Can I see you again on Saturday?” he asked, staring at me intently.
He had a wry smile that lit up his eyes as he placed his arms around me again and pulled me back into his strong embrace. Pressing tight, chest against breast. With that, I was completely lost in the moment. I paused, not really on purpose, but more due to being lost in the heat of the moment.
Finally, I said, “Yes. I'd like that."
I felt the heat rising into my cheeks again. This was getting serious, and I didn't mind one bit.
"I'll pick you up at your house this time."
I didn't argue, although I probably should have. So much for keeping him as far away from my bedroom as possible. My plan from that moment forward was to not let him inside my house.