She closed the door and spread her arms out to the side. “Awesome, isn’t it?”
“I don’t even know what to say. I watched an episode last night, just to refresh my memory about the show, and I have to say, you are one sick bitch.”
She threw her head back and laughed, imagining which random episode he viewed, because, after all, Dexter was a sociopath. He was also brilliant. “It was an amazing series.”
“You look exactly like him. Down to every detail.”
She put on Dexter’s signature sly smile and said, in a deadpan voice, “I love Halloween. The one time of year when everyone wears a mask, not just me. People think it’s fun to pretend you’re a monster. Me, I spend my life pretending I’m not.”
Robert’s face went blank, and he took two large steps backward.
Amber burst out laughing again. “That’s a line from one of the first episodes.”
He exhaled, and his hand went to his chest. “You scared me there for a minute.”
Maybe she knew Dexter too well. “OK. Let’s get you dressed. Or, rather, undressed.”
“I’m not sure about this.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to suffocate all night wrapped in plastic.”
“Problem solved.” She already contemplated that he might get overheated and found a solution. “Here.” She took a plastic shopping bag off the counter. “You can wear this.”
“What is it?” He took the bag from her but didn’t open it, apprehension clear in the way he handled the package.
“A flesh-colored leotard.”
“A leotard?”
“Just try it on.” She knew the leotard might not work out, so she had a backup plan but didn’t want to tell him about it just yet.
She followed him to the bedroom, where she leaned against the door frame and watched him undress. First, he tossed his shirt onto the bed, revealing an upper body that oozed power and strength. His chest and shoulders were perfect. Not overly bulky or huge, but big enough to know this man was a football player.
She was so busy watching the muscles in his arms flex that she didn’t realize he had removed his jeans until his taut thighs caught her attention. Robert stood there in nothing but black Calvin Kleins, and she was riveted.
“What?” he asked, when he saw her staring, totally unaware of the effect he had on her.
She needed to take a deep breath and remind herself that they were on their way to a party where she was going to meet all of Robert’s friends and that she was already dressed in her costume. A quickie meant she’d have to put herself together as Dexter Morgan all over again, and by the way Robert described his friends, there would be definite speculation and ribbing about why they were so late, since Robert had told her that he often showed up early to help Manny set up.
The sexy striptease in front of her left her heart racing, and she patted her chest to get it to calm down. “Nothing,” she finally answered. “Aren’t you going to put on the leotard?”
“No. I decided I’m not wearing that thing.” It was out of the bag now and spread across the bed. “It’s going to hug my junk, and I’m going to look like my body is shaved clean. The guys would tease me all night, especially after a few drinks, and I’m sure I’d never hear the end of it. I’m going to wear my underwear and deal with the sweat. Halfway through the night everybody starts to ditch pieces of their costume anyway.”
When Amber finished wrapping him up, they stood side by side in the mirror, and they looked awesome. Unfortunately, it turned out that Robert couldn’t get into the car with his arms pinned to his sides and his body wrapped in plastic, so they had to return to the house and start over. He ended up wearing athletic shorts and a tank top, and when they got to Manny’s she wrapped him up Dexter Morgan style.
Music and loud voices could be heard from the curb. Manny lived in Montclair, in a very upscale area, so the rambunctious party seemed out of place in the quiet well-to-do neighborhood. “Aren’t the neighbors going to complain about the noise?”
“Nah. They’re cool.”
Poor Robert practically waddled up to the door, his arms plastered to his sides. He jutted his chin toward the handle. “It should be open.”
“I’m sorry,” Amber apologized. “I know your costume is very restrictive. Thanks again for wearing it for me.”
“No problem. As long as you hold my drink for me all night, I’ll be OK.”
He was such a good sport, never complaining.
“Robert!” someone shouted as soon as they stepped inside.
A group of guys, presumably Robert’s college buddies, rushed toward him. They gave him slaps on the back and they exchanged loud, happy greetings. A few gave him chest bumps, which was comical considering Robert was wrapped up like a loaf of bread.
