The Curse of Redwood (Ivy Grove #2) - Jaclyn Osborn Page 0,119

was sold to a couple who wanted to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Smart investment. With the popularity of the mansion and all the tourists that came to Ivy Grove, that place was bound to make a fortune. Rooms would probably have to be booked months in advance.

I only hoped the new owners wouldn’t change too much.

When it was my turn to order, I asked for a caramel latte and paid before stepping aside as they made it. My phone rang, blasting the opening song from Tokyo Ghoul.

“Hello?” I answered, after fishing it from my pocket.

“It’s Callum.”

“Oh. Um. Hey.” I ruffled the back of my hair and blew out a breath. “Did someone die? It’s not like you to call me.”

“No one died, but I can make no guarantees that you won’t if you start in with the million questions,” he responded with an edge of irritation in his voice. Or maybe he was just tired and it made him cranky.

“I see your mood hasn’t improved in the last week,” I spouted off. “Do you need a nap?”

“Where are you right now?”

“You’re the psychic. Aren’t you supposed to know these things?” I teased, then grinned when I heard him sigh. “Fine. I’m at the coffeehouse. Why?”

“Go to the bookstore when you’re done.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.” He paused. “I think you’ll like what you find there.”

He hung up on me. I looked at the black screen on my phone before putting it back in my pocket. The barista called out my order, and I went over to the counter to grab my cup. I sipped it as I left the shop. The warmth of the coffee was much appreciated once the cold air hit my face outside.

There was snow in the forecast for later that week. Which made me think of Zeke. His silvery-blond hair and blue eyes reminded me of winter. And his kisses had been like snowflakes on my skin. Had it really only been a little over a week since I’d seen him?

I changed direction and headed toward the bookstore. It seemed like an odd place for Callum to want to meet, but then again, everything about the guy was pretty weird. Reaching the door, I rushed inside to escape the cold gust of wind.

“Chilly out there today,” the woman behind the counter said.

“Yep.” I held my coffee between my hands to warm them and took a drink.

“If there’s anything I can help ya find, just let me know.”

“Thanks.”

I walked farther inside, passing aisles overflowing with books. People browsed the shelves, their arms full of books. Others sat in plushy chairs placed throughout the room and read. A gut feeling guided me toward the back of the store. I couldn’t explain why, but I was drawn there. I stopped at a shelf against the wall and ran my fingers over the spines.

One book caught my eye, and my heart swelled in my chest.

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

I reached for the book just as someone else did. Our fingers brushed together, and I felt a spark shoot through my veins at the contact.

“Sorry,” I said, turning to them. Then I froze.

The man was taller than me and had long blond hair, light blue eyes, and a face that was both masculine and feminine. His pale complexion was flawless and smooth, yet his cheeks were flushed from the cold.

“That’s one of my favorites,” he said, holding me captive with a single look. A smirk curved his perfect lips. “I take it you’ve read it before?”

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. I was afraid if I blinked, he’d disappear. Because it couldn’t be real. My mind had to be playing tricks on me. It was just a guy who looked like him.

He lifted a hand and touched my jaw. “It’s unlike you to be so quiet, little dove.”

I whimpered and threw my arms around his neck, nearly spilling my coffee because I’d forgotten about it. I placed it on the shelf before holding onto him tightly.

“Is it really you?” I asked with a sob.

“Yes.” He kissed my temple as he rubbed my back.

“How?”

“That’s a long story.”

I rested my face on his chest and breathed him in. He smelled exactly as I remembered, but he felt different. His skin was warm, as were his arms as they pulled me closer.

And then I heard it. A heartbeat.

“You’re alive?” I asked, lifting my head to look at him.

“Callum is truly a wonderful man,” Zeke responded. “He’ll explain everything to you.