Page 16 of Ghost
“You scared the shit outtame,” Ray said as he hovered over Ghost, double-checking him forinjuries.
“I scared the shit out ofmyself,” Ghost said before he started laughing. “Stop that; I’mticklish.”
Ray’s scowl turned into a grin. “Areyou? Good to know.” And began tickling himintentionally.
Ghost laughed even harder and squirmedunder Ray’s touch. All fear of falling long gone, replaced bylaughter and fun. His lumberjack had a knack for making Ghost smileno matter the situation.
“Okay, okay, I surrender.”Ghost laughed, and Ray’s hands slowed.
When he opened his eyes, he foundhimself mere inches away from Ray’s delectable lips and decided togo with what he wanted for once. Closing the distance, he tookRay’s lips into a tentative kiss, still unsure if this was mutuallydesired, but it didn’t take long for Ray to take over and deepenthe kiss.
Ghost opened his lips and allowedRay’s tongue to explore and command his mouth without a concernabout whether it made him seem weak or submissive. He soaked in theman’s attention and returned it in kind. One kiss turned intoanother, and without thought, Ghost’s hands went exploring overRay’s hard pecs, threading his fingers through thick chesthair.
Ghost wanted more of Ray. He couldn’tstop the groans when Ray grabbed his hair and pulled Ghost’s headback, exposing his throat to the handsome man’s roaming mouth andtongue. Hell, Ghost was ready to get naked right there and then. Itwasn’t until they heard someone behind them clear their throat thatthey broke apart.
Ray seemed to instinctively shoveGhost behind him, and he found the move endearing even if he didn’trequire the big guy’s protection.
“Sorry to interrupt, butyou’re on private property,” a man’s voice said.
When Ghost peeked around Ray, he knewwho it was immediately; they’d met at the diner when Brickintroduced them.
“Good morning, Mr. Cross.Sorry for busting in like this,” Ghost said. Mr. Cross was thelocal veterinarian.
“That you,Darren?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Whatcha doing out here inthis old barn?” Mr. Cross asked.
“We’re investigating an oldcase. This is Detective Ray Sommers. Ray, this is the town vet, Mr.Cross.”
“Any relation to Roger andSam Sommers?” Mr. Cross asked.
“Yes, sir, my grandfatherand father.”
“Well, hell. I haven’t seena Sommers in these parts in over six years since your dadretired.”
“Yes, I’m in town helpingBrick Matthews with a few things.”
Ray stood and held his hand out forGhost to take, which he did, and he was back to standing inmoments. There was no use avoiding touching Ray after they’d lockedlips. Ghost’s other mutation was working overtime, and he fought tokeep his thoughts from showing.
“Ah, I understand. I wasdriving by after a call out on Joe Berry’s ranch for a downedheifer when I saw the sheriff’s truck parked out front. Thought I’dpop my head in and see if he needed any help.”
“Yeah, we borrowed Elias’struck, as mine had a flat this morning,” Ray explained.
“Well, I see the two of youhave this under control,” Mr. Cross said with a knowing smile.“Didn’t mean to interrupt. Good luck with your case.”
“Wait, Mr. Cross, do youknow who owns this barn?” Ray asked.
“Yes, it’s part of theBerry ranch, but before that, it belonged to the Milesfamily.”
“Jericho Miles?” Rayasked.
“Yes, sir. To hisgrandparents before they sold their land off.”
“Thank you, Mr.Cross.”
“If I can be of any help,let me know. Tell Brick I said hello,” Mr. Cross said.
