Page 5 of Ghost

“What kind of things?”

“They don’t say, and I don’t ask.”

I want to believe that’s the truth, especially knowing who she’s likely working for. She could have been contracted for this job, having no idea she’s digging into the original chapter of one of the West Coast’s biggest motorcycle clubs. But I doubt it.

“You’re not from here, are you?” She glances at my cut again.

I shake my head. “Las Vegas. Why?”

“I’ve seen some guys around wearing vests like that, but it’s a different logo.”

Vests.

Maybe she doesn’t know who I am after all.

“No, I’m not with them.”

“You make it sound so ominous.” She smiles up at me. “How is Vegas, anyway? I’ve always wanted to go.”

“Hot.”

“Hot?” Her eyebrows pinch.

I nod. “And busy.”

Luna smiles, leaning forward on the table as she watches me. “You don’t talk much, do you, Ghost?”

“Not usually.”

She laughs, but this time, it’s quieter. Sweeter. It’s half an exhale, and it makes me question everything I’m doing right now.

“Well, people tell me I talk too much, so I guess we balance each other out.” She adjusts her hair. “Maybe I should move someplace like Vegas next. It sounds exciting.”

“It’s not as spectacular as you think.”

“Or you’re just jaded from being there too long.” She shrugs, looking around the coffee shop. “Either way, it seems like a place you can get lost in.”

I don’t ask her why being lost appeals to her or what she’s running from. All I do is stare into her eyes and know exactly what she’s talking about.

“Vegas is good for that.”

“Maybe if I end up there, I’ll look you up.”

I smirk. “You can try.”

Luna bites her lower lip and smiles. There’s something about how she meets a challenge that lights me up inside.But just as suddenly, we’re cut off by her phone pinging on the table.

“Crap.” She looks down at the screen and starts shoving her books in her bag.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, but I’ve gotta run.” She stands up, which makes her ponytail flop around. “But maybe I’ll see you around town again. Or maybe even in Vegas.”

“Maybe.”

She clutches her bag to her chest, standing in front of me with the sweetest smile on her face. Her head tilts back so she can look up at me, stretching her beautiful neck. A foreign urge to shield her from whatever mess she’s blindly getting herself into surfaces inside me.

“If I do, I’ll look you up.” Luna waves, turning to hurry away. “Bye, Ghost.”