Pick-Me-Up

By Megan Slayer

Nic Kristol wants one thing for Christmas -- a second chance. Being dead makes second chances hard, but the moment he sees Jon, he’s determined to meet the handsome man.

Jon Ruhle thought he’d given up on romance, but along came Nic. He’s drawn to the mysterious man and would love to spend the holidays together. There’s just one problem -- Nic’s a spirit. Will he and Nic find their forever together or apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Nov 23, 2018

Megan Slayer

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Book preview

apart?

Chapter One

A guy and a spirit walk into a bar. No one can see either entity, but they feel the electricity, Jon Ruhle said. Too bad I can’t meet a guy or a spirit that makes me feel alive.

Jon stared at the calendar on his phone. December 17th. He’d wanted to have a boyfriend by now. A date would be good, too. But no. He was alone again. His last boyfriend had called him a freak. Brett, his ex-lover, swore he couldn’t understand why Jon talked to his cat. Didn’t everyone carry on conversations with their pets? He thought they did.

He held his hand out to his cat, Willie Gus. When the feline neared, he scratched behind Willie Gus’s ears. You didn’t like Brett, did you? Jon asked.

Willie Gus stared at him. The cat had the odd ability to know how Jon felt and react accordingly. Every time Brett had come over, Willie Gus hissed. He’d swatted at Brett four times that Jon knew about and probably more that he didn’t.

What was so bad about him? Besides him hating cats, demanding we listen to his music and no one else’s, his insistence on chowing down my ice cream and not buying any to replace it and his ability to forget I existed once we entered the clubs… Jon paused. Okay, so he’s kind of a dick. He had redeeming qualities. Didn’t he? If Brett did, then Jon couldn’t recall one.

The cat blinked. Had he scowled, too? Probably.

God. The depression would drag Jon under if he wasn’t careful. But he hadn’t been able to shake the black mood. The breakup with Brett felt like more than he could handle. If he didn’t get out of himself, he’d never get over his jerk of an ex-boyfriend.

I’m going to try something new, Jon said. "Remember me telling you about that bistro, Kim’s Place? That’s the new bar I went to a few times with Brett."

Willie Gus said nothing -- not that Jon expected him to reply. He plopped onto his side and licked his back leg.

Jon marveled at the cat’s dexterity. He swore if he could bend like that, he’d never leave the house. Why have a boyfriend if you could lick your own balls?

He sighed. Why was he telling the cat about his plans for the evening? Because Willie Gus was the only one who listened. Jon had once thought he could see spirits. Hadn’t he spoken to the ghost of his grandmother? Brett swore he was crazy. Maybe so. Jon still believed he’d talked to his MeMaw.

Anyway, I’m going to see if I can catch the eye of the server, Nic. He’s adorable. No, adorable didn’t begin to describe Nic. The guy had muscles everywhere, a toned tush, a great sense of style -- despite the bland server garb -- personality in spades, and those eyes. Jon could get lost in Nic’s deep brown eyes. He focused on the cat. I love how easygoing Nic can be. He frowned. Do you think he’s doing it to get a bigger tip? Or because he’s really interested? Was he wrong to want to pay for the positive attention? Maybe.

Probably.

His phone rang. The cat growled, then darted from the counter. Jon swiped to check the listing on the screen. The library. What in the hell were they calling him for? He wasn’t on the schedule for that evening and besides, the library closed in half an hour. He answered, despite his better judgment to leave well enough alone. Hello?

Hi. Are you home?

He knew that voice. Brett. No, I’m out. Liar. He’d be leaving soon, but hadn’t gone yet. Why?

You sound like I’m being mean, Brett said. I wanted to see what you’re doing.

I’m out. He refused to give his ex any details.

Would you be able to swing by the library and cover for me tonight? I’ve got somewhere I need to be, Brett said. I could use your help. You’re always good for a favor.

Not tonight. He kept his voice level, despite wanting to scream. You’re trying to get out early to meet a guy, and you want me to close so I’ll see you with this guy. It’s your standard operating procedure.

I’m hurt. Brett whimpered. I don’t do that.

It’s seven-thirty and the library closes at eight, Jon said. You can cool your heels for thirty minutes. You can handle closing, and I don’t want to leave my date in order to help you. I’m not the boss.

Jon.

The poutiness in Brett’s voice grated on Jon’s nerves. No.

You were more fun when we were together, Brett said. You weren’t so angry.

"Maybe it’s