"I don’t think I’ve ever heard it. It just…" How could she explain something that happened to her so naturally? She’dbecome more sensitive to the energy as she’d worked to lower her blocks.
Usually, when it started, words would tumble from her mouth without conscious thought. It was part of who she was as a psychic in tune with the spirit world. So she had a difficult time explaining it to people who weren't as intuitive.
"It just came out. I don't know where it came from. Was it bad? Did I say something wrong?"
He continued to stare at her as if she had predicted the end of the world, or more like a ghost had walked across his grave. She had no idea of the meaning behind this name, but he was definitely spooked.
She winced as she slid off the stool and moved around the island toward him. He watched her warily as she approached. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
Anna laid a hand on his chest and her heart broke a little when she saw the slight flinch on his face. "James, please."
His head dropped, and he stared at the floor, his hands on his hips, as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist. She tasted the salt on his skin as she kissed the space above his heart.
"It happens sometimes, words will come out of my mouth without me thinking of them. It's usually when a spirit is present. I've lowered my blocks, so I feel them more often now. That's all. I didn't mean to frighten you, and I hope you understand it’s not always something I can control."
James released a shuddering breath and his arms looped around her, pulling her into his damp chest. His hand snaked up to her ponytail and fisted it, yanking her head up for his devastating kiss. His mouth dominated hers, tongue spearing between her lips.
Anna softened beneath him, taking what he was giving her, letting him release his emotions into her. She knew instinctively this was his way of letting it go.
He finally lifted his head and studied her quietly. "I'm sorry," he murmured after several moments. "That was uncalled for."
"It's okay, James. I could see you were upset."
The smell of burning sausage hit them at the same time. James made a jump for the stove, twisting the knob to turn it off and removed the frying pan from the burner.
"Shit," he ground out.
"It’s okay. I don't mind burnt sausage, baby," she remarked absently as she pulled two plates from the cabinet. She felt the tingling again and the same spiritual nudge as she opened the utensils drawer. "Ah, you kept my grandmother's silver. That makes me happy."
Again, silence was her answer.
"I'm sorry. That came out of nowhere." That wasn't exactly true. She knew who was trying to connect with James. But based on his reaction, it was clear he was not receptive.
Anna winced and doubled over as she massaged her temple. There was a painful throb that speared into her head and her stomach lurched.
It had been a long time since she allowed a spirit to break through her defenses and direct a message to a loved one. But this spirit was determined to not be held off any longer. Anna straightened and shook her head. "No. Not now."
The answer was another push and a stabbing bite of pain. Anna released a shuddering breath as she rested her forehead on the cool marble of the island.
"Anna?" James sounded hesitant, and she felt his hand tentatively touch her shoulder. "What’s wrong?"
Just say it and get it over with. Then she'll stop pushing and the pain will go away.
Knowing what she had to do, Anna pulled in a sharp breath and lifted her head, letting her gaze go blank as his mother pushed forward.
"Don't be upset with your lovely young lady, James Mitchell. This is not her fault. She has resisted me, so I'm taking over now. I've been with you every step of the way. It's time for you to stop grieving me and blaming yourself. I left the way I wanted, and that's all you need to know. You must let go so you can step into this new life you're creating. It will be so beautiful. You were always meant to come here. This is where you'll be happy and raise your children.
One last thing, my son, I left something for you in that special hiding place in my apartment. You know where—the closet beside my favorite window. You missed something when you packed up my things. Trust me, you'll need this. Remember, James Mitchell, I will always love you."
Anna went limp as his mother's spirit left, leaving her shaking as she clung to the kitchen island. Her strength gone, Anna slumped to the floor, covering her mouth as she dry heaved. It had been a decade since she'd allowed a spirit to take over like that, and she'd forgotten how disorienting it could be.
She slowly became aware of the silence and she glanced up, freezing when her gaze landed on James. his mouth hung open, eyes wild and wide like saucers, a vein in his forehead throbbing.
"James…" she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't hold her off any longer."
Anna jumped when his phone began to ring on the counter just above her head. He stared at her as it continued to trill before he snatched it up and answered.
"What is it, Gwen?" he barked. James held Anna's gaze as he listened to his assistant. Anna could tell that whatever it was Gwen was saying was not what he wanted to hear this morning. "Dammit, the man can fucking wait."
