Page 30 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow

I barely get a word out as he slams the door behind me and pushes me up against it. Then his lips are on mine, his tongue in my mouth. We probably shouldn’t be doing this while he’s supposed to be working and I’m supposed to be going over the hotel accounts, but he’s like a drug. I can’t get enough of him. There’s never been a time I can recall where I’ve felt this burning need, this desperation for another person.

He groans and I reach for him, tangling my fingers in his soft curls and tilting his head so I can get better access to that tempting mouth of his.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake, put the lad down.” A voice jolts us both apart, and we twist around to see Bertie.

“How about some privacy?” I scowl at her.

“You do get privacy, in your own room. We stay out of there,” she says.

“Tell that to Artie,” I reply. “In fact, where is he? He needs to put the furniture back and give me back my belongings.”

“Oh, dear.” She huffs. “I’ll speak to him.”

“Please do.” I release a slow breath. “I think he’s a bit upset that I’m an adult now and I don’t want to play like we used to.”

“He was excited to see you back in the fold,” Bertie says heartily. “I’m sure he’ll get over it.”

“Bertie, aren’t there any ghosts around here his age? Someone he can play with. Not to be morbid or anything, but surely he can’t be the only kid to die too young?”

“There isn’t anyone.” Bertie frowns thoughtfully. “But you might have a bit of a point.”

“What happened to him exactly?” I ask.

“He came here during the war, didn’t he?” Ellis says, and I try not to get distracted by his kiss-swollen lips.

“That’s right, poor little mite, got evacuated while the Gerrys were dropping bombs on London in forty-two. It was diphtheria that sent him off. We took in a few children during the evacuation, but Artie was the only one we didn’t get to send home to his family, even after he died.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s buried here, on Ashton land,” Bertie explains. “There’s a family chapel, just back in the woods, and a graveyard where generations of our family are buried. There’s also a small mausoleum where the ashes are interred from those of us who were cremated. I’m in there, along with your father,” she adds in a softer tone.

“My father?” I swallow tightly, my heart giving a hard knock as Ellis strokes my arm comfortingly.

“Roger and I take flowers for him on his anniversary,” Bertie admits. “We were very fond of the lad.”

“Artie said you–” I swallow again, feeling like my throat is closing up. “He said you came for my dad when he–”

“We did.” Her eyes are filled with understanding. “He was one of ours. He wasn’t alone, and he wasn’t in pain. There was nothing but peace.”

“Thank you.” My voice cracks and I clear my throat. Not wanting to talk about my dad anymore, I go back to the subject of Artie. “Do you know anything about his family? About what happened to them after the war?” I ask.

Bertie shakes her head. “Sorry. I do remember my father writing to Artie’s mother when the boy passed, though. Her name was Emily. Emily Clayton. So sad for the poor woman.”

“I wish there was something I could do for him,” I say quietly.

“Oh, don’t be so hard on yourself, lad,” Bertie replies, her tone brusque. “Those of us who inhabit the house in the hereafter have blue days too. The boy’s just a little out of sorts. He’ll be right as rain in a few days, you mark my words.”

“A few days?” I wince. “Bertie, I really do need my clothes and my phone.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll have a word with him.” And with those final words, she disappears.

“She didn’t tell us what she wanted,” Ellis hums in contemplation. “Oh, well. Knowing Bertie, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough.”

“You’re very easygoing, aren’t you? I don’t know how much of that is just your nature and how much is from living here.”

He chuckles. “A bit of both, I imagine.”

Then he sighs, his gaze dipping to my mouth and his expression regretful. “I suppose I really should get back to work. The meet and mingle will be starting soon.” He glances at his watch. “We were supposed to have another party of six arriving first thing this morning, but they’re not here yet.”