by Rose Pressey
I supposed that was a plausible explanation, but it was odd for him to be in the attic.
My eyes had adjusted now, allowing me to find my way back to the door. I fumbled for the doorknob, then made my way out into the hallway. Liam followed closely behind me. The soft glow from a nightlight I’d installed in the hallway highlighted Liam’s handsome features. I stared at him, waiting for an explanation—although he’d already offered me one, it wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t ready to accept the story he’d given.
“What kind of noise did you hear?” I asked.
Before he had a chance to answer, a door swung open and heavy footsteps came down the hall. I whipped around to see Nicolas walking toward us.
He frowned. “Is everything okay? I thought I heard a scream.”
I pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Liam scared me is all.”
Nicolas glared at Liam. When I looked to Liam, he had a cocky grin on his face.
“What is so funny?” I asked.
My patience was fading quickly. They were messing with my beauty sleep and I didn’t appreciate it. Liam shook his head, but didn’t answer. I looked back at Nicolas. This macho crap from them had to end.
“I heard a noise and went to check it out. Apparently Liam had heard it too. He was in the attic looking for the source of the noise,” I said.
“Is that right?” Nicolas glared at Liam.
“I’m just making sure she is safe.” Liam’s voice was courteous but patronizing.
“I suggest that everyone go back to their rooms. We can discuss this in the morning over breakfast.” Maybe I sounded a little bossy, but someone had to take care of this situation.
The men stared at each other. Their eyes spoke volumes. The only problem was I had no idea what they were saying.
Finally, I pointed down the hallway. “Bed now.”
It was like talking to kids. But someone needed to take control of the situation. I pointed down the hall until the grown men finally shuffled toward their rooms. As I watched them walk next to each other, they kept their distance, moving slow and cautious toward their rooms. I was definitely feeling the tension between them, but there was something else. They were fighting like brothers. Not to mention that they looked a lot alike. It was odd. But since they said they didn’t know each other, I had no choice but to shrug off my thoughts.
Another question was unanswered too. Had Liam really heard a noise? Was it the same sound I’d heard or was that Liam that I’d heard? What had been the noise Liam had heard? Perhaps he’d heard the ghost.
I followed them down the hallway until both men disappeared into their rooms, shutting their doors with a bit of force. I hoped that was the last disruption I had for the evening.
With one last glance back, I went back down the flight of stairs to the second floor. Lifting the cat out of my spot, I crawled back into bed and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like forever. My thoughts ran wild in my head. The last twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind. Thoughts of the book popped into my mind. If Liam was looking for it, he could easily find it downstairs. Why would he want that book? Where had the mysterious tome come from and how would I find out?
I finally dozed off and didn’t wake until the morning sun streamed through the window and splashed across my face. When I finally remembered that I had guests, I glanced over at the clock. It was five minutes after eight. I was the worst innkeeper in the history of hospitality.
I jumped up and didn’t even bother to put on my bunny slippers. My feet slipped as I raced down the stairs and I reached out, grabbing the banister to keep from toppling headfirst all the way to the bottom. When I righted myself, I hurried the rest of the way, then raced through the house. Reaching the kitchen door, I stopped short, attempting to catch my breath, but my lack of breath wasn’t just from the running.
Chapter Twelve
Nicolas stood in front of the stove with a spatula in one hand and maple syrup in the other. This was beyond embarrassing. I was forcing my own guests to make their breakfast. I could see my mother shaking her head in my mind.
Nicolas hadn’t noticed me watching him. How he hadn’t heard me run through the house like a crazy woman was beyond me. The smell of cinnamon and syrup whirled through the air. He looked sexy with my polka dot apron tied around his waist. Underneath it he wore jeans and a black T-shirt. The casual look was good on him. But the dress pants and shirt he’d worn last night looked good too. As a matter of fact, I thought he’d look hot in just about anything.
As I was opening my mouth to announce my presence, he must have sensed me and turned around. “I saw your recipe book was open to the French toast. I hope you don’t mind that I started to cook without you.” He pointed at the sizzling pan.
Nicolas eyed me up and down. That was when I realized what I must have looked like. I eased my hand up to my hair and attempted to smooth it down. I probably looked like a peacock. I adjusted my shirt from where it had become twisted while sleeping.
“I’m sorry I overslept. You must think I’m a terrible hostess,” I said.
My stomach fluttered at the sound of his laughter. “It’s okay. You had a late night.”
I stepped into the kitchen and stood beside him. He smelled so good, like fresh soap and maple syrup. My knees went weak standing next to him and I thought that I’d collapse into a pile on the floor any second.
“Please let me finish.” I motioned for him to hand me the spatula.
He hesitated and studied me with his gorgeous blue eyes. Was he pausing because he knew my cooking sucked?
Finally, he handed me the spatula. “I really don’t mind. If you’d like to get dressed, then I can finish.”
Hmm. He had a point. I hadn’t even brushed my teeth or my hair. Did I really want to sit across the breakfast table from this gorgeous man looking like a zombie? He smiled again and held his hand out for the spatula.
“Okay. I’ll just go get dressed. If you’re sure you don’t mind?”
He shook his head. “I’d be honored to make breakfast for you.”
That reminded me. Where was Liam? Was he still asleep? I hated to bring up the subject, but I decided to ask anything.
“Where is Mr. Rankin?” I asked.
Nicolas turned his attention back to the food and scooped the toast from the skillet. “He went out. I don’t know where he went. I didn’t ask.”
Hmm. I guessed that was more of an answer than I’d expected.
“I’ll just go change,” I said, motioning over my shoulder.
He flashed a huge smile. For a split moment, something looked different about his appearance, but I couldn’t place it. Whatever I’d thought I’d seen must have been my imagination because as I searched his features again, nothing seemed different. My mind was playing tricks on me.
I rushed back upstairs and slipped into jeans and my favorite cream-colored sweater. It was tight enough to accentuate my curves but not so tight that it looked as if I was trying to impress Nicolas or Liam. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and brushed my teeth.
As I neared my bedroom door, the floorboard in the hallway squeaked. Was it that ghost again? I had to admit I was on edge thinking that there was possibly a ghost in the house. I tried to be tough, but it was a little creepy. Did I dare call Annabelle and tell her what I’d heard? No, it was best if I didn’t tell her. She’d never set foot in the house again. But I had to talk with someone about what was happening.
I eased out the door expecting to see a ghost, but instead came face to face with Liam. He looked dashing in his dark pants and dark blue shirt. His compelling blue eyes, his firm features and the confident set of his shoulders didn’t go unnoticed by me.
“Is everything all right?” I asked.
He looked into my room as I was closing the door. “I just wanted to apologize again for last night.”
“Think nothing of it. It was no big deal, really.” I shrugged dismissively. “Would you like breakfast? We’re havin
g French toast.”
Would he figure out my plan to lure him into more conversation over breakfast?
I wouldn’t dare tell him that Nicolas was preparing the meal. He’d find out soon enough though.
“I could go for French toast. Thanks.” He flashed his perfect smile.
“Great. We can walk down together,” I said breezily. Was my nonchalant act working? Probably not.
“I’d like that.” The smile in his eyes contained a sensuous flame.
His infectious grin had set the tone and I couldn’t help but reciprocate. “So where are you from, Mr. Rankin?”
“Please call me Liam.”
“All right. Where are you from, Liam?”
A melancholy frown flitted across his features. “I’m from New Orleans.”
“And you’re here on business?” I asked.
“Yes, I’m investigating a case. But I’m afraid that I can’t discuss it,” he said.
How did he know I was going to ask what the case was about?
“I understand,” I said as we moved down the steps.
What was so top secret that he couldn’t discuss it?
“So this house is all yours now?” he asked.
Had I told him about inheriting it? I didn’t remember having that conversation with him. I hadn’t spoken to either of them about it. Even if I had, I doubted that Liam would talk to Nicolas about it. They didn’t seem to discuss anything other than arguing.
I glanced over at him. “Yes, it is mine now. How did you know?”
“You told me, don’t you remember?” He looked at me enigmatically.
I couldn’t accuse him of being a liar. That would be rude. But I knew I hadn’t told him. This was very weird.
“My family once had a place like this,” he said softly.
I studied his clean-cut profile. The tenderness of his voice made him seem almost vulnerable at the moment. “Really? What happened to it?”
His expression stilled and grew serious. “It just got into the wrong hands, I suppose.”
“That’s unfortunate,” I said.
“Yes, it most certainly is.” Liam reached the bottom of the stairs first.
He held out his hand to help me down the bottom step. Without warning he flashed that gorgeous smile again and my stomach danced. He was a charmer.
“Thank you,” I said softly, trying to hide a huge smile.
As we made our way through the library, Liam asked. “Have you noticed anything strange since you’ve moved in?”
I whipped a glance at him. “What makes you ask that?”
Had he seen the ghost?
He hesitated. Was he trying to think of what to say? Or was he afraid to tell me about what he’d seen?
“It’s a big house. I figured maybe you’d heard the creaks and groans that come with them.”
“Are you trying to scare me?” I asked.
He chuckled. “Of course not. Have you had many other guests?” he asked.
This was an answer that I didn’t want to give. Should I lie or be truthful?
“As a matter of fact…” I paused. “You and Mr. Marcos are my first guests. But I hope you don’t hold that against me,” I said.
“Of course not. You’re doing a wonderful job.” A dimple appeared on each cheek.
“Even with the burnt pancakes?” I asked.
“Hey, the next batch was good.” His eyes grew openly amused.
Nicolas must have heard us talking because he popped out from the kitchen. He was still wearing the red and white polka dot apron. Liam’s face turned from pleasant to frustrated in a nanosecond.
“I thought I heard you talking. Breakfast is served.” He wiped his hands on the apron.
“Are you working for Ms. LaVeau now?” Liam asked sharply.
“I made her breakfast,” Nicolas said with a slight smile of defiance.
“You know, I’m not hungry after all,” Liam said with a steely glare.
Nicolas shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
“I have business to attend to. I’ll see you later, Hallie.” Liam reached for my hand and placed a delicate kiss against my skin.
After his lips lingered for a second, I watched as he moved across the library and out of sight.
When I turned to Nicolas, I said, “When are you going to tell me what is going on between the two of you? I’m not stupid and I know something is going on. You know each other and I don’t believe you’re being honest with me.”
“Please, let’s have breakfast and we’ll talk.” He stretched his hand out to me.
That statement made me wonder if I’d want to eat after I heard what he had to say.
As soon as my fingers touched the warmth of his outstretched hand my whole body tingled. His gaze looked with mine and I found it hard to look away, as if I was being hypnotized.
“Why do I feel as if I am about to receive bad news?” I tried to keep the banter relaxed.
He squeezed my hand and smiled. “Come on, I put a lot of effort into breakfast.”
I sighed and allowed Nicolas to escort me into the dining room. He’d even set the table with my pretty white napkins and the special crystal glasses that I liked to use. In spite of the knot in my stomach my mouth watered. Nicolas had outdone himself with breakfast. Strawberries and powdered sugar decorated the French toast on the plates. He’d even cleaned up the kitchen.
Nicolas pulled out the chair for me and said, “Please have a seat.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m the one who is supposed to be doing all this for my guest,” I said as I sat in the chair.
“You can make breakfast any time. I don’t get a chance to make breakfast that often. I’m usually on the go too much.”
I studied his every move as I took a sip of my orange juice. “So tell me what is going on. How do you know Mr. Rankin and why did you tell me I was in danger simply by being around him?”
Nicolas looked down at his plate for a moment and finally met my gaze. “I’m just passing through on business.”
What? Okay, he was crazy. That’s not what I’d asked. They were just playing games with me.
“I don’t believe you. There has to be more to your visit. Do you work with Mr. Rankin?”
Just when he was about to answer, Nicolas’ cell phone rang.
“Will you excuse me for just a moment?” he said while pulling the phone from his pocket.
I nodded as he stood and moved out of the room. After a couple more minutes, Nicolas hadn’t returned and I went back to the library to check on his call status. When I reached the library, I found Nicolas not on the phone, but standing close to the shelves studying the titles on the bindings. I got the feeling that he was looking for something. Did he want a book to read? Would he notice the spell book to his left? I didn’t want him reading that. I’d have to explain what it was and I wasn’t sure he’d understand the whole witchcraft thing.
As if he sensed my presence, he turned around. The expression on his face was odd, as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing.
“I didn’t hear you enter. I was just looking at the wonderful collection of books you have.” He pulled one of the books from the shelf.
“They were my Great-Aunt Maddy’s. She left me this manor recently,” I said.
Nicolas flashed a knowing smile. “Is that right? Is that why you decided to run it as a bed-and-breakfast?” He placed the book back in its spot.
I nodded. “What else was I going to do with all the rooms, right?”
He nodded, then walked over to the desk in the middle of the room. I was just glad that he’d moved further away from the mysterious book. Why did I have such an overwhelming desire to hide it? Out of all the books on the shelves, it was unlikely that he’d pick up that one book. Regardless, I didn’t want to chance it. They first opportunity I got, I’d hide the book.
“How long have you been in the manor?” he asked while running a finger along the intricate detail of the wooden desk.
<
br /> I couldn’t help but imagine that I was that desk and his finger was tracing the curves of my body. I shook off the thought and met his gaze.
“Just a few weeks,” I said.
“You’ve certainly been busy then.” Nicolas fixed his gaze on my face and looked away as quickly as possible.
Finally, I glanced back at him. “Yes, I have. There was a lot of cleaning and prep for the bed-and-breakfast.”