Haunt Me Then: A Ghost Story Read online

  “I think there is something, or someone, here. The air feels electric,” James said.

  “The guy who built the house liked sex. Loved it even. He died having sex.”

  James’s eyes widened again. “He did?”

  Heath nodded. “It was the 1950s, and being gay wasn’t something you advertised. And Malcolm wasn’t just gay. He loved fucking more than one person at a time. He died pretty happy, I’d say. Between two men he’d picked up in a bar. One of them fucking him while he fucked the other.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I looked it up in the local paper. One of the guys sold the story and then fled. He wanted the cash for the tell-all, but then he had to get out before he got killed or run out of the community for being gay.” That was true, but Heath had garnered more details from Malcolm over the past few months.

  James looked around. “Is he here? That would be so cool.”

  Before Heath could think of a reply, Malcolm jumped on the chance James had given him.

  “I’m here,” Malcolm said, his voice richer and deeper than it typically was in Heath’s head.

  Heath tensed as he watched James go still. He turned slowly to look at Heath. “Is this really happening?”

  Heath sighed and nodded. “Yes, but it shouldn’t be.” He slumped against the wall. “Malcolm, you’re scaring him. You should’ve let me explain first.”

  “No, no, no! I’m not scared,” James said. He turned in a circle. “Can I see you?”

  “Perhaps in a dream,” Malcolm said. “It takes a lot of energy to manifest.”

  “Can you touch me?” James asked.

  “I’d give anything to touch a living person, but I can’t do so for more than a few seconds at a time. Nothing more than the lightest caress, something you’d barely feel.” Malcolm sighed, and James looked around.

  “That’s him sighing. That weird change in the air of the house,” Heath explained.

  “But you can see us? You want to watch?” James asked.

  “Oh, yes. I’ve been trying to persuade him ever since you arrived,” Malcolm said. “I threatened to possess you, actually.”

  “Malcolm!” Heath said.

  James, however, reached down and ran a hand over his cock, which could now be seen very clearly, even in the baggy shorts. “And what would that be like? Would I still feel everything?”

  Heath shook his head, wishing he could see Malcolm and look into his eyes. “No, Malcolm. No.”

  James looked over at him. “I was just asking. Sounds intriguing.”

  “You would feel my presence,” Malcolm said. “But you would also feel this gorgeous man fucking you. And so would I.”

  Heath watched James closely. “Tell him to fuck off, and he will. He’s stubborn, but he’s a gentleman deep down.”

  “Thank you, Heath.” Malcolm chuckled.

  “You ever done it before?” James asked.

  “No,” Heath said.

  “Aren’t you … curious?”

  “A little, but the idea worries me. He possessed someone before, briefly. It scared the guy very badly,” Heath explained. “I took him to the doctor because he thought he’d had a seizure or something. I couldn’t explain the truth without sounding crazy.”

  “I entered him rather suddenly. It was my fault,” Malcolm said.

  James walked over to Heath. “Maybe we just let him watch then.” He looked around. “That okay? I might feel more adventurous tomorrow.”

  “Honestly, I take what I can get,” Malcolm said. He sighed again. “And I’ll be quiet. Talking this much is wearing me out.”

  “It is?” James asked.

  “Yes.”

  James looked up into Heath’s eyes. “Guess I should be asking how you feel about this, huh?”

  “He’s my ghost,” Heath said. “I’m used to him.”

  Used to me? What a thing to say, my love, Malcolm said in Heath’s head.

  Don’t say that. You don’t love me, Heath replied.

  Yes, I do. Why do you think I want you to be happy? Fulfilled? Why do you think I linger so close to you? You get so upset every time I tell you I love you. I don’t understand why.

  “You okay?” James asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine. He’s still talking to me in my head,” Heath said. “It’s how he usually communicates. It doesn’t sap his energy.”

  “Oh.” James looked down the hall. “Where’s your bedroom?”

  “Over here,” Heath said, taking the younger man’s hand and leading him into the room.

  Malcolm went on in Heath’s mind. You’d prefer that I simply be lecherous? I’m sorry my feelings offend you so much, Heath. I care for you. I can’t help it.

  It’s only been six months, Heath replied as he began to undress, trying to keep his eyes on James. They’d never talked about this before, but Malcolm seemed so serious right now. It scared Heath in more ways than one.

  We’ll talk later. Touch him. I want to feel your pleasure. It’s all I ever want, Heath.

  Suddenly, everything Malcolm had done since they’d “met” took on a different meaning. Malcolm had introduced himself a month after Heath had moved in. Looking back, Malcolm urging Heath to masturbate appeared to be more about Heath’s pleasure than Malcolm’s. It also put a new context on how upset Malcolm had been when the possession didn’t work out. Malcolm had wanted to have sex with Heath. Sleeping with James felt strange now, but Heath didn’t think he could explain it properly. And he knew his arousal wouldn’t go away, even if they stopped.

  Heath blinked as he realized they were both naked. James took off his glasses and then came over and put his hands gently on Heath’s waist. “This is the most interesting hook up I’ve ever had. You’re okay with this?”

  “Yes, I am. Just strange for someone to know about Malcolm.”

  James looked around yet again, and Heath wondered if he was hoping Malcolm would appear. “I think I like him,” James said. “He was a good-looking man. Seems fond of you.” He pressed closer, his cock rubbing against Heath’s thigh. “I’m fine with him watching.”

  Heath leaned in and kissed James to silence his own thoughts. Their earlier embrace had been far more heated, but now they moved slowly and explored each other. Heath went down on his knees, wondering if he would feel something from Malcolm as he sucked James’s cock. Usually he was only vaguely aware of Malcolm’s presence, the man speaking to him every now and then when he touched another man. Was Malcolm jealous? Did it hurt his feelings? Heath had never worried about it before, but he’d also never taken Malcolm’s feelings seriously before.

  Stop worrying about me. Touch him, Heath, please. It makes me happy.

  Heath chose to believe Malcolm, and he took James’s cock in hand. He suckled the tip and pumped before taking more into his mouth. James sighed and moaned softly, and Heath looked up to see James watching him. Heath took James deeper and ran his hands up and down James’s thighs. He got lost in the act, and he started a bit when James came. Afterwards, James collapsed back on the bed and pulled Heath onto the mattress with him.

  “That felt so good,” James whispered. “Would you like to fuck me? Want me to suck you?”

  “What do you want?” Heath whispered back.

  “I don’t know. I’m reeling a bit. I really like you.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah. It’s pretty fast. For something that could be more than fucking.” James ran his hand over Heath’s chest. “And I’m making a fool of myself.” He rolled to his back. “I just met you, and we’re about to fuck, and I’m over here overanalyzing everything.”

  Heath took James by the chin and made him look at him. “It’s fine to stop. I don’t want you to regret this. I like you, too, even if we did just meet.”

  James propped up on his elbows. “How about I suck you off? I do want to touch you.”

  “Okay.”

  Heath moved to the center of the bed and spread his legs, and James climbed on top of him. They
kissed tenderly for a bit, and Heath caressed James all over. Eventually, James moved down and kissed Heath’s chest and stomach. He circled his tongue around one nipple and then teased it with his teeth before he inched down.

  Heath felt Malcolm close as James sucked his cock. James went slow, the way Heath had, and it felt amazing. No one had ever sucked him so well, so perfect in every little move and lick. He cried out when he came, his head spinning as he tried to figure out who he was thinking of, James or Malcolm.

  As James moved up to kiss him, Heath realized he was thinking of them both.

  Chapter Two

  Heath woke up with James in his arms. He rubbed at his eyes with one hand and simply lay there. James didn’t stir at all, and his breathing was low and even.

  Good morning, Malcolm said.

  Good morning.

  Silence ensued for a little while before Malcolm went on. I’m sorry if I upset you. At first, I wasn’t sure why last night was so different. I thought it might be because James knew about me, but then I thought about it some more.

  Heath waited. When Malcolm didn’t explain, he asked, What conclusion did you come to?

  Usually, you tell me to shut up or fuck off when I mention love. Last night, you actually denied it. I couldn’t let you do that, so I insisted. Guess I should have done so sooner. I think I’ve shocked you. I’m a perverted ghost to you. Nothing more.

  Malcolm, that’s not fair. Don’t put words in my mouth.

  I’m in your head. I know how you’re feeling. What my statement did to you. I’ve confused you. Upset you.

  Heath tried to focus his thoughts. But you can’t read my every thought. Even you told me that. You can only glean facts from what I’m thinking about.

  Malcolm sighed, the room going a little cold. And you’re thinking about what to do next. Just promise me you won’t leave.

  I have to leave. James needs help with his car.

  No, Heath. I meant that I don’t want you to move because of what I feel for you.

  Heath shifted a little on the bed. I love this house. I’m not going to leave because of this. But you know I might not live here the rest of my life, right?

  Malcolm didn’t reply.

  Why haven’t you moved on? What holds you here? You won’t ever tell me.

  Heath felt Malcolm’s presence fade somewhat.

  Don’t run from me. My reaction doesn’t mean I don’t care.

  Heath felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time, a couple of fingers against his cheek. And it wasn’t James. Malcolm couldn’t become completely solid and really touch him, but he could muster enough energy for a very light touch like that one.

  Malcolm, I’m sorry.

  James began to wake up then. He snuggled closer for a moment and then looked up. “Hey. Good morning.”

  “Morning,” Heath said, happy to be there with James even though he felt confused about his and Malcolm’s relationship now.

  James pulled away and propped on his elbow. “I wanted to thank you. For last night. I came on to you to begin with. You could’ve pushed for sex, and you didn’t.”

  Heath drew James closer. “There are words for guys like that. You don’t have to thank me for anything.”

  “But I’m still going to.” James kissed his cheek. “Can I make you breakfast?”

  “That sounds great. I don’t have a lot. Maybe just some eggs and bread for toast.”

  “That’s fine.” James sat up and reached for his glasses and then his boxers. “Is Malcolm around all the time?”

  “Sometimes he goes dormant. Like he’s sleeping or storing up energy. But if I call out to him, he’s always right there.”

  “Were you scared of him at first?”

  “A little bit. He came to me in a dream first and said he was going to make contact. Even though I didn’t believe him, it prepared me in a way.” He studied James. “You don’t seem afraid at all.”

  “I’m not. It’s amazing. And he’s amazing.” He nodded to the ceiling. “Does he want his portrait up there? Something special about the room?”

  “No, nothing special. He used it for storage. I’ve never moved it down here, and he’s never asked me to.”

  “You like living here? With him?”

  Heath had no idea how to answer that question. “It’s odd at times, but it also helps me not to feel lonely. I work from home, so I need socialization.” He laughed. “Not that a ghost is great for that, but it’s someone to talk to. He was born in 1925, so he’s not ancient. Lots of people have lived here, so he’s moved with the times. Learned. I don’t feel like he’s a guy who’d be pushing a hundred years old.”

  James smiled as he got dressed in Heath’s shorts again. “I think it’s cool.”

  Heath bolted out of bed. “Shit, I forgot the clothes in the washing machine. I’ll go toss it all in the dryer real quick.”

  “Okay. I’ll scramble up some eggs, if that’s all right.”

  Heath nodded and slipped into his boxers. He hustled down to the laundry room. He sorted through his clothes and picked out the few things that needed to be hung. He checked the directions on James’s shirt before tossing it into the dryer and set everything going. He hung a few of his t-shirts on the wire he’d strung in the corner and then leaned against the washing machine.

  “Malcolm?” he whispered.

  You’re making too much of this.

  “You went quiet on me.”

  I’m sorry. I felt bad for upsetting you.

  “Can we talk about this some more?”

  What is there to discuss? You know how I feel, and it’s going to change things. I understand.

  “You still feel the full range of emotions the way you did when you were alive?”

  Yes, but I never loved anyone when I was alive. I have no idea what keeps me here, but since you came, it hasn’t been so bad. I’m happy just having you in the house, which my living self would laugh at. I was never sentimental when I was alive.

  “Will you be jealous if I ever fall in love?”

  Yes, but not in the way you think. I would never harm someone you cared for or try to keep you from being with him. I would be envious, yes, but if you were happy, I wouldn’t interfere.

  “Would you try to possess him?”

  Malcolm was silent almost a minute. I won’t enter anyone without their permission again. But if given the chance? Yes, I would possess another man so I could make love to you.

  Heath closed his eyes and sighed.

  Yes, I said make love, not fuck. I had to hide my true self when I was alive. I won’t hide now.

  “And I wouldn’t want you to do that. I need to go, all right?”

  I’ll be here. Go help your new friend. I like him. He was a kind spirit.

  “Yes, he’s very nice.” Heath pushed away from the washer and went back upstairs. James was plating a pile of scrambled eggs, and he smiled as Heath came into the room.

  “I got through to a towing company. They said it would be a little over an hour. They’ll call when they head this way.”

  “Great. I was just about to look someone up.” Heath got juice out and poured two glasses, noting that James had started the coffee already.

  “Everything okay with Malcolm?” James asked as they sat down. “I mean, he’s kind of like your roommate.”

  “He’s fine. Thinks I got too upset about … last night.”

  “You did seem a little freaked when he started talking. But I completely understand. Most people would’ve been scared.”

  “You didn’t seem to be. At all.”

  “Maybe I would be if I was alone. But he hasn’t hurt you.”

  “No. I don’t think he’d ever hurt anyone.”

  James focused on his eggs as Heath got up and poured them both coffee. When Heath sat back down, James asked, “You’re pretty good friends with him?”

  “Yeah.”

  James chewed on the side of his lower lip for a moment. “Can I confess something?”
r />   Heath felt his stomach pitch a little. “Sure.”

  “I felt him in my head. Heard him.” James gave a shy smile. “He told me how to suck you, and he was completely right about what you would like. How to make you come.” He cleared his throat. “He has feelings for you, even if he is dead.”

  “I know,” Heath said quietly.

  James speared the last of his eggs and chewed slowly before picking up his untouched cup of coffee. “How do you feel about him?”

  “He’s my friend.”

  James looked over at him and took another sip before setting his cup down and reaching for his juice. He glanced down into the glass but didn’t drink. “Look, I’m not saying I want to whip out the pottery wheel and do the whole Ghost thing, but if you want to be with him that way, I think it’s kind of romantic.”

  “The whole ghost thing?” Heath asked, confused.

  James laughed softly. “So you know literature but not pop culture?”

  The reference finally clicked for Heath. “Oh, the movie. I gotcha.” He sighed. “I’m not sure about my feelings for Malcolm. He’s a ghost.”

  “But isn’t he still a man?” James crossed his arms and leaned them on the table. “You were reading a story about a ghost last night. One lover is dead, right? I looked the synopsis up on my phone real quick as I got things together to cook the eggs. I just met you, but I can tell something’s going on here.”

  “It’s … complicated.”

  James nodded slowly. “I can tell.” He glanced around the room. “And he can hear all this, can’t he? Guess that makes it awkward for you.”

  “A little. It’s hard to keep secrets from him. I don’t even really try anymore.”

  “I’m not bothering to hide that I like you. That I want to spend more time with you.”

  “That’s fine.” He paused. “I like you, too.”

  “You said you work from home,” James said after a long pause. “Am I keeping you from work?”

  “I teach online classes. I completely make my own schedule.”

  “Wow, that sounds great.”

  “It is. I go to campus every now and then and have open office hours. Talk to my boss and colleagues. But most of the time, I’m just here.”

  “What do you teach?”