Read Online Dead and Disorderly (Behind the Blue Line Series Book 2) by Alexis D. Craig - Free Book Online Page B

can feel you, and I’m assuming you can feel me, too. I’d like to talk to you.” The earnestness in her voice always got to him. He remembered being confused by the way she spoke as if she’d actually expected a response. From the dead.
    “Don’t…want…to talk.”
    Nico’s jaw fell open as their waiter reappeared with their entrees. Nahia and her chair moved quickly back to their spot across the small table from him as they received their food. The devilish grin she wore was vexing. “The dead talk like William Shatner?”
    His question caught her as she was sipping her drink, and it appeared to be a fight to keep all the contents in her head. She wiped her mouth daintily on the napkin from her lap and gave him an evil look that had him laughing outright. After she composed herself, she grabbed her fork. “Damn, you were almost wearing that.”
    He, too, dug into his plate. “Totally worth it to see the look on your face.”
    “Brat.”
     

     
    The conversation became sparse as they enjoyed their dinner of cheese, marinara, and pasta as far as the eye could see. If Nico was trying to sweep her off her feet, Nahia thought he could definitely do worse.
    “You know,” she gestured toward the building behind them with a forkful of cannelloni, “Ianucci’s is rumored to be haunted.”
    He snorted and cut into his chicken without looking up at her. “Do tell.”
    She shrugged, waiting until she was done chewing to respond. “I don’t know the whole story, but apparently the upstairs is haunted by a male spirit. I heard it from another paranormal researcher.”
    Nico chuckled and took a sip of his drink. “That makes sense, actually. Mr. I. put his whole heart into this place, so it stands to reason it would be a good place for his soul, too.”
    And there it was again, the easy acceptance and understanding that set him apart from most people. This was not a part of her life that she shared with everyone. She wasn’t comfortable telling them about the things she’s seen and heard, and being on the receiving end of the questions and looks they gave her. Yet, with him, he didn’t look at her like she was some kind of carnival freak, she was just another person, and damn, but she could get used to that.
    When the waiter returned with an offer of dessert, they both declined, and really, she was so full, blinking was a chore. They argued over the bill, but she let Nico win, since he did ask to take her out, and when they walked to the car, she stretched, feeling the lethargy of a truly great meal.
    “So what now?” When he raised an eyebrow, she shrugged. “I mean, it’s kinda late for a movie.”
    The slow grin that spread across his face warmed her in spite of the summer night. “I got a plan.” He opened the door for her put her in the car before running around to the driver’s side.
    “Do I get to know the plan?” she asked as he turned on the engine. The radio came on playing Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.
    His grin only grew. “Not yet. You’ll get it soon enough.”
    She would have questioned him further, but they were out in traffic and suddenly singing along to the song at the top of their lungs with the windows down. It was something silly, something she normally did by herself, but it was great to share that with him. They rolled through downtown, the lights making the whole world glitter as he ducked onto a side street off Senate and they were suddenly in the parking lot of a hotel. Modern architecture, at least a block long and maybe three stories, it advertised that each room was its own suite.
    “Um… I hate to be picky…” she started. The date was going well, but…a hotel seemed a bit…hasty. Not that she was necessarily opposed, but one kiss wasn’t exactly… Her train of thought was interrupted by his snickering. “Yes?”
    He got out of the car, still laughing, and came around to the passenger side. “Yeah, we’re just using their parking lot. But I