To Catch a Spirit (Spirit Chasers Book 1)

by Carrie Pulkinen

  “Hey. It’s okay. You don’t have to talk about it.”

  “No. I need to. It’s just…Well, I’m a healer, Logan. And they wouldn’t let me help them. My dad kept to himself; I hardly ever saw him. And my mom…She didn’t tell me about the cancer until it was too late. She was trying to protect me, and she thought it would be better if I didn’t know. I could have helped her. I could have helped them both.”

  He held her tight to his chest as she cried. He felt the pressure of her grief and the sharp, stabbing pain of the guilt she felt for not helping her parents. She clung to him, unloading all the built-up emotions she had locked away years ago.

  “It’s not your fault. People have to want to be helped. You did all you could.”

  “But I could have done so much more, if they would have just told me.”

  “But they didn’t. For whatever reason, they didn’t tell you what was going on. Whether it was for your protection or not, you didn’t know. It’s not your fault.”

  She wiped her tears and looked into his eyes. “Thank you. Deep down I know it wasn’t my fault. But sometimes I need to be reminded.”

  “Is that why you didn’t want to get involved with me? Because of what happened with your parents?”

  “Pretty much. Money is evil.”

  “It can be. But I try to use my powers for good.”

  She let out a chuckle. “I know that now.”

  “I remind you of your father.”

  “At first, you did. When all I knew was your image. But now that I know you…You’re nothing like my dad. And I’m not scared anymore.”

  “Good, because I would never do anything to hurt you.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Allison lit a jasmine-scented candle and rearranged the pillows on her treatment table. It would be another hour before Logan got there, and her stomach twisted in knots as she waited for him. They shared so much the night before—their bodies and their feelings. She opened up to him in a way she never thought possible, and she felt lighter now that he knew about her past. Her demons, as Lucia had called them. She may have finally buried them, after all.

  Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she checked the caller ID. It was Tina. Crap, she'd forgotten to call her. “Hello?”

  “Are you still with him?” Tina’s voice was a whisper, like she was trying not to disturb them.

  Allison lowered her voice to match her friend’s. “No, I’m at work.”

  “Then why haven’t you called me? Oh, my God, Allie! I’ve been on pins and needles all morning waiting to hear from you.”

  She laughed and curled up in her favorite chair. “I’m sorry. I had a few clients this morning, and I was running late. And I’ve been a little preoccupied thinking about my boyfriend.”

  “Your boyfriend? Tell me everything!” Excitement raised Tina’s voice an octave, and Allison imagined her sitting on the edge of her seat, her knees bouncing up and down as she spoke.

  “Well, I met his sister…”

  “And?”

  “I really liked her. We got along, and she and Logan have a great relationship. She invited us to visit her family in New York.”

  “Us? As in you and Logan?”

  “Yeah. And after dinner, we went back to my apartment.”

  “And you screwed his brains out.”

  “Tina!”

  “What? Tell me you didn’t.”

  She giggled, pushed her office door shut, and lowered her voice. “Okay, I did. And he was incredible.”

  “And now he’s your boyfriend? I mean, did you talk about it? You’re not just assuming, are you?”

  “No. We talked about it. He said he didn’t want to see anyone else, and I said I didn’t either, and…”

  “Allie has a boyfriend,” Tina sang. “I’m so happy for you! When are you going to see him again?”

  “We’re having lunch today.”

  “I’m so jealous. Does he have any friends you could hook me up with? What about that cute lawyer he’s always hanging out with?”

  “What about Dr. Ortega? Aren’t you seeing him this weekend?”

  “Sure I am, but we talked about him and the vagina thing.”

  “Right. And what about Gage? Last time we talked you were interested in him.”

  “I am interested in him. But he’s interested in you.”

  She sighed. “You don’t know that. It’s been a long time since we’ve hung out. I’m sure he’s over it by now. Besides, I’m with Logan. I still can’t get used to that. I have a boyfriend.”

  “Yes, you do.” Tina laughed. “Listen, I have to go, but I want you to keep me updated, okay? I want all the details.”

  “All right. I’ll be sure to call you the moment something happens.”

  “You better.”

  * * *

  “I’m going to grab some lunch. You want to come?” Trent had his keys in his hand as he stood in Logan’s doorway.

  Logan glanced at his watched and smiled. “No thanks. I’m going to meet Allison.”

  Trent sauntered into the office and sat on the arm of a chair. “How’s that working out? You saw her last night?”

  “Yeah. My sister was in town, and we met her for dinner.”

  Trent closed his eyes. “Mmm…Lisa.”

  Logan laughed. “You know, she still talks about how you were in love with her when you were seventeen. She’s never going to let you forget that.”

  “How could I forget? I’m still in love with her.” He grinned and raised his eyebrows. “Anyway, man…You took Allison to meet your sister? That’s getting pretty deep.”

  “I know. I’m already in it pretty deep.”

  He raised his chin and looked at his friend. “I see that. So, how’d it go? Did Lisa like her?”

  “She did. A lot. So do I.”

  “All right. I guess I’m going to have to find a new wing man, huh?”

  “Yeah. I think you are.”

  Trent stood and gave him a quick hug and a slap on the back. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Trent. That means a lot.”

  He turned to leave, but stopped before he reached the door. “Oh yeah, I forgot to ask. What’s going on with the ghost busters?”

  “They’re coming back again tonight. They want me to be there. They said they’re going to bring in some kind of medium that can communicate with ghosts and clear them out. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

  “Does Allison know about it?”

  “No. She hasn’t been back to my place since the party. Hopefully, I can get rid of it, and she won’t have to know.”

  * * *

  Just as Allison hung up the phone, a knock sounded on her office door. She glanced at the clock, and her pulse quickened. Logan wasn’t supposed to be there for another half hour. She took a deep breath, and opened the door.

  “Gage! I didn’t know you were coming.” She smiled and gave her friend a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, holding on slightly longer than necessary. She pulled away and looked at the clock.

  “Were you expecting someone else?” He flashed a crooked smile and strode across her small office in two steps. He sat on the treatment table and motioned for her to sit next to him.

  “Yeah, I was. But that’s okay. It’s good to see you again.” She sat next to him, curling one leg underneath her as she turned to face him.

  “You seem a lot happier than you were last time I was here.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “I am. Remember the guy I went out with, who I didn’t want to see again?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Yeah.”

  “I changed my mind. We’re dating now.” Her smile grew wider.

  “You’re dating someone.” He cast his gaze to the floor and slumped his shoulders. “Why, Allison? I thought you didn’t want to get involved.”

  Well, that wasn’t the reaction she expected. “I don’t know. It just happened. I thought you’d be happy for me, Gage.” She moved across
the room to sit in her chair. “I thought you’d want me to be happy.”

  He sighed and shuffled toward her, taking her hands in his. “I am happy for you. I’m just surprised.” He looked at their hands and rubbed his thumb across her palm. “And a little disappointed.”

  “Disappointed?”

  He let out a nervous laugh. “I guess I was hoping that when you did decide to date someone, you might consider dating me.”

  “Oh, Gage. I…”

  “I thought we had something, you know? Huh. I guess I was delusional.” He shook his head, went back to the table and leaned against it, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Gage, I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I love you. Just not in that way. I never have, and I’m sorry if I made you think otherwise.”

  “You never gave me a chance.”

  “Gage, please don’t do this.” She leaned against the table next to him. “I’m sorry. I really am.”

  “You know what? Don’t be sorry.” He put his arm around her and pulled her to his side. “It’s my fault. I’ll deal with it. I’m happy that you’re happy, so don’t worry about me, okay? I don’t want things to get awkward between us.”

  She smiled. “Okay. No awkwardness.”

  He stared straight ahead like he didn’t know what to say. Neither did she. So much for no awkwardness.

  “What’s he like?”

  “He’s incredible. I think you’d like him. He’s sweet and honest…”

  “Do you love him?”

  She sucked in a sharp breath and exhaled slowly. Did she love Logan? “Maybe. I mean…Yeah, I think I do.”

  Gage chuckled. “He’s a lucky man.”

  She playfully jabbed him with her elbow. “I’m guessing you didn’t come here just to say 'hi'. You need my help, don’t you?”

  He sighed and paced the small office. “Yeah. We do.”

  “And Richard sent you, because he thought you could convince me with your good looks and boyish charm?” She smiled at him, and he laughed.

  “Actually, I volunteered to come. Richard would have put you on a guilt trip to convince you, even if you weren’t ready. I’m giving you a choice. All you have to do is tell me no, and I’ll drop it. I’m not going to push you.”

  She hopped onto the table and crossed her legs. “I’ll do it.”

  He stopped pacing and arched an eyebrow. “Allison, you don’t have to. Really, just say you’re not ready. It’s okay.”

  She held out her hand to him, and he took it. “I am ready. I’ll do it.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Just like that. I thought about what you said before, and I think I’m ready to get back into it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She laughed. “Yes! Would you quit trying to talk me out of it and tell me when we’re going in?”

  He took a deep breath and stared at her for a moment as if waiting for her to change her mind. When she didn’t waver, Gage nodded his head and smiled.

  “Can you make it tonight? The client’s going to be there. He’s…”

  Allison put up her hand to stop him. “Shh…Don’t tell me anymore. I don’t want to be influenced by the details.”

  “Well, then you might want to go into it blindfolded. You might recognize the owner.”

  “Is it someone I know?” She went through a mental list of all the people she knew who might have ghosts.

  “I don’t think so. But he’s well-known in the area. You’d probably know him if you saw him.”

  “Okay, then. I’ll wear a blindfold. What time are you picking me up?”

  Excitement flickered in Gage’s eyes. “Nine-thirty, okay? I need to help them set up, but Richard and Lindsey are going to do a little work before you get there. Try to wear the ghost down, so you aren’t overwhelmed.”

  “Sounds great. I’ll be ready.”

  “Allison…” His concern pricked at her skin.

  She gave him her most reassuring smile. “I’m ready, Gage. And I’m excited to work with you again. I’ve missed you.”

  He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. “I’ve missed you too.” He inhaled deeply, and she could only hope he wasn’t smelling her hair.

  Clearing his throat, he let her go. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “I can’t wait.” Hopefully things wouldn’t get weird between them. She always knew he had feelings for her, but she thought she made it clear she wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. Oh well. He had to give up now that she was involved with Logan. She pushed the thought out of her mind and prepared for her next client.

  * * *

  Lucia’s door chimed when Logan entered carrying a bag of Subway sandwiches in one hand and balancing a tray of drinks in the other.

  “Good afternoon, Lucia. How are you today?” He beamed with excitement as he set the drinks down on the counter. It had only been six hours since he said goodbye to Allison at her apartment, but those six hours seemed to drag on and on.

  Lucia’s smile was warm and knowing. “Hello, Logan. I’m well. How are you?”

  “Never better. Here, I brought you some lunch. I hope you like turkey.” He pulled a sandwich out of the bag and handed her a drink. “Is Allison in her office?”

  “How very thoughtful. Yes, she’s expecting you. Go right in.”

  He tapped lightly on the door and opened it slowly. His breath caught when he saw Allison sitting cross-legged on a large, blue pillow in the middle of the floor. Her eyes were closed, and her hands rested on her knees. She wore faded jeans, a pale-yellow sweater, and her silky hair fell loose around her shoulders. A slight smile tugged at her lips, and he stood in the doorway watching her breathe. How did he get so damn lucky?

  She looked serene. Peaceful. He reached out to read her, and he felt nothing but contentment. She was in another world, away from all the stress and negativity of this one, and he longed to learn how to go there with her. He stepped inside the room, put their sandwiches on the table, and settled into a plush, red chair.

  He felt her when she came back. Felt her energy warming his skin, her pulse quickening in her chest. She knew he was there, and he felt her happiness bubble to the surface as her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

  “Hi.” She relaxed her posture and unfolded her legs.

  “Hey. I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

  “Of course not.” She put the pillow on the table and curled into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” He cradled her against his chest and kissed her, savoring the sweet taste of her.

  “What did you bring us for lunch?”

  “Subway. I hope you like turkey. I forgot to ask.”

  “Turkey’s great.” She slipped off his lap and pulled the table closer. Perching on the arm of the chair, she nibbled her sandwich. “How is it you can eat a sandwich with all those vegetables mixed in it, when you don’t even like your food to be touching on your plate?”

  Damn she was perceptive. Nothing got past this woman, and he loved that about her. “I’m not sure. I guess because it’s all wrapped up in a piece of bread. I never thought about it. Does it bother you? The way I eat?”

  “No. Not at all. I was just curious.”

  “You’re not psychoanalyzing me over there, are you?” He chuckled. “Because I’ve got more issues than you probably want to deal with.”

  “That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To let me help you deal with your issues? With your psychic ones, anyway.”

  He sighed. “Yeah, I guess I am. But you know that’s not the only reason, right?” He put his hand on her cheek and pulled her face to his. “I’m also here because I love spending time with you.”

  “Good. Because I love spending time with you too. And I think once you get your ability under control, your other issues won’t seem quite so ominous.”

  “I hope so.”

  She picked up their trash and put it in the
waste basket. Then, she moved the table back in place and put two big pillows on the floor. “I don’t know how you’ve made it this long, honestly. With the people you have to associate with, I’d have gone crazy by now. I don’t know if you remember or not, but I was at that party you threw at your new house.”

  He grinned. “Oh, I remember. That’s the first time I noticed you. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since.”

  Her cheeks flushed with color as she sat on one of the pillows. “It seems like all those people think about is sex and money. I felt it pulsing through the room, even though I wasn’t trying to read anyone. It was like background noise, but it was still annoying. So I can only imagine what that must feel like for you, not being able to shut any of it out.”

  He looked at the floor. “It’s pretty bad. Hell, it’s awful. Can you teach me to make it background noise?”

  “That’s what we’re going to work on. Come sit with me.” She folded her legs and turned to face him, taking both of his hands in hers. “Now, I’m not perfect. Sometimes stuff gets through, even when I’m not trying.”

  “Really? Like what?”

  She blushed again, and she looked at their entwined hands. Damn, she was cute when she acted shy.

  “Like you. At your party, I knew you were different. It was like you were screaming for help, and no one could hear you but me.”

  “I got a different vibe from you. I could tell the sex and the money didn’t interest you. I tried to talk to you that night, but you ran out so fast, I didn’t get the chance.”

  “Sorry about that.”

  He shrugged. “I found you. It’s okay.”

  “Yes. You did.”

  He struggled with the urge to take her in his arms and seduce her right there in her office. She was so sensual. So feminine. The way she licked her lips before she spoke had his blood racing through his veins. Did she know she was driving him crazy?

  He cleared his voice and shook himself. “We should get started. What do I do?”

  “Let’s start with a simple meditation.”

  “I don’t know how to meditate.”

  “We’ll do it together. Close your eyes and take some slow, deep breaths with me.” She fluttered her lids shut and inhaled deeply, her beautiful breasts rising and falling as she breathed. She took another breath and opened one eye a slit. “Close your eyes, Logan.”