Free Mask - A Stepbrother Romance by Caitlin Daire Page B

into the hallway, I saw a woman standing near the stairwell. She was just staring at me, and she had this long white gown on. Look, I know it sounds crazy.”
    “Just a bit. Anyway, go on.”
    “I was so scared, and I barely even knew what I was doing, but I crouched down on the floor—I guess as some sort of reflex action. Then I shut my eyes and screamed, and when I looked up, she was gone.”
    “Is it possible you were sleepwalking? Maybe you just had a really bad dream where you were seeing things in the hall, and then when you screamed, you woke yourself up and actually found yourself out in the hall because you’d sleepwalked out there.”
    I shook my head. “No. I know I was awake. I know what I saw, and I’ve never sleepwalked before.”
    He didn’t have to believe me—of course, it’d make it much easier if he did—but I knew the truth regardless. Someone or something had definitely been out in the hallway. I wasn’t exactly a massive believer in the supernatural, but now I was questioning everything.
    “Okay, okay.” Jace lifted his hands up in defeat, but I could still see the small smile playing on his lips. “Before Dad leaves for that trip tomorrow, we’ll ask and see if he knows anything. This place is bloody old, so who knows? Maybe we have a friendly manor ghost.”
    “She didn’t exactly seem friendly from the way she was staring at me. Anyway, where’s your Dad going?”
    “He and your Mom are going away for a few days, remember?”
    “No?”
    Jace’s forehead wrinkled. “What time did you go to sleep tonight?”
    “Six.”
    “Ah. That explains it. Dad called me while I was out earlier to tell me what was going on. Apparently your Mom left just after six. He said she got a call from an American friend of hers who also lives in London now, and they were going to have dinner. Anyway, her friend ended up inviting her to stay for a few nights at the new bed and breakfast place she owns, as a sort of pre-wedding gift. She invited Dad too, but he had too much work to do in his office, so he told your Mom to go on ahead and spend the night there tonight, and he’s joining her tomorrow. They’ll be gone for three days.”
    “Wow, okay. I thought she’d wake me up to tell me something like that.”
    He shrugged. “She probably figured she should let you sleep and then just call you and let you know tomorrow. Anyway, like I said, go and ask Dad about the history of this place tomorrow, before he leaves. I’m sure he’ll help get this ghost situation of yours sorted out in no time.”
    I nodded. “Thanks, I’ll do that. I feel like such an idiot, but I swear I saw something.”
    He patted me on the shoulder. “I know. Anyway, you’re clearly exhausted, so why don’t you try to get some rest?”
    “Um….I don’t know if I can.”
    I was tired, but I wasn’t exactly keen on returning to my room and being alone right now.
    “If it makes you feel safer, you can sleep in my bed. Don’t worry, I’ll take the sofa,” he said, gesturing towards the black leather couch on the eastern wall of his room.
    “Are you sure?” I asked, embarrassed at how childish I was being. Next I’d probably be asking to have a night-light installed in my room.
    “Of course,” he said. “And I’ll protect you from any other ghosts or monsters that might come in,” he added with a wink.
    “Ha. You’re so funny,” I said, voice tinged with sarcasm.
    He grinned. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”
    A half-smile curled my lips up at the corners. “Well…thanks for letting me have your bed. I know you think I’m an idiot, but the idea of sleeping alone right now really sucks,” I admitted.
    “I don’t think you’re an idiot. I think you just had a weird experience, and until we’ve come up with a rational explanation for it, it’s only natural that you might be a bit freaked out.”
    “I guess. I still feel dumb, though,” I said before stifling a yawn. “Anyway,