Free Soul Crossed by Lisa Gail Green Page B

room when I catch sight of Josh across the sea of people. He is at the bar, drink in hand, and his electric blue eyes pierce through me even from that distance. If I’m honest with myself, I would admit that I came here hoping to find him. It’s the type of place he wanted to take me on our first date.
    Breaking Josh’s gaze, I realize my dancing partner is moving his mouth toward my own. I turn my head to the side and shove him away. I withhold some of my strength, but it is enough for him to get the message, and he doesn’t look happy. Too bad.
    I make my way to Josh who waits for me by the bar. He downs a glass of whisky, and I wonder how many he’s had. Then I remember the clarity of his gaze and chide myself for worrying.
    “Hi,” I say and hop up on a barstool next to him.
    “Hi,” he doesn’t sound happy to see me, and I remember the last time we were together I wouldn’t let him kiss me.
    “I’m sorry about rehearsal,” I say.
    “No worries,” he says and motions for another drink.
    “One for my friend,” he says, looking the bartender in the eye. I’m sure he’s going to card us, but he smiles back and pours two glasses.
    “On the house,” he says and moves on.
    “Wow, that’s weird,” I say.
    “He knows Keira,” Josh tells me, nodding toward a spot on the dance floor where his sister is dancing with two men at once. She’s moving in a way that makes me look down, embarrassed. I wonder how well the bartender knows her.
    “Drink up,” he says and downs another glass.
    “Um, no thanks. I don’t drink.” To this he laughs.
    “Of course you don’t.”
    “Listen, Josh, I think we need to talk.”
    “No.” The response startles me. I feel like my chest has been pierced by an arrow, but this is for the best I suppose. “No, we shouldn’t waste tonight talking. Lets dance.”
    My heart flutters. I’m frozen in place. I’m afraid to touch him, but I want to so much. He leans forward as though he somehow understands and puts his palms up in the air, waiting for my hands. He’s so near to me. I can smell the whisky on his breath, but it isn’t disturbing. In fact, it’s temptation calling to me.
    Slowly I move my hands over his, and I feel the electricity tingle in the small space between us, but neither of us pulls away. I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of his body pulsing so close to mine. I want the wall between us to crumble. How can this be forbidden? I say a silent prayer. I’ve never been religious, and the irony does not escape me, but I try.
    Please, please let me have this
.
    I open my eyes. He waits for me, still and intoxicatingly beautiful. I set my hands on his and feel the prickling sting travel over my fingers and up my arms. Far from pain, it’s like my flesh is alive with desire. If he feels it, too, he does not let on. He simply leads me to the dance floor, never taking his eyes off of me.
    I’m thrilled by the sensations running through me and giddy with the knowledge that the Earth hasn’t swallowed us whole. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean my head against his chest, letting our bodies meld together with the music.
    For the first time since I died, I feel content.

Chapter 25
Josh
    I catch her scent like a flower among ruins. It’s as though the whole bar is filled with lavender and roses. She’s here, in this club, dancing with a strange man. My eyes meet hers, and he makes a move. For a moment everything is bathed in red. It’s lucky she’s looked away. Lucky she’s rebuffed him or I might have snapped his neck. I can’t seem to control my impulses. My emotions have been so strong since my death.
    I down another glass of whisky, letting the liquid burn the inside of my throat and distract me from these thoughts. I see her coming toward me, and I wonder if I’ve somehow brought her here. Wanted her so bad that she was glamoured, drawn right from her house to me like a magnet. Keira has me on edge. What if tonight is the calm before the