“This is the worst day ever,” Harper muttered.
“Come here,” Jared said, grabbing Harper around the waist and pulling her to his lap. “I think you look beautiful in whatever you want to wear. If this isn’t your thing, you can wear whatever you want.”
Zander tossed a tiny nightie – it happened to be blue and sheer – at Jared’s head. “That’s only one of the naughty things we bought.”
Jared studied the item in question and smiled. “On the other hand, maybe you should listen to Zander.”
“You’re a pig,” Harper said, her cheeks coloring as she grabbed the nightie from Jared.
“I can’t wait to see you in that,” Jared said, nuzzling her cheek. “If that makes me a pig … well … oink.”
Zander laughed. “That was a very good response. So, we picked out several cocktail dresses and a few more simple spring dresses.” Zander started holding them up so Jared could see them. “Harper insisted on a lot of black because she’s afraid of too much color. I did the best I could on that front.”
“I like that black one with the missing back,” Jared said. “Definitely pack that one.”
“I will,” Zander said. “You should see the heels that go with it.”
“I’m not wearing heels,” Harper said.
“Oh, you’re wearing them.” Zander returned to the pile of clothes. “What’s the deal with the dinner parties? I’m assuming she’ll get away with simple dresses most nights.”
“Yeah. Josh said only the first night and the last night were formal occasions,” Jared said. “I brought a black suit.”
“Men are lucky because they can wear one thing and look gorgeous,” Harper said. “I have to dress up like a … beauty queen … and let you parade me around.”
“I think you already look like a beauty queen,” Jared said. “I am looking forward to seeing you in these dresses, though. Don’t get me wrong or anything, because I love it when you dress down and don’t make a fuss, but it’s going to be fun to see you dressed up.”
“I’m not sure it’s going to be as fun as you seem to think it is,” Harper argued.
“I think you’re being a baby and you need to get over it,” Zander chided. “Stop being a complete and total pain in the ass, Harp. This is a big deal for you. You’re going away with your boyfriend for the first time. You’re going to meet his college friend. That’s a big deal.”
“I know,” Harper said, rubbing her stomach. “Trust me. I know.”
“Are you nervous about that?” Jared asked, realization dawning. “Do you think you’re not going to fit in or something?”
Harper shifted so she was facing Jared. “I have some concerns,” she admitted. “What are we going to tell people that I do for a living?”
Jared was puzzled “Is there a reason we can’t tell them the truth?”
“I hunt ghosts for a living.”
“I know,” Jared said. “I’ve been aware of it for quite some time now.”
“But … isn’t your friend going to make fun of you for dating me?” Harper asked, worry flitting across her pleasing features.
Jared stilled, surprised. “Probably not,” he said. “He’s an open-minded guy. Even if he did, though, I don’t care about that.”
“You don’t?” Harper wasn’t convinced. “You don’t care that we’re going to a ritzy party and you’re going to introduce one of your oldest friends to the ghost hunter you’re dating?”
“No.”
“Harp, do you want Jared to keep that to himself for now?” Zander asked, his face unreadable as he studied his best friend. Jared had no idea where he was going with the question, but he decided to let Zander handle the panic attack. He was good under pressure, and no one knew Harper better than he did.
“I honestly don’t know,” Harper admitted. “I feel … exposed. I don’t understand why. I’m usually fine with people knowing what I do for a living. I’ve never had this problem before. You know that.”
“I do know that,” Zander agreed. “Do you want to know what I think?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I want to know what you think,” Jared said, linking his fingers with Harper’s and resting them on her stomach.
“I think you haven’t liked anyone as much as you like Jared in … well … forever,” Zander said. “Don’t let that go to your head, Jared.”
“Of course not,” Jared replied dryly.
“You’re still confident in who you are, but you’re also worried that something will happen to make Jared change his mind about you,” Zander said. “Personally, I don’t think what a college friend thinks about you is going to matter. We’ll ignore that for now.”
“No, we’re not going to ignore that,” Jared interjected. “I don’t care what anyone thinks about you but me, and I happen to like you just the way you are. I don’t want you to change. Even more than that, though, I don’t want you to think you have to change.”
“That was a very sweet sentiment,” Zander said. “I’m talking, though.”
Jared shot Zander a dark look. “You’re starting to get on my nerves.”
Zander pressed his finger to his lips. “Shh.”
Despite her nervous reaction, Harper couldn’t help but giggle at Zander’s antics. “Don’t fight.”
“We’re not fighting,” Zander said. “If we were fighting, I would be winning, though. Now, you’re nervous about meeting an old friend of Jared’s, but you’re equally nervous about dressing up and playing nice with people you don’t know.
“You’re a business woman, Harp,” he continued. “You know how to schmooze people. You’re going to be fine. You know how to do small talk and you’re going to have your hunky boyfriend at your side to make sure you’re never uncomfortable.”
“I’m not sure I like being called ‘hunky.’”
“Shut up, Jared,” Zander warned, never moving his eyes from Harper. “This is a big deal for you, Harp, and if you don’t want the added pressure of explaining what you do for a living – which I totally understand, by the way – I have a suggestion for a lie that’s not really a lie.”
Harper leaned forward, intrigued. “What?”
“No, I don’t want her to lie,” Jared interjected. “There’s no reason to lie. If people don’t like what she does they can shove it up their … .”
“It’s quiet time, Jared,” Zander said, patting his knee. “Let me handle this. I know what I’m doing.”
“I want to hear his suggestion,” Harper said. “I am really nervous. This might make me feel better.”
“Fine.” Jared gave in, resigned. “What is this grand idea?”
“You can tell people you give haunted Michigan tours,” Zander suggested. “It’s not a lie. We do them several times a year. It’s part of our job. That will make you sound bohemian and chic and still allow you to keep the other part of our job – the one where you can see and talk to ghosts – a secret.”
“I like that idea,” Harper said. “Can we do that?” She turned to Jared, a hopeful expression on her face.
“Sure,” Jared said. “If that will make you comfortable, I’m all for it. I’m also comfortable with you telling the truth, though. If you change your mind and want to come clean, I’ll be right there with you.”
“Thank you for that,” Harper said. “Zander is right, though. I’m nervous. I don’t remember the last time I was nervous, but I can’t help myself. I’ll be wearing weird clothes. This is our first trip together. I’m meeting an old friend of yours. It’s … daunting.”
“I remember the last time you were nervous,” Zander said. “It was when you two finally had your first date – which led to your first round of sex – and you both were messes. Who got you through that?”
“We did,” Jared said.
“That’s right, I did,” Zander said, ignoring Jared. “You’re going to be fine, Harp. I promise you that everything is going to work out. Jared has your back … and if he doesn’t, I’m only a
phone call away.”
Jared narrowed his eyes. “I think I can handle this,” he said. “Besides, it’s not all going to be strangers. The murder mystery is being held at the Stokes Hotel. It belongs to Josh’s parents. They’ll be there, too, along with a few other members of his family and maybe even some people we went to college with. She’s going to be fine.”
“Awesome,” Zander said, grabbing three dresses from the pile and striding toward the closet. “Harp, I’m packing your dresses in Jared’s garment bag to make things easier. Put all your naughty things in that small bag I got for you.”
“Yes, sir,” Harper grumbled, causing Jared to smirk. She moved to get up, but Jared stopped her with a hand on her hip. “What?”
“I promise you’re going to have fun,” Jared said. “Please don’t be nervous. I know you can’t help yourself, but … this is going to be great. It’s our first official couple’s trip. I know people and I’m a little nervous. I’m also really excited. I can’t wait to introduce you to people.”
“You have a wonderful way about you.”
“Right back at you,” Jared said, grabbing Harper’s chin and planting a scorching kiss on her. “Now show me the naughty stuff before you put it in the bag. I want something good to dream about tonight.”
“And that’s my cue to leave,” Zander said, moving toward the door. “Just for the record, I will be hopping into bed with the two of you tomorrow morning because it’s my last Harper fix for a week. You can’t stop me, so don’t even try.”
“Knock before you enter,” Jared ordered.
“Cover your freaky nipples so I don’t inadvertently stare,” Zander shot back.
“I don’t have freaky nipples!”
Harper raised her eyebrows as she got to her feet, chuckling as she watched Jared rub his chest. It appeared she wasn’t the only insecure one.
JARED woke to the sound of voices, internally sighing when he realized Zander was not only in the room, but also on the opposite side of the bed. He pressed his eyes shut and pretended he was sleeping so he could listen for a few minutes.
“I think you’re going to have a marvelous time,” Zander said. “You’ll be nervous for the first few minutes and then you’ll relax and be the charmer we all know and love.”
“No one has ever called me charming,” Harper countered.
“I call you charming all of the time,” Zander said. “Stop stressing yourself out. You’re going to be a hit and Jared is going to be thrilled to show you off to his friends. You’re very attractive. People will think he paid for the pleasure of your company you’re so attractive.”
“Are you insinuating I look like a hooker?”
Jared bit his lip to keep from laughing. There was something delightful about the way Harper and Zander interacted. As much as he wished he had her to himself more often, Jared would never try and get between Harper and Zander. They were magical in the way they loved one another.
“You don’t look like a hooker,” Zander replied. “I still maintain if you acted like a hooker in the bedroom Jared would like it, though.”
“You’re such a freak,” Harper complained.
They were quiet for a few moments.
“You’re going to be okay at work, right?” Harper asked. “You can handle Molly and Eric without too much difficulty, I’m sure. They’ve been fighting a lot lately, though.”
“Yes, well, Molly is irritating and Eric has a bad attitude,” Zander said, referring to GHI’s other two employees. “They’ll be fine. I’m actually looking forward to telling Eric you’re spending the week with Jared at a sleazy hotel. He’s trying to put his crush on you behind him and this will pretty much send him over the edge.”
“It’s not a sleazy hotel.”
“It will be when I get done telling the story,” Zander said. “Harp, I promise things are going to be fine. If we need you, we’ll call you. You’re only twenty minutes away.”
“I know. It’s just … I’m going to miss you. When was the last time we were apart this long?”
“I’ll call you every day,” Zander said. “In fact, since you’re going to miss me so much, why don’t we Skype in bed every morning? It will be fun. Just cover up Jared’s nipples so they don’t scare me.”
Jared fought the urge to scowl.
“Okay,” Harper said. “We’ll Skype every morning.”
“And if you have a fashion emergency, don’t hesitate to call,” Zander added. “I’ll have my cell phone with me. I’ll help you look like the princess you are.”
“Thank you,” Harper said, her voice low. “You’re the best friend a girl could ever ask for.”
“And I have beautiful nipples,” Zander said. “Unlike your boyfriend who is eavesdropping while he’s pretending to be asleep.”
Jared forced out an exasperated sigh and rolled so he was facing Harper and Zander. They sat next to each other, their backs propped against the pillows, and studied him. “How did you know I wasn’t sleeping?”
“You make little cooing noises when you’re asleep,” Zander answered. “It’s very cute.”
“I don’t coo when I’m asleep.” Jared glanced at Harper for help. “Tell him I don’t coo.”
“It’s more of a whirring sound,” Harper said. “It lulls me to sleep now. I love it.”
“Well, I guess I can live with that,” Jared muttered. “How much longer until we can hop in the shower and get moving?”
“Ten minutes.”
“Fine,” Jared said. “Wake me when you’re done talking about my nipples.”
Four
“This place is beautiful,” Jared said a few hours later, slowing his truck so he could take in the breathtaking Stokes Hotel as he coasted onto the driveway. The grandiose estate was four stories high, square in design with gargoyles sitting at each corner, and highlighted by gray stones that allowed the building to cut an imposing figure against the Lake St. Clair backdrop. “I can’t believe this place. I had no idea it would be like this.”
“Haven’t you ever been here before?” Harper asked, smiling as she watched Jared’s reaction. He’d taken the entire trip in stride – including riding the ferry – but he couldn’t mask his youthful exuberance. He really was excited. That made Harper happy and determined to make sure he had a good time.
“Josh told me about it when we were at college, but I guess I never understood what he was saying,” Jared replied. “He said he grew up in a big house on an island. I was picturing a beach house for some reason. This place is a mansion. Heck, this place is four mansions.”
“It’s amazing,” Harper agreed. “Zander and I used to come here from time to time when we were teenagers. He loved the art museum and I loved the water. We always used to stare at this place – it wasn’t always a hotel like it is now – and dream about what it would be like to be rich enough to own a place this big.
“Zander’s fantasy involved muscular pool boys and mine involved the world’s biggest library,” she continued. “We figured the house was big enough for us to live together and still get everything we both wanted.”
“When did it become a hotel?” Jared asked, turning his attention back to the road so he didn’t inadvertently careen off the cobblestone driveway. “Josh didn’t really talk about much of that.”
“It was a big deal on the news a few years ago,” Harper hedged. “I … well … the news reports said that the Stokes family was in financial trouble and the state was going to take the land so they had no choice but to turn it into a hotel.
“I guess they were hit hard by the economic downturn in the early part of the century and they lost a lot of the money they had put away and never fully recovered,” she continued. “This is all gossip, mind you, but I believe there was also talk of the Stokes family losing more money in the bank collapse which came a few years after that.”
“That’s too bad,” Jared said, pulling into the parking lot on the east side of the building. “I’ll bet it was cool to live in a
house that has forty bedrooms. That makes hide and seek fun.”
“I think it sounds like overkill,” Harper replied. “When Zander and I used to come out here we envisioned ourselves in stocking feet sliding across hardwood and marble floors and never running out of new places to investigate. We were kind of geeks.”
“I think you guys are wonderful,” Jared said, meaning every word. “Go on.”
“Anyway, when we started really talking about it, though, the idea of a house this big seemed lonely,” Harper said. “It’s very ostentatious and gorgeous, but I think a home should feel cozy. You should feel comfortable in the space. How could you ever get comfortable in something this big?”
“That’s a good point,” Jared said. “What does your dream house look like?”
Harper shrugged. “I don’t know. I like an older house that has electrical updates. I like the idea of being close to a river. I like the lake, don’t get me wrong, but a river is more fun and gives you a more rural feeling. I want a big yard and garden. I just want something … homey.”
“I think that’s a good dream,” Jared said, killing the engine of his truck and reaching over to snag Harper’s hand. “Are you ready for this?”
“I’ll be fine,” Harper said. “I’m sorry I was so nervous before. I feel a little silly about it now, but … I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“Harper, you could never embarrass me,” Jared said. “I like you just the way you are. That’s why I couldn’t stay away from you, if you remember correctly. People here are going to see exactly what I see: A beautiful woman they want to get close to. If someone tries to hit on you, though, I’m going to pop them. That includes Josh. They may want to get close to you, but I’m the only one allowed to get close to you.”
Harper giggled. “Is Josh a ladies’ man?”
“I think we all fancied ourselves ladies’ men back in the day,” Jared replied. “I’m not sure we realized how ridiculous we were, but he’s a good guy. He’ll hit on you to irritate me, however. Trust me. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, though. It’s all an act.”
Ghostly Deceits (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 3) Page 3