A/N: Hello again everyone! A new chapter is here! :D

Before we get started, I would like to thank everyone that read last chapter! I would also like to give a huge thank you to winterschild11, Anno1701, jessv96, Side1ways, Guest, and RainbowDiamonds for reviewing!

I hope you all enjoy!

"Are you going to ignore me forever?" I asked, following Dak as he walked from behind the counter to a display of Nightmare on Elm Street merchandise, set out for the Halloween season.

I had needed to go into town today to look for new clothes, so since Dak hadn't answered any of my calls or texts for the past three days, I'd decided to stop in and see if he was working.

"I'm not ignoring you," he muttered, stacking T-shirts in order from small to extra-large. "It's called work, Kendall, you should try it."

"I'm here because of work," I said, not letting him push me away. James had done that enough over the past few days. We hadn't spoken a word to each other. "I have a book signing this weekend and needed something to wear."

Dak glanced up, and I noticed he'd put in purple contacts, probably to go with the Halloween vibe of the store. "Since when do bestselling authors shop at the mall? Shouldn't you go over to the pavilion that has all the high-end designer shops?"

"I, uh, didn't know about them." I rubbed the back of my neck, noticing the muscles were tight. A headache was forming, too.

God, please don't let it turn into a migraine.

"Figures," Dak scoffed. "That's because you spend all your time chasing ghost stories."

"Look, I know why you're acting weird." I placed a hand on the wall in front of him when he tried to walk past. "But I'm not mad about the kiss, okay? So can I please get my best friend back?"

Sighing, he grabbed the sleeve of my jacket and pulled me to the back of the store. When we were in a somewhat private place, he flipped around to me.

"I'm sorry for being such a douche," he said. "Being rejected just...sucks. Yeah, I was hurt, but I also felt like such a dumbass that night. Even looking at you right now makes me want to crawl under the sales rack and hide for all eternity."

"I didn't reject you, Dak. I told you we needed to see where things went. That's all. When you kissed me, it caught me off guard."

"You didn't want to kiss me?"

"No, I did," I answered, surprised by the admission. Because I truly did find him attractive, and like he'd said, we got along really well. There was definitely a connection; it just wasn't as strong as the one I felt for James.

James, that damn infuriating ghost.

"Then why did you pull away?"

"Because I don't want to rush into anything. When we met, you said you just got out of a relationship, same as me. We're amazing as friends, and I'd like to keep it that way for a while."

"Okay, enough of the bullshit, Kendall. No more of this for a while stuff. Are you sticking me in the friend zone? Be honest." The way he crossed his arms and squared his jaw made him look about as intimidating as a fluffy kitchen.

"I like you, Dak. A lot. But-"

"There's always a but."

"But I think we're better as friends. So yes."

"Okay. Thanks for being honest with me."

A group of teenagers entered the store, decked out in skinny jeans, colorful beanie hats, and graphic tees. One of the boys laughed when he held up a clown mask and scared his friend. She slapped his arm before pinching his armpit. He shrieked and ran out of her reach.

"I gotta get back to work," Dak said, but he smiled when our eyes met. "Was there something you wanted? Or did you just want to stalk me?"

Damn him and his sass.

"I was actually going to see if you wanted to come to my signing." I dramatically sighed and looked away. "But I understand if you're too scared or whatever."

Dak bounced a little in place. "It's at the mad house, right? I've seen advertisements for it. Oh, man. That's gonna be a trip. I can't believe the city approved it."

"They were paid handsomely, I'm sure. Plus, with all the tours that go through there, they already work on the upkeep. There will be a party after the signing too, or at least that's what they told me."

"We're going as friends, right?" he asked as he glided his teeth over his bottom lip. He was such a flirt.

"Yes. Just friends."

I knew he was just messing with me now.

"Fine," he said, backing up but keeping his eyes on me. "I'll walk over to your place Saturday and help you get everything ready. In a friendly manner, of course."

"See you then," I responded, rolling my eyes.

I left the mall with a new outfit and a weight off my shoulders. Dak was someone I could see myself settling down with. Easily. However, we worked better as friends. I refused to string him along, giving him false hope. He deserved better than that.

James sat at the table in the parlor when I got home. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I hadn't seen him in days.

"Hey," I said, approaching him in the way you'd approach a frightened animal, slow and with my hands up.

He moved a chess piece forward before walking to the other side of the board to make a move there, too. Silent.

"Playing against yourself?" I dropped my bags on the floor. "I could play a game with you."

"No, you can't," he said.

"Why not?" Irritation prickled under my skin. The pain in my head made me even more irritable. "Are you still pushing me away? I haven't seen you in days! You made me promise things wouldn't change between us, and here you are, shutting me out and-"

"Calm down, Kendall." James frowned. "You can't play chess right now because your agent is due to arrive any minute. Remember? It's written on your calendar."

"Oh. I forgot." My cheeks heated. Then, I remembered Jett was coming with him. "Shit!"

I grabbed the bags and hightailed it up the stairs. Not that I needed to impress my ex-boyfriend or anything, but I wanted to look fucking amazing when he saw me after months apart. There was some satisfaction in making him at least regret fucking me over.

In the bathroom, I wet my face and lathered it in shaving cream. I dabbed the razor under the running water and slowly began to shave.

James walked in, and I smiled. He liked watching me shave for some reason. After days of not seeing him, it was hard to look away.

"I was never able to do this," he said, once I was halfway done. "Alex had some scruff that he shaved, but mine had trouble coming in. He liked to tease me about it. 'You won't be a man until you have your first shave,' he had said." James smoothed a hand along his smooth jaw. "I suppose I'll never be a man now."

I stared at his reflection in the mirror. The glass made him look more transparent than he did when I looked directly at him. But even while appearing as a shimmery apparition, there was no mistaking the sadness in his eyes.

James had only been nineteen when he went 'missing.' He had missed out on so much. And now he'd be young forever.

"Why do you stare at me in that way?" he asked.

"Sorry." I focused on the blade in my hand. "Things have just been weird with us lately."

"It's better this way."

I was in no mood to argue with him. The headache was worsening, and I knew it would take a turn for the worse if I wasn't careful. I finished shaving and washed my face before studying my hair. There wasn't much that could be done with it, other than using some gel to spike up the front a little.

"You look handsome, Kendall."

Turning, I leaned against the sink and smiled at him. "Thanks. I should tell you my ex-boyfriend is coming with Eric. If I seem out of sorts, that's probably why."

"I see." James grabbed a hand towel and walked over, dabbing it beside my ear where I'd missed some of the shaving cream. I liked having him so close, and it took all my willpower not to put my arms around him.

"Do you wish to impress him? To win him back?"

"Hell no. Eric can have him. But I want to look nice."

"Believe me." He dropped the towel on the counter and placed his hand on my hip. "You do."

It was the first time James had touched me since the day in my bedroom. I was too nervous to make any sudden moves that would scare him away. Because goddammit, his touch, though cold, made me feel like I'd come home.

"James…" I slid my hand to his nape. "I know you said it couldn't work, but-"

"It can't." He released me.

"But what if it can?" I pressed, walking toward him as he stepped away. "It wouldn't be normal by any means, but who the fuck cares? I don't. All I know is I want you more than I've ever wanted anyone in my life."

"What exactly are you asking for?" James asked, his hazel gaze pinned on me. "Do you wish to kiss me? Fuck me? What?"

"All of it," I answered. The time with him had awoken a desire within me I couldn't ignore. I wanted James in any way he'd have me. "I know you feel it, too."

"It doesn't matter what I feel." His jaw clenched.

"It does matter, dammit." My gaze flitted from him and to the shower he stood beside. "You're the one who started this, by the way. I know you were there in the shower with me that night."

James gaped. "Which night?"

"Oh, you know the one I'm talking about, James Issac Diamond." I strode forward, my gait slow and steady. A cocky smile curved my lips. "When I jerked off in the shower, you were behind me, kissing my neck and bracing your hand on the door. I saw your handprint."

"I beg your pardon!" James exclaimed, mortified. His pale cheeks appeared to gain some color too, even though it should've been impossible for ghosts to blush. "I wouldn't...I didn't…"

My smile widened. "Admit it."

"Very well." He snarled and crossed his arms, seeming more like a nineteen-year-old than the hundred-year-old spirit he actually was. "It was a moment of weakness, Kendall. You are stunning, and I couldn't resist."

"I don't want you to resist."

"However, I must. I can't give you my heart, Kendall Knight." A tormented look pierced his gaze. "I feel strongly for you, but…"

My skin heated.

James still being in love with Alex hadn't even crossed my mind. And I felt stupid for not having seen it sooner.

"Oh." I felt like he'd just pricked a hole in my heart. "I didn't realize you weren't over Alex."

That's why he kept me at arm's length, why he'd kept his distance for so long.

"I am over him. It's been a hundred years and I miss him dearly, but I'm able to remember the good times with him instead of mourning what we lost. I remember so much about him." James hung his head and rubbed the back of his neck. His eyes glistened. "But I've forgotten the way his skin smelled in the morning and the sound of his laugh. I've forgotten the feel of his lips. Sometimes, I can't even remember his voice. But I'll always love him. Time hasn't changed that. I don't think it ever will."

"The heart is capable of loving more than one person," I said, even though mine felt like it was dying right then. "I'm not asking you to love me, James, only for you to give me a chance. Whatever happens will happen, but we'll never know if we don't at least try. More than that, I just want this distance between us to end. I hate it."

"Don't you see, Kendall?" His body flickered in and out. "If I agree, and we become closer than we are, it will only end in despair. Surrendering to my feelings for you gives you the power to hurt me."

"What makes you think I would ever hurt you?"

"Listen to yourself." James blinked out of sight before reappearing in front of me. His pale skin looked more translucent. "I can't leave this property, or did you forget? I can't take you on dates to the cinema. We can't have dinner in a nice restaurant. Christ, Kendall, I can't even go to your book signing, and I would give anything to be able to go. Instead, Dak will be there by your side, while I'm stuck here!"

That's what caused this.

He hadn't become distant until Eric called me.

"I invited Dak as my friend. Nothing more."

"That changes nothing. You'll grow bored of me when you see how much you're giving up." His voice cracked. "You might as well choose Dak now to spare us both the misery."

I took hold of James' hand. I needed to tell him I didn't want Dak and that everything he said was wrong. Before I could say a word, the doorbell rang.

"Your guests are here."

And with my eyes full of tears, I watched as he faded away.

XxX

"Wow, Kendall. This is one hell of a place," Eric said, taking off his sunglasses as he stepped into the house. Back in the day, he'd been a linebacker on the football team, and he still had that broad-shouldered, stocky look to him. "Must've cost you a small fortune."

"Nah, not really. I got a good deal. The previous owner wanted to sell it quickly, and I lucked out."

I really did feel lucky. Meeting James had changed my life. He'd opened my eyes to a brand new world...even if he was being a stubborn asshole right now.

"The quiet must be nice for work," he said, gazing up at the staircase. His blue eyes narrowed. "But a little unsettling. It's way too quiet. I'd lose my damn mind."

"I like it quiet." I rubbed the side of my head where the headache from earlier had only worsened. "The city was too noisy."

"Hey, Kendall." Jett stepped through the front door, looking shamefaced but hopeful. "I'm glad to see you're doing well."

Oh, there were a million sarcastic things I could say. Fortunately, I chose to hold my tongue. There was no reason we couldn't be civil toward one another. He'd done me a favor by dumping me. Because of our breakup, I'd moved to Ivy Grove. I'd met James and Dak, two people I couldn't imagine not ever knowing.

"Thanks. I take it you and Eric are doing just as well?"

"Uh…" Jett lightly coughed. "Yeah. We're, uh, doing good. Thinking of buying a house together."

"Might as well come out and say it." Eric scratched at the stubble on his cheek. "We got engaged."

I couldn't say it was exactly shocking. They'd been together for a year before I ever found out about the affair. Any normal guy would've kicked both their asses and tossed them out the door, but I wasn't normal. Far from it.

"That's awesome. Congrats," I said, sincere in the sentiment. "Even though you're both goddamn assholes, I really am happy for you."

Jett and I exchanged a smile, and it felt...great. I didn't like holding onto bitterness.

"Did you get the boxes?" Eric asked.

I'd received the shipment of books yesterday. The delivery guy had helped me carry them into the house, and before he'd left, he had taken one look around the foyer and practically ran out. He must've felt that uneasiness Laura described.

"Yeah. I noticed my last two books weren't among the copies."

"Well, to be blunt, Kendall, those books sucked and you know it," Eric responded.

A loud bang came from upstairs.

Jett and Eric nearly broke their necks by how fast their heads snapped up to look at the balcony.

"What the hell was that?" Jett asked.

Good question. What the hell, James?

"Uh...probably just the house settling." That was the reasoning everyone gave when they heard noises in an old home, right? "Or maybe one of the pictures I hung earlier fell off the wall. I'm a writer, not a handyman."

"Ain't that the truth," Jett said, grinning. "Remember when you tried to fix the leaky faucet and ended up flooding the bathroom?"

"I remember you telling me about that." Eric chuckled, placing his hand on Jett's lower back.

"Okay, okay, enough laughing at my expense," I cut in, slightly annoyed, but it did feel good to joke around a bit. "Have you guys already checked into your hotel?"

"Not yet," Eric answered. "We came straight here. You weren't lying when you said you moved to the middle of nowhere."

"It's not nowhere. Moving here was the best decision I've made in months. Ivy Grove is special."

"Maybe for a horror writer." Eric focused on the stairs and shook his head. "We'll stop by tomorrow to help you load the books for the signing. Expect a large crowd. This event is already sold out."

"Sold out?"

"Yep, as of this morning. The location, and the fact that you're signing there, has gone over better than anticipated. Halloween is the best time of year for this kind of stuff. Everyone likes to be scared." Eric slid down his sunglasses and started toward the door. "The after-party is costume optional, but I'd stick to a nice suit if I were you. Unless you don't mind pics of yourself dressed up in a costume circling social media."

"Why is there even an after-party?"

"Because it's a haunted house. Plus, the party will probably trend, and anything to get your name back out there is necessary."

"You make it sound like I'm in a rut." God, the headache was bad now.

"You are. Or at least you were," Eric said. "Get some sleep, Knight. You kind of look like shit."

After they left, I leaned against the door and mulled over everything.

It had been a long time since I'd done a signing, and knowing it was sold out amped up my nerves. The pressure was suffocating. I hated knowing I'd disappointed readers in the past. What if the ones who attended voiced their complaint about my mediocre releases?

"I don't like them." James descended the stairs.

"I take it you were the cause of the bang?"

"He insulted you, Kendall," James said, coming toward me. "He said your books sucked."

"Not to defend him, but he was right in saying so."

My temple continued to ache, and I rubbed the spot again. It was gradually getting worse the longer I stood here. The anxiety over the signing wasn't helping.

"No, he wasn't. This is your home, and he has no right to come here and speak such rudeness. He's fortunate I didn't throw something at his head."

I slumped down in the chair by the door and smiled weakly at him. "My home, huh? What happened to it being your manor?"

"Sharing with you isn't so bad." James knelt in front of me and took my hands in his, concern shining in his eyes. "Are you feeling well, darling?"

"I kind of feel sick, actually." The headache pounded behind my right eye and through my temple, and I was nauseous. "I thought you weren't speaking to me."

"I couldn't stay away, not when you're hurting."

"I'll be fine. It's just a stress headache."

"You need to lie down."

"No, I need to work." I rose from the chair and started down the hall to my office. "Didn't you say the other day that my book won't write itself?"

"You've worked on it plenty the last few nights. You've barely slept." James snatched hold of my arm, and the sudden sensation of cold fingers made me jump. He spun me around to face him. "You will rest, Kendall. That's final."

"Why do you care?" Perhaps it was the pain in my head, but I was losing patience. James had done nothing but jerk me around, being kind one moment and cold the next. Ignoring me for days on end. "I'm just some guy who lives here with you."

"You know damn well you're more than that."

"Yeah?" I tore my arm from his hold. "Doesn't seem like it."

James slid a hand into his pocket. "You're angry that I won't be with you."

"You're goddamn right I'm angry. But not because you don't want me like I want you. I could accept that. No. I'm fucking angry because you do want me but refuse to act on it. Stop being a coward and take what you want for a change."

"A coward?" His eyes burned into mine, and the coatrack flew across the room. I jumped as it crashed against the far wall. "Maybe I am. Can you blame me? My heart might not beat any longer, Kendall, but it can still be broken. And I have endured enough heartbreak to last two lifetimes."

"What about my heart? Huh? You're doing a damn good job at breaking it too, buddy."

Nausea swirled in my stomach, and my shoulder hit the wall as I lost my balance. And the pain...it felt like an icepick was being shoved into my eye socket. The dim light in the hallway was still too hard on my eyes, and I squeezed them shut.

"Kendall?"

I felt James' arms go around me.

And then the world fell away.

Done! So, a pretty eventful chapter. Of course, I had to leave it on a cliffhanger. :P But at least James and Dak are speaking to Kendall again!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, as well as if you happened to have a favorite part/moment!

Again, I hope you all enjoyed and that you all are staying safe and healthy out there! The next chapter of this will be up next week.

Until then!

-Epically Obsessed