It’s weird seeing her without the usual glitter and shimmer that defines her. Instead, she’s draped in my clothes, dark and edgy.
“Yeah, well, you make me wear all the sparkles every damn year.” I gesture to her glittery jacket on my shoulders. I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that forms on my lips. “You’re gonna survive one night in leather, Rosie.”
She sighs dramatically, a teasing smile breaking through her pout. “Next year, we need real costumes.”
I laugh, nudging her. “Sure,Nova.”
We push our way into the packed garage, brushing past kids from school and strangers alike, all dressed in whatever Halloween costumes they could pull together. The smell of alcohol and cheap perfume permeates the air, and sweat glistens on everyone’s skin under the dim, flickering lights. Loud music shakes the walls, vibrating through the ground. Fake cobwebs hang low from the ceiling, grazing our heads as we make our way farther in. It’s chaotic and messy, but it’s perfect. Exactly where I want to be.
There’s an itch under my skin, the kind that tells mehe’sclose by, so I eagerly scan the crowd. Then, like I knew he would, Ace appears, cutting through the people in his ridiculous magician outfit.
Black suit, cape, a top hat that looks a little too perfect for this kind of party, and a wand in his hand. He walks with that cocky swagger that only he can pull off as his eyes sweep over the room until they land on Rosalee.
“Hey, Trouble, too cool for a costume?” He steps up to her with a grin, showing no hesitation as he wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her close, leaning in for a kiss.
“Ew!” Rosalee pushes him away, her face scrunching up in disgust. “What the hell?”
Ace blinks, confusion flashing across his face. “What?—”
That’s when I lose it, a loud laugh bursting from me, and I double over, clutching my sides. “Oh my God, Ace, are you serious?” I manage between fits of giggles.
Rosalee shoots him a glare, crossing her arms. “You seriously can’t tell us apart?”
Ace looks from her to me, realization dawning as he rubs his neck, and a sheepish grin spreads across his face. “There is no fucking way anybody could tell you two apart,” he mutters, shaking his head. “I normally know because Glitter is… glittery.”
Rosalee raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Not good enough, asshole.”
Ace finally turns to me, his eyes narrowing as he strides over and attempts his earlier action again by wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me against him. “All right,” he whispers as his lips brush against mine. “You got me.”
My laughter fades as Ace’s hand settles on my hip, the familiar warmth soothing. He kisses me then, and I can’t helpbut smile as my fingers curl into the fabric of his magician’s coat to pull him closer.
“You look like such a good boy tonight,” I tease, pulling back only enough to meet his gaze. “The suit, the hat… very good-boy energy.”
Ace’s lips curve into a smirk. “Hey, I wanna be good. Life’s not letting me.” He leans in again, kissing me deeper and longer this time, his hand sliding up to tangle in my hair.
When he pulls back, his eyes search my face, taking in the glittery eyeshadow and the shimmering jacket before he cringes. “This feels fucking wrong.” His fingers brush over my cheekbone. “You look weird.”
“Shut up, idiot,” Rosalee interjects, rolling her eyes. “How about you tell her she looks beautiful instead?”
“I don’t have to tell her that she’s beautiful. She already knows…” He pauses, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip. “Both of you know you’re the most breathtaking girls in any room. Everyone turns their heads when you two walk in.” His eyes lock onto mine, something tender and intense in his gaze. “I’d rather tell her the things that make her unique. How brave she is, how smart she is, and how she lights up every place she walks into. She’s funny and sassy and always so damn strong.” He leans in then and rests his forehead against mine, and his next words are spoken so softly that I know they’re only meant for me. “She’s daring, she’s wild, and she’s trouble. Perfect for me.”
My heart swells with so much love it’s almost bursting.
“You’re perfect for me, too,” I whisper back, making him smile.
“All right, all right,” Rosalee says, groaning dramatically. “Enough with the sap. You’re gonna make me gag.”
TWENTY-ONE
The road stretches ahead, headlights cutting through the dusk, and the Bronco is filled with Levi’s complaining. “They’re ruining everything!”
I roll my eyes, but there is something grounding about his antics. It reminds me of when we were kids, and he would make a big deal out of every scraped knee or broken toy. I was the one who’d always shrug it off and handle it, but I liked being the steady one for him. It feels like my purpose.
“Don’t be so dramatic, Dove.” I sigh, keeping my eyes on the road, even though I know Levi being theatrical is part of his charm.
Or at least, that’s what he keeps telling me.
“They spelled your fucking name wrong on the cake,” Levi snaps. “Can you believe that? We’re fucking celebrities, the building we’re in has our name on it, but they manage to get your name wrong.”
