Keeper of Spirits Read online

  “Yay! I can’t wait,” Heather squealed. “We’re going to have so much fun. You won’t regret it.”

  “I know I won’t. Now let me get some coffee in me and get ready. I’ll be at your place in a couple of hours.”

  “Great! See you then!”

  “See you then,” Reese agreed and clicked off the line.

  Well, there could be worse ways to spend her birthday and sitting around her apartment eating and drinking wine was one of those worse ways. She’d planned on working just to keep her mind off the fact that she was getting old. She didn’t want to get old.

  After downing a cup of coffee, she took a shower and then changed into a fresh pair of jeans. She wore a little tank top with a purple and black flannel shirt over it. She slid her cowboy boots on and arranged her jeans over the top of them, then she twisted her hair up into a bun because she knew that Heather was going to do it for her later.

  She pulled down her duffle bag and threw in some comfy clothes to sleep in, but also grabbed a few nice things and tossed those into the bag as well. She had no idea what Heather had planned, but usually a night out with her required dressing up to some extent, so she grabbed her little black dress off the hanger and selected a pair of heels to go with it. Then, after packing her toiletries, she was ready to go.

  Before setting off over the mountain, she hurried down to the bar and put up a sign on the door that told everyone she would be closed for the night with no other explanation. She slid behind the wheel of her blue Jeep and realized that she had forgotten to prepare a to-go cup of coffee. On a normal day, she would have stopped by the bakery to grab a latte, but being that she was mad at the Estmonds, she was not going to do that.

  She drove in silence. Working in a bar there was music and chatter all the time, so she cherished every silent moment she got. In the quiet, she was able to appreciate the beauty of where she lived.

  And boy did she live in an amazing place. Many associated California with cities and drought, which the state did have, but Summer Hollow and the surrounding area had large looming oak trees, pine trees that were green all year round, creeks that flooded in the winter rain and almost went dry in the summer, lakes for summer swimming and grape vines everywhere you looked. Once you traveled over Mt St. Helena into the wine country, there were vineyards as far as the eye could see.

  It was amazing.

  She pulled up to Heather’s little house and shifted the car into park. Heather came running out of the house. Her golden blonde hair was cut short and the curls bobbed all around her head as she threw open her front door and ran across the pavement to meet her friend.

  Reese hopped down from the driver seat of the Jeep and opened her arms to give Heather a hug. Her friend slammed into her and wrapped her arms around Reese’s neck. “Oh, my goodness, woman, we need to see each other more. These visits are getting to be too far in between.”

  “They are,” Reese agreed. “We need to do better.”

  Heather released her grip on Reese and hurried to the Jeep to grab Reese’s bag. “Okay, let’s go inside and get you ready.”

  “What are we doing?”

  “First thing, wine tasting, of course.”

  Reese nodded. “Of course.”

  Heather led the way into the house. “Then, we’re going to have dinner with the girls at that restaurant you like.”

  “Mmmm, sushi.” Reese rubbed her hands together.

  “I hate fish, but I’m doing this because I love you.”

  Reese grinned. “I know you do. I love you back, but don’t act like that place doesn’t have American food on the menu.”

  Heather pushed open the front door and threw Reese’s bag on the white, faux leather couch. “Whatever. I’m still only going there for you.”

  “Well thank you. I’m excited to get something that doesn’t come out of a grocery store.”

  Heather crinkled her face in horror. “Oh, my … don’t tell me you actually eat that?”

  Laughing, Reese shook her head. “No, I was making a point as to how little selection we have in Summer Hollow.”

  Her hands over her heart, Heather breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh thank god, I was seriously worried there for a moment. Okay, this way to the bathroom. We’re starting with hair and nails.”

  “I know where your bathroom is.”

  “Okay, then go there. I’ll be right back.”

  Reese wandered into the large bathroom that was immaculate, aside from the long double sink counter that had makeup, hair product, hygiene items, pain reliever bottles and a selection of curling irons and hair brushes covering almost the entire space.

  A chair, and a stool that stood taller than the chair, was set in front of the huge mirror. Reese shook her head as she sat down in the chair. Her own bathroom had a quarter of the items sitting out that Heather’s did. She considered herself pretty low maintenance, but that did not mean that she didn’t pay attention to her appearance. She took care of herself and also, the better she looked, the more tips she usually made. That fact was sad, but true.

  “Okay.” Heather strode into the bathroom with a bottle of red wine and two glasses. “Here we go.”

  Reese shook her head. “I’m not drinking if you’re drinking, someone needs to be sober to drive.”

  Heather set the wine and glasses on the counter and then turned to face Reese, hands on her hips and a serious expression on her face. “Do you honestly think I would let either of us get into a car with someone behind the wheel whose been drinking? I have a designated driver lined up, don’t worry.”

  Heather was right. Of all people, Heather was the only one who knew exactly what Reese’s father’s death had done to her. He was killed by a drunk driver. The man had owned a bar, but the fact was he didn’t even drink, so it was completely ironic that he had been hit by a man who had.

  Reese ran the bar with strict rules about drinking and driving. She had zero issues taking a person’s keys if it meant it saved their life or someone else’s. All of the locals knew the rules and were prepared for it, she mostly had issues with the tourists who weren’t aware of her policy. She didn’t care if anyone had issues with it. If they refused to give up their keys, she called the SHPD the minute they walked out the door.

  “I’m sorry. I should have known you would,” Reese apologized.

  “Don’t worry about it, I understand why you’re careful.” Heather filled both glasses up half way and offered one to Reese. “Now, let’s get to work on this hair.”

  Later, she sat admiring her friend’s work. The top half of her hair had been elaborately braided and twisted up onto the top of her head, while the rest hung down her back in shiny dark waves. Although she loved the hair, she was reluctant to change out of her comfortable clothing. She did anyway, though, since Heather had put on a tight little red number and black heels.

  Careful not to mess up her hair, she changed into her black dress with the flared skirt. The top half of the dress had a sweetheart neckline and halter style strap that tied behind her neck. After slipping on the matching high heels and finding her purse, she was ready to go.

  It wasn’t long after when two of Heather’s girlfriends that Reese knew fairly well showed up in a minivan. Shannon, one of the more serious of the bunch, was driving and had been declared the designated driver for the duration of the day. Shannon had a sort pinup-slash-librarian look going on, she wore a dark blue pencil skirt, heels and a white blouse with a big collar. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she had cat eye glasses to finish the look.

  They went wine tasting, as Heather had said they would, and then dinner at Reese’s favorite sushi place. Reese assumed the night was over and she would go home or crash on Heather’s couch, but when they arrived back at the house, Heather disappeared into the kitchen.

  While Heather was in the kitchen, Shannon dimmed the lights and Heather reappeared with a sheet cake that had roses on it and Happy Birthday Reese written in script with silver frosting. T
he candles took up more of the cake than Reese would have preferred, but that was okay. The thoughtfulness of her friends outweighed any thoughts about her age.

  “Happy Birthday!” Heather called out as she carried the cake toward Reese, and then she began singing the happy birthday song. The others chimed in and clapped excitedly when it was over. Heather set the cake down on the coffee table in front of Reese and smiled. “Make a wish and make it a good one.”

  Reese stared at the glowing flames of the candles and then closed her eyes. She wished that, whatever was going on with the Estmonds, that they would be safe and that their troubles would end. After her silent wish was made, she sucked in a breath and held it for a moment before blowing out all the candles.

  “Good job, woman. Now let’s eat some of this delicious chocolatey goodness.” Heather lifted a large glimmering knife and wiggled it around. “Emma, bring those plates in from the counter.”

  “I’ll get the wine while I’m in there.”

  Reese shook her head. “I’m not sure I need more wine.”

  “Up to you, but I’m definitely having more.”

  Despite the concern about having more wine, Reese did have another glass while Heather cut the cake and distributed large chunks to everyone.

  After she polished off the entire piece of cake and washed it down with wine, she leaned back contentedly on the couch and kicked off her heels. “I’m so full,” she murmured sleepily.

  “Oh no you don’t.” Heather threw one of the decorative couch cushions at her. “There is no sleeping at nine o’clock on your birthday.” With that, she poked her index finger at the screen of her phone and pop music began blaring throughout the speakers that were wirelessly connected to Heather’s phone.

  “Oh no, turn it off.” Reese covered her ears with her palms, pretending to dislike the song choice.

  “Not a chance.” Her friend leaned back on the couch and crossed her legs as she got comfortable.

  Reese shook her head. Heather always got her way. She was one of those friends that when she asked you to hang out, you were basically just along for the ride. In a way, it was nice because you didn’t have to worry about anything. You just show up and have a good time.

  “Someone’s at the door,” Emma shouted.

  Reese sat up straight on the couch, leaning forward as Heather let out a long sigh and lowered the volume of the speakers from her phone. “I have no idea who that could be. I didn’t invite anyone else.” She rose. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Oh, hello officer,” Emma’s voice carried across the house. Reese sat up straighter. The cops! The music hadn’t been that loud. Why would the police be here?

  “Hello, ladies. I’m following up on a noise complaint. You’re going to have to turn the music down.”

  Reese didn’t move. She figured it was best to let Heather deal with that since it was her house. But, there was something familiar about the officer’s voice.

  “I’m so sorry, we’ll keep it down,” Heather assured him.

  There was a pause and then, “It doesn’t seem too crazy here. Are you having a party?”

  “No, just a few of us girls celebrating a friend’s birthday.”

  “Oh, is that so. Where is the birthday girl?”

  Reese’s back stiffened. Why would he care about her, regardless of if it was her birthday?

  “Right through there,” Heather directed the officer.

  And then, they all appeared in the doorway of the living room and Reese felt her jaw fall onto the floor.

  The cop was Daniel Estmond.

  Time seemed to suspend as each of them recognized the other. Their eyes met and gazes locked. Reese inhaled sharply and tightened her grip on her wine glass. Why was Dan impersonating and officer? Was he actually a cop? And how could she have not known this? There were so many questions.

  She opened her mouth to start demanding answers when Dan gave the slightest shake of his head and she read the message clearly in his eyes. He didn’t want her to say anything.

  “So this is the birthday girl, huh?”

  Heather, Emma and Shannon all nodded eagerly. And what was wrong with them. The three of them had suddenly gone total teen girl, with their star struck eyes and big grins.

  “Well,” Dan lifted both hands and rested them near the buckle of the utility belt he wore. “I didn’t bring a present.”

  “Oh, that’s okay …”

  “I do like to dance, though.” He cut her off before she could finish her sentence.

  “What?” Reese blinked, not understanding why he would say that. For one, it was completely unlike him. For two, if he was really a cop, that was totally unprofessional. But then, Dan clicked the clasp on his belt and removed it. Heather hit a button on her phone and changed the song to something with good beat and the girls all squealed.

  Then it dawned on her. “Oh, my god. No!”

  Dan wasn’t a police officer at all. He was a stripper! The wine glass she was holding shook as her hand trembled. Dan began dancing, moving slowly toward her while staying in sync with the music.

  No, no, no. This could not be happening. Her eyes met his, and she found that his initial shock must have worn off because he grinned mischievously and winked. What a bastard. He was actually going to go through with this.

  The girls giggled and clapped as they hauled chairs over and placed them beside the couch. “Happy Birthday!” Heather cried out as Dan began unbuttoning his police uniform shirt.

  Reese couldn’t speak. She felt frozen in place. It was the oddest thing. She felt more uncomfortable than she had probably felt in her entire life, but at the same time, she couldn’t look away.

  He peeled off the shirt slowly, exposing a physique that Reese had definitely not expected. One thing was for certain, he obviously worked out … a lot. His abdominal muscles rippled as his body moved and his biceps flexed, revealing arms that could probably lift her up as if she weighed nothing.

  He neared closer to her and she leaned forward to set the now empty wine glass on the coffee table. Oh please lord, she prayed. Do not let this go any further.

  Heather jumped up and quickly shoved the coffee table out of the way. Then, she grabbed another of the dining room chairs and lugged it into the living room, placing it near Dan.

  He was now directly in front of Reese. She felt heat rush to her face when he held out his hand for her to take. Unable to speak, she shook her head nervously.

  Dan must have had experience with nervous birthday girls, because he bent over and reached out, grasping her hand and tugging gently until she was forced to her feet. Once she was standing, Dan moved in closer, circling his hips all the while.

  He took one of her hands in each of his and raised them up while he moved in so close that their bodies were almost touching. Then, he brought her hands down and placed them on the bare muscles of his chest.

  Her face flamed. For the love of god, make it stop, she thought. But, somewhere deep inside, she didn’t want him to stop. A deep curiosity that she didn’t know she had wanted to see more of him.

  He guided her hands over his body, downward until she felt the hard ripples of his abdomen beneath her fingertips. Unconsciously she inhaled a sharp, quick breath and hoped he couldn’t see how much she enjoyed that. He released her hands and pointed at the chair. “Sit.”

  She shook her head, still not wanting to speak.

  “Come on birthday girl.” He moved in closer, his body touching hers as he circled around her. His hips grazed against her and so did his chest when he leaned in and whispered, “I didn’t know it was your birthday.”

  She closed her eyes and let out a long breath before answering. “I didn’t think I needed to tell you. I’m mad at you”

  “Let me make it up to you.” He moved her hair away from her neck. She felt his hot breath on her throat and tried to move away, but he quickly took her by the waist, his hands holding her gently but firmly in place.

  “Make it up to me ho
w? By stripping for me? Who the hell do you think I am?”

  “Shhh.” He brought a finger to her lips.

  She swatted his finger away. “Don’t you shush me!”

  Ignoring her anger and embarrassment, with his hands still on her waist, he pushed her down into the chair. Frustrated, Reese began to protest, but the girls screamed in delight and clapped their hands.

  A new song had begun. Dan bent over her again and whispered, “Just let me work.” Then, he backed up into the room where he had more space and in one swift movement, he literally ripped his pants from his body.

  For what felt like the thousandth time since he’d arrived, Reese’s jaw dropped and her entire body grew warm. Another loud chorus of cheers from the girls erupted, but Reese couldn’t join them. She would have never guessed those pants had Velcro or whatever on them and now that they were lying beside the very chair she sat on, she could only stare at the man in front of her as he performed.

  It was impossible not to look.

  She had known this man her entire life and sure, she had seen him with his shirt off before. They grew up together in a small town. But, now, it was as if she was seeing how well built he was for the first time. And boy, did he know how to dance. She hadn’t had a clue that this depressed, alcoholic of a man, had this sort of enthusiasm inside of him.

  Suddenly, he lunged toward her and thrust his hips forward several times. Gasping, Reese gripped the seat of the chair and sat up straighter, raising her eyes up to his after she realized she had been staring at the tiny thong that was the only thing he still had on.

  And maybe she had been thinking about what the thong was covering as well … but how could you not when it was right there.

  Oh good lord, he was coming even closer. Her eyes caught his as he straddled her, his legs on each side of the chair with her in between, and his thong right in front of her face. She silently begged him to stop, hoping that he knew how uncomfortable he was making her.