Greg continued the tour. “The two sides of the house don’t connect. It was built originally as a travelers’ inn and they kept their living quarters separated by locked doors. Only we rent out what was once their living quarters and are living in the rooms once reserved for guests. This way, you have full use of the parlor, kitchen, and dining room anytime you’d like. Our house is yours during your stay.”
In the foyer, she noticed a fanlight over the front door and rainbows scattered across the checkerboard floor. How delightful!
“The parlor is a great place to read or play chess, if you’re so inclined. There are cards and other games on the shelves.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think we’re going to be bored.” Travis said, wriggling his eyebrows at her.
He must be determined to keep her blushing constantly. She glanced around the room. The fireplace burned brightly with what appeared to be a wood fire, warming the large room despite its at least fourteen-foot ceilings. A towering twelve-foot tree blazed from top to bottom with lights of every color in the rainbow. She walked closer to admire some of the vintage ornaments. Each must tell a story of Christmas past. “Your tree is so beautiful!”
“Tillie’s responsible for that. Although I don’t let her go up on the ladder after she…well, because of the baby now, mostly.”
The furniture was antique, but comfortable looking, with a divan and wing-back chairs surrounding the fire in an intimate set-up.
She’d expected the house to feel like a museum at first sight, but instead found it to be cozy and homey. “Be sure to check out the initials carved into the mantel on the right-hand side. Tillie and I still can’t decide whether the JH was carved by my grandmother’s last beau or by Jesse James himself, who spent a lot of time here in the house and sometimes went by the alias John Howard.”
“Either way,” Kate said, “it must be special to be surrounded by so much history, whether your family’s or that of the famous outlaws who hid out here.” She’d read up on the lore in anticipation of their stay. Simply fascinating. Jesse’s brother Frank had surrendered after the Civil War within a few hundred yards of the house.
“We’re lucky. Tillie took care of it after my grandmother left it to her.” Interesting that a non-family member had inherited it rather than Greg. Perhaps its current owners had stories to tell, too. “Shall we go upstairs to Amelia’s Suite?”
“Yes, by all means.” Travis said, as anxious to get upstairs, frankly, as she was.
The men indicated for Kate to precede them up the stairs, then she waited at the landing for Greg to take the lead once more, although there were only two doors to choose from. “This will be your en suite bathroom,” he said, opening the one to the right.
Travis set down the bag in the hallway beside the door and briefly devoured her with his eyes before scooping her into his arms.
“What are you doing?”
“Carrying my bride over the threshold.”
“But you already did that at home last night.”
“This will be home for the next two nights, and I want to do this right.”
The only regret she had now was that they’d promised to come down to have cookies soon. She’d never wanted anything less at the moment, not with the way Travis burned a hole to her core with his steamy gaze.
Inside the room, Travis kissed her and set her on her feet as Greg cleared his throat. She’d forgotten about him altogether and didn’t make eye contact as her cheeks flamed. Undoubtedly, they’d had newlyweds and other couples here before. It wasn’t as if Greg and Tillie hadn’t had sex before, either. Thankfully, where the Buchanans would sleep was far removed from this room, although she intended to restrain herself from screaming the walls down this weekend, no matter how hard that might be to achieve.
“This is a rope bed,” Greg said, “like most of the beds in the house.” She’d always wanted to own one.
Greg moved to the gas fireplace and instructed Travis how it worked. “Sorry that we don’t have wood-burning fireplaces in the bedrooms, but the insurance company prefers that we’re in charge of building any wood fires in the house.”
“No complaints from me. This will be quick and easy.”
“Everything else here is pretty much self-explanatory, but feel free to ask for anything you need.” Greg made his way to the door. “And take all the time you need to settle in.” She blushed wondering if he knew they’d be naked about a minute after he left the room. “Dinner’s not until six. Unless you’re hungry now, why don’t we save the cookies for dessert?”
“Sounds perfect,” Kate said. More time alone.
Travis chuckled, and no sooner had the door clicked shut than he reached for the hem of her sweater and pulled it over her head. “I don’t think he expects us to make an appearance until dinnertime, but that only leaves us two hours. We’d better work fast.”
A smile spread across her face. She knew how Travis liked to take his time, but she couldn’t wait. “Let me help.” She unhooked her bra and tossed it on the back of the chair next to the fireplace.
His hands cupped her breasts and squeezed her nipples, making her wince. They’d gotten a workout last night, and were supersensitive. He sucked one, and she grabbed onto the back of his head to keep from crumbling at his feet. Without warning, he released her and tossed the appliquéd butterfly quilt back, along with the top sheet and probably a blanket. He then lifted her into his arms again, laying her gently on the high mattress before removing her slacks and underwear and his own clothes in great haste, his gaze never leaving her body, causing her nipples to remain pebbled and her sex to throb.
He positioned her near the edge of the bed. When she held out her arms to him, he ignored them and spread her legs wide before sinking into her in one swift move. She wasn’t aware she was ready for him, but seemed to stay in a state of readiness anytime he was near.
After they’d both climaxed, he crawled into the bed and rolled on his back, his arms wrapped around her waist as he cocooned her to him. She rested her head against his chest.
“I bet I could make you come once more before dinnertime,” he said.
She giggled. “That’s the last time I challenge you to go faster.”
He grinned. “We have a lot of time to make up for.”
Kate wouldn’t let the regrets over the past ruin the moment. They’d both made their peace with the secrets she’d kept and the opportunities they’d lost.
Travis kissed her. “We have everything anyone could ever dream of. I love you, Katie.”
“And I love you, Travis. The best is yet to be.”
The next two days were filled with lovemaking and copious amounts of good food. They were seated in the dining room Sunday morning enjoying brunch when Travis pulled his phone out. “Excuse me. It’s Mom. It must be important.”
He must have had it on vibrate because it hadn’t made a sound that she could hear. She watched him go into the birthing room to answer it and tried to listen in, but Derek was regaling her with stories about the wonderful waterfall near his former home. She’d begun to relax when Travis entered the room again, his face drawn. Something was wrong.
“Katie, we need to go to Louisville.”
Her heart pounded in her ears. “Chelsea?” She jumped up from the table, nearly toppling her chair. “Is she all right?”
He nodded curtly. “Chelsea’s fine. But Tanya’s been in a serious accident in southern Indiana and they’ve brought her to a hospital in downtown Louisville.”
She felt guilty at the sense of relief knowing it wasn’t their daughter, but her heart ached for Travis and her new family. Even though Kate didn’t know Tanya well, she’d had a number of interesting conversations with her about her travels at the rehearsal dinner and on their wedding day.
“Tillie, Greg, I hope you’ll excuse us for rushing off.”
Tillie rose first. “Not at all. Let me wrap up some cookies to take to the hospital with you while you all pack.”
&
nbsp; “We’re already packed,” Travis said as he disappeared toward the foyer.
“Thanks, Tillie. That’s very sweet of you.” Kate followed Travis dreading what they were going to find when they made it to the hospital. Tanya was young and healthy, though. She had to be okay, once they were able to evaluate her condition.
But she worried about Travis, being the big brother. What on earth had happened? They’d all been together just a few days ago.
* * *
Danny couldn’t believe his luck.
After months of planning and waiting, they’d found him a match. The man had been lying in a coma for hours before seeking out Obadiah who then approached Danny’s spirit guide with an offer of an exchange.
He didn’t know a lot about him, but if the higher powers thought they would be a good match, then who was he to argue. Danny had been hovering near the man’s bedside for the exchange to take place, but Daniel said he couldn’t leave until a special someone came to his bedside.
In the meantime, Danny became restless and went out into the hallway near the ICU nurse’s station just as Travis and Katie came running toward him. What the… How could they know he’d…
“We’re here to see Tanya Cooper,” Travis said to the nurse who asked his relationship to the patient. “I’m her brother and this is my wife.”
What were the chances that he’d be granted this opportunity to see Travis again, but under what circumstances? What happened to Tanya to land her in ICU? The way he talked, she was a workaholic. Heart attack? Stroke? Happened to younger and younger people all the time.
“Follow me, sir.”
Danny fell into line behind Travis and Katie as they were led to a room several doors away. Inside the room, he found Tanya attached to all kinds of monitors and IVs. Her head was bandaged. An accident?
“Tanya, can you hear me?” Travis asked.
Katie stood beside him rubbing his back, her brow wrinkled in concern. Thank goodness he had her. He probably wouldn’t lean on anyone else.
“Daniel Morgan’s going to pay for this,” Travis muttered under his breath.
Wait. What did he say? Danny’s gut twisted. He didn’t believe in coincidences. So Daniel and Tanya had been together in the accident that landed the man in a coma? Tanya’s eyes were closed. Travis brushed the side of her cheek avoiding the bruising.
If Danny went through with this, would he find out he was responsible for the injuries suffered by Travis’s little sister? Travis already seemed to think Daniel was to blame.
“Is there a problem, Danny?” He turned to see Obadiah standing beside Danny’s spirit guide, the two of them awaiting his answer.
“Is Tanya going to be okay?”
“That’s not for us to say.”
Fury bubbled up inside him. “Then who the hell do I ask? Travis needs to know that everything’s going to be all right.” He was on his damned honeymoon, for heaven’s sake.
“His journey is of no concern to you now. While it’s not too late for you to end this contract and wait for another, remember that it has been determined that this opportunity will give you the greatest potential for soul growth and enable you to complete several of the missions you’ve set forth in your chart.”
Did he care about that now? Hell, yeah. But…
Obadiah waited, staring pointedly.
Danny ran his fingers through his hair. “I didn’t expect it to happen this way.”
How was this Morgan fellow tied to Tanya? What if Danny discovered the man was responsible for the accident that injured Travis’s little sister?
“Of course, once you’ve accomplished what Daniel asked that you agree to as part of the exchange, you’ve mapped out several turning points in your chart in which you may choose between continuing life in Daniel Morgan’s body or returning to spirit.” Obadiah waited once more. “Well, Danny? Your decision?”
Danny’s gaze moved away from the guides and back to the three Coopers in the room. He had only one choice to make.
The “End”
Keep up with news about my writing journey for book three in the Bluegrass Spirits series—Danny’s Return—as well as watch for release and preorder information at my website.
About the Author
Kallypso Masters is a USA Today Bestselling Author with half-a-million copies of her books sold in paperback and e-book formats since August 2011. All her books feature alpha males, strong women, and happy endings because those are her favorite stories to read. After dabbling at writing since high school (a very long time ago!) and hoping to become a Romance writer about as long, she’s living the dream and has been since May 2011.
An eighth-generation Kentuckian, Kally has launched the new Bluegrass Spirits series, supernatural Contemporary Romances set in some of her favorite places in her home state. For behind-the-scenes revelations, to help with research and story questions, or to discuss the books in this series in a spoiler-allowed zone, join Kally’s Bluegrass Spirits (Kallypso Masters Series) Facebook group.
Kally has been living her own happily ever after for 34 years with her hubby, known to her readers as Mr. Ray. They have two adult children, a rescued dog, and a rescued cat. And, as her Facebook friends and followers know, Kally lives for visits from her adorable grandson, Erik, who was the model for the character Derek in Jesse’s Hideout (Bluegrass Spirits #1) and Erik in Kate’s Secret (Bluegrass Spirits #2). (He insisted on having his real name in this one!)
Kally is also the author of the USA Today Bestselling Rescue Me Saga series featuring emotional, realistic erotic Romance novels with characters finding alternative methods for handling and healing from past traumas and PTSD. She also has published two Rescue Me Saga spinoff books—Western Dreams (Rescue Me Saga Extras #1) and Roar, a standalone with familiar secondary characters from the main series. (Roar will serve as the bridge to a future Romantic Suspense trilogy with Patrick, Grant, and Gunnar.) She has two additional Facebook discussion groups for those 18 and older who want to discuss these books. To join her secret Rescue Me Saga Discussion Group, send a friend request to Charlotte Oliver along with a private message asking to be added to the group. There is also a closed Facebook group for Roar you can join directly called the ROAR Discussion Group.
Kally enjoys meeting readers and is on a mission to meet with at least one reader for a meal or event in all 50 states. This year, she’ll mark off her 30th state since 2012 when she attends Oregon’s Passion in Portland on September 23, 2017. For additional signing events, check out the Appearances page on her web site to see if she’ll be near you!
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To contact or engage with Kally, go to:
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And feel free to e-mail Kally at [email protected], or write to her at
Kallypso Masters, PO Box 1183, Richmond, KY 40476-1183
Get your Signed Books & Merchandise in the Kally Store!
Want to own merchandise or personalized, signed paperback copies of any or all of Kallypso Masters’ books? New Bluegrass Spirits series items will be coming soon, but there’s already a line of t-shirts and other items connected to the Rescue Me Saga series and KallypsoCons. With each order, you’ll receive a bag filled with Kally’s latest FREE items, including a hand fan, Jesse’s Hideout lip moisturizer, Bluegrass Spirits & Rescue Me Saga pens, bookmarks, postcard, trading cards, and more. Kally ships internationally. To shop for these items and much more, go to kallypsomasters.com/kally_swag.
Bluegrass Spirits Series
Jesse’s Hideout
(First in the Bluegrass Spirits Supernatural Contemporary Romance series)
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p; Read Greg and Tillie’s Story Today!
Jesse’s Hideout
Tillie Hamilton is the latest person to use her 180-year-old house in rural Kentucky as a hideout—taking her cue from the infamous outlaw Jesse James who frequented the place. The house she converted into a bed and breakfast is the only sanctuary she’s known, ever since the old woman she inherited it from rescued her from neglect as a small child.
However, sparks fly when her benefactor’s handsome grandson, Greg Buchanan, accuses Tillie of exploiting his grandmother’s memory for her own ends by claiming Gram haunts the inn.
While reading his grandmother’s private journals, Greg learned Jesse James returned to this house in the 1930s, half a century after historians believed he’d been shot dead. Vowing to debunk the charlatan’s claims of ghosts and to prove his grandmother correct, Greg quickly discovers the charming Tillie is not at all what he expected. Embarrassed to admit he’s another of the conspiracy theorists she scoffs at, he hides his secondary reason for showing up at her B&B.
Yet his attraction to Tillie keeps him torn between setting history right and forging a new history of his own in Tillie’s arms. Tensions mount, leaving his grandmother’s spirit to think her dying wish—something she’s wanted since Tillie and Greg were children—may never come true.
Can Gram and Jesse make the two lonely overachievers see they belong in each other’s arms before time runs out for them to seize this opportunity?
Kate's Secret (Bluegrass Spirits Book 2) Page 48