Page 24 of Safe in Shadow (Pine Ridge Universe #22)

TOBY

Death takes a vacation. Literally.

I’m a not-very-grim Reaper, just enjoying my annual two-week summer holiday when something happens that I can’t ignore.

I hear some lowlife striking a deal to save his sorry neck by giving his beautiful stepdaughter to an even bigger piece of pond scum.

Even though I’m not supposed to intervene, I can’t resist, especially after I see her photo and see the face of the girl I fell in love with ages ago.

I know this woman and the love I lost aren’t the same, but I know a sign when I see one.

I’m supposed to save Molly—even if I have to break all the rules to do it.

Molly

When my stepfather tells me he wants to leave me a beautiful beach house, it’s a dream come true. One, it means he’s finally trying to make amends for the crap he put me through, and two, if I sell this place, I can pay off my student loans.

But when I arrive, Gary (AKA Loser Two) is nowhere to be found, and I’m someone’s prisoner.

It’s Death. Actual Death, a pale, ghoulish guy who reaps souls. Well, he’s not getting mine without a fight.

Funny, he almost makes me believe that he doesn’t want my soul—just my heart.

Two Weeks

I’ve promised Molly that I’ll let her go when my vacation is done—after I hunt down the man who tried to hurt her.

I know it’s hopeless to believe that a monster like me can win her heart in just a few days, but I’ve got to try.

Who knows? Maybe moonlight walks on the beach and a romantic retreat with someone who would die for her (or kill for her) will turn my eternity alone into a hot ghoul summer that never has to end?