She beams as if I’ve just promised her the moon. “You’re the best, Chiefy.”
“Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone. I’ve got a reputation to keep.”
A thin lace cape floats behind her, leaving a trail of glitter wherever she goes and snagging a plastic bat on a string.
The hanging skeleton on the kitchen door rattles as I push through into the kitchen. Hollywood’s singing is less offensive in here. Just the hum of the refrigerator and a couple of tipsyvolunteers cleaning up. The smell of slow-cooked meat and spices still hangs in the air.
I grab a bowl from the counter, ladle out some of the last of the witches’ chili stew with a ladle that resembles a cauldron stirrer, and carry it to one of the prep tables.
Sera totters after me, tiara sliding dangerously. I set the bowl down before she topples too.
“Sit.”
She plops onto the stool, resting her elbows on the table like a sulky kid. “You’re bossy.”
“I’m the fire chief. Comes with the badge.”
Her lips twitch. “Bet you boss people around all the time.”
“Only when they’re about to face-plant into a bowl of chili.” I grab a spoon, stir the steam away, and set it in front of her. “Eat.”
She blinks down at it. “It’s too hot.”
“You said you wanted chili.”
“But it’s too hot to eat,” she repeats, pouting like it’s a tragedy.
I huff out a breath. “Fine.” I blow gently on the spoon, testing the heat. “Better?”
She leans forward, eyes half lidded. “You’re gonna feed me?”
“Apparently I am.” I lift the spoon, bring it towards her lips. She parts them obediently, and for a split second my brain shorts out entirely.
She hums as she swallows. “Mmm. That’s good.” She takes the spoon from me. “Want some?”
“No.” My voice comes out rougher than I intend.
“You sure?” she teases, dipping the spoon into the chili and holding it out towards me. “Sharing’s caring.”
I shake my head with a small huff of a laugh. “I think I’ve cared enough for one night.”
She drops the spoon in the bowl, and leans her chin into her palm, studying me as if she’s trying to read my mind. “You pretend you don’t like me, but you do.”
Fuck. “Eat your chili, Sera.” I take the spoon and bring another scoop to her mouth.
“You didn’t deny it,” she sings under her breath before taking another bite.
A carved pumpkin watches us from the countertop with a creepy grin, as if it knows my thoughts.
“What’s with the costume, anyway? Who are you meant to be?”
“Vampire princess.” She smiles wide, revealing her fake fangs. Then, on another hiccup, the false teeth fall into her bowl of chili. “Oopsies.”
“Well, that’s one way to add calcium.” I can’t help the chuckle rumbling out of me as I fish the false fangs from the bowl. “These are a liability. Next thing you know, you’ll be choking on them.”
“You could give me the kiss of life.” Her blood-red lips pucker as if getting ready for the act.
My cock thickens beneath my zipper, and I push away thoughts of her pouty lips on me. I’m old enough to be her dad, and I need to act like it. I could’ve been her dad if my son hadn’t ended their relationship. With her nan recently passing, I’m the closest thing this girl has to family. She needs a guardian, not a creep.
