Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

She sniffled and looked at him. “What will be the difference this time?”

“This time she won’t be able to run away.”

And then the vision disintegrated like the other. But this time, I stood there in shock and sadness.

The ghost walked off.

I remained there, staring at the withering image of my father hugging his wife. I called out to the ghost. “Why is Timothy dying? What does he have?”

The ghost continued off.

I hurried that way. “What’s wrong with him? Why do they think he’s going to die?”

“I do not know.”

“But you know everything else.”

“No. Sometimes you just ask the right questions.”

“Okay.” I got to his side. “So, then why did you show me that? It was sad and depressing. . .and. . .”

The ghost stopped and looked at me.

I sighed. “That’s my brother.”

He nodded.

“And he’s dying.”

The ghost continued forward.

This time a house didn’t appear within the forest. Instead, it was the front of a condo. Gray brick made up the place. I could tell that the front was inside of the building. Instead of steps or a porch, it was a tiled black and white floor in front of the door.

“Who’s condo is this?” I followed the ghost.

He gestured at the knob.

I grabbed and turned it. The door opened.

A tall Hispanic woman with brown hair held up two fur jackets. I recognized both of them and frowned.

She smiled. “Which one do you think?”

Saint walked in with only a towel wrapped around his muscular waist. His skin was wet and his hair slicked back. His dog Angel trotted behind him.

“Why don’t you have any clothes on in front of her?” I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “I mean, seriously.”

The stylist definitely noticed. Her gaze touched every inch of his chest and then went to the towel. “Do you know what would be a perfect Christmas present for me?”

“I already got you something and put it on your desk.” He stopped in front of her and glanced at both jackets. “I like these. I’ll take both to Finland.”

“You should take me too. I’ve never been.”

Saint grabbed both of the jackets. “I’ll pack these.”

“Saint?”

He walked off, holding the jackets. “Serenity, we’ve had this conversation already.”

“This chick.” I stomped forward. “Well, let’s have this conversation again so we can all hear it.”

Serenity sucked her teeth and sashayed forward. “Yes. I know. You don’t want to mix business with pleasure. But I wouldn’t mind it, Saint.”

“I bet you wouldn’t.” I walked after them and entered his large bedroom.

He folded each jacket and placed it in the opened suitcase on the bed. “It also wouldn’t be fair to you.”

I thought Serenity would go over to him, but she went to his nightstand. I widened my eyes when she picked up the framed picture of me.

“I think that this is the true problem.” Serenity waved my picture at him. “I’ve heard talk around the studio. They say you’ll sleep with women, but none will ever get your heart. You’re apparently in love with someone who doesn’t love you. Is this her?”

“Put the picture down.” He shut the suitcase. “You’re here to help me pack, not assess my love life.”

“You tell her.” I clapped and walked over to Serenity, wishing I could shove her butt out of the condo. “It’s none of your business what’s going on between him and me.”

“Do you know what else they say, Saint?” Serenity placed my picture on the nightstand.

Sighing, Saint headed back into the bathroom.

Serenity followed him in there. “They say that this designer chick doesn’t love you back.”

Frowning, Saint picked up shaving cream and smeared it on his jaw. “Thank you for the outfits. We’re done here.”

“I think it’s disrespectful.” Serenity drooled over him from behind. “You’re quite a man—sexy, smart, talented in the kitchen, and I can only imagine that you’re even more amazing in bed.”

I glared at her. “You’ll never know.”

Serenity went to his side and smirked. “How long are you going to be the hero of this depressing movie on unrequited love?”

Sighing, he put the can on the counter. White cream covered his jaw. “Not much longer.”

Serenity quirked her brows. “Say what?”

“I’m giving her an ultimatum this trip.”

Serenity grinned. “And if she says no?”

Saint didn’t appear to like that question. He picked up his razor and began shaving the right side of his jaw.

“Saint?” Serenity leaned her head to the side. “If she says no, will you give me a chance?”

The vision disintegrated.

“No! No!” I raised my hands in the air. “I want to know his answer.”

The ghost sounded behind me. “Don’t you already know the answer?”

I turned and faced him. “No.”

“I believe you do.”

I looked around us. The forest disappeared. We were now back in my villa.

“Wait.” I shook my head. “That’s it?”

“You need more? The point should be clear.”

“The last ghost took me through all these different memories and—”