High Noon (Between the Veils Series, Book Two) Read Online Free Page A

laughed. “After working with ghosts all day, I’d think any woman who wasn’t mostly transparent would be an improvement.”
    He chuckled. “If only women were that simple. Believe me, I have a better chance of understanding the spirits than women.”
    “Ah, we’re not that hard to figure out. All you have to do is read our minds.”
    “Right.” He drew a deep breath, inhaling the hint of floral sweetness. “So what about you? Did you leave anyone special behind?”
    She shook her head as the color returned to her cheeks. “If you call a cheating bastard someone special, then yes. Otherwise, he was just another reason to leave.” She sighed. “Honestly, I haven’t had much luck with the few men I’ve been with. Guess I don’t understand men any better than you do women.”
    “Hey, we’re simple. Food, sex and sleep. And not necessarily in that order.”
    Payton shook her head, easing back in her chair as the server returned with their food. Blake frowned as the loss of contact sent a pang of longing through his body, stiffening his cock against his jeans. Damn, what was it about this woman that grabbed him by the balls and refused to let go. He hadn’t seen her in years, yet the spell she’d cast when he was seventeen was still there. And the worst part was, she had no idea she’d even enchanted him.
    He groaned quietly, half wishing he hadn’t heard the phone ring the other night when the server turned toward him, a bowl of soup in her hand. Blake felt the sudden shift in temperature a moment before he saw the bowl shake. He reacted, sliding sideways as the dish shimmied then tipped. It surged forward, hitting the edge of the seat before crashing to the floor.
    A disembodied growl sounded behind him followed by a burning sensation along the back of his neck. Amidst the chaos of the waitress mumbling her apologies, Blake grabbed the salt and tossed a handful across his shoulder. Something akin to a howl rasped in his ear, before the air stilled.
    He caught Payton’s worried glance as the waitress dabbed at his chair, muttering another round of apologies.
    “Don’t worry about it. I’ll just wait for the burritos and rice.”
    The girl gave him a timid smile then rushed off, her ponytail swaying back and forth across her shoulders.
    Blake looked back at Payton. “Guess we’re not the only ones having an odd night.”
    Payton glanced at the smudge of soup on the floor. “She didn’t drop that bowl, Blake. The damn thing flew off her tray!”
    Blake winced at the sharpness of her voice. This wasn’t looking good. “Payton—”
    “Don’t. Don’t lie to me because you think I’m already freaked out.”
    “I wasn’t going to lie to you. But you might want to keep your voice down before everyone else starts running from the restaurant. The last thing we need is for the good sheriff to show up.” He leaned in. “Let’s just try to enjoy some food. Then we’ll head back to your gallery and see if we captured anything on the recorders.”
    “How are we supposed to enjoy our food when it’s flying through the air at us?”
    “It only flew at me. And honestly, I grew up with three older brothers. Avery wasn’t the only one who used to torment me. Dylan and Cal were just as bad. I think I can dodge a jealous spirit.”
    “What makes you think it’s jealous?”
    He nodded at her. “I’m invading its territory.”
    She glanced around the restaurant. “Territory?”
    He held back the chuckle building in his chest. “You, sweetheart. Apparently it doesn’t like to share.”
    Payton sighed. “I’m not sure whether to be flattered or frightened.”
    Blake reached forward and gave her hand another squeeze, reluctantly releasing her when the server brought the main course. He held his breath, but the plates were left without further incident. He winked at Payton as he picked up his fork. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise. Now let’s eat before your friend