Double Dating with the Dead Read online

  “Selena, can you hear me?”

  He listened. Nothing. No, was that a moan?

  “Selena?”

  “Trent?” Her voice was faint.

  There was a slight shift of the shadows. His stomach turned over. She was alive. Thank God!

  “Are you hurt?”

  “I’m not sure. I fainted after I fell. My head hurts. I think I found Dixie and Wesley’s bones, though. Ewww. Can you get me out of here? It smells really bad, and I’d rather not stay here any longer than I have to.”

  He breathed easier as her voice became stronger with each word. “I can’t reach you. Will you be all right while I go get something to get you out of there?”

  “Hurry.”

  “I will.” His heart was thumping madly in his chest as he jumped to his feet and hurried to the shed, praying every step of the way there’d be a rope or something. Right before he stepped inside, he saw Matilda leave. To call for more help? An ambulance?

  He jiggled the door until he got it past the overgrown weeds that wanted to keep him out. It was too dark to see. As much as he hated to, he had to return to the house for some kind of light.

  He hurried back into the hotel and grabbed the first thing he saw—candles.

  Once inside the shed, he lit one and raised it high. No rope, but better still, there was a ladder propped in the corner. Wooden, rather than metal, but it would work if the rungs weren’t rotted.

  He set the candle in a safe place and brought the ladder out, testing each rung. It looked safe enough to hold Selena’s weight, and felt as heavy as a ton of bricks as he carried it to the well.

  “I have a ladder,” he told her.

  Selena sniffed. It had seemed as if he’d been gone forever. Her head hurt, her right ankle ached, she was filthy and smelled to high heaven. It was mushy because of the recent rains, and there were bones. Ewww. Dixie and Wesley had been dumped in the old well.

  “I’m going to lower the ladder,” Trent told her, but before he did, he held a candle over the opening. “It might not be long enough, but if you can get to the top, I can bring you out the rest of the way. Do you think you can climb it?”

  “If it would get me out of here, I’d climb up barbed wire.”

  As he lowered the ladder, she scooted out of the way. Ow. She felt as if she’d been trampled by a herd of angry bulls.

  “Just take it slow and easy.”

  “Believe me, I’m not going to sprint.” She grimaced.

  “Are you okay? If you can’t make it, I’ll call the fire department.”

  “Wouldn’t that make a good story: Psychic Didn’t See It Coming.”

  “Don’t joke.”

  “I wasn’t,” she mumbled as she reached for the ladder and began to pull herself to a standing position. Gingerly, she put weight on her ankle. It hurt, but she didn’t think it was broken.

  “Take it slow and easy.”

  She sniffed. It was dark. And she hurt. She wanted to go home. Not to her apartment, but home where her mom could pamper her and make her feel all better. She stopped her climb long enough to wipe the back of her hand across her nose. Yuck.

  Slowly, she made her way up the ladder, one rung at a time. When she reached the last one, Trent reached down and took her arm so she could stand on the very top and helped her the rest of the way out of the well.

  She fell into his arms, choking back a sob as his strength enveloped her. “I was just standing there and then the bottom fell out from under me. And there were bones down there and everything and you don’t believe ghosts exist and I found your notebook and yes I read it and you’re going to write a book that says I’m a fraud and I’m not,” she ended on a hiccup, knowing she was babbling, but it had been a really shitty day, and she figured she had the right to babble.

  “It’s okay now,” he soothed, brushing her hair away from her face. “I’m here, and just because I don’t believe the same way doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. And I promise you that I’m not going to write a book about you. I know you’re not a fraud.”

  “You do?” She looked up at him, not quite believing what he was telling her.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Can we just get you in the house?”

  “No, I need to know.”

  He let out a frustrated sigh. “Call it faith or a gut feeling. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. I just know.”

  The rest would follow. She had no doubt about it. For now, she’d settle for what she could get.

  She sniffed and caught the odor of the damp earth that clung to her clothes. “I stink.” Her bottom lip trembled.

  “I’ll bathe you.”

  She liked the sound of that. Even better than the thought of going home to her mother.

  “Lean on me,” he told her.

  Before they went upstairs, he had her sit in one of the kitchen chairs while he checked her for injuries.

  “You have dried blood in your hair, but the cut looks superficial.” He ran his hands over her body. She winced when he came to her ankle. “It doesn’t look broken, no swelling.”

  She shook her head. “Just a little tender.” She was more concerned with how she looked and smelled. “Can we just go upstairs? I really need a bath.”

  He nodded and helped her to stand.

  They made their way into the house and up the stairs. He had her sit on the toilet while he ran her bath, and then he undressed her. Slowly, one article of clothing at a time.

  When she began to shiver from reaction rather than the cold, he talked to her. She didn’t focus on his words as much as she did the sound of his voice.

  And after he helped her into the tub of warm water, he began to bathe her, and a different feeling washed over, stealing away the fear she’d felt after she’d fallen into the well.

  She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to think, didn’t want to remember... she only wanted to feel the soapy washcloth as Trent glided it over her.

  He brushed the rough cloth over her nipples, and they immediately tightened into sensitive nubs. She moaned, thrusting her chest out, wanting more.

  “I didn’t run the bath and start washing you just so I could have sex,” he said.

  She opened her eyes and looked at him. He was sincere. Even though this had to be affecting him, he wouldn’t go any further. He would go to his bed without release.

  He might, but she wasn’t about to.

  It was okay they didn’t think the same way. And maybe she was gullible or stupid... but she believed him when he said he wasn’t going to write a book condemning her to the world.

  She trusted her instincts and she trusted him. Taking his hand, she brought it to her chest and hugged it close.

  “I know you won’t write the book.” Her hesitation was brief. “Make love to me.”

  He knelt down, sliding his hand behind her head and bringing her closer before touching his lips to hers. He kissed her long and deep, his tongue stroking hers, heat inflaming her senses. Her body tingled to awareness as his other hand cupped her breast, his thumb brushing across her sensitive nipple.

  He ended the kiss, then lowered his head and brushed his tongue across her hard nipple before sucking it into his mouth. Just when she thought she would explode, he moved away.

  “Don’t stop.”

  “I couldn’t if I wanted to, but I want you crying my name, begging me to enter you.”

  “Torture,” she cried.

  “Revenge for making me think you were a knife-wielding maniac ready to carve my heart out.”

  “I was good, wasn’t I?” Selena was damn proud of her acting abilities.

  “I’m going to make you pay for that stunt.”

  Oh, God, she hoped so. Anticipation built inside her. She was ready to call his name right now, beg, whatever it took to have him inside her. She’d never wanted a man as badly as she wanted Trent right now.

  But she could only watch through passion-glazed eyes as he t
ook the bar of soap and worked up a lather. She knew without a doubt he was going to run the suds over her body, between her legs. She bit her bottom lip as expectation began to build.

  He slid the bar of soap over each breast. “I like the way your body arches,” he said. “The way your nipples tighten at the briefest touch.”

  He lathered each one while the fire inside her threatened to consume her. He slid the soap lower, over her abdomen, then lower still but not low enough. No, not nearly low enough.

  “You like that?”

  “Lower,” she breathed.

  “Here?” He brushed just across the top of her mound.

  “Lower,” she cried out in desperation.

  “Open your legs.”

  She immediately did as he asked, but there wasn’t enough room. “Can’t.”

  “Can you stand?”

  “I... I think so.” If she couldn’t, it wouldn’t be from her fall, the well hadn’t been that deep, but rather from the weakness he’d made her feel.

  He helped her to her feet. “How’s your ankle?”

  She put weight on her foot. A slight ache, nothing more. “It’s okay.”

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

  A flush of embarrassment washed over her, but the thought of him touching her overrode any inhibitions she might have.

  He knelt in front of her. Taking the soap, he lathered his hands, not getting in any hurry. Or so it seemed to her. “Please, Trent.”

  “Please what?”

  “Touch me before I die.”

  He laid the soap down and pressed his palm against her sex, applying slight pressure.

  “Yes, that’s it.” She moved against his hand, closing her eyes, letting this little bit of release wash over her.

  Slowly, he began to move his hand; then his fingers tangled in her curls before sliding over her sex. She slid her hands down her thighs and back up as the pleasure built inside her.

  Suddenly, he stood, scooping her into his arms, and carried her dripping wet to his bed and laid her gently on top of the covers.

  “I’ll soak them.”

  “Then we’ll move to your bed later.”

  She watched as he stripped out of his clothes. “I want you.”

  He lay on the bed beside her, but rather than immediately taking her into his arms, he brushed the hair from her face, caressing her cheek.

  “I started taking notes the first day. I thought you were like Celeste.”

  When she opened her mouth, he lightly placed a finger over her lips.

  “No, I need to say this again. I had planned on writing the book, but the more I was around you, the more I knew I couldn’t. You’re a good person, Selena James, and it shines through.”

  He raised on one elbow and kissed her. His lips were firm, yet gentle, sending pulse waves of pleasure throughout her body. Her arms circled around him, drawing him closer. Her breasts rubbed against the springy hairs on his chest, adding to her pleasure.

  All too soon, he ended the kiss, but before she could protest, he moved his mouth to her breast, running his tongue across her tight nipple before sucking it into his mouth. She whimpered, her hands running over his firm back, feeling his muscles bunch.

  When he moved to her other breast, she slid her hand from behind him and moved it so that she could touch him. He gasped when she slid his foreskin down, then back up. She enjoyed giving him pleasure. Enjoyed seeing the look of pure ecstasy on his face as she continued to stroke him.

  In one motion, she pushed him to his back, not that he put up much resistance. She’d always known he was a pushover. Grinning, she slid down his body, kissing and caressing every inch of the way until she was as far as she wanted to go.

  She lay on her side, staring at him. He groaned. She smiled.

  Lightly, she ran her fingernails on each side of his erection. He arched his body. She blew her breath over him, then watched as his hands gripped the sheets.

  Enough torture. She repositioned herself until she was on her knees. She licked up him, then down.

  “Ahh... ”

  She’d thought he’d like that. But that was only the start of what she wanted to give him. She took him inside her mouth, sucking, feeling the smooth texture of him against her tongue. This was nice. She was enjoying herself as much as he liked what she did to him.

  “Enough,” he moaned. “I have a condom in my pants pocket.” He made to reach for it, but she got to it first.

  “Let me.” She got it out, then sat back on her heels beside him on the bed. She tore the foil packet with her teeth, watching him. When she had it out of the package, she rolled it over him, slowly sliding it down.

  “You’re going to be the death of me, woman.”

  “No, never, but if you’ll let me, I’ll take you to heaven and back.”

  Not waiting for a response, she straddled him, positioning herself over him, then lowered her body. Slowly, she moved up and down him. He filled her. She clenched her inner muscles. He moaned and squeezed her waist. She increased her movements. She tightened again and again. Ah, God, it felt so good. She lost herself in the incredible sensations. Heat spread over her. Hot liquid heat until her body felt as if it would explode into a million tiny pieces.

  The first orgasm rippled over her, becoming stronger and stronger until she had to cry out or explode. He grabbed her waist harder, rocked his hips against her, then cried out as he came.

  She melted against him, tears filling her eyes as she laid her head in the curve of his neck. This was right, this was good.

  “I think I saw angels,” he said.

  Chapter 26

  Trent snuggled next to Selena’s warmth as morning light streamed into the room. He sensed that she was awake. “Good morning.”

  She sighed. God, he loved the way she sighed. The sound washed over him, sending shivers up and down his spine.

  “Morning.” Her voice still held the last vestiges of sleep. “Coffee,” she groaned, dragging her eyes open.

  He grinned. “That’s not exactly what I was thinking about.”

  “Need food... and coffee.”

  “As in food, I gather you mean doughnuts?”

  She stretched like a contented cat. “Chocolate covered.”

  “I’ll make a deal. I’ll run and get the doughnuts if you’ll start the coffee.”

  “Deal.”

  “Besides, I want to get some flowers for a certain lady.”

  “Ahh, that’s so sweet. I love flowers.”

  He chuckled. “They’re not for you.”

  She rolled partially over and frowned at him. “And just who is this other lady?”

  “Matilda. She told me you’d fallen into the well. If it hadn’t been for her... ” He didn’t even want to think about it. “I thought you’d left with Paige.”

  She shivered. “Then throw in another bouquet from me.”

  He climbed from the bed and pulled his clothes on. Selena lay there just watching him. He liked the way she watched. Coffee first, doughnuts, and then sex. Lots of sex.

  It didn’t take long for him to finish dressing and drive to the doughnut shop. He grabbed a dozen chocolate-covered doughnuts, then headed for the nearest florist. Matilda reminded him of daisies. He bought two bouquets and hurried back to the car.

  Maybe he and Selena would take Matilda and Hiram out to dinner one night as a thank-you. They probably lived on a fixed income and didn’t get to eat in a restaurant that often. Yeah, that sounded like a good idea.

  He pulled in front of the hotel, cut the engine and grabbed his purchases before getting out.

  “Is she okay?” Matilda asked.

  He smiled. He hadn’t seen her come from around the corner. “Selena is fine.”

  Matilda smiled. “Good.”

  “These are for you.” He held the flowers out toward her.

  “They’re so pretty. I love daisies. Hiram will enjoy them, too. Put them on the kitchen table where me and Hiram can see them.”


  He stumbled to a stop. Oh, damn, Matilda wasn’t all there. Old age, forgetfulness. No wonder the fire boys or an ambulance hadn’t shown up last night. She’d probably forgotten to call. He cleared his throat. “We’d like to take you and your husband out one night... for supper. As our way of thanking you.”

  “Haven’t you figured it out yet?” she asked.

  He’d play along with her. “Figured what out?”

  “Why, that I’m a ghost, dear.”

  He sucked in a deep breath. Oh, God, it was worse than he’d thought. “You probably haven’t talked with Selena, but we’ve come to an understanding. She believes in ghosts. I don’t.”

  A man appeared beside her. He just appeared. From out of the blue. Trent stumbled back a step, blinking to clear his vision.

  “Hey, young whippersnapper, whatever Matilda says you can believe. I’ve never known her to tell tales.” He chuckled. “Maybe stretch the truth a mite, but she ain’t never lied or nothin’.”

  “Oh, Hiram, you always have been a sweet talker.”

  They were both gone in the blink of an eye.

  “I told Matilda she was going to scare the hell out of you. Personally, after all you’ve said about me and Wesley, I wasn’t that concerned.” The woman perched on the rail of the porch. Blond hair, red dress trimmed in black ruffles. The same woman from last night. The one Selena had claimed was a ghost.

  He closed his eyes. Coffee. He always had at least one cup before he was fully awake. But he hadn’t this morning because he wanted to get the doughnuts and flowers. He’d open his eyes and she’d be gone.

  He opened his eyes, and not only was she not gone, but there was a cowboy lounging in one of the rockers.

  The cowboy tipped the brim of his hat. “You can call me Wesley.” He grinned.

  “Selena!” She was playing a joke. That was what all this was about. There had to be mirrors or something or...

  “What?” Selena came rushing out the door. “I could hear you all the way to the back... ” She skidded to a stop on the porch. “Oh.”

  He waved his arm. “Oh, is right. What the hell is going on? You put the mirrors out here while I was gone and—”