“Oh, man. I haven’t had a Stella in a thousand years.” She took it from me and cracked the top and took a sip. Her lips were wet when she finished and I wanted to move in closer.
The fact that I wanted to so badly made my feet stick firmly a foot away. “What are you doing back?”
“Saw the lights were still on. I couldn’t sleep.”
“You still have your costume on.”
She took another sip. “You do too.”
“Did you know Velma was my favorite character on Scooby Doo?”
“Is that so?” She drained the bottle.
“Yes.”
“I looked up your Matt Murdock. I must say, you fill out the suit a bit more than he does.”
“Is that a good thing?” I moved in a little closer, unable to help myself.
She lifted her foot to touch my leg. “You are well aware of your appeal, Tate Reynolds.”
“These days there are dollar signs in women’s eyes. It’s hard to discern interest or...”
“Someone who sees you as a meal ticket? I know the feeling well.”She hopped down and pressed the empty bottle to my midsection. “Want to take one last trip through the maze with me, Tate?”
I swallowed hard.
I should say no.
I had responsibilities to my people who were all congregated near the trailer. Music was playing and laughter floated over to us.
“Yes.”
She took off up the hill toward the maze, those long legs eating up ground. I set both of our bottles on the fence and took off after her. She threw a grin over her shoulder and picked up speed.
The thrill of the chase thickened my blood. I gripped my mask tighter as I lengthened my stride and caught up to her.
Just before I got too close she darted through the mouth of the maze.
I panted with exertion and the first bit of excitement I’d felt in a damn long time. I fitted my mask over my head and followed her inside. The fog machine had been turned off, but so had the string lights, leaving it quiet and dark. Just the occasional glow from one of the animatronics giving me a clue to where I was going.
I followed the sound of her breath.
The narrowed vision of my mask added to the anticipation.
I rounded the bend, the sound of footsteps leading me deeper into the maze.
My heart pounded in my ears as I tried to calm my system so I could use my other senses. The hint of her perfume told me I was on the right path. Spicy and warm, it urged me closer.
I made another turn and swallowed an oath as I nearly ran into one of the zombies.
Her laughter had me backtracking, then I paused to get my bearings. “Amber,” I said on a low voice.
I caught her quick intake in breath and realized where I was in the maze. I’d help put it together after all. I took two rights and a left and caught the whisper of her clothing.
I reached for her and caught the edge of her sweater.
She wiggled out of my hold with a throaty laugh and dipped to the right.
