Ghostly Interests

by Lily Harper Hart

  Jared grinned. “I can’t wait for the entrée.”

  “Me either,” Harper said. She took a step away from him and shook her head to snap herself out of the reverie she was mired in. “You do funny things to me. You make my stomach … knot up.”

  “I know the feeling,” Jared said, running his hand through his hair. “Seriously, though, what do you want to drink? If we don’t turn this conversation to a safer topic I’m going to lose my head – even more than I already have.”

  “I’ll have an iced green tea with no sweetener.”

  Jared made a face. “That sounds … healthy.”

  “I’m addicted to green tea,” Harper said, her expression rueful. “I used to be addicted to Diet Coke, but Zander broke me of that habit when he bought the Keurig.”

  “Green tea it is,” Jared said, bringing their joined hands up and brushing a quick kiss across her knuckles. “Why don’t you go and get straws and napkins and find us a table?”

  Harper nodded. “Okay.”

  Their eyes were still locked on one another and Jared knew that any outsider looking in would see the sexual tension oozing between them. He reluctantly let her hand go. “Find a table away from everyone else if you can.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Harper teased. “What if I get an overwhelming urge to rip your clothes off?”

  “That’s what I’m hoping for,” Jared said, reaching up and running his thumb down her smooth cheek. “I’ll find you in a few minutes.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  HARPER was having trouble putting words to the feelings cascading through her. She hadn’t felt anything like this since Quinn. No, that wasn’t true. She’d been genuinely fond of Quinn. He was comfortable, attractive, and fun. He’d never shaken her to the core like Jared did with a simple look, though.

  Part of Harper felt guilty for that realization. She knew Quinn wasn’t her soul mate – and she believed in soul mates, especially now – but she was starting to think she’d only been going through the motions with him. Jared was something different.

  She was so lost in thought she didn’t notice the figure moving in behind her until Molly was practically upon her. “Harper!”

  Harper jumped, clutching the napkins closer to her chest as she swiveled. Molly’s face was a mixture of excitement and glee and Harper couldn’t help but smile at the young woman’s enthusiasm. “What’s up?”

  “I saw you come in here with the hot cop,” Molly said. “Where is he?”

  “Ordering drinks.”

  “You were holding his hand,” Molly said, her ski-slope nose wrinkling. “You said you weren’t interested in him.”

  “I was probably lying to you and myself,” Harper admitted. “I’m definitely interested in him.”

  Molly squealed and grabbed Harper’s hand. “That’s so great. I’m so happy for you.”

  “We’re having coffee, not getting married,” Harper said, refusing to give in to her inner urges and squeal right along with Molly. “We’re just getting to know one another.”

  “I’m still happy for you,” Molly said. “You deserve someone to … have coffee with.”

  Harper snorted. “It does sound nice,” she said. “What are you doing here?”

  “I finished up my last exam,” Molly said. “I’m all yours for the summer.”

  “Speaking of that, Zander and I have been talking,” Harper said. “We’re going to start paying you, especially since you’re going to be working full time this summer. Summer is a busy time for us and we think you deserve a little something thanks to all the hard work you do.”

  “But … I volunteered as an intern. You don’t have to pay me. I love working with you guys.”

  “I know you do,” Harper said. “You also work hard and when you work hard you deserve to get paid for it. You’ve been with us a long time now, Molly. You’re part of our family.”

  “I’m so excited.” Molly threw her arms around Harper’s neck and drew her in for a tight hug.

  “Did I miss something?” Jared asked, a drink in each hand as he rounded the corner and caught sight of Molly and Harper.

  Harper disengaged herself from the boisterous college student. “Jared, this is Molly. She’s been an intern with us for … wow, thirteen months now … and I just told her she was going to get paid for her work this summer.”

  “Ah,” Jared said, handing Harper her green tea while eyeing Molly. “Are you telling me you were a slave driver before this?”

  “No,” Harper said, making a face.

  “I volunteered,” Molly explained. “I heard about them on campus and I went out to their office and I fell in love with Harper and Zander the moment I met them. This only proves I was right.”

  “Harper and Zander should have their own sitcom,” Jared agreed, although his smile was genuine as he gazed at Molly. “What are you going to school for?”

  “Liberal arts.”

  Jared made a face. “What kind of job are you going to get with that?”

  “The same kind of job I have now,” Molly said. “Once I graduate in a year I’m going to take over marketing of GHI and I’m going to take us statewide … and then nationwide … and then worldwide.”

  Jared pursed his lips and cast a sidelong look in Harper’s direction. “Are you going worldwide?”

  “I’m going to settle for making it out of St. Clair, Macomb, and Oakland counties right now.”

  “Good to know,” Jared said. He turned his attention back to Molly. “Not that I’m not happy for you, and you obviously deserve your big break, but we were going to have some coffee and talk.”

  Molly nodded happily. “I know. I saw you come inside together. Holding hands, I might add.”

  Jared refused to be embarrassed by Molly’s pointed comment. “She has nice hands.”

  “I’ve seen her change when we go clothes shopping, too,” Molly said. “You’re not going to be disappointed when you get to see that either.”

  Jared’s chuckle was warm and hearty. “I’m betting you’re right,” he said.

  Harper’s cheeks were burning and she focused on the green tea in her hand because she was afraid to meet Jared and Molly’s mischievous eyes. “I can’t believe I’m in the middle of this conversation.”

  “Me either,” Jared said. “I thought we would be in the middle of a completely different uncomfortable conversation between just the two of us by now.”

  “I got your hint the first time,” Molly said, shooting him a look. “I’m not trying to third-wheel your date. I have a date of my own, in fact.”

  “You do?” Harper lifted her eyebrows and focused on Molly. “When did this happen?”

  “I took your advice,” Molly said. “Eric is never going to notice I’m alive as long as I’m too available for him. He’s too in love with you to even recognize me when we’re in the same room together.”

  “Who is Eric?” Jared asked, his interest piqued.

  “He’s the other guy who works out of our office,” Harper replied.

  “The one with the dark hair and leather coat?”

  Harper nodded.

  “He’s in love with you?” Jared asked.

  “No,” Harper said, waving off the question as if it were nothing more than a pesky fly. “He has a crush on me.”

  “And you have a crush on him?” Jared asked Molly.

  “I guess, although I don’t like the word ‘crush,’” Molly said. “I find him interesting and would like to see what he looks like naked.”

  Jared bit his bottom lip as his gaze bounced between the two women. “I see,” he said finally. “You don’t like him, though, right?”

  Harper didn’t get a chance to answer because Molly did it for her. “Harper is always nice to Eric, but she isn’t sexually attracted to him,” she said. “In fact, I wasn’t sure if she was ever going to be sexually attracted to anyone until you came along. I’m so relieved to find out her hormones actually work.”

/>   “I am, too,” Jared said, grinning. “For curiosity’s sake, though, what advice did Harper give you to make Eric realize you were alive?”

  “She told me to date someone else to make Eric jealous.” Molly’s answer was simple, but it set off a firestorm in Jared’s head.

  “How come you didn’t try to make me jealous?” Jared asked pointedly.

  “Because you already knew I was alive,” Harper replied, not missing a beat.

  “I guess that’s true,” Jared said, using his free hand to rub his stubbled jaw. “It’s hard to pretend you’re not alive when you’re so … pretty.”

  “Oh, he’s so sweet,” Molly said, pressing her hand to her heart. “He’s hot and charming. It’s like you’re a unicorn.”

  Jared arched an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

  “Unicorns are mythical and magical beasts that are coveted by all,” Molly explained. “You’re a unicorn.”

  “I have no idea how to take that,” Jared admitted.

  “It’s a compliment.”

  “It is,” Harper agreed, turning back to Molly. “Who are you going out with?”

  “You told me to ask Collin out, so I did,” Molly said.

  “I used Collin as an example of a nice guy who might be interested in you,” Harper clarified. “I didn’t suggest that you go and ask him out right away.”

  “Well, I did and he agreed,” Harper said. “We’re going to a house party to celebrate the end of finals tonight.”

  “That sounds fun,” Harper said. “I just saw Collin with his brother out on the front lawn.”

  Molly perked up. “You did? How did he look?”

  “Um … handsome?” Harper looked to Jared for support. “You would say Collin looked handsome, wouldn’t you?”

  “Which one is Collin?” Jared asked.

  “Jay’s brother. The one you gave your business card to.”

  Jared scowled. “I don’t mind that kid, but his brother should be locked up for being a douche.”

  “I think we’d all like to see that,” Harper agreed.

  “Jay has a reputation as a minute man on campus,” Molly said. “I wouldn’t worry about it. He’ll be appreciated for the loser he is as soon as his looks go.”

  “A minute man?” Harper asked, confused.

  “Yeah, as in he lasts for a minute … and I’m being generous,” Molly said. “I don’t personally know that for a fact, but I know two girls who told me. He’s a three-stroke maniac.”

  “Oh, my.” Harper’s hand flew up to her mouth as she tried to keep from laughing out loud.

  Jared didn’t bother hiding his mirth. “That doesn’t surprise me about Jay. Have fun on your date with his brother.”

  It was a pointed dismissal, but it caused Molly to roll her eyes instead of immediately leaving. “I do have one question, Harper,” she said. “Don’t worry, Mr. Cop, it won’t take long and then you can continue your … hand-holding date.”

  “Thank you, Miss Molly,” Jared replied, unruffled. “Ask your question quickly because I have limited time before I have to be back at the office and you’re eating it all up.”

  “How much can I tell Collin about what we do?” Molly asked. “I’ve never really talked to anyone about my job at GHI unless I know them really well. Is it okay if I tell Collin we put ghosts to rest?”

  “That’s up to you,” Harper said. “I’m not ashamed of what we do. I’ve found that it’s probably better to tell people sooner rather than later, though.”

  “Why?”

  “You don’t want to get attached to someone and then find out they’re not going to accept the ghost thing,” Harper said, casting a furtive look in Jared’s direction. He saw the look but didn’t comment on it.

  “That’s a good point,” Molly said. “I’ll tell him. If he’s flaky I’ll only keep him around for two more dates so Eric can see us together and get really jealous.”

  “Good idea.”

  Molly gave Harper one more quick hug and then disappeared. By the time it was just the two of them their drinks were mostly gone.

  “I’m sorry she monopolized our … coffee thing,” Harper said.

  “It’s okay,” Jared replied. “I’m glad she showed up. She’s a fount of interesting gossip. I now know Eric is in love with you and I might have to pound him at some point, and I also know you’re worried I’m not going to accept the ghost thing.”

  “I … how did you know that?” Harper was flabbergasted.

  “I saw the look on your face,” Jared said. “It’s okay. I already accept the ghost thing.”

  “But … how?”

  “I believe in you,” Jared replied, guileless. “I don’t know why. I don’t know how. I just know I do. I won’t walk away because of the ghost stuff.”

  “What will you walk away for?”

  “Right now? Nothing,” Jared replied. “I can’t make promises about what’s going to happen next week … or next month … or next year. All I can promise is I want to get to know you and learn more about what you do.”

  “I guess that’s a pretty good answer,” Harper said, sipping her green tea.

  “It’s the only one I have,” Jared said.

  “If it’s any consolation I’m very excited to see you naked someday, too.” Harper had no idea where the flirtatious words came from, but she wasn’t sorry she uttered them when she saw Jared’s cheeks flush with color for a change.

  “That’s definitely something to look forward to,” he said.

  Twenty-Three

  “How was your date with Officer Hottie?” Zander asked, handing Harper a glass of iced tea and settling on the couch next to her later that evening.

  “It wasn’t technically a date.”

  “I heard you were holding hands,” Zander challenged.

  “Molly has a huge mouth,” Harper muttered.

  “She called to thank me for paying her this summer,” Zander said. “I thought we were going to tell her together.”

  “I’m sorry,” Harper said, instantly contrite. “I know we were going to do it together, but she was there … and I was nervous … and it fit into the conversation. I shouldn’t have told her.”

  “It’s fine,” Zander said. “As much as I like to imagine she’s hung around GHI for the past year without pay because of my sparkling personality, I really know it’s because she’s infatuated with you.”

  “She’s infatuated with Eric,” Harper corrected.

  “She has a crush on Eric,” Zander agreed. “You’re her mentor, though.”

  “Mentor?” Harper made a face as she comically lifted an eyebrow.

  “Scoff if you will … .”

  “All right,” Harper said. “No one is looking at me as a mentor. Trust me. No one wants to be me.”

  “You’re my hero,” Zander said. “I want to be you. Well … I don’t want to dress like you. You should wear heels instead of sneakers some days. They would make your legs look longer, and you have great legs. You also wear an appalling amount of polyester and I wish you would embrace some more color into your wardrobe.”

  “How did this turn into an episode of America’s Next Top Model?”

  Zander ignored her. “You’re also brave, loyal, true, sweet, funny, and you have a huge heart,” he said. “On the flip side, when I need you to be, you’re catty, mean and gossipy. You’re the perfect package.

  “I don’t think you should be wondering who would want to be you,” he continued. “The question is: Who wouldn’t want to be you?”

  Harper blinked rapidly to fight off a sudden burst of tears. Zander always knew the right thing to say. He also knew the wrong thing to say, but that wasn’t the case at this precise moment. “You’re the best friend I’m ever going to have.”

  “Don’t you dare cry,” Zander said, waving a finger in her face. “You’re the best friend I’m ever going to have. I would still think you’re a pretty great mentor even if you weren’t my best friend.”

  “You’re the be
st ego booster ever,” Harper said, leaning over and giving him a kiss on the cheek. Instead of pulling back, though, she rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for being in my life.”

  “I can’t live without you,” Zander replied, tugging on his never-ending supply of false bravado. “You don’t have to thank me. I would literally die without you.”

  “You’re a trip.”

  “You’re a trip.”

  “What do you want to watch tonight?” Harper asked, turning the conversation to a topic that wouldn’t threaten either of their tear ducts.

  “How about some Modern Family reruns?”

  “Sold.”

  “HOW was your coffee date with Harper?” Mel asked, sliding a sly look in the direction of Jared’s desk.

  Jared didn’t bother looking up from the file he was perusing. “Nice. I would’ve preferred some more time alone with her, but we had a good time.”

  Mel shifted in his chair, surprised. “Aren’t you going to ask how I knew about your coffee date?”

  “Zander knew about it so I don’t have to ask.”

  “You’re already getting used to us gossiping about you,” Mel mused. “That’s a good sign.”

  “I don’t care how much you gossip.”

  “You just care about Harper,” Mel teased.

  “She’s an interesting woman,” Jared agreed, furrowing his brow as he studied the file in his hand.

  “What are you looking at?”

  “We got a few tips over the phone,” Jared said. “The secretary wrote them down, but I’m not sure anyone bothered to look at them. I want to make sure we’re not missing something on the Annie Dresden case.”

  “What do you think we might be missing?”

  “I don’t know,” Jared said. “I … something feels off.”

  “I think it’s the professor,” Mel said. “He had motive and means. He doesn’t have an alibi for the night she died.”

  “That’s not true. I do have an alibi.”

  Jared jerked at the sound of Professor Dalton’s voice, glancing up to find him standing in the doorway of the office with his lawyer, Peter Barnett, at his side.

  “What are you doing here?” Jared asked. “I thought you were done talking to us. Isn’t that what you said?”

  “It is,” Dalton conceded. “It’s just … .” He exchanged a look with his attorney.