She aimed at my arm again. I ducked just in time.
“Easy there.” I held up both hands. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“What do you get off on zombie-chasing women through the streets of New York?” She crossed her arms, nostrils flaring. “Why are you dressed like that, anyway?”
“Halloween’s my favorite holiday. Every year at Rex and Richard’s Zombie Ball, my costumes get more elaborate. Won the contest, as you saw. I pointed at you.”
“You could have warned me about what you were doing when you left me on the dance floor.”
“You’re probably right. I should have, but Brianne used to make fun of my passion for cosplay at Halloween. I wasn’t sure what your reaction would be. Especially this year. I went all out, hiring a special FX artist to create my mask and make it look real.”
Her lips twitched, fighting a grin. “You were convincingly zombie-stalker-ish.”
“Judging by how fast you bolted, I’d say they earned their paycheck.” I peeled another strip of glue from my chin, wincing as it tugged at stubble. “Dammit—hurts worse than a dull razor.”
“Karma’s a bitch.” She chuckled, and that earned her a full grin from me. “And I’m not like Brianne. I actually think it’s pretty cool you did this.”
“You do? You weren’t leaving already, were you? The party’s not over yet.” I’d spotted her earlier, desperate to talk but keeping my distance. Until she was alone on the dance floor with some asswipe vampire moving in on her. The idiot had no idea this was zombie territory. I swooped in before he could and staked a claim I had no right to. No regrets, even though touching her, moving with her to the music, completely unhinged me.
“I was here with Brier, but she turned into Princess Bride and got swept away by Westley. I’m ready to go home.”
Truth was, after doggie daycare, I’d sworn myself off Penny—not because of her, but because of Brianne. The ghost of girlfriends past. Because of Rex and Richard’s worries, I let it all twist in my head until it became one big, stupid excuse.
Seeing Penny now, regret hit like a wrecking ball that I’d stayed away.
My throat worked. “Look, let me make it up to you. I’ll take you home, but zombies gotta eat. I know a great diner on the way to Brier’s house.”
She sighed, looking around, making me sweat it out for her answer. “It’s the least you could do for scaring me half to death.”
“On my zombie honor, there’ll be no more scares tonight. No tricks, just treats,” I quipped.
We headed back toward the hotel valet. She filled me in on Brier and Westley, her voice bright despite everything. When the attendant pulled up with my ride, the throaty growl of a V-twin cut through the night, startling her. I gestured to my Harley, chrome gleaming under the parking lot lights.
I held out the helmet. “Your chariot, Ms. Frankenstein.”
Her eyes widened. “You expect me to ride on a motorcycle? I figured you’d have a sports car or something.”
“I have a few of those too,” I said with a shrug. “Don’t tell me you’re scared to ride.”
“Of course I’m scared. You’re a zombie with a death wish to ride this thing.”
“Trust me, this Harley will purr between your legs. Come on. You already survived a chase with the undead tonight, Penny. Live a little more.” I slipped the helmet over her head and kissed the spot where her forehead would be. “Relax. You’ve got tights on. Hike your dress up and hold on to me tight. I’ll only go as fast or as slow as you like it. Promise.”
I shrugged out of my leather jacket and draped it around her shoulders. I swung my leg over the bike.
She gave me a slow, thorough once-over. “You know you look really hot on that thing, don’t you?”
“I’ll be even hotter with you sitting behind me.” I put the zombie mask back on and held out my hand for her join me.
She steadied herself on my arm and climbed on. Her hands hovered uncertainly at my sides before she gathered a fistful of my tee. That wouldn’t do. I reached back, caught her wrists, and pulled them around me.
The moment her palms flattened to my stomach, my muscles flexed. Electricity shot through me, wild and searing.
The engine roared to life; the vibration echoing up my spine. Penny pressed closer, holding on for dear life. I liked it way too much. Resisting her more? Impossible. Tonight could either be the best night of my life—or my biggest regret.
Throughout our Boo-BerryliciousPie at the corner diner, we talked and laughed, stretching the night as far as we could. Penny brushed her hand over mine at some dumb joke I made, and it set me on fire. It was nice to have an audience who got my sense of humor.
The way her smile lit up her face—I must have been living under an eclipse for years. In the presence of her light, I wanted more.
