She sighs like she doesn’t want to give in, but hands me her plate anyway.
“Fine, but I’ll help dry and put the dishes away.”
Fifteen minutes later, we’re finishing up the last dishes in the sink. The newspaper I found in the basement keeps coming back to me. Why does Gavin have it? Is that newspaper related to his parents’ murders? The last thing I read was that the man was still at large. I didn’t check the publication date.
Merelyn gathers her coat and mittens to head back into her guest house. She throws the scarf around her neck. I glance at his bedroom door, wondering if whatever we have going on between us is over just as fast as it started.
“Goodnight, dear,” she says as she slowly walks to the doorand places her hand on the doorknob, ready to twist it. “I really enjoy your company.”
“The Sleepy Coldwater Serial Killer,” I blurt. Merelyn freezes in her tracks.
“Was he ever found? Is he in prison?”
She turns around and looks at me like I’ve asked her something haunting. Her pink lips tilt into a small smile.
“Gavin likes you. He enjoys your company, too.”
My cheeks flush, and my lashes flutter just as butterflies swarm wildly into the pit of my stomach.
“Oh…” I tuck a hair strand behind my ear and put more distance between us. Why am I acting like a schoolgirl who got caught making out with her boyfriend during class?
“I’m sure he likes everyone,” I scoff, shaking my head. “And everyone likes Gavin.”
I’m sure Gavin likes Georgia, too, and vice versa. Why wouldn’t she? Gavin is undeniably handsome and kind when he wants to be. Everything about this man radiates temptation and disastrous sin in all the best ways. He can be an ass, but his heart of gold outshines his brooding ways.
I walk toward the fireplace in an attempt to hide my lust.
“No, dear, not everyone.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I see the way he looks at you.”
My brows pull in together.
“How does he look at me?”
She opens the door and takes one step out.
“Like he’s finally found his reason to live again. Maybe even leave Sleepy Coldwater for good like he’s always wanted. Like I want him to. He needs to go but won’t because of me.”
“I don’t think he would ever leave this town. He loves it here.”
“Loved it here,” she corrects me.
“Why doesn’t he leave?”
“I think he may be too afraid.”
“Why would he be afraid? Wait, Merelyn. I’m seeing things around the cabin.”
“Seeing what?” She asks, bewildered.
Biting my lip, I hesitate for a moment. I feel crazy for what I’m about to say, but screw it.
“Ghosts?” I say it like a question.
She looks puzzled, confusion flashing across her eyes.
