Free Ghostly Deceits (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 3) by Lily Harper Hart Page A

asked, surprised and impressed.
    “And how did you just whip it out like that?” Josh asked. “Seriously, those are great ideas. What else have you got?”
    “Well, I don’t know about your father’s political leanings, but Zander always complains that there aren’t enough gay-centric events in this area,” Harper said. “What about a special weekend with spa people? Zander absolutely loves a good massage, steam, and facial.”
    Jared snorted. “That’s also a great idea. I’m not sure Mr. Stokes would appreciate forty Zanders running around, though.”
    “I’m in charge,” Josh said. “I agree with Jared. That’s another fabulous idea.”
    “You could also do beach party themes … ooh, you could do a Jaws theme in the summer because you’re on the water,” Harper said, enjoying herself immensely.
    “I think you’ve created a monster,” Jared said, leaning back in his chair. “I think you missed your calling, Heart. You should’ve been a party planner.”
    “You definitely picked a good one,” Josh said. “If I wasn’t jealous before I would be now.”
    “I picked the best one,” Jared said, smiling fondly at Harper. “She’s mine, though. You missed out and now you have to live with it.”
    “I hear you have weird nipples,” Josh said. “Maybe if I show her mine she’ll trade up.”
    Jared’s smile tipped upside down. “I’m seriously going to kill Zander.”

Eight
    “ W e’re never going to want to leave this place,” Harper said an hour later, pushing her clean plate away and leaning back in her chair. “I cannot remember the last time I ate this well two meals in a row.”
    “I cooked dinner and breakfast for you this week,” Jared pointed out.
    “And they were lovely,” Harper said. “You didn’t cook prime rib and homemade omelets, though. I even got to pick out as many things as I wanted for the omelet. I think this place might be Heaven.”
    Jared chuckled as he wiped the corners of his mouth and shifted his attention to Josh. “I can’t believe you’re not fat with all this food available at every meal.”
    “It gets old after a while,” Josh said. “Believe it or not, there are days when I’m perfectly happy with my bowl of cereal. Of course, I’ve upgraded from Fruity Pebbles to Raisin Bran because I’m a grownup, but some habits die hard.”
    “I guess so,” Jared said. “How long do we have until the body drops?”
    “Why? Are you trying to decide if you have enough time to sneak upstairs for another shower?” Josh teased.
    “Oh, man.” Harper covered her eyes with her hand. “I’m never going to live this down.”
    “You had to embarrass me, didn’t you?” Jared asked, making a face. “My girl gave you thirty ideas for theme weekends and you paid her back with snark. It’s pitiful.”
    “I’m sorry,” Josh said, holding his hands up in a placating manner. “That was uncalled for. I can’t seem to help myself.”
    “Try,” Jared said. “Harper, stop hiding your face. No one knows but the three of us and Josh is going to stop bringing it up, aren’t you?”
    “Of course,” Josh said, although his eyes were mischievous. “I would never want to embarrass Jared.”
    “You’re embarrassing me,” Harper pointed out. “Jared wants to thump his chest and crow, but he’s holding back because he doesn’t want to upset me. I’m not an idiot.”
    “You’re definitely not an idiot,” Josh said, amused despite Harper’s tone. “I want one of you. I really do. You’re so … cute.” He reached out to pinch Harper’s cheek, but Jared slapped his hand away.
    “Don’t even think about it,” Jared chided. “She’s mine. She’s going to stay mine. She would never fall for the likes of you.”
    “Yes, but I own the house with the tub and shower she likes so much,” Josh reminded Jared.
    “Harper can’t be bought,” Jared said. “Right, Heart?”
    “I don’t know,” Harper said primly. “If he has a box of those