Free Antique Mirror by D.F. Jones Page B

my alley, ghost or not. Share, please. What did he look like?”
    Tori walked over to the mantle to get a better look at the mirror. Specks of silver were missing from the glass, but it only added to the mirror’s charm. “He’s gone. That’s so weird. I’ve had a glimpse of a shadow once or twice walking by the mirror in my bedroom, but this time, a man was staring at me. He looked to be around my age with silky, golden hair, and I think his eyes were hazel, maybe a light brown. No idea how tall, but my god, Maxey, he had a red and black checkered flannel on like the Brawny guy. Gorgeous . I definitely need a man; it’s been way too long and now, apparently, I see things.”
    Tori heard a deep laugh resonating from within the looking glass. “Holy shit, Max, now I’m hearing things. I think I just heard him laugh. Maxey, come out tonight, please. I need a drink.” Tori turned and swiftly made her way into the kitchen, laid her phone down and clicked on the speaker. She grabbed her martini shaker from the freezer and mixed a rather strong drink. “Do you think I’m losing my mind out here in the sticks?”
    “No, but I do think you’re overworked and very tired from the move. Sometimes our minds can play tricks on us. Honey, I wish I could come out tonight, but I can’t. I have plans to go to Dirk’s soiree. I love you, darling, but I can’t miss it. Besides, I work for other artists, not just you. Although , you are my favorite chicken.”
    Tori took a sip of her cocktail, picked up her phone and walked back into her bedroom. “And you’re my Tennessee lamb. It was probably my imagination playing tricks on me anyway, with this cabin being so old and all.”
    Max said, “Got to go, precious. Ta-ta, pookie!”
    “Have fun tonight, Maxey.” Tori pushed the end button on her cell and laid her phone on the table next to the chaise. She looked up at the mirror. Did she really see and hear a man in her antique mirror? Or had she finally snapped?
    After her second martini, Tori relaxed and felt a pretty good buzz coming on. Jett climbed on the chaise with her, and she began rubbing his ears. “You are no guard dog.” She took another sip, and then she heard laughter again.
    Tori knew she should be scared out of her wits, but she was intoxicated enough to be brave. Tori bellowed out into the room, “Okay, Mr. Hottie, or whomever the hell you are. I hear you, and I’ve seen you.” She shook her fist at the mirror. “Show yourself, because I’ve paid too much money for this place to pack it in and leave.” Tori didn’t expect a reply. She had been used talking to herself for a long time.
    The good-looking man appeared back in the mirror and looked down at her with a smirk. Aw, hell. A tingling sensation shot down her spine, and she smiled in spite of herself. The ghost was effing hot, and she wondered what it would be like to touch those incredibly sexy lips. Hell, forget just touching—she wanted to kiss them.
    Tori watched as the specter placed his hand on the mirror and a room materialized behind him. The room had a rustic farmhouse kind of charm, with a plain kitchen table and four chairs. Behind the table, in the corner, she could see a beautifully carved headboard with several brightly patterned quilts thrown across the bed. The lighted gas lanterns cast the room with a soft, golden glow. But it was the man who took Tori’s full attention. He was ruggedly handsome, with broad shoulders and narrow hips.
    The ghost’s voice was deep. “You really like to hear yourself yap, don’t you?” The man continued to peer down at her with a smile curving his lips.
    Tori’s mouth dropped open for about two seconds, and then she drained the rest of her martini. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, are you a ghost?”
    “Ma’am, I mean no disrespect, but it’s probably not a good idea to use the Lord’s name like that, especially when you have been partaking.” He chuckled, and Tori melted against Jett.
    Why