A Fresh Start Read Online Free PDF Page A

the bathroom.
    “So, you want me to help you move your stuff over to the Seymours?”
    “I think I’ll just stay here. I don’t want to trouble anyone.”
    “Well, new-girl-in-town, they love having people over.”
    Paige opened her mouth to speak, but she jumped and his head snapped to the side when a loud thud echoed from downstairs.
    “Stay here.”
    Her face blanched as she crossed her arms, her fingers clutched tightly around them. “It’s probably just the cabinet.”
    He thought she didn’t believe in ghost, then why was she so frightened? “Yeah, I’m sure. You want to check it out with me?”
    He didn’t know why he offered. He wasn’t the chivalrous kind of guy; he was always more of a mind-his-own-business kind of person.
    “Yes.”
    “Let’s go.”
    He waited for her before moving toward the stairs. He had just taken a few steps down when a bright light flashed outside the window and the lights in the house went out.
    Not much had changed in this town. Blackout was a common occurrence during thunder storms.  
    A sudden roar of thunder followed almost instantly and he heard Paige gasp.  
    He stretched his hand out and placed it on Paige’s shoulder.  
    She screamed at his touch and took a step back.  
    Then, he felt her grip on his arm as she fell back.
    Tightening his grip on her shoulder, he took a step closer and wrapped his arm over her waist. He pulled her close, stabling her. “It’s okay, it’s me,” he said. “It’s just me,” he repeated.
    Another flash of lightning temporarily brought some lights into the house and he looked down at one of her hands clinging onto his shirt. “You all right?”
    She nodded and released his shirt. “Yes. I’m sorry,” she mumbled, smoothing down his shirt. “Sorry.”
    He let go of her shoulder, but kept his arm around her waist. “Let’s go outside for a while. Be careful, we’re on the stairs.” He guided her down the stairs and opened the front door.
    Once outside, he nudged her back against the wall to keep her out of the rain.
    The small sheltered remained as useless as it was and they were quickly getting wet from the rain.
    “What happened to the Paige who wasn’t frightened of ghost?” he teased when he saw the disquiet in her eyes.
    She closed her eyes and shook her head. “It isn’t ghosts that I’m afraid of.”
    His attempt at lightening the mood failed terribly. “Hey,” he said softly and waited for her to look at him. “I was joking. Do you have a torchlight or some candles in the house?”
    “No.”
    “Wait here, I’ve got one in my car.” He pulled the towel from his shoulders and draped it over her shoulders and head.
    Sprinting over to his car, he opened the passenger’s side door, and took the torchlight in his glove compartment before returning to Paige.
    She handed him the towel as he got closer. “I know it’s already wet, but it’s the only towel I have.”
    “You gave me the only towel you have?” He shook his head and flung the towel over her. “Stay here.” I’ll check out what that sound was.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “It’s probably just the cabinets,” he assured.  
    He entered the house again and used the torchlight to guide himself into the kitchen. He knew the stories to the house was nonsensical, but his heart couldn’t help thumping away.
    All the ridiculous stories he’d heard began playing through his head, sending his heart rate up another notch.
    When the light from his torch found the piece of cabinet door on the floor, he sighed and grinned. Heading up the stairs to Paige’s room. He took her luggage and went back outside.
    “What are you doing?” she asked when she saw her luggage in his hand.
    “It’s just the cabinet, but you’re staying over at the Seymours tonight.”
    “No, there’s no need. I’m fine.”
    “You want to stumble around your house in the dark?”
    “Can’t you fix that?”
    “I can, but I won’t.”
    Paige brows drew closer. “Why