The Ghost of Marlow House (Haunting Danielle Book 1) by Anna J. McIntyre, Bobbi Holmes

like he really
woke me up!” Lily laughed.
    “How do you know you were asleep?”
    “What kind of question is that? I think
my first clue was that the guy from the portrait was sitting on my bed with me.
Of course, at the time I didn’t know I was dreaming.”
    Danielle tensed. She relaxed slightly
when Lily added, “My second clue was that my bed was sitting on the beach—under
the stars. It was really quite lovely. I think we should try sleeping on the
beach some night.”
    “You say he asked you about Lucas?”
    “I remember one thing that was kind of
funny. He told me Ian was not a teacher—that the dog told him. Isn’t that
hilarious? How does my brain come up with this stuff?”
    “Yes…indeed…” Danielle’s head began to
spin. “What did you tell him about Lucas?”
    “I don’t remember exactly.” Lily shrugged.
“I think I told him about Lucas’ death, what happened. Oh, but I remember one
funny thing, he told me not to tell you we spoke.  So please don’t tell him I
told you!” Lily giggled.
    “Anything else?”
    “Wow, my mom used to say other people’s
dreams are boring. I guess she was wrong.”
    “I…I just find it interesting you’re
dreaming about Walt Marlow.”
    “I suppose it is to be expected. Staying
in his house…that portrait. But I will have to admit, I was a little jealous in
the dream.”
    “Jealous, why?” Danielle asked.
    “That this good looking guy is sitting on
my bed with me and all he does is ask me questions about you. I mean really .
It was my dream.” Lily grinned mischievously.
    “Well…maybe the point of the dream was
your subconscious telling you to be careful with Ian.”  Danielle seriously
doubted that was the case—Walt had in some way invaded her friend’s dreams.
    “Perhaps,” Lily shrugged. She stood up
and grabbed the empty cereal bowls and dirty silverware off the table and
walked to the kitchen sink. “But maybe I want a dangerous summer romance.”
    Danielle chuckled and stood up. Picking
the milk carton off the counter, she put it in the ice chest.
    Danielle looked in the cooler. “ I
guess I better pick up some ice.”
    “So what’s the deal with the
appliances?” Lily asked as she washed the dishes in the sink.
    “The electrician and contractor are
supposed to be here later this afternoon. I’d really like to get the new appliances
installed by the end of the week. This camping out sort of sucks.”
    “Are you going somewhere this morning?
We talked about working in the yard, but it doesn’t look like you’re dressed
for that.”
    “No. I’ve a couple errands I want to run,
to tie up some loose ends for the business,” Danielle lied.
    “Want me to go with you?”
    “No, it’ll be pretty boring.”
    “You want me to get started with the
yard?”
    “No. The landscaper is stopping by later,
and we might as well see what he’ll charge to get the yard in order. That way
we can spend our energy getting the inside ready.”
    “You want me to go ahead with that
furniture inventory we talked about?” Lily asked.
    “That would be great.”
    “Would you mind if Ian helped me?”
    “Ian? You think he’d want to?”
    “Like I said, he wanted a tour of the
house—I’ve a feeling he might enjoy checking out the antique furnishings here.”
    “Fine, if he wants to help.” Danielle
paused a moment then added, “Tell him Sadie is welcome, if he wants to bring
her.”
    “Sadie? His dog?”
    “No reason to leave her home all alone.”
    “I guess he could tie her up in the back
yard.”
    “No, let her come inside. She doesn’t
have to stay in the yard. “
    “Okay, I’ll tell him Sadie is welcome.
Thanks.”
    Ten minutes later Danielle was upstairs
in her bedroom. She had just tossed her purse onto the bed and sat down on the
edge of the mattress to slip on her shoes when she heard Walt’s voice.
    “I must say you look very nice today,
Danielle, all dolled up. You should dress like a woman more often, it