Free Provoking the Spirit by Crista McHugh Page B

ghosts?”
    “One theory is that ghosts need to draw energy from the environment to make things happen. Heat is a form of energy, and when a spirit manifests itself, it leaves behind a cold spot.”
    “I remember feeling a bit chilly since I was half naked.”
    She looked like she had just bitten into a lemon. “Spare me the details.” She chewed her bottom lip, making it look more full and tempting than before. “Hmm… It sounds like your ghost is either a jealous woman or a religious fanatic.”
    “Yeah, well, it’s really put a damper on dating, if you know what I mean. I can’t bring any women home with me without them running away screaming.”
    “No, it’s put a damper on your sex life. And what makes you think it’s the ghost that’s scaring them away? It could be you.”
    “Ouch, that was below the belt.”
    Her eyes flickered to his crotch, and her lips twitched as she tried to suppress a smile. “Maybe you need to be knocked down a few notches.”
    “Glad to know you haven’t lost your sarcasm over the years.”
    She laughed, and his pulse raced. Why was he suddenly so attracted to her now?
    “Why do you think Nan and I have been friends for so long? We’re both snarky bitches.”
    “No arguments from me. It’s one of the things that’s always set you apart from other girls.” And turns me on . “I always looked forward to our banter whenever you came over. You’re the only one of Nan’s friends I liked. And you’ve definitely gotten sexier over the years.” He winced. Had those words just slipped out of his mouth?
    She frowned. “Cut the crap, Remy. Now I know you probably haven’t gotten laid in a while because you’re flirting with me.”
    He laughed, despite her insult. “You don’t think you’re sexy?”
    “I’m not your type. I have a brain, and I’m only a B-cup.”
    Her retort hit him like a punch in the gut. Did she really think that about him? “You still didn’t answer my question.”
    “I think I’m sexy in my own way. I don’t have to dress like a slut to prove it.”
    She leaned over to run the meter along the lamp cord on the sofa table behind him, and he caught a glimpse of her cleavage. His skin grew warm. Yes, she didn’t have to dress up to arouse him. “Why don’t you sit down for a moment?” He patted the seat next to him.
    She slid down the back of the couch and sat on the opposite end. Her fingers caught the end of her ponytail and twirled it around them. “We’ll probably be wrapping up soon. It’s almost one AM.”
    Remy wasn’t ready for her to leave so soon. She was just beginning to whet his curiosity. “How did you get into ghost hunting?”
    “I had an interesting experience while I was at LSU.”
    He raised one eyebrow. “Care to elaborate?”
    “Not really.” She combed through her hair once and placed her hand in her lap. “But it sparked my interest, and I did some research. I learned there was a whole science to this, and then I met Eric. We pooled our money together and started our own ghost hunting service.”
    “So you and Eric are partners, huh?” He suddenly felt something like a thin bladed knife pressed at the base of his spine. Why was he jealous of this guy?
    She pursed her lips together again as she stared at him, as if she was trying to figure him out. “Business partners,” she replied at last. “Eric’s married with three kids.”
    He relaxed and moved closer to her. He wasn’t used to a woman pushing him away. “Are you seeing anyone at the moment?”
    She grinned and leaned forward. The faint scent of satsumas tickled his nose. “I don’t see why that’s any of your business.”
    “Ah, come on, Ainsley. I’ve known you since you were eight. You’re like another sister to me.” She retreated from him, and he regretted those words as soon as he saw it. That may have been the truth before tonight, but his thoughts about her were anything but brotherly now.
    “Since you’re so concerned, Big Brother