“Riley!”
I turned to find Cait and Kade walking toward me.
Excitement raced through me, and I tried hard not to stare at Kade, but it was tough.
He looked so much like Ian.
“Hey,” I said, self-consciously brushing a hand through my hair, hoping I didn’t make matters worse.
“I wanted to introduce you to my brother,” Cait said Kade, this is Riley. Riley, my brother Kade.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.
He took my hand, his long fingers sliding over mine. His touch was electric, and I could only hope my cheeks weren’t as hot as they felt.
“It’s nice to meet you, Riley. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
His voice was rich and the accent nice.
“All good things, I hope.”
“Of course,” he said, with a grin that gave me butterflies in my stomach. Cait wandered off, leaving us alone, and we finally dropped hands.
“So how was your vacation?” I asked, feeling nervous.
He seemed surprised I had known he’d been away for the summer. “It was nice, but if I had my way, I’d stay home.”
“Spoken like someone who takes a lot of vacations,” I said teasingly.
He laughed, the sound like music to my ears. “Don’t get me wrong. I love going on holiday, but after a week or two I’m ready to come home.”
I nodded in understanding.
“And what about you, Riley. Do you miss your home?”
I glanced past him to the small group of girls huddled near the fence, watching us. I could sense animosity all over them. “Yeah, I miss Portland…but I’m starting to like it here. Everyone has been really nice.”
He bit his lip, much in the same way Ian had, running his upper teeth along that full lower lip. The mannerisms were similar, and his face was Ian’s––but I had to remember he wasn’t Ian.
“Thanks,” I said, happy with the comment. “I am, too.”
“Would you like a ride home?” he asked, his expression saying he hoped I said yes.
Excitement raced through me. “That’s okay. I don’t live that far,” I said, instantly regretting the words. Oh my God, why had I said that?
“What are you so afraid of?” he asked teasingly, and the breath caught in my
throat. Hadn’t I said similar words to Ian not that long ago when we were kissing and fooling around?
I remembered Ian telling me, ‘Time in the spirit world is different than time as you know it.’ I didn’t want to wish for something that couldn’t be...but I had to wonder now exactly what he’d meant.
I stared at him for a long moment. He tilted his head to the side and grinned, and I swear I saw Ian in that smile...and in those long-lashed, brilliant blue eyes.
Flustered, my gaze fell to his necklace and my heart skipped a beat. “I have a cross necklace with the same Celtic design,” I said, reaching beneath my shirt and showing him.
My palms started to sweat. What were the chances of that?
“See, now you really must accept a ride.
We’re kindred spirits.”
Kindred spirits?
I liked that.
Kade shifted on his feet, and I realized he was waiting for my answer.
“Sure, I’d love a ride,” I said with a smile.
His grin was devastating. “Let’s go,” he said, his long fingers sliding over mine.
I turned, and that’s when I saw her, standing right in the middle of the road, as solid as any of the kids rushing across the schoolyard.
I felt the blood drain from my face.
It was Laria…and she was staring directly at me.
J.A. Templeton writes young adult novels featuring characters that don’t necessarily fit into any box. Aside from writing and reading, she enjoys research, traveling, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family and friends. Married to her high school
sweetheart, she has two grown children and lives in Washington.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my critique partners, T.R.
Allardice, P.T. Michelle, and Beth Ciotta, for taking time out of your busy schedules to give me insightful feedback. I’m forever grateful for your help and your friendship.
To Jim McCarthy, who believed in this story and gave me excellent advice. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.
To my family—for supporting me in every endeavor I’ve ever had. You’ve been incredible cheerleaders, and you’re at the heart of everything I do. I love you!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27