Page 106 of If I Stopped Haunting You

“But I like it.”

“But,” he said, pulling her hand free, “it’s a mess. I’d like to go to bed knowing it wouldn’t be a tangled mop in the morning. My mother would be appalled to know I’ve let my curls run amok.”

“That’s adorable.”

Pen ran a finger down his cheek, her nail scratching at stubble. He caught her fingers with his and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, the touch sending a wave of goose bumps over her arms.

“You know, I hated you once,” she admitted softly.

“I know.”

“I told myself that you were the reason my life had fallen apart.”

“I’m sure.”

“But now…” she said, trailing off. “You might be the best thing that’s happened to me. I know,” she said, holding up her hands, “it’s cheesy, but maybe it was all for a reason. I’d spent years trying to write before the Incident. Maybe the universe needed to intercede to make certain this is what I wanted.”

Neil smirked, his smile soft, not harsh like his usual ones. “I never took you for someone who believed in signs from the universe.”

“I never thought I’d be one.”

“This is gross,” Daniela said from the hall. Pen and Neil glanced at her, laughing. She rolled her eyes, scowling and pointing in the direction of the front door. “Laszlo and Fanny were able to clear a path down the road and get the van started. We’re thinking of skipping out early and spending a few days in Edinburgh. You two in?”

Pen met Neil’s eyes, mirth dancing in those emerald orbs. She thought of all the things they’d seen and learned in the castle, all the hurdles they’d overcome, the truths they’d admitted.And then she thought of the letters. She thought of Georgina and Archie and a love that, to all who’d seen it, had been tampered with from the very beginning. Pen had come to the castle to find a story, to find her way back to writing, and in the end, isn’t that what she’d done?

“That would be really nice,” she admitted, tilting her head.

Neil nodded. “Could we make a pit stop or two?”

“Like the hospital?” Pen urged.

“I was thinking more like Midhope Castle.”

Pen raised a brow. “Color me intrigued, but are you referring to a certain castle used in a certain historical romance series?”

Neil shrugged, but Pen didn’t miss the way his face reddened. “What can I say, I’ve got a secret love ofOutlander.”

“It’s not a secret! Neil lovesOutlander,” Laszlo bellowed.

“I’m a romantic,” Neil said, leaning back with a smile. And Pen thought fleetingly that she could feel herself falling a little more for him.

Daniela began to leave, but Pen leaned forward and caught her wrist. “Daniela? Something’s been bothering me.”

“What?”

“When Neil and I got to the tower, there were all these pillows. It looked a bit… romantic. Was that you?”

Daniela shook her head. “Wasn’t me. Maybe your little ghost friend realized you were destined or some romantic bullshit like that.”

“You’re a romantic too!” Laszlo called.

Cursing, Daniela disappeared around the corner.

“So, do you think it was Georgina?” Neil asked.

“Difficult to say, but I wouldn’t put it past her.”

Chuckling, Neil helped Pen stand, slipping an arm around her waist.