Ryan doesn’t expect too much from his weekend at the Shadows and Souls fan convention in Tahoe -- he wants to meet his online friends, engage in a few heated debates about the plot for the upcoming season, and maybe shake the hand of the TV show’s star, Johnny Marlowe. But his weekend goes off course almost immediately after his arrival. First, the hotel loses his booking. Then Johnny Marlowe talks to him like they’re actual friends. And while his head is still spinning, a ghost attacks him in the elevator.<br><br>Despite fighting ghosts every week on television, Johnny Marlowe does not believe in the spirit world. However, he does believe he should get to know Ryan better. Fan or not, the man is not only gorgeous, he’s down-to-earth, fun, and makes Johnny forget about the fake life he’s forced to lead and the ex-boyfriend who refused to participate in the charade. Unfortunately, every time Johnny tries to get close to the handsome ginger, something explodes or the earth shakes or lights blink out -- and none of that is as sexy as it sounds.<br><br>Johnny doesn’t believe in ghosts, but he knows he has to get to the bottom of this haunting if he ever wants to get close to his biggest fan.

Between the Shadow and the Soul

With nothing else to do and exhaustion weighing on his legs and shoulders, he trundled to the nearest wingback chair and collapsed against the cool leather, his duffle bag resting between his feet. From where he sat, he could see the lake through the huge front window, looking as placid and blue as ever. He liked it. Maybe spending the weekend at one of the casinos wouldn’t be too bad if he could get close to the lake. Exploring could be fun. But not as much fun as meeting Johnny Marlowe. He would camp out in the lobby if he had to, but he was absolutely not going to leave this hotel.


Chapter 3