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  Jacey brought up their joined hands and kissed the back of Priory’s hand. “No, I want this. We’ll deal with the consequences when they arise.”

  Yeah, sure.

  What consequences?

  Eighth Wonder of the World, here we come!

  Shut up, all of you! I want quiet from now on. Jacey somehow knew that her internal-monologue team couldn’t keep quiet if their imaginary lives depended on it. Her mind conjured up a mental image of all her girls looking over her shoulder while she and Priory made love. It was sure going to be crowded in that bed.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, I’m just having an internal discussion with myself.”

  “You look like you swallowed a marble or something.”

  “It feels like it.” Jacey hit her chest to clear her mock indigestion.

  Priory looked at her uncertainly. “If this is going to be a problem….”

  “No! Really, it’s good.” Jacey tugged her toward the bedroom, but Priory resisted. “Come on.”

  “I’m not sure you’re going into this for the right reasons.”

  “Like what?” Jacey began to lose patience, and her ardor cooled quickly. “Love?”

  “Yes, love, or at least some measure of affection.”

  “Are you accusing me of trying to seduce you for a roll in the hay?”

  How’s that for irony?

  Shut up!

  “No. Stop twisting my words.”

  “How can I interpret ‘the right reasons’ any other way? I don’t do one-night stands.” Jacey let go of Priory’s hand and took a step back.

  “It just that you seem a little distracted, that’s all.”

  “And what, not thinking about you? God, that is so … so…”

  “Egocentric?” Priory offered.

  “…typical! And to think I was going to—”

  “Stop!” Rhea appeared in a flash. “Don’t waste the time you have.”

  “We don’t need your input,” Priory growled.

  “She’s right,” Dylan added. “We almost left it too late. One thing I’ve learned is to grab the moment. You may not get another one.”

  Jacey looked from one ghost to another. She knew they were right, but she and Priory were bickering. It was a favorable time but not the right circumstance. Tomorrow it was back to work and boss and employee were again in charge. “They’re right, but—”

  “I don’t want this to be opportunistic, Jace. I’m attracted to you and I’d like to spend some time with you.”

  “Isn’t that what we’ve been doing this weekend?”

  “Oh yeah, with me acting like the world’s biggest looney. Great impression. What I’m trying to say, badly, is that if you’re not ready I can wait. I want you to be sure this is what you want.”

  Jacey smiled. Another word she thought she’d never use for her boss: considerate.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Jacey hesitated. What would Priory think of such a revelation? “You were being considerate. I never thought I’d live to see that.”

  Priory chuckled. “It’s been a weekend of many epiphanies. Who knew? That hard-nosed woman you work for is all show. Can’t let those boardroom types think I’m soft.”

  “All those times you drove me crazy.”

  “But you’re still here. Imagine that.”

  “Yeah,” Jacey whispered, “imagine that.”

  “Now I know you’re dying to get a glimpse of my ass….” Priory grinned.

  “How did you know?” Jacey said, then blushed. If Priory was guessing, she had just confirmed her suspicions.

  “Oh, come on. Every time I looked at you, your gaze was on my ass. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist.”

  “Look, I am attracted to you, but at this point we’re both so tired we’re sniping at each other.”

  Priory looked a little disappointed, but she nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. I suppose I’m scared that once we’re back to work, all of this will be a distant memory.”

  “Despite everything, I think our working relationship has already changed. Our feelings are now in the open.”

  Priory smiled. “Aren’t you the one who said not to get involved?”

  “I did, but it’s too late now.”

  “So what do we do?”

  Jacey stared at her. “You’re asking me? I thought you were the decision maker.”

  “And any decision I make will affect us both.”

  “Let’s just get some dinner. Save the romance for when we’re both in a better mood.”

  Chapter Ten

  Jacey sipped her coffee while Priory finished her dessert. Dinner conversation had been sparse as they both tried to avoid the two metaphorical elephants in the room—ghosts and sex. Priory finally put down her fork and leaned back with a sigh.

  “Not bad,” she muttered, much to Jacey’s amusement. “Better than last night’s meal.”

  “Sorry,” Jacey replied. “I thought restaurants closed for Halloween. They do around where I live. The burger wasn’t that bad, was it?” She thought the burger was good, as far as takeouts were concerned. Maybe she had set her expectations lower than her boss had.

  “No, it was good.”

  Jacey didn’t believe her for a minute.

  “Really, it was.”

  Jacey continued to stare.

  “What?”

  Silence.

  “It was a great burger.”

  Nothing.

  “You don’t believe me?”

  “No.”

  “You think I’d lie to make you feel good?”

  “Yes.”

  Priory scowled.

  Jacey waved her away. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

  “Okay, maybe I was trying to make you feel good.” Priory looked up and signaled the waiter. “Did it work?”

  “No,” Jacey said with conviction, but she couldn’t stop a smirk from forming on her lips.

  “No, huh?” Priory smiled.

  Jacey had to admit defeat. She was a total mushball this weekend.

  †

  “I really should be heading home. Work tomorrow.” It wasn’t fair because Priory would have to drive her home. She would either have to offer her couch to her boss for the night or Priory would have to drive back. It was a disadvantage either way.

  “Look—”

  “Yeah, it’s impractical. I suppose I should make myself comfortable on the couch and get an early start in the morning.” Jacey felt she was losing the plot, resorting to babbling to cover her embarrassment.

  Priory extended her hand. “Would you … sleep with me?”

  “I thought we’d decided—”

  “No, I’d just like to hold you while we sleep. Is that within the rules?” Priory grinned impishly.

  The cheeky smile and the pleading gaze were her undoing. “Sure.” Jacey allowed herself to be led into the master bedroom. “Good night, everyone.”

  “Good night!”

  Burble!

  The silence of the bedroom phased in as the door closed. No more noisy toilets and cranky ghosts. The timbers gently creaked as the house settled for the night.

  “Hey.”

  Jacey jumped. “What?”

  “You’re as nervous as a lobster in a restaurant fish tank.”

  Jacey chuckled. “Sorry. I just noticed how quiet it was. I didn’t think it was possible in this house.” At that precise moment the house creaked loudly. She lifted her free hand and put it over her eyes. “Is there anything in this place that doesn’t have an opinion?”

  Priory threw back her head and closed her eyes. “Apparently not. Everyone, and I mean everyone, wants to put in their two cents’ worth. I think if I want some peace and quiet, I may have to buy a ‘home away from home’ home.”

  Jacey watched her, wondering what the night would bring. Something shoved her in the back and propelled her into Priory’s arms. The force of it sent them stumbling back and collapsing onto the bed. Jacey tried to find
some stability, but the constant flailing of arms and legs sent them both rolling off the bed and onto the floor.

  When they finally came to a stop, Priory was under her. “Ugh. Was that really necessary?” The voice came from under Jacey’s left breast.

  “It’s not my fault,” Jacey moaned.

  Silence from the body she was lying on.

  “It’s not! Someone pushed me.”

  “Dutch! Stop it!”

  “Dutch?”

  “Donald, Dosi, Debbie, whatever her name is. Casper better behave or else.” Priory’s growly voice vibrated against her breast and it made Jacey giggle.

  “You mean Dylan.”

  “Whatever. I’ve had it up to here with her.”

  “Here?” In answer to her question, something pressed against her breast. She looked down and saw Priory’s lips brush her blouse. “Oh, there.”

  “As much as I’m enjoying lying here with you, would you mind if we make use of the bed instead? My back is killing me.”

  Jacey wriggled around to get her hands and knees under herself. A moan escaped Priory’s lips. “Sorry.” Jacey finally stood and extended her hand to help Priory, who managed to get halfway upright before collapsing onto the mattress. “You okay?”

  “Yeah.” Her voice was muffled by the pillow.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I lost my balance—”

  “Don’t start apologizing for them, Jace. I think we’re going to need some ground rules around here.”

  Jacey couldn’t help the grin that crossed her face. Rhea and Dylan were staying.

  “Woo-hoo! Hot diggity.” The ethereal words bounced around the walls.

  “What the…?”

  “It’s not written in stone yet, Damien!” Priory yelled at her unseen visitors. “So don’t push your luck!”

  “Why can’t you just keep your mouth shut?”

  “Come on, Rhee. It’s good news, right?”

  “You wanted to get rid of them, Lanie.”

  “Ahem…,” Priory interrupted.

  “Yeah, well they sort of grew on me. Better than kids, I suppose.”

  Priory tried again. “Excuse me….”

  “This will be the quietest guest we’ve ever had.”

  “What about that young couple awhile back?”

  “Hey!” Priory’s volume increased.

  “They were certainly—”

  “Randy,” Dylan answered. “Went at it like rabbits all the time. Made me wonder what they ate to have so much energy.”

  “That’s it!” Priory bellowed. “If you don’t carry on this conversation elsewhere and leave us alone, I’ll … I’ll….”

  “You’ll what, Convent?”

  “I know where you live, Casper.”

  Jacey heard various noises before there was silence. It sounded like the ghosts had run around in circles before bumping into each other to make their escape. “Laugh riot,” she muttered.

  “Trouble if you ask me.” Priory shimmied across the bed to allow Jacey to lie down. “Come on. These baby blues are getting heavier by the second.”

  Jacey looked at her uncertainly.

  “You can keep your clothes on. I don’t think I have the energy to wrestle them off you.”

  Jacey seriously doubted that; however, she could see the lines of exhaustion around Priory’s eyes. She hopped onto the bed and lowered herself into Priory’s waiting arms.

  “Relax, will ya! You’re as stiff as a board.” Priory quietly chuckled as she tried to release the tension in her own bow-sprung body.

  Now that she was lying down and relaxing, Jacey’s mind set about trying to find sleep. Maybe her cheer squad had hidden it for the night. She never did trust Jayde. The sound of smacking lips drew her attention away from the nemeses in her head. Priory snuggled up and closed her eyes, apparently ready to let sleep claim her. How the hell did she do that? Jacey was a bundle of nervous energy, waiting for some calamity, or errant hand, to make a move.

  “Night.” The word came from Jacey’s ruffled hair, where Priory’s face was planted. Priory’s hands twitched and pulled her closer, leaving Jacey to contemplate all the possible scenarios that could play out. The current choice was sleep, but she figured one wrong move from her and that would change in a heartbeat.

  “Night,” Jacey replied. Priory wriggled again and Jacey’s pulse rose. She had no idea why her body was acting this way. It wasn’t like she hadn’t wanted or expected the romance, but suddenly the “wanting” and the “getting” were colliding and she wasn’t sure how to handle it. She suspected that maybe the consequences for work was still in the back of her mind, being dangled like some proverbial apple on a string in front of the girls. Damn you, Jayde!

  A tiny exhale touched the top of her head and it tickled. She resisted the urge to scratch it, but her patience was tempted when it happened again. It wasn’t a snore, but more a loud inhale and exhale that preceded a snore.

  Just great … she snores. Jacey’s mental checklist appeared and she added “snoring” to the con side. It was only a small snore, so it didn’t warrant any kind of attached warning to it. However, Jacey would assign one of her girls to keep an eye on it, and move it to a higher position on the list if the need arose.

  She was damned tired. It was ridiculous to be awake, but she couldn’t shut down her mind. Things swirled around in there, building up to a maelstrom, and if she didn’t put a stop to it soon, she wasn’t getting any sleep at all.

  †

  A gentle tickle crossed her cheek and she batted it away. It happened again and Jacey wondered if she had a bug crawling across her face. Her eyes flew open and she frantically swatted her cheek.

  “Hey.” The voice was low and soothing.

  Oh, it was that kind of bug….

  All Jacey could see clearly was the illuminated clock on the bedside table. It gave out a faint glow and she could just make out the shadowed features of Priory’s face. She moaned.

  “Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up.”

  “It’s five a.m., for God’s sake!” Jacey was nowhere near ready to face the day.

  “And we have a lot to do.”

  “Not at five in the morning, I don’t.” Jacey tried to roll over, but Priory pinned her firmly in place.

  “It’s Monday, remember? Back to work,” Priory reminded her.

  “Couldn’t we…?”

  “Well, if you insist.” Priory snuggled closer and proceeded to kiss her skin, slowly edging her way up the available neck.

  “What are you doing?” It was obvious what Priory was doing, but Jacey couldn’t help but ask anyway.

  “If you have to ask, I’m doing it wrong.”

  But Priory wasn’t doing it wrong. She was doing it so very, very right.

  “I thought we had to get to work.” Jacey wondered why she was fighting this.

  “If you like, I’ll have a word with the boss. She and I are like this….” Priory’s lips brushed her jaw.

  “You kiss your boss? I’m impressed.” Jacey chuckled as Priory’s warm breath skittered across her neck.

  The motion stopped for a moment, then she felt Priory’s body shake. “I knew I liked you. Very witty.”

  Jacey’s will to resist melted. “Work, Priory.”

  “I’m working as fast as I can, Jace.”

  Suddenly Priory’s hands slid up Jacey’s shirt, fumbling around in the dark for the buttons. The tug on the material confirmed that Priory had undone the top button, and each subsequent tug count down to the moment she would be at Priory’s mercy. When the last button popped, a hand slid up her bare skin. Time had run out. If she called time now, she’d be remembered as a tease. At present, they both couldn’t be a tease, so she kept her mouth shut and enjoyed the moment.

  Tell her to kick into high gear. We have work this morning.

  I’m sure she already knows that. Jacey felt her shirt stripped back. See?

  “Mmmmmm,” Priory hummed over one exposed b
reast. “Very tasty.”

  Jacey didn’t feel like a donut, but Priory seemed happy enough.

  “Now, to the filling….”

  Priory’s body slid along Jacey’s, igniting emotional spot fires on her skin. Jacey knew exactly where she was heading. “We’re running out of time here….”

  “Don’t rush me,” Priory muttered between nips of Jacey’s skin. “I’ll give you a late note.”

  “Oh, that’d make for good gossip around the water cooler.” Jacey’s breath caught for a moment as Priory found a particularly sensitive spot. She gave a throaty laugh in return.

  “Ah-hah! Gotcha!” The fading dark slowly revealed what she had imagined. Priory’s lips and tongue mapped every square inch of her stomach, occasionally searching lower for a sweet spot.

  Despite what Jacey had promised herself, she began to respond to the insistent persuasion of Priory’s need. She reached for her, threading her fingers through Priory’s dark hair.

  Then their gazes met. One smoldering look drew a passionate response. What could Jacey do? She had no choice but to give in to the insistent craving in the pit of her stomach. Her mental checklist appeared, with “sex” easily slipping into number one with a bullet. Priory’s tongue gave one long swipe and the word had its own fireworks, exploding over her checklist like stars colliding.

  “Oh God, Priory!” She grasped Priory’s hair tightly and pulled. A small whimper escaped her boss’s lips. “Sorry.” Before she made Priory completely bald, she removed her offending digits and grasped the bedsheet instead. Trying to explain a bald patch to her co-workers would be difficult at best.

  A moment later she forgot about bald patches, hair, and work. Her hips began to move and Priory’s lips smiled against her skin. The woman was taking her to places she had never been before and she could barely breathe.

  Jacey’s thoughts turned inward as she searched for that elusive pinnacle. It hit her right between the eyes and she rode its pleasure and pain for as long as it would carry her. Priory had just made resisting her harder. If Jacey were truthful, she didn’t want to fight the attraction, but logically she could see disaster written all over this relationship. She made a mental note to start looking for a new job.