Page 65 of Stalked By Shadows

He gave me narrowed eyes. “Eerily specific plans for pulling them off the top of your head. Are these things you plan to do?”

I’d thought about them, but was pretty sure Lukas would kick my ass if I so much as set foot in that direction. “Nah. Might do some more research on Lukas’s computer. Lukas might actually hang me if he catches me stepping into this again. I should have thought to borrow some books from the shop. Since I have tomorrow to myself. I could read and catch up on all the fun New Orleans lore.”

“I think Lukas has most of them anyway. Used to buy stuff while he was pretending that he wasn’t actually there to check on me or Sky.”

“Buying stuff from himself? Since he owns the store and all…” I laughed. That sounded like Lukas. “And he said I have a hero complex.”

“I think you’re more alike than either of you believe.” He grabbed the front of my shirt and tugged me close, then leaned up to kiss me.

“What? Oh,” I said returning his kiss which started out with little brushes of the lips and quickly turned to a heated duel of tongues. At some point I must have dropped the bags because I found myself wrapped around him, pressing my heat to his and wishing we were inside right that second to continue what I’d put a halt to last night.

He released me, but sighed sweetly into my lips. “Weren’t you the one saying you wanted to see if we were more than just a spark?”

Yes. Dammit. “Was that me?”

“I really am only going to get some sleep,” Micah said. “There’s a lot in my head from the past few days I need to work out.”

“Sleep or feverishly work on projects?” I clarified.

He shrugged. “Not sure yet, but it doesn’t matter.” He stepped away and picked up the bags I’d dropped. “Can you find your way home okay?”

I wanted to watch over him, but knew he was right. “Yes. I’ve got the route down now.”

“No chasing shadows on the way home,” Micah said.

I put my hand over my heart. “Straight home, sir.”

He glanced my way and nodded before heading to his door. “Text me when you get home? So I know you’re safe.”

“Of course,” I promised. “I will go once I’m sure you’re inside.”

He nodded and unlocked the door. A moment later he was gone and I did a quick search of the yard, looking for anything out of place before heading home.

Chapter 20

Lukas’s place was dark and quiet when I got in. I texted him to let him know I was home and would be asleep on the couch if he got in late. Not that I ever heard him come in anyway. He was a bit like a ghost in that regard.

I made another batch of poor man’s peanut butter cookies, leaving the ones I didn’t eat out with a note for Lukas, and made up the couch. It was the first time I noticed, that in Lukas’s pile of top sheets, there was one with gnomes on it. It was a sort of creamy white with blue China plate sort of print. The gnomes had looked like people at a glance, but up close, the big noses, beards, and pointy hats were unmistakable. Which meant this was probably Micah’s handiwork.

I found my phone and took a picture of a closeup of the print.Is this your work?I sent to Micah.Oh and btw I’m home.

The (…) appeared for a moment. Then,Yes. It’s a running joke. He even has gnome boxers somewhere. Christmas ones. It was a fabric I found on clearance at a thrift shop and only had enough for something small. The nose of one of the gnomes goes where the…

I laughed at the idea of my brother wearing a big gnome nose on his dick. Had he ever worn them?You made my brother boxers?

Boxers are easy. Fifteen-minute project. I make them for everyone. Expect them for Christmas at the very least. Even Sky has sleep boxers.

I could use some boxers that fit,I allowed and thought about the fabric choices we’d made in that little quilt shop.Could maybe have boxers with little dragons on them?

Already started on something with that one. Sorry. I hope you don’t hate it.

I will like anything you make me. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?I made my way to Lukas’s room and the wall with three—five shelf bookcases, full of stuff. The first was all police procedural stuff, manuals, and forensic guides. The second was fiction like Harry Potter. The third was a mix of everything else, but he did have three whole shelves dedicated to the paranormal. I pulled out a few books on New Orleans ghost history and the one with Micah’s 411 mystery and took it to the couch.

Micah’s reply said,Am resting. Jet curled up with me.Two seconds later a selfie arrived with a close up of Micah in bed with Jet perched on the pillow near his head. I couldn’t help but smile.

You’ll call if you need me?

Yes. Don’t scare yourself too much with ghost stories.