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We finished our tour of the marsh and paddled toward shore. I didn’t see any indication of the monster’s presence, not that I was surprised. The marsh was the perfect place to hide. Maybe I should’ve gone there instead of Evermore. Less paperwork.

A motorboat sped past us, sending ripples in our direction. The water swelled, tipping the kayak to the side. I slipped into the water.

Not again.

When my head broke the surface, I saw Vale still secure in the kayak, laughing.

“My library has standards,” he said, helping me back into my seat without capsizing us. “I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to shower before you’re permitted to enter. The residue could ruin the pages.”

“You’ll get no argument from me.” At this point, I felt worse than disgusting.

Vale and I said our goodbyes to Ben and promised we’d be in touch.

The historic house that served as Vale’s family seat overlooked one of the most atmospheric squares in downtown Savannah, which was saying something. Four massive trees marked the corners of the square, their sturdy branches reaching for each other. Benches on each side of the square faced the fontal centerpiece. I kept my balance on the uneven cobblestone.

As I entered through the gate, I spotted a familiar peach symbol, ubiquitous around Vale’s stately home, including sculpted in the iron gates. The Georgia peach doubled as the Taoist symbol of immortality, which seemed appropriate for the son of a god.

Vale directed me to one of the upstairs guest bedrooms that had its own bathroom. He wisely chose to stay downstairs. I wasn’t sure I could handle getting undressed, knowing he was just on the other side of the door. After that combustible kiss, I didn’t trust myself.

The shower was luxurious. Vale’s guest bathroom was better stocked for a woman than my bathroom at home. Lavender body wash. Peony shampoo. I walked out of there smelling like an English garden.

I found Vale in the library, perusing a book the size of an epic fantasy novel. “Any luck?” I asked.

“Not yet.” He spun to face me. “You look refreshed.”

“I feel much better, thanks.”

“Are you hungry? I had food prepared in case.”

I was famished. “I should check with Penny first. Make sure everything is okay.” I sent a quick text. She replied within seconds; no doubt her hand was glued to the phone while she waited to hear from me.

“Penny gave me the green light.”

Vale snapped the book closed and set it on the coffee table. “Perfect. We’ll have a quick bite, then come back here for research.”

“Where is everybody?” I asked, as we walked along the hallway to the kitchen and dining area.

“A variety of places,” he said.

“Not vague at all.” My sarcasm dissipated the moment I laid eyes on the table. “Merciful gods, are those hush puppies?”

“With honey butter.”

I sat, slathered a hush puppy in honey butter, and took a blissful bite. The second it touched my tongue, I forgot all about the monster, about Penny, about my inconvenient feelings for Vale.

It was glorious.

“My compliments to the chef,” I said in between manic bites. I devoured the hush puppy and scanned the table for my next orgasmic experience. Fried catfish and coleslaw completed the meal. The gates to food heaven were wide open.

I tried to slow down out of politeness, but my stomach was a bottomless pit without mercy. I washed it all down with a refreshing Arnold Palmer. I couldn’t have eaten better in a restaurant.

“This was incredible, Vale. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He finished the last piece of catfish on his plate. “Do you feel satiated enough now to focus on research?”

“It’s either that or a long nap.”

“I have a bedroom for you if you need it.”