I spot Stella almost immediately. She’s dressed as a flapper, all fringe and feathers, hanging on her boyfriend Brandon’s arm. He’s in a pinstriped suit with a fedora looking like the perfect gangster to her Gatsby girl.
Stella squeals when she sees me, rushing over to hug me. “You look amazing! VeryPractical Magic.”
“Oh, this old thing?” I say, striking a pose with my hat. “You look fantastic.”
She laughs and does a little spin, fringe flying everywhere. “It does look kinda cool, doesn’t it?!”
Brandon steps up, pulling me into a quick hug. “Looking good, Nat. Love the witch vibe.”
“Thanks. You two look like you’ve come straight out of a speakeasy.”
“That’s the idea,” he says, adjusting his fedora with a grin.
“Come on,” Stella says, linking her arm through mine. “Everyone’s over by the bar.”
She drags me through the crowd, and I spot the rest of the group clustered near a tiki-themed bar that’s been decorated with plastic skeletons and jack-o-lanterns.
Blair is dressed as a perfect 1950s housewife, complete with a string of pearls, victory rolls in her hair, and a retro apron tied around her waist. Wyatt matches her in a cardigan and slacks, his hair combed to the side, looking like he stepped straight out ofLeave It to Beaver.
Jess and her husband Lucas committed fully to their couples costume, dressed as Barbie and Ken in matching hot pink and neon. Jess even has the blonde wig, and Lucas is rocking a spray tan that’s bordering on ridiculous.
Sophia looks absolutely stunning as some kind of warrior princess, all leather and armor with intricate braiding in her hair. Grant stands beside her in a matching medieval king costume, complete with a crown and cape.
And then there’s Jake.
He’s wearing all black. Black dress pants that fit him perfectly, a black shirt with the collar popped and sleeves rolled up to his forearms, and a dramatic black cape. His eyes are focused on me, and when he smiles, I catch the glint of fake fangs.
Dracula. He’s a sexy Dracula.
Our eyes meet across the group, and the air shifts. Hepushes off the bar and crosses to me in a few easy strides, his gaze never leaving mine.
“You look incredible,” he says, voice low enough that it feels like the words are just for me.
My brain short-circuits for a second. He looks…I don’t even have words. Devastating. Unfairly hot. Like every vampire fantasy I’ve ever had come to life.
“You too,” I manage, then clear my throat. “Dracula?”
His mouth curves into a slow smile, and he just nods.
I wonder if he chose his costume knowing I’d go traditional Halloween. Or is he drawn to the dark and supernatural the way I am? There’s something about not quite knowing his reasoning that makes him even more intriguing. I get tingles all over my body, but I try to play it cool.
“How very coordinated of us.”
Blair appears at my elbow, pressing a drink into my hand. “Virgin mojito. Extra lime, just how you like it.”
I could kiss her. “Thank you.”
We fall into easy conversation, the group swapping costume compliments and party observations. I catch Stella whispering something to Blair, both of them glancing between me and Jake with matching grins.
Brandon suggests checking out the poker tables and the guys peel off, while Blair, Stella, Jess, and Sophia immediately close in around me like a coven.
“Okay,” Stella says. “So. You and Jake.”
“We’re co-parenting.”
The girls go silent. Is it getting chilly out here?
“What?” I ask.
