Page 23 of Sky’s Guide To Getting His Man & Banishing Ghosts (The Dreamwalkers #1)

Chapter

Nineteen

Skylar

Soul mates. Wow . I had a soul mate. Who knew they existed?

I wasn’t even sure I believed I’d ever even fall in love until I first laid eyes on Kingston.

But now I knew why. How awful would it have been if I’d been in a long-term loving relationship, only to meet him and been struck by an undeniable pull? One that had been predestined for me.

I smiled, and King groaned. “Of all the things they said over breakfast, you’re still stuck on the soul mate thing, aren’t you?”

Grinning, I nodded happily. “You have to admit, it’s pretty cool.”

King squeezed my hand, then let go as we walked into Witch’s Brew. I wondered if Gran had ever been here. Probably not since I didn’t think she’d even left the house at all since I’d moved to this little beachside town.

“I’m going to bring Gran here.”

King stopped in his tracks with wide eyes. “Uh, I’m not sure that’s a wise idea.”

“Because the town thinks she’s a little eccentric?” I asked curiously.

“Sky, they don’t just think she’s a little eccentric, they all think she’s?—”

“I’m sorry. Excuse me,” Carli called out from behind the counter.

Turning toward my new friend, I waved. “We’ll be right over.

” Lucky for us, we’d hit my favorite time again.

That sweet spot where I basically had the wives to myself.

Getting to know them had been fun, and I thought their little coffee shop would be a great place for Gran to be out and still comfortable.

I nodded to myself. “Yes, Elyse and I will bring her here.”

King sighed, sounding exasperated. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”

Pleased with my decision, I dragged my new—boyfriend? soul mate? Dreamwalker? hook-up?—to the counter. A big grin spread on Carli’s face as she took King in.

Aw…she was happy for me.

“Hello.” She thrust out her hand in King’s direction. “You’re Kingston Porter, right? Rosie Porter’s grandson?” His big hand swallowed hers, and she laid her other one over the top, shaking aggressively. “Oh my goddess, it is you. I was so hoping I’d get the honor of meeting you one day.”

King side-eyed me, completely bemused. Honestly, so was I. The Harts hadn’t resided in Willowhope long, so how in the world did they know Rosie?

Carli came out from the back and shook her head. “Cassi, let go of the poor man. You’re going to scare him.” She rescued King from her wife’s clutches and gave him a polite nod.

Was I in an alternate universe? Carli was usually the hyper, overly friendly one of this duo. Cassi had barely even cared when I brought Ego in, and he was world famous, but there were stars in her eyes as she stared up at King.

“You’ll have to excuse my wife,” Carli said. “She’s always wanted to meet your grandmother. She’s a bit of a fangirl.”

King’s head jerked back with surprise. “My gran? Rosie Porter?”

Both women nodded, but Cassi’s head looked like it was going to pop right off her body, she was moving it so hard. “Of course. We follow the High Priestess’ blog. She’s amazing.”

Surprised, I whirled on him. “You never told me your gran has a blog.”

He shook his head. “I didn’t know. She can’t even use a computer.”

Cassi quirked an eyebrow. “ Um . I assure you she can.”

King rubbed a hand over his face, mumbling softly, “Of course, she can. Apparently, she has a whole life I know nothing about.”

Slipping my arm around his waist, I hugged him reassuringly. “Sorry, ladies. We’re on our first date, and discussing his grandmother isn’t very sexy.” I winked.

Carli’s face lit up, and sounding more like the peppy lady I’d grown fond of, she asked, “Is this who you’ve been telling us about? Your gentle giant?”

“Carli,” I screeched.

King chuckled bashfully, and Cassi rolled her eyes. There, now she was back to normal, too. I couldn’t handle anything else being off-kilter right now.

“Carli, go make Sky’s drink. What can I get for you, Mr. Porter?” Cassi asked.

“ Ew . No. Call him Kingston,” I said, leaning into him. “And get him what I’m having.”

King nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good.” He didn’t even know about the creamy goodness coming his direction, but he didn’t seem too concerned about it as he pointed at the hallway with the sign above the door that said, Restroom . “I’ll be right back.”

The ladies waited for his big frame to disappear before Carli abandoned my drink and said, “Spill.”

Ha . That was easier said than done. What to say?

My brain was crammed with information about things I never even knew existed.

I was pretty sure two women who named their shop Witch’s Brew, and who apparently at least one of them worshipped my King’s grandmother, wouldn’t think I’d lost the plot if I spilled some deets, but no. That wasn’t happening.

Not only because I genuinely didn’t understand what exactly was happening, but because today was my and King’s day. An us day. A talk about favorite colors and movies and podcasts day. A we need a break from all things…other , kind of day.

The only part that sucked was Lee saying we should sleep in separate places tonight.

King didn’t look any happier about it than I was, but he’d been game to try it when Lee assured him that he thought it might keep me from joining in the Dream-veil, as long as we didn’t drink the concoction, potion, or whatever it was, of Rosie’s.

Studious and patient beyond anything I understood, King didn’t want me with him until we understood more. I was pretty sure he wanted his grandparents to write him a book to study before we tested out the whole beyond-the-veil thing again.

Shaking that off, I leaned forward and whispered, “I think we’re dating.”

Cassi barked out a laugh. “You don’t know?”

I shrugged. “He’s had a lot going on, so he’s not the easiest to read.”

Carli nodded sagely, like she knew something I didn’t know. “Give it time. The best ones aren’t always the most open.” She darted a glance at her wife.

Cassi rolled her eyes but squeezed her wife’s hip as she passed her to go finish preparing my and King’s drinks. Carli leaned forward, obviously ready for a good gossip sesh, when King came back down the hall. “Drat.”

I snickered. “Drat?” I teased. “I’ll definitely have to bring Rosie in to meet you two. I think you’ll like each other.”

Cassi set our drinks on the counter. “I already love her. A drink a day on us for the rest of the year if you bring her in.”

Carli’s jaw dropped, and she stared at her wife incredulously. Reaching over to squeeze her arm, I said, “Don’t worry. I’m a new business owner, too. I will always pay.”

She nodded, looking embarrassed but relieved.

King pulled out his wallet and cleared his throat. Carli took the hint and rang us up, since apparently Cassi had a little hero worship going on of King in proxy of his gran. I promised the ladies I’d see them soon, hopefully with Rosie, and we made our way out of the store.

“They’re nice,” he said as soon as the door closed behind us.

“They’re the best. Isn’t it weird that?—”

He covered my mouth with his hand. “We’re not talking about my grandparents or anything else today. No way, no how. My mind needs a breather.”

When I licked his palm, he pulled back with a yelp. “Gross, Sky.” Then he wiped his palm on my cheek, making me giggle.

Shaking my head, I linked my arm with his, and carrying our coffee, we headed toward The Daily Knead for a pastry. As soon as we got inside—even though there was only one other customer and Sonny was waiting on them already—I pulled a number.

“Don’t want to lose my place in line.”

King snickered. “How many times did you get booted to the end?”

I scowled. “A few.”

“A few times this week,” Sonny said, butting into our conversation. “This kid’s always slipping in for a gluten fix but forgets the rules.”

Wrinkling my nose, I said, “Your rules don’t make sense.”

King wrapped his hand around my neck. “I only had to lose my spot once, and I never forgot to pull a number again. You have to respect the process.”

Sonny tipped his chin up toward King with approval. “That’s why I always liked you. Good sense.” Then he glared at me.

“What?” I asked, looking down at the floor to make sure I hadn’t spilled coffee or something.

King bent down and whispered in my ear. “He called your number.”

“When?” I asked.

Sonny shook his head. “Kids today. Never listen.” He called a number again, which of course it was mine, because hello…no one else was in here.

King ordered a bagel with cream cheese, and I asked for a Danish. As Sonny went to fill our order, I mumbled, “He’s cranky.”

King pulled me into a loose hug, laughing. “Nope. He’s just Sonny. Gran said he was even like that as a teenager.”

Hmph . I didn’t doubt that one bit. Then, as King paid, I noticed the wink Sonny shot him. As soon as we were out the door, I asked, “Am I being punked?”

King tilted his head and looked down at me like he was confused. “What do you mean?”

“You know, like, does Sonny only do that to me because I’m new in town?”

“Good grief. City boy really thinks he’s something special, don’t he?” a vaguely familiar voice asked.

King turned, and I saw the two teenage boys I’d met—Craig and Theo—coming our direction. I couldn’t decide if the odd stride they had going was supposed to be them ambling or strutting, but either way, it was cute. Being young and still finding yourself was no joke.

I stuck out my tongue at Craig since it had been him running his mouth. “I’ll have you know, I don’t think anything of the kind. It’s just Sonny’s…”

Theo shrugged. “Sonny’s Sonny. Mom says there isn’t a lot you can do about him.”

Craig and King both nodded. Okay, so, the guy really was just weird. So why had he winked at King? My boyfriend? Soulmate? Ugh, I needed to ask him. His eyes twinkled, and I had a feeling he knew I’d caught the wink, and it was driving me crazy.

“You need anything yet?” Craig asked me. “I’ve almost got enough for a set of wheels.”

Theo put his hand in the air like this was school and not a sidewalk on the main strip in town. “I’d be willing to do stuff for free out at Willowhope Manor, if they need it.”

Craig scoffed. “We can’t do stuff for free. We’re in the homestretch for a car.”

Theo nodded, but as soon as Craig looked back at me, he shook his head and pointed both thumbs back at himself. I’m their guy, he mouthed.

Since I knew he geeked out on paranormal like everyone else in my life did, I promised them I’d contact them soon. They seemed like good boys, and it would be nice to help toward their car fund.

As soon as they walked away, King grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the park where we’d agreed to have our treat. Instead of sitting across from me at the park bench like I’d expected, he guided me toward an oak tree, sat down, and pulled me between his legs.

Thankfully, I was wearing dark jeans, or I’d be crying, worrying about grass or mud stains. But this was King. Not only did he geek out on all things haunted, but he also loved nature. How could I argue with that?

Once we were nestled and indulging in our individual snacks, he said, “You’re really getting to know the townspeople.”

“Of course. This is my home now. I’ve always enjoyed making friends and meeting people, but this is better.”

“Better?” he asked.

“Sure.” I glanced at him over my shoulder. “I don’t plan on moving away anytime soon, if ever.”

A smile moved slowly across his face, and he leaned into the tree trunk, pulling me with him.

It was a simple day.

An uneventful day.

The perfect day.