Chaste Kiss by Jo Barrett

Author:Jo Barrett [Barrett, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Horror, Ghosts, Romance, Contemporary, Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Paranormal & Urban, Contemporary Fiction
ISBN: 9781601540058
Google: WJtAAAAACAAJ
Amazon: B0010Z1WHY
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2006-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

"You really should be more careful,” a deep voice vibrated against Isabel's cheek as strong arms wrapped around her, encompassing her wet torso in warmth.

She lifted her head and found a pair of cool silver-gray eyes staring back at her. “Mick!"

Quickly wriggling away from him, she grabbed the banister for support as she stepped back up to the second floor. She glanced to the side at William's face, pale with fear. If a ghost could turn pale.

He really did care for her, but then she already knew that in her heart. She was just relieved he hadn't caught her, or else he would be out of her life forever.

"I guess I wasn't watching what I was doing. Thanks for catching me,” she said.

Mick climbed the remaining steps, his gaze traveling over her wet shirt. She quickly plucked it away from her chest as he turned to survey William.

"I don't believe we've met,” Mick said, extending his hand.

William held his hands open at his sides, insinuating they were not clean enough to return his greeting.

"Mick Wise, this is Lo—um, William Ashenhurst. He's an old friend."

She expected William to shoot her a quizzical look at the absence of his title, but he never took his gaze from Mick. The tension between the two men was palatable. Locked in a staring contest, both seemed to be trying to stake out their territory like two old dogs, and Isabel was the territory. Talk about new experiences.

Mick nodded. “Nice to meet you."

William inclined his head silently.

"Is there something I can do for you, Mick?” She succeeded in pulling his attention away from William, but not for long, she feared.

"I just thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing.” He gave her one of his rare smiles.

"Oh, well, I'm fine. A little wet, but fine.” She giggled nervously and cleared her throat.

Picking up the broom, William moved to the other side of the office and swiped the cobwebs from the ceiling.

Mick cut his eyes at him as he spoke. “I was wondering if you thought anymore about what I asked you the other day at the library."

"You mean about going out with you?"

He nodded with a soft smile.

Nibbling on her bottom lip, she snatched a quick glance at William. He seemed to be attacking the cobwebs with a little more gusto than necessary. Obviously, he wasn't too thrilled with Mick's presence. Perhaps the detective could help her win her little war.

"I'd be happy to have dinner with you."

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven."

"I'll be ready,” she said with a lilt to her voice and a bright smile.

Mick trotted down the stairs whistling a happy tune. She instantly sensed William's scrutiny and cast him a casual glance before retrieving the sponge he'd tossed at her earlier. Believing she'd thrown him off balance just a little bit, she started humming the same tune as Mick's.

William cleared his throat as he lifted the bucket. “I am glad you accepted Detective Wise's offer."

His words caught her completely off guard.

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