Moonlight Mist: A Limited Edition Collection of Fantasy & Paranormal)

by Nicole Morgan

  Sanders grunted and handed him the keys and a large envelope. This is everything you need. If you have any questions once you get to Baltimore, give me a call. I’ll do my best to answer them.”

  “Sure.” Easton snatched the keys and the envelope, turned, and stormed out the door. When he got to his apartment, he grabbed his duffle bag and packed all his clothes. Glancing around, he realized there wasn’t anything else in the shithole he wanted. Tossing the keys on the kitchen counter, he walked out the door. It felt as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. Yeah, maybe this move to Baltimore would put enough miles between him and this shitty family so he could re-invent himself without all the baggage that came with being a Ruden.

  Seven hours later, he pulled off the interstate and found a decent-looking motel with a vacancy sign. He’d made good time and tomorrow would be an easier drive. It definitely would be a shorter one, that much he knew. He walked into the lobby, taking note that it was very clean, albeit a bit outdated and worn. A young man with stringy brown hair and wearing a dark blue blazer was leaning on the counter reading a book.

  Glancing up, the clerk smiled, sliding a bookmark inside the book before closing it. “Good evening, sir. How are you tonight?”

  “I’m fine. I saw you had a vacancy.” Easton motioned over his shoulder at the sign.

  “Yes, sir. How many nights will you be staying?” He looked down at the computer screen and started typing.

  “Tonight only. How much is it?”

  “Do you have Triple A?”

  “I do.” Easton pulled his wallet out of his back pocket to get his card and driver’s license. “Here you go.”

  “With that discount, I can get you in a single room for thirty-nine plus tax.” He glanced up from the keyboard.

  “That works for me.” After checking in, he put his duffle bag in the room and looked up the nearest fast food restaurant to the motel. Feeling exhausted from the day, he changed his mind and ordered a pizza. He checked his watch and figured he had enough time to take a shower and throw on some sweats and a T-shirt before it arrived.

  The room wasn’t as bad as he expected for a cheap motel. He lay back on the bed, wondering what he would find when he got to his uncle’s mansion. Why would someone he barely knew leave him a house and money? Well, he wasn’t going to question his luck because he’d always felt he was destined for more. Just as he started to relax, someone knocked on the door. Easton grabbed his wallet off the dresser, walked to the door, and opened it wide for the pizza deliveryman.

  “Pizza delivery for Ruden.”

  Easton nodded. “Fifteen, right?”

  “Yep.” The pimple-faced kid unzipped the red bag and pulled the pizza box out.

  Easton handed him the money plus a tip, took the pizza, then closed and locked the door. The smell of warm dough and cheese permeated the room as his stomach rumbled. An early breakfast and no lunch made the pizza smell extra good.

  He turned on the TV and flopped down on the bed with the pizza box on his lap and a coke on the nightstand. He let his mind wander to the mansion and the supposedly large bank account. After he reached the place, he would contact the bank to see the size of this account, and what he needed to do to transfer everything to his name. He supposed there were directions on the information the lawyer had given him, but he was just too tired and still too angry about the whole situation to really care. It will be nice not to have to worry about money anymore, he thought.

  Once he’d eaten his fill, he tossed the box on the other side of the bed so he could finish the show. Not realizing just how tired he was, he drifted off, waking up hours later with his neck stiff from falling asleep partially sitting up. He climbed off the bed, stretched, and tried to work the kinks out but to no avail. In the end, he jumped in the shower, letting the hot water work it’s magic on his bunched up muscles. Once finished, he packed everything back into his duffle and headed into the lobby to check out.

  The older man at the desk smiled. “Good morning, did you find everything okay?”

  Easton grunted and nodded his head in response.

  Taking the key, he looked up Easton’s information and printed out the receipt. “Thank you for staying with us.”

  “How far is it to Baltimore?” he asked as he took the receipt.

  “It’s about four and a half hours east once you’re back on the interstate.”

  “Thanks.” Easton hefted his duffle bag over his shoulder and strode to his Jeep, tossing it in the back before climbing into the driver’s seat. “Let’s get this show on the road,” he muttered to no one in particular as he pulled out and headed in the direction of his new home.

  Five hours later, he turned into the drive and drove toward the house, dismay filling him. Easton couldn’t believe how run down the outside of the mansion looked. He ran his hand through his hair. What the hell am I going to do with his dump? Jumping down from his Jeep, he grabbed his duffle bag from the back and strolled to the front steps, trying to decide if he wanted to even bother going inside. He imagined the home had once been majestic, but now the weeds and overgrown lawn made it look sad and forgotten.

  Sprinting up the steps, he struggled with the key in the rusty lock for several minutes before he successfully opened the intricately carved door. The hinges moaned in protest as he pushed the door open, and then stepped into the dark foyer. Feeling for the switch on the wall, he flipped it and was pleased when the lights came on. Looking around, he was amazed at the contrast of the tidy foyer from the un-kept outside. Curious now, he made his way deeper into the bowels of the home, his feet echoing on the tile floor.

  The living room was immaculate, ornate, and overwhelmingly enormous. Matching saddle tan leather sofas faced each other in front of a beautiful, stone fireplace with a dark mahogany mantle. Sunlight illuminated the room from floor to ceiling windows on either side of the fireplace. The largest antique coffee table Easton had ever seen sat in between the sofas. He shook his head. His entire apartment would fit inside this space with room to spare.

  Why would his uncle leave him the house? He had been thirteen the last time he remembered even seeing the man. He contemplated this as he left the room and made his way deeper into the house. He peered into the door on the left of the hallway; it appeared to be a small sitting room a lot like the ones he’d seen in one or two old movies where the guests were received.

  He decided he would explore this floor later. He wanted to find a bedroom and bring his things inside, so he made his way back to the foyer and climbed the massive staircase to the second floor. Everything here was just as immaculate as the downstairs. Not a speck of dust or cobweb anywhere. Someone had to be taking care of the inside of the house, but nothing had been mentioned in the will reading, at least not from what he remembered.

  The first room at the top of the stairs was decorated in earth tones with a four-poster bed, tiger oak dresser, and highboy. Again, to Easton, the furniture all looked antique. He started to walk through the door when a sound came from the next room. What the hell? His heart thumped in his chest as he moved to the door. Just as he reached for the knob, the door opened and there stood the most mesmerizing woman he had ever laid eyes on. Dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and hazel eyes met his gaze. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, as the light from the sun streaming through the windows outlined her small, lithe form.

  “Hello, you must be Easton.” Her voice was musical and soft like a gentle breeze that brushed over his skin on a warm summer day.

  “Yeah, I am. Who are you?” He held her gaze and found himself leaning closer to her, wanting to touch her slender arm.

  “I am Tegan Moreau. I worked for your uncle, and it was his wish that I stay on to help you with the house once he passed.” She smiled slightly as he leaned closer.

  “You’re doing a great job,” he said somewhat breathlessly. Shaking his head, he tried to get a better grip on his thoughts. He was sure he was coming off as a nerd with a crush. “Everythi
ng is immaculate, which surprised me given the way the outside of the house looks.” He stepped back, giving her some room and to help him get control of the lusty thoughts flying through his mind.

  “Your uncle thought it very important that the outside of the house did not look inviting. He felt it would keep people from knowing the treasures he had inside. If it does not please you, we can get the house fixed, sir.”

  He held up his hand. “Please, call me Easton. Would you mind if we go downstairs and talk? I’m a bit hungry from the drive. Is there something I can fix myself or do I need to go shopping?”

  “The kitchen is stocked, and yes, we can go downstairs to speak. Let me show you the way.” She slipped around him and made her way to the stairs.

  He watched her glide past him, her movement fluid and graceful, bringing to mind a dancer. He found her pleasant to watch as he took in her ample backside.

  When they got to the kitchen, she motioned toward the table. “Have a seat and I’ll make you some food, if you tell me what you like.” She glanced over her shoulder, the corners of her mouth turning up.

  “I can make a ham sandwich or something.” He found himself sitting down as she directed. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she moved from the counter to the fridge. Before he knew it, a large, mouthwatering sandwich was placed on the table in front of him. “Wow, thank you.” He hadn’t realized how hungry he was as his stomach growled. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

  She raised a brow and a seductive smile spread over her mouth. “Later. Enjoy your sandwich and when you are finished, I’ll show you to your room.”

  “Do you stay here full time?” He hoped she would say yes. He found this woman extremely intoxicating.

  “I do. I stay in a room not far from the two rooms your uncle wished you to choose between. That way, if you need anything, you only have to call me.”

  “How long did you work for my uncle?” He took another bite of his sandwich. She didn’t answer right away but lowered her head for a moment, as if to collect her self.

  “For a few years. He was a quiet man.” Tegan turned and walked over to the counter.

  He studied her for a moment. “Can you tell me more about him? I hadn’t seen him for years. I’m afraid I don’t remember much about him.”

  “I enjoyed working for your uncle. He was easy going and funny, sometimes he was very quiet. He spoke of you often. He was fond of you.” He saw a tear slip down her cheek. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  He put the sandwich down and watched her. “I wish I had known him. My family didn’t like visitors.” He shrugged, not wanting it to go into the story of his family.

  “I wish so too. He was a wonderful, kind man. Are you finished?” She moved to the table to pick up his plate. Her hand brushed his, causing her eyes to widen, and he heard a sharp intake of breath.

  He pulled his hand away as he felt something like a small electric shock that seemed to warm his blood. What was that? “Sorry.”

  She smiled gently at him, her gaze more intense as she looked first at him, and then to her hand where they had touched. Clearly, she felt it too. Easton smiled; he found that he liked this new connection with this strange and intoxicating woman.

  After she cleaned up, they sat chatting and laughing as she told him about some of his uncle’s antics. From the sounds of it, he had been a character, and Easton was sure they would have gotten along wonderfully. When the light coming in the kitchen window changed, he glanced at the clock on the stove.

  “Wow, we’ve been talking for hours. Thank you for sharing all the stories about my uncle.”

  “It was nice to have someone to share them with. I miss him.”

  Shaking his head, Easton realized he had been gawking again. Giving her a bashful smile, he muttered, “I’ve had a long few days.” He stood, stretched, and yawned. “I’m beat. Would you mind showing me the rooms?” he asked, hoping she hadn’t seen him staring again.

  “Of course. Would you like something else to eat or drink before you go to bed?”

  Easton shook his head, still not sure how he felt about being waited on by this beautiful woman.

  “Okay, let me show you to the bedrooms upstairs, and you can choose the one that is to your liking.” Tegan stepped around him and glided out of the kitchen back to the foyer. Easton followed her, watching her luscious backside swishing from side to side.

  When they were back on the second floor, she showed him the two rooms. As soon as he saw the second one, he decided it was perfect for him.

  “I’ll take this one,” he said, watching the smile turn up her plump lips.

  “Perfect. My room is two doors down on the left.” She walked into the room ahead of him and turned down the covers, fluffed the pillows, then closed the curtains on the windows. “This cord here” she pointed to a cord hanging by the head of the bed— “when pulled, rings me if you need anything.”

  “Serious? I’ve seen that in movies but never in real life.” He reached for the cord and gave it a small tug, cocked his head, and looked at her. “I didn’t hear anything.”

  “You won’t hear anything.” She looked at him through her thick lashes, a cute smile turning up the corners of her mouth. “It is for me to hear in my room.”

  Running his hand through his hair, he gave her his best smile as he shrugged his shoulders, his face turning what he assumed was a bright red. “Guess I should have known that.”

  “Good night. I will see you in the morning.”

  He nodded. “That would be nice.” He closed his door, changed into his PJ bottoms, climbed into the huge poster bed, and turned off his light. He put his hands behind his head and thought of everything that had occurred today. His mind kept going to her. If he could only pull that cord and tell her he needed her in his bed tonight. Roll over and go to sleep, Romeo.

  Chapter Two

  Easton slept better than he had in months. The mattress was the most comfortable thing he’d ever been on. Rolling over, he picked up his cell phone to check the time. Running his hand down his face, he looked again. Nine-thirty? He hadn’t slept this late in years. Throwing back the covers, he rolled off the bed, took a shower, and changed into sweats and a T-shirt, before making his way out of his room. He glanced toward Tegan’s room, thought about waking her, and changed his mind.

  He jogged down the stairs and walked to the kitchen, whistling. Yep, eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee sounded good. Once he found all the ingredients and a bonus score of a green pepper and cheese, he decided to whip up an omelet. A large enough one so he could feed her as well. He was just finishing when he heard someone behind him.

  “Morning, Tegan. I hope you’re hungry.”

  “It smells wonderful but I ate earlier. Just some coffee would be good for me.” She took a coffee mug from the cabinet and poured herself a cup. “Would you like me to pour you one?”

  “Please,” he replied, disappointed that she didn’t want any of the breakfast he’d made.

  “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” She smiled and sat down at the table, taking a sip of her coffee. “Oh, this is good. Nice and strong.”

  “Thanks.” He finished the eggs and turned off all the burners. He carried the platter of eggs and bacon to the table then went back to retrieve the plate of toast. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. I feel like I wasted a lot of food here. Don’t know what I was thinking. Do you even like eggs?”

  Tegan twisted a strand of her hair around her finger and lowered her eyes. “No, I don’t like eggs or bacon. More importantly, I’m supposed to make your meals.”

  “I don’t expect you to cook for me. I’m capable of doing it myself, and I actually enjoy cooking. I don’t know what your role was working for my uncle, but I think we should discuss what it will be now.”

  “I took care of him, cleaned, and cooked for him. That is what he hired me to do. But if you don’t like that, just let me know what it is you would like me to do so I’m earning my keep.” She g
ave him another one of those smiles that made is heartbeat pick up a notch.

  “I’ve never had anyone take care of me before. I’m not opposed to you cooking for me, if you would allow me to do so on occasion. The rest of it, we can figure out as we go along.” He definitely didn’t want to see her go. He found himself thinking of different, simple jobs that she could do in order to keep her around.

  “That’s fine as long as we agree it will be something I’ll actually eat.” She smiled again, while catching his gaze and winking.

  He felt a jolt when his eyes met hers. He thought he saw desire flash through her eyes as he felt that pull to her again. He wanted nothing more than to stand up, close the space between them, and take her into his arms. He wanted to crush her plush lips with his and feel her heart race and her breathing quicken as he kissed her.

  She smirked slightly as he continued to stare, giving him a knowing wink before taking another sip of coffee. Shit, she knows I want her. She was now his employee, which was something he needed to consider.

  “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make your bed and straighten up your room. Did you unpack yet?” She stood and walked to the sink, rinsing out her mug.

  He shook his head. “You don’t have to do that. I can get to it later.”

  “It’s my job.” She walked out of the room and glanced back over her shoulder when she got to the door. “And I’ll get the dishes when you’re done.”

  Wow, he didn’t think he’d ever met a woman like her. He thought back to how badly his father had treated his mother, and he’d never wanted to have a relationship for fear of it turning out badly. Now with her, he wasn’t so sure ruling out a serious relationship was a good idea. She was certainly giving him signals that she was attracted to him. He whistled as he washed up the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, a wicked smile plastered on his face.