Page 93 of The Ghost of Ellwood

“Are you all right?” he asked with a frown. “I didn’t even try to scare you that time.”

“I’m fine.” I ate a spoonful of the vegetable soup, forcing a smile. “Thank you for lunch.”

“You’re welcome.”

I relaxed as the day went on, and by evening time, I had forgotten about Frank Walker.

Theo and I showered together, fucking while in there. His sexual appetite was unparalleled. A majority of the time he initiated it. I didn’t mind, though. He loved when I pushed him against the shower wall and took him roughly, grazing my teeth down his neck.

Later, we cooked dinner. Well,hecooked and I watched. Carter was coming over, the first time he’d come into the house since the migraine incident, and Theo had wanted to make a nice meal for us.

“You really didn’t have to,” I said.

“I know.” Theo flipped the salmon in the skillet and checked it. “Should be done soon. Is he on his way?”

The doorbell rang.

“Yeah, I think so,” I said and grinned when Theo swatted at me. “Be right back.”

Leaving the kitchen, I smiled. My chest felt light and I was excited about the evening. My best friend and my…well, I wasn’t quite sure what to call Theo…were going to hang out and hopefully put aside any reservations they might still have for the other.

“Hey,” I said, opening the door.

Carter bounced in place before rushing past me. “It’s as cold as balls out there.”

“Balls are cold?”

“I don’t know. Ask Theo.” Carter laughed when I shot him an annoyed stare. He took off his coat and hung it up before rubbing his hands together. “Something smells incredible.”

“Theo’s cooking dinner.”

His mouth dropped. “For real? I didn’t know he could do that.”

“You’d be amazed at what he can do.”

“Ben, I don’t wanna hear about your hanky-panky time, mmkay?”

When we entered the kitchen, Carter did a double-take at Theo, who was setting the table with plates and silverware. I had to remind myself that he hadn’t been around Theo much. My ghost lover had become a normal part of my life.

“Good evening, Carter,” Theo said, bowing his head as he slipped one arm behind his back like a proper gentleman.

“Um, yeah. Hi.” Carter coughed and walked closer, gazing at the food. “This looks great. Thanks, man.”

“It was my pleasure.”

I kissed Theo on the cheek, resting a hand on his back. “You’re joining us, right?”

“If you want me to.”

“I do.”

“Very well.”

Theo took the seat beside mine, and Carter plopped down in the one across from us. It was awkward at first. Carter sat motionless and stared at Theo, but he soon pulled himself together. He took a bite of the salmon and thanked Theo again for cooking before asking about my day. I told him I finished writing my book.

“Fucking amazing job, dude,” Carter exclaimed, before shoveling rice into his mouth. “You feel good about it?”

“Yeah, I do. It’s different for me, but I’m in love with the story.”