Page 52 of A Haunting at Keystone Manor

Not taking his eyes off me, Alex responds. “Great idea. See you later.” Seth gives a little wave as he wanders off to find Brandon.

“He tells the truth, you know. Seth is a good guy; he would never hold you responsible for what happened to him. Brandon too.” Alex says. My hand flexes on his hip.

“I know,” I whisper. “I’m just having trouble convincing myself.” Alex wraps his arms around my neck and hugs me tightly.

“How’s the gardening coming along?” he asks. I appreciate his clunky attempt to change the subject.

“It’s good,” I tell him. “I’m getting close to being done with the front section here. The side garden is mostly done, so I think next I’m going to do more work out back. It’s still a bit overgrown. My father never cared about this place enough to do any of this.”

“It looks fantastic. You’re bringing this place to life, Jake. It’s beautiful.” I look around at all the colorful flowers I’ve planted, so vibrant and alive, but I only have eyes for Alex.

“Yeah, it is,” I say and kiss him gently. I pull away after a minute. “You’re too perfect to be real. You’re probably a figment of my imagination.”

He guffaws. “I am not perfect. I’ll let you in on a secret, one I vowed never to tell another soul, living or dead. One day, maybe a year and a half ago, Kayla and I had a…disagreement let’s say, about the monthly budget for cleaning supplies. She thought I was using too much, but you absolutely cannot compromise on cleanliness, Jake! You can’t. Anyway, that night after my shift, I peed on the front tire of her car in revenge.”

My mouth falls open, and he sits there looking pleased with himself. “Not my proudest moment, but I have no regrets. She was out of line. Point being, I’m not perfect, but I do appreciate the sentiment.”

“You’re incorrigible,” I say and tickle his sides until he’s begging for mercy.

***

Later that night, I start to feel better as I cuddle with Alex. The soft light of the evening is the only thing illuminating the room, and it feels peaceful. Gaining Seth’s forgiveness has lifted a weight off my chest I didn’t realize was there. I feel like I could float away without it. Maybe it’s the weed.

“I think Seth and Brandon are onto something with this pot stuff.”

He laughs. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. Don’t get too used to it though, we don’t need three stoners around here.”

“Hmmmm,” I say into his hair. He wiggles a bit in my hold, trying to turn to face me.

“Can I be the big spoon again?” he asks.

“No, I want to hold you.” I squeeze him tighter, and he wraps a hand around my forearm. I continue to spoon him until he grinds his ass back against me.

“Stop moving, brat,” I say and swat his hip lightly.

“Do you want to play?” he asks as he continues to wiggle his ass.

“Less playing, more spooning,” I groan, which makes him laugh.

“Oh, you are blasted. Okay, you can have your way for now,” he concedes and relaxes in my hold.

***

We lay like that for a few hours, unmoving, until he gasps and wiggles out of my grip.

“What are you doing?” I groan.

“I almost forgot, I have something for you. I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere.”

I have no plans to move. I stare at the ceiling until Alex returns, hands behind his back. I sit up and lean against the headboard, already suspicious of what he’s got planned.

“What are you doing?” I ask cautiously.

He gives me a look of pure innocence. “I don’t know what you mean. I have a present for you, close your eyes.”

I shake my head, grinning. “I don’t think so, brat. I know you too well for that.”

“Please,” he whines. “I want to show you what I got you.”