Pure Fluff: A Limited Edition Valentine's Day Bundle

by BLMorticia

  I waved them ahead to keep things going. I still had plenty to tell, but Marjorie decided to crash the party.

  I believed them when they said Marjorie was an unruly spirit. Damn girl never held on to the manners her parents taught her.

  "So that's what happened to the captain. Rumor has it he was having an extramarital affair. His wife caught them, shooting the mistress and her husband, then turning the gun on herself. Captain Bermin was popular with his men, but not so much when they found out he was a heathen and a cheater. They shamed him even in death, and they say he stalks these streets during the Gras because he believed he should've been celebrated."

  "Pssh. He was a cheater. What the hell?" Jaze said, laughing.

  "That he was, but he thought his record in battle should've overcome that. He was our strongest general during the Civil War, but some say we lost because he allowed his sexual appetite to get the best of him."

  "Ha-ha! Sounds like someone else I know," Cayden said with a laugh. "So he only comes out for Mardi Gras?"

  "Naw, he'll come out at other times too. During Halloween we get plenty of spirits who wanna come out and play. You only saw a couple tonight. Maybe the fact you're so big-time, you scared 'em off. Only Marjorie and Erestella... them two." I chuckled, shaking my head. "It's like they're part of a society of ghosts."

  "Man, I never thought I'd actually see one and not be scared," Jaze said. "Trent, you really taught me something. I love me some history."

  I tipped my cap at him. "Glad I could be of service. Let's get back to the shop. The police can't block it off any longer. They got some would-be thieves to catch."

  When I started walking in the other direction, Cayden caught up with me and patted me on the shoulder. "That was amazing, Trent. Even with all the fake props, you know how to give a fucking tour."

  "Thanks," I said, not bothering to meet that hazel gaze. "Nothing's fake, Cayden. Them spirits are real."

  "You really want me to believe those were actual ghosts, huh?"

  "They are." We made it to the shop, and I waved the three of them back inside. Healy had them meet me here so we wouldn't be around tourists and onlookers. This place used to be a tourist center, but Healy didn't pay his lease. The realtors couldn't seem to sell it because of the ghosts taking up residency here, along with squatters.

  Cayden chuckled, shaking his head. "All right, fine. You keep stressing that."

  "That's because it's true. Jonah and Jaze believe. Why don't you?" I closed off some of the space between us, wondering what he'd do next. I'll admit, I liked the cat-and-mouse game, even if I wasn't sure what he was after.

  Cayden stepped closer and pushed my hair off my shoulder. He gripped it tightly, and I moaned under my breath.

  "'Cause I'm not as gullible, that's why."

  "I'm not gullible, Cay. That was some real stuff going on. The smoke, the air we felt almost knocking us off our feet. All that was real." I pointed at Jaze, nodding. "Your security guy gets it. Coming down here, you will be visited by the spirits."

  Cayden still looked unconvinced. A world-class cynic, he was. Perhaps Irma was onto something when she talked about dating Southern boys. Outsiders didn't seem to appreciate our town. They came here to drink, eat our cuisine, and go back to their boring lives.

  "Well, well. Trent, Cayden. How did the tour go?" Healy stepped out from behind the curtain.

  "It was fascinating. Your boy is a real storyteller," Jonah said with a grin.

  "Yeah. He was great. I'm ready to go on the next one," Jaze added.

  I smiled to myself and waited for Cayden's reaction.

  "I'll agree. Trent was something special, even with all the special effects." Cayden laughed. "I was very impressed. I want him to be my tour guide while I'm here."

  Jaze and Jonah gasped behind us.

  I turned to Cayden, cocking an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?"

  "I'll pay you any amount of money to be my guide. Take me to all the so-called haunts, hangouts, everything. I'm on vacation, and I want to be shown around. Name your price."

  "Well, I...." I glanced at Healy. "I've got other jobs, plus I volunteer."

  "I'll talk to your bosses. I want you to be my guide. Healy, can you loan him to me for the next couple of weeks?"

  "I dunno, Cayden. He's our most popular...."

  "I'll pay the company ten thousand dollars."

  "What?" I couldn't believe the words I'd just heard.

  "Cayden, that's mighty nice of you, but...."

  "Twenty. Name your price, Healy. I give you a 40 percent cut, and he keeps the rest."

  "Forty... shit, um, Cayden, that's a fair deal, don'cha think? It'll be enough for me to open this place back up and do that play I've been wanting to do."

  "Cayden, I don't want your money. If you want me to show you around, it's fine. I'll do it for free."

  "Speak for yourself, Trent. You're too damn modest." Healy barked.

  Cayden snickered. "Spoken like a true businessman. I'll pay thirty thousand. Deminion and Healy can split. We can work out a price for you separately."

  "Holy crap! Cayden, that's a ton of money," Jonah said.

  "Money's no object. I want to be shown around town by the best. It's my final offer, Trent."

  Those numbers nearly made my head spin. "I don't want the money. You can pay Healy and Irma if you'd like, but I can't be bought. Instead give the cash to the Harbor House."

  "My God, my child, you are something," Healy said, shaking his head. "You're free to give Cayden what he wants. I'm sure once you give Miss Irma the terms, she'll agree as well."

  "I'm sure she will too," I added. "When do you wanna start?"

  "Tomorrow. I'll stop in Deminion about nine to write out the check. Healy, you can meet us there if you want, and you'll get your cut there."

  "Very fine. That's mighty kind of you." Healy flashed a smirky grin.

  "Mhmm." Cayden stepped closer and pulled my hand. He yanked out a money clip and slapped a hundred-dollar bill in my palm. "For your trouble tonight, my man. Thanks."

  "You're welcome," I said, shoving the money in my pocket.

  I had no issue with taking tips because that's what we did as tour guides.

  Apparently I made an impression on the pop star.

  Unfortunately for Cayden, his cynicism was a turn-off I couldn't overlook that easily.

  Chapter Eight

  Cayden

  Although last night's tour was a blast, I still didn't believe the ghost stories. Sure, I noticed the clouds of smoke, but that could've been man-made. Besides, the so-called "ghost" was on cue when Trent mentioned her. That in and of itself was a reason I couldn't put too much stock into the tales.

  After we made our deal, Jaze, Jonah, and I headed out. I'd invited Trent to go along, but he said he needed sleep to be sharp for the next day's events. Because I didn't want to be hungover, I didn't have too many drinks. Once I had two hurricanes and a beer, I was good for the night. I slept like a baby until my alarm woke me at 8:00 a.m.

  "Cayden? Ready to go?"

  "Yeah." That was Jonah at the door. A part of me didn't want him to join us, but he enjoyed himself so much he refused to stay behind.

  After fluffing my hair, I walked to the door to let him in. I turned the top lock and pulled it. "Hey."

  "Wassup, man." Jonah slapped hands with me and patted my shoulder. "I'm hungry. What's for breakfast?"

  "I figured Trent might have some ideas of where we could go to eat."

  "Oh yeah. Our personal tour guide." Jonah smiled, closing the door behind him. "Or should I say yours."

  "Yeah, mine. I'm thinking about staying even longer."

  "Oooh. Sounds like someone's got a crush."

  I grinned at that and looked up at Jonah. Although he still got my motor running, he was no longer the main object of my desire. "Yeah, I do. He's sexy, right? I mean, the wardrobe could use an upgrade, but it suits him."

  Jonah held up his hands. "Hey, I don't make it a p
oint to judge guys. He's nice looking, yeah, but that's as far as I'll go."

  "That's fine. To me he's something special. I can't wait to see that body up close. He was wearing that leather outfit last night too. It was hot, and he barely broke a sweat."

  "You're overly smitten. I don't think I've ever heard you talk like this before."

  "You haven't." I smiled at him and plucked my phone from my pocket. "C'mon, time to go. Jaze said he'd meet us downstairs."

  "All right."

  I walked past him and opened the door to leave. After it locked, we ambled to the service elevator as instructed, then used the special key card to get downstairs. Once on the ground floor, I slipped on my shades and walked to where Jaze was waiting at the limo. Only a matter of time before we'd be at Deminion to meet with Trent. I was excited about seeing the sights with him again.

  Within about fifteen minutes, we arrived. Trent had texted saying Miss Irma was opening the doors late so we could chat and get the info I needed to give Harbor House the money. I'd already made a separate donation, but I didn't wish to share that information with him. Being so connected with it, I supposed he'd eventually find out.

  "Miss Irma?" Jaze called while he knocked on the door.

  Even at eight thirty, it was already eighty-six degrees. Today would definitely be a scorcher.

  The door clicked, and a tall black woman with gray dreads and green eyes appeared. "You must be Cayden Wythe and friends," she said in a deep country voice.

  "Yes, ma'am," I said, taking her hand in mine. "That's Jaze, my bodyguard, and my best friend, Jonah."

  "Hello there." She shook hands with both of them.

  "Is Trent here?"

  "He is. Very nice to ask him to show you around. He's a good man."

  "Yes, he is."

  "Come on inside. It's gonna be hot as Hades out, so you'll probably do better touring after five. Perhaps you can do some shopping until then."

  We took the invite, walking in one by one. I went first, with Jaze and Jonah following me. "Maybe. I know we can find plenty to do here for sure."

  "You can. You're also welcome to stay here and chat with us for a while. I'd love to do a reading for you all."

  I cocked an eyebrow and shook my head. "I don't believe in all that psychic stuff."

  "You don't? Baby, all that psychic stuff is the reason we exist. It isn't a game, Cayden. What Trent told me about you is a surprise, considering you're in the entertainment business."

  "And what does that have to do with me not believing in ghosts?"

  "Actors and musicians are real superstitious." She laughed. "Gotta believe in something, you know. It's how we get through our days. Besides, I detect some heartbreak in your past. You got some resentment harboring in your soul that needs to be exorcised."

  "Maybe," I admitted. Miss Irma was doing her best to scare me, but I wasn't buying it. "So, um... what's good to eat around here?"

  "Taylor's is good for breakfast and lunch. There's also Bigsby's, which is good any time. If you don't want to be bothered, perhaps I can call in a favor for you to the owner. I know 'em personally."

  "Now that sounds like a plan," Jonah said.

  "Yeah, um... sounds great. I've heard some good things about that place."

  "It's one of the best in N'awlins. Food's reasonable too," Irma added as we walked through a small corridor to the front of the shop. Trent stood there with some lady with purple dreads, as well as Lord Healy.

  "Trent, Susie, and Healy, Cayden is here."

  Trent turned around first. The moment we locked eyes, my cock jolted in my cargo shorts.

  Damn, baby.

  Trent wore black shorts and a Lydian's Tomb tank top, along with sandals. His sun-kissed skin glowed under the soft lights, and his hair appeared as if he'd just gotten out of the shower.

  "Hey, Cayden. Good to see you again." Trent grinned at me.

  "You too." I smiled back and winked at him.

  "Mornin', Cayden, Jonah, and Jaze." Lord Healy greeted us with a toothy smile.

  "Morning," we all said in response.

  "Oh my God, I can't believe Cayden Wythe is standing here. You are hot as fuck in person," the girl I supposed was named Susie squealed. "Trent, introduce us."

  "Um, right. Cayden, this is Susie. Susie, Cayden. His friend Jonah is behind him, along with his bodyguard, Jaze."

  Susie walked up to me, looking like a starstruck teenager. "You are gorgeous."

  "Thanks." I couldn't say anything more because this chick looked like something out of a sci-fi B-movie. Purple dreads, weird yellow eyes. Her makeup looked caked on her face, and she was wearing all black like most goths did.

  "You're welcome. Trent, I take that back. He is Sage kinda hot. Even for a preppie...."

  "Hey, I'm no preppie," I said, grimacing.

  Everyone laughed except me.

  "Ah, that's not a bad thing, Cayden. Anyway, does the deal still stand?" Lord Healy asked.

  "Of course it does." I pulled out my phone. "We could do a transfer right now, or I can write you a check."

  "Whichever way you prefer is fine. I'm using it to reopen that place you went to last night."

  "Well, that's great. Glad I could help. What about you, Miss Irma?"

  "I don't need your money, Cayden. Please donate what you would've given me to Harbor House."

  Trent clicked his teeth. "Miss Irma, you could use that cash for the shop, right? You've been talking about expansion."

  "I have, and I've got no doubt I'll get that money soon. Besides, I've done well for myself. Good enough to keep this place open. I live in a beautiful place in the Garden District. I don't need a thing more."

  "Sure, make me look like the opportunist," Lord Healy groaned.

  We all chuckled at that.

  "Ain't a thing wrong with that, Pat. Anyway, Trent, I was telling Cayden they could eat at Bigsby's. I'll give 'em a call ahead to warn them, and you could do breakfast there."

  "That'll be great. Lord Healy, we can discuss the money quickly while Irma does that. Sound good?"

  "It sure does. Thank you again for your generosity."

  "Sure thing. Miss Irma, you gotta place for us to chat?"

  "Yes. Use my office. Susie, take 'em back there, will you?"

  "I'd love to." Susie grasped my bicep and led me away from the fray. Jaze followed us, but Jonah stayed put. On the way I glanced back at Trent, who was talking to Jonah. I wondered what they were saying. Perhaps I'd find out from them later on.

  Trent

  "So...." Irma came up behind me and patted my shoulder. "That boy's got some things going on. He needs to let me read him."

  "You should've taken the money he offered you," I said pointedly. "He's donating a nice amount to Harbor House already."

  "Trent, I don't need it, right? We do well here. Them kids need it a lot more than me."

  "True, but you could use some also," I said in annoyance. Irma didn't like taking handouts, especially from outsiders. She had a bias that irked me at times.

  "Uh...." Jonah eyed me, curious. "What do you mean, he's got stuff going on?"

  "He's had some heartbreak. For someone with so much money, he ain't happy."

  "Money don't automatically determine happiness, Miss Irma," I said.

  "Yeah, but he's got a lot more than that. Anyway, lemme call this place."

  I looked back at Irma walking to our store phone to make the call.

  "Why is she so gung ho on finding out about Cayden?" Jonah asked.

  "That's just how she is. She's like a dog with a bone when she detects some issues with someone. I'm sure Cayden's problems aren't much bigger than anyone else's."

  "Well, she's right about his resentment. It's directed at his father. His mother died when he was a teen, too, so...."

  I cocked an eyebrow at Jonah. Why the hell was he telling all of Cayden's business? "I see. You don't have to say anything else. I'm sure he'll fill me in if he wants to."

  "I know. I was
just saying she wasn't far off base. Maybe there's something to all that psychic stuff after all."

  "I take it you're a skeptic too."

  "I was until last night. You told the tales and made a believer out of me and Jaze for sure. My people are skeptics by nature, though." Jonah laughed.

  "All the stories are true. They ain't made up."

  "Oh, I know. We looked up Marjorie Evans and the captain after you left," Jonah said with a smile. "I'm hunting for books now. You know of any stores we can get some from? I'd love some history books. I could take a few back to my students."

  "Your students?"

  "I'm a teaching assistant. I'm finishing my master's now. I'm a substitute at a local high school in California."

  "Ohh. Well, we've got some here." I waved him over to our bookcase, showing him the section on New Orleans's past and the haunted tales. Since Cayden wanted the ultimate tour, I'd be taking him to the cemeteries and museums. The graves pretty much told the city's story on their own. It was hot as shit now, though, and I wouldn't be walking much until after four. With a normal tour, I couldn't do that, but with Cayden and Jonah, I could dictate when and where we went.

  "Cool." Jonah picked up a book and thumbed through it. "This one looks real interesting."

  I nodded, smiling, then looked at the curtain. Susie walked out, with her hand on her chest and sighing, "I'm in love."

  "Pssh. Stop it, girl. Remember Sage?"

  "Sure I do, but Cayden is... wow. I didn't realize he was so dreamy."

  "Sooo dreamy," Irma repeated, chuckling. "I'm thinking you might have to fight Trent for him, Sus."

  "No fighting. He's into Trent for sure. I'm thinking he leans more toward men than women anyway."

  I sighed and dropped my head. "Stop gossiping behind his back, will you? Anyway, are they about done? I'm feeling Bigsby's this morning too."

  "Yep. They just so happen to bank at the same institution, so it was easy. I think Healy is trying to convince him to up the price a little."

  "What?" I clicked my teeth. I'd be talking to Healy later about that.

  "Oh, you shouldn't be surprised. Like he said, he is an opportunist," Irma said.