“Cruz wasn’t lying. Your stuff is dope,” he said around a mouthful of baked dough. “Oh, I’m Tr—”
“Finished talking,” Cruz cut in, emerging from the sanatorium. “Trevor, they need your help inside with the equipment.”
“But dude. I was on a roll.” He held up his hacky sack.
“Yeah, on a roll of chasing around that damn bag of crap,” Cruz mumbled, running his hands through his short hair. “I know you’re Alex’s son, but you can’t play all day.”
“Buzzkill,” Trevor muttered as he passed Cruz on his way inside. “Oh, baker lady, these are off the hook.” He came back to grab the container I was holding before slinking inside.
“Sorry about that. He’s the head honcho’s son. Needs a job,” Cruz said, sounding exasperated. “Lucky for me, his job is annoying the hell out of everyone.”
“He doesn’t seem so bad,” I giggled. “I’ve got a few more things in the Rover. I’ll go get them, one sec.” I turned toward my car only to have Cruz step in front of me.
“I got it,” he said, reaching into the back for the remaining two platters. His black shirt raised as he stretched to grab them, teasing me with a glimpse of firm, slightly tanned flesh. And I was pulled right back in by his magnetism. “You okay?” He eyed me curiously. “Are you nervous or something?”
No, I was admiring your muscles. Like I could say that.
“Uh, I about forgot this.” I pulled out a plastic bag from behind the driver’s seat. “Chocolate peanut butter cookies. I heard these are the host’s personal favorite. Maybe it’ll score me some points.” I winked as I handed them over.
“I could kiss you,” he said as he grabbed the bag from me. His eyes grew dark. “As a matter of fact—” He leaned toward me.
“No you don’t,” I chided, pulling back with a grin. “I’m here on business.”
“Good thinking. We’ll set aside some time for pleasure later,” he said confidently. “It’s only a matter of time.”
“I’m not sure what to do about you.” I’d never had a man be so candid with me about his intentions.
“How was your dinner date the other night?” he asked as we walked toward the gigantic building.
“Fine,” I replied.
“Just fine? You probably shouldn’t waste any more time on that chump then, huh?”
I shrugged. “We’ll see.” My second date with Jonathan had highlighted the fact that he was a chain-smoker, which was a definite turnoff. I couldn’t even pretend to overlook that habit.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you around,” Cruz said as I walked beside him through the large wooden double doors that had EAST TRUMAN SANATORIUM etched above them.
“It’s nice to see this place getting restored,” I said, running a hand over the metal railing of one of the gigantic staircases in the foyer.
“You been in here?” Cruz asked, juggling the platters in his hands in order to grab a cookie from his personal supply.
“Here, let me.” I took the bag, extracted a cookie, and tried to hand it over, but with his hands full, that didn’t work, so I had to place it in his mouth. Using his lips to coax the rest of the cookie inside, he winked at me, drawing attention to the fact that I was staring again. “Ahem. And no, it was always locked up when I was a kid.”
“Damn, these are good, Lexi.” He easily stacked the containers on top of each other so he could grab another from the bag. I scoffed when I realized he could have done that the first time, but he’d amped up the dramatic antics so I’d have to feed him. “You had something this creepy and cool less than fifteen minutes from your house and you didn’t explore it?” he quizzed. “That’s hard to believe.”
“I think you’re forgetting the town I come from is crawling with ghosts,” I reminded him. “I didn’t have much need to come to a place like this when I could sit down and have a chat with a ghost whenever I wanted.”
He nodded slowly as we approached a table laden with food. “Well, and you being you.” He popped the last piece of cookie into his mouth after he set the platters down.
“What’s that mean?” I went into autopilot and began organizing the table. Containers of salad, sautéed vegetables, sauce, and pasta were haphazardly scattered across it, lids hanging off.
“I just meant that you were probably a goody two-shoes in high school. Coming to a place like this would have been breaking the rules, and you would never do that.”
“I’ll have you know I did plenty of dangerous things in school,” I countered. “I … There was this one time …” I huffed when I couldn’t come up with anything. “One time I ate the school’s lunch instead of bringing my own.”
“Risk-taker,” Cruz teased, nudging me with his elbow.
“Well, not everyone can be as bad-A as you,” I teased back, poking him in the ribs.
“Did you use ‘bad-A’ as a curse word?” Cruz guffawed.
I placed my hands on my hips, about to let him know bad-A was an acceptable curse word when a gravelly voice interrupted me.
“Cruz, you about ready?” asked a short woman with long brown hair. Her face had been carefully made up, and she eyed us from underneath thick black eyelashes.
I’d been so consumed with talking to Cruz that I’d completely forgotten we were on the set of his show.
“Hi, I’m Lexi. The baker,” I said, pointing to the cookies and offering a hand. The brunette shook it, and I noticed her neon pink nails had rhinestones on them. “Nice nails.”
“Thanks. I’m Sadie,” she replied as her liquid red lips drew up into a smile. “I’m the makeup artist here. I attempt to make this brute look acceptable on camera.” She gestured at Cruz and winked at me. “You’ve got some great eyes. I’d love to dress them up a little.”
“Not now, Sadie,” Cruz complained, turning to me. “She’s always trying to put that crap on people’s faces.”
Sadie pursed her lips and rolled her eyes. “You’ve got a filmed interview in thirty minutes, Cruz. I’m not a miracle worker.”
“I’ll be in the makeup chair in five minutes. I want to introduce Lexi to the crew first,” Cruz said, taking me by the elbow and guiding me toward a cluster of people on the other side of the giant hallway.
“Nice meeting you,” Sadie called behind us.
I turned and waved. “You too.” I whispered to Cruz, “You wear makeup?”
He looked at me out of the corner of his eyes as we neared the group. “For TV. It helps with the shininess or some shit like that.” His whisper turned serious. “Don’t tell anyone, especially Ivy.”
I coughed back a giggle. “Maybe we can trade makeup tips?”
“You’ve been hanging around Ivy too much,” Cruz said dryly. “And that’s never a good thing. She’s turning you into a comedian.” He sighed. “Come on, we need to get you a badge.”
“Badge?” I asked as we gained the group’s attention.
“Yeah, for security.” Cruz stopped in front of two men, a woman I didn’t know, and Aimee, who grinned at me. “Everyone, this is Lexi, the owner of Sweet Stuff. She’s going to need to pick up her security credentials.”
The tall man on the far left nodded but didn’t smile. “I’m Alex.” If this was Trevor’s father, they couldn’t have been more different. Alex was wearing a suit and tie and appeared to be all business with not even a trace of humor on his face. He was probably in his mid-fifties with stiff black hair and dark brown eyes. “Thank you for agreeing to provide your services.”
The man standing next to Alex smiled at me and shook my hand. “I’m Matt, the head of the camera crew. Welcome, Lexi.” Matt looked to be about the same age as Alex, but he had platinum hair that flowed down to his shoulders.
“Jodie,” the woman between Matt and Aimee said. “I’m the head of security.” My eyebrows raised slightly, but I couldn’t help it. This woman was no bigger than I was. “Yeah, I know. I’m awfully small to be the head of security, but let me assure you—these guys are well taken care of.”
“And we’ve already met,” Aimee said with a little wiggle of her fingers. “Good seeing you again, Lexi.” She grinned at me and then turned that grin to Cruz, who rolled his eyes.
“Anyway, Jodie, can you make sure Lexi has all the security stuff she needs? I want her having access to everything.” Cruz looked at the woman with honey-colored locks.
“You got it, boss,” Jodie replied, gesturing to a corridor on our right. “I’ll take her to pick them up now.”
I turned to Cruz. “Uh, I guess I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, and this security stuff is routine,” Cruz replied, studying my uneasy expression. “No one thinks you’re a stalker or anything. It’ll just be easier than you having to text or call Aimee or me to escort you in every time you drop something off. We’ve got to weed out the groupies, so everyone on set has to have a badge.”
“And that’s where I come in,” Jodie broke in, jerking her head to the right for me to follow her. “Let’s get started. Come on, Lexi.”
I waved goodbye to everyone as Cruz shot me a smile and took off in the opposite direction, probably to the makeup room, with Aimee in tow.
“It’s a beautiful building,” I said to Jodie, admiring the restoration of the old wood. A few ghosts swept in and out of the rooms we passed, but none of them seemed to mind our presence. “The people who own this are planning to host events here, right?”
Jodie nodded absently, typing something into her phone. “From what I’ve heard, that’s their plan. Weddings and parties and such. Between you and me,” she glanced at me quickly before looking back at her phone, “I don’t get the appeal. It’s creepy.”
My eyes flitted around the room she’d led us into. “I suppose I could see why you’d think that. It does seem a little foreboding when you drive up the hill,” I offered politely. The space was partially furnished and, based on the sink and cabinets in the corner, had probably been an operating room. Jodie stood in front of a long table piled with papers and computers as she flipped through folders.
A ghost floated behind her, moseying along slowly as he hummed to himself. He stopped to look at us before continuing his meandering with his hands clasped behind his back. He must have been a former doctor at the sanatorium since he had splotches of red on his white coat. Crinkling my eyes, I tried to focus on him to get a better read.
“What are you looking at?” Jodie asked, handing me a lanyard with my photo and name on it.
“Oh, uh,” I stammered. She provided security for a paranormal TV show, but that didn’t mean she was in tune with ghosts.
“You’re one of them, aren’t you?” Jodie asked, chewing the inside of her cheek. “Like Cruz. You see things. I’ve heard whispers of people like you since we’ve been in town.” Her tone wasn’t judgmental, simply matter-of-fact.
“It’s not a big deal,” I said, looking at the badge she handed me. “I just see spirits.”
“Huh,” she said, studying me with new interest.
“So, anyway, how did you get my photo?” I asked, needing to change the subject.
“Cruz sent me your name, and I ran a background check. The photo’s from your license.”
“You ran a background check for cookies?” I asked, flabbergasted. “I’m only dropping off desserts.”
Jodie chuckled as she rifled through papers. “Yeah, well, we get a lot of people around here claiming they’re something they’re not. Just yesterday we had to cart out a girl who said she was a construction worker’s daughter dropping off lunch for her dad. Turns out she was a fan of Cruz’s.” Jodie shook her head. “It’s getting more ridiculous lately.”
“He’s got a lot of girls dying to meet him, huh?” I asked, to which she nodded. “I suppose when you’re as attractive and charismatic as he is, that comes with the territory. Creepers and all.”
“I guess, but it’s a shame, really. Cruz is a pretty good guy,” she said absently, still looking through papers. “He does seem to attract the crazies, though. You wouldn’t believe the lengths fans go to just to be in the same room as him or the show’s celebrity guests.”
“Oh, I’d believe it,” I chirped. “I’ve read the blogs.”
“That’s not even the half of it,” Jodie snorted. “Anyway, that badge will get you in and out of here. Security will be beefed up once the celebrities start trickling in, so make sure you always have this with you. Cruz requested you have the highest clearance, so you’ll be able to go anywhere around here, but you can’t be here when the cameras are shooting.” She shrugged at my downcast expression. “It’s a company rule. And make sure to have your badge visible at all times.”
“Thanks,” I said, eyeing the badge. This was my chance to be around celebrities. As close as I’d ever get now with my new responsibility.
☀ ☀ ☀
Four months ago
“You’re certain?” Dorothy questioned the day after she’d flitted into my apartment once she’d died. “You do understand you can’t go any farther than eighty miles outside of Sage Springs once you agree.”
“Yes,” I huffed. “We’re running out of time, and I’m ready to take over the duty.” I looked at Ivy, who nodded and began chanting.
“One hundred percent sure?” Eliza asked, blue eyes filled with concern.
“Of course. It feels good to be needed for something,” I returned, grinning at my friend as magic swelled around us. Ivy pricked my finger. “Ouch!” I complained. “Did you have to do it like that?”
“Yes,” she said dryly. “Now shut it. I’m casting a spell here.”
“This is an honor, you know,” Dorothy added as she watched Ivy carefully.
“I know. I’m just glad I don’t have to keep it a secret from my two best friends,” I said. “That would have been a deal-breaker.”
“Well, the witch was necessary to redirect the magic, and telling another person was allowed. After all, we all need confidants,” Dorothy returned.
I felt a rush of magic filter through me, nearly squeezing my insides before it vanished, leaving me feeling no worse for the wear.
“Done,” Ivy said, taking a moment to study me. “You feel okay?”
“Completely normal,” I chirped.
Eliza gave me a hug as Ivy gathered her supplies.
“Welcome, guardian,” Dorothy said proudly.
That was the day my life changed forever.
CHAPTER 8
“You’re going to have so much fun. I just know it,” I told Eliza as she brought her suitcase into the foyer at Cedar Inn looking darling in a pair of jeans and a snug purple long-sleeved tee.
“I wish you could come,” she said. “You need a break more than the rest of us.” She rubbed my shoulder sympathetically.
“You know I can’t,” I replied, pushing a grin into place. I handed her a basket packed with travel snacks. “The place you’re going is more than eighty miles away. Besides, catering for Cruz’s crew is a big deal for Sweet Stuff.”
“But—”
“Even if I could go, I wouldn’t want to be the fifth wheel on a romantic getaway,” I teased her.
“You’re never the fifth wheel,” Eliza admonished, tucking my bangs behind my ear.
“You’re going to be at a charming bed and breakfast with a winery on the premises. Totally romantic, and I’m going to miss you so much,” I chirped, wrapping my arms around my best friend.
“Lex, it’s not like I’m going to be gone forever,” Eliza chuckled, sucking in air as I squeezed her.
She was right, of course. But part of me remembered that day four years ago when Eliza had packed up and fled town for three years. I’d been sans a partner in crime for a long time.
It would have been nice if people felt as content as I always had been living in Sage Springs, but I’d come to understand that wasn’t the way for everyone. My attachment to this town ran in my blood. And I was now permanently tied to the place I loved.
“Oh, jeez, not this again,” Ivy cracked, s
haking her head as she entered the inn with a duffle bag over her shoulder. “If you cry, I’m waiting in the car.” She eyed me warily. “It’s a few days, Lexi. We’re not permanently relocating.”
“I know, I know,” I assured, smiling up at her. “It’ll be fine. I’ve got catering and a slew of online orders to keep me busy.”
Ivy leaned closer after she scanned the area for prying eyes. “I checked the magic around your house yesterday. We’re solid.”
I nodded quickly as Aggie joined us in the foyer and placed an arm around my shoulder, breaking up our private chat. “Let’s have some tea before you two head out, huh? We can have some girl talk.”
Eliza, Ivy, and I exchanged apprehensive glances before walking into the kitchen. Girl talk with Aggie made everyone except her uncomfortable.
“I’m setting boundaries on this girl talk,” Ivy announced, crossing her arms and marching into the kitchen. “It took me nearly a week to look Jameson in the eye after that last ‘girl talk’ we had.”
I shuddered. About a month ago, Aggie told us that she had introduced Jameson to strip checkers, similar to strip poker. Nowadays I made it a point to call before I stopped by the inn. I did not want to walk in on that.
“You think you were scarred? Try being me,” Eliza shot at Ivy. “I found a bra behind the armoire in the den last week. I wanted to believe it was a guest’s, but I wasn’t so lucky.” She shook her head and her pretty auburn hair swirled around her face as she frowned at her grandmother.
“Such prudes.” Aggie waved away their comments as she brought a tray laden with cups, spoons, sugar, honey, lemon, and milk to the kitchen table. “You need to live a little, especially you,” she said, pinning me with a grandmotherly expression. “You’re far too lovely to be alone out in that house of yours. You need to find a man to help keep the cottage warm in the winter, if you know what I mean.” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Oh, we know what you mean,” Ivy muttered, adding sugar to her tea by forgoing the spoon and simply dumping it straight in.
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