“Can you help me with my corset?” she asks, turning around and dragging her hair over her shoulder to reveal the ribbons in the back.
“Yeah,” I stammer, hands shaking at the thought of touching her.
I’ve been a taut bowstring since our moment in the kitchen. My current case load is kicking my ass, so I’ve been in Boston more than I’d like. Between that and the boys, Halle and I haven’t had a second of time alone. Unable to resist the temptation, I dip my head and kiss her bare shoulder.
She lets out a tiny gasp that lights me up on the inside.
Stepping back, I study the corset, then tug on the ribbons. “Tight enough?”
She peeks over her shoulder at me. “Tighter.”
I make some adjustments to the way the ribbon runs through the eyelets, then pull a little harder. “How about now?”
“Mm,” she hums. “Just a little more.”
Again, I tighten it, wrapping each end around my fingers.
“That’s perfect.”
Careful not to let out any slack, I secure the ribbon and tie it into a bow. Then I release her.
With a sigh, she lets her hair fall down to cascade over her back and turns to face me.
God, she’s so fucking pretty. She has no idea how weak she makes me.
“What are you supposed to be? Zorro?”
I shake my head and adjust my mask when it slips a little. “Westley fromThe Princess Bride.”
Nose scrunching, she tilts her head. “Is that a book?”
My heart about gives out. With a hand to my chest, I give my head a solemn shake. “Halle, Halle, Halle,” I chant her name. “You’re telling me you’veneverwatchedThe Princess Bride?”
She winces. “Considering I assumed it was a book? No.”
Leaning against the doorway, I let out a deep sigh. “A shame, truly. You’re missing out on a masterpiece.”
This time it’s her lips that scrunch. “Why do I get the feeling you’re exaggerating and it’s actually terrible?”
Groaning, I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Not exaggerating. And no, it’s not terrible. It’s a classic. It’s Seda’s favorite movie at the moment, so she asked me to dress as Westley. She’s going as Buttercup.”
She narrows her eyes, like she thinks I’m fucking with her. “And who or what is Buttercup? A fairy? A flower?”
“She’s… you know what? We’ll have Seda over this week, and you can watch it with her. She’ll quiz you after, so be prepared.”
She chuckles. “Sounds?—”
A loud crash from down the hall cuts her off, and she darts away.
“Shit,” she curses as she bangs on the door. “Are you two decent?”
“Um… I guess,” one of the boys calls as I catch up.
Halle throws the door open, and we’re instantly greeted by the sight of a broken lamp. It’s lying on the floor, the base smashed and in several pieces.
Halle covers her face, muffling her groan. “What did you do?”
“It was him,” they say simultaneously, pointing to one another.
