Page 4

I’m still reeling from the way Tony looks at me like I’m some kind of enchantress who’s just cast a spell. Every time I glance over at the bar, I find his dark eyes following my every movement. It’s flattering, if not a bit intoxicating, and I can't quite shake off the exhilaration of it. There’s something in the air at Trick or Treat, or maybe just something about Tony. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

The bar is buzzing. Costumed patrons fill the space in all shapes and sizes, from vampires to werewolves to a couple of mummies unwrapping themselves as the night wears on. Someone dressed as Frankenstein is having a dance-off with a witch in the corner, and I catch glimpses of Cassidy flitting about, chatting with every person she meets. That girl could make friends with a wall.

Tony is back at the bar, working his magic, mixing drinks with the kind of effortless charm and flair that I find just as bewildering as it is attractive. I have to admit, I’ve spent more time at this bar tonight than any sane person should, but it’s hard to wander too far when someone like Tony is mixing your drinks.

After several songs, slightly breathless but exhilarated, I make my way back to the bar, needing a refill.

I lean against the bar, watching him pour an emerald green concoction for a customer in a ghoul mask. When he catches my eye, he flashes that killer smile again, the one that I'm pretty sure should be illegal.

He finishes with the ghoul and glides over in my direction with the ease of someone who’s comfortable in any situation.

“Having fun?” he asks as I place my empty glass on the bar.

“I am.” I smile at him. “Can I have a refill, please?”

He takes the glass and stares into my eyes while electricity arcs between us. His eyes turn even darker as they stare into mine. “Anything for you, kitty.”

“Anything?” I bite my bottom lip, searching for the bravery to ask him for a huge favor.

He reaches under the bar to snag an unopened bottle, and the motion catches my attention, mostly because his arms flex ever so temptingly. Then he leans forward, closing the space between us so I can just breathe in the warm, heady musk of him amidst the cinnamon and pumpkin spice smells of the bar. “Anything,” he says, voice low and serious, yet with a playful undercurrent. “You name it.”

“Well, since you put it that way…” I drawl, letting the words hang in the air a bit as I weigh my options. I almost ask for something silly, like a pumpkin spice latte at a high-end coffee spot, just to keep things light, but then a wicked idea pops into my head. “How about an invitation to that exclusive speakeasy you’ve got hidden in the basement?”

The request sits between us, floating like the ghost decorations hanging overhead. A look of surprise flits across his face for just a second, then morphs into a slow, knowing smile. “Word travels fast, huh?” he remarks, straightening up.

“What can I say? This cat’s got its ears to the ground,” I purr and wiggle my eyebrows, matching his light tone. “But you did say ‘anything.’”

Tony laughs, shaking his head slightly as though he’s assessing the situation in a whole new light. “And I meant it,” he agrees, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But I need something in return, kitty.”

The nickname causes my hussy girly bits to tingle. Curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. “And what’s that?”

“Well,” he says, pausing just long enough to make me hold my breath, “if you agree to go on a date with me, I’ll personally take you down to the speakeasy tomorrow night.” Holy moly. The smoking-hot vampire just asked me out on a date.

If you’d told me this morning I’d end up at a Halloween bar, flirting shamelessly with the vampire bartender, and get invited to some secret speakeasy, I’d probably have laughed. Yet here I am, my heart doing gymnastics as he lays out his terms.

I pretend to mull it over, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “A date. That’s a big ask,” I say, feigning contemplation. “I mean, it’s a well-known fact that going on a date with a vampire could be hazardous to your health.”

“You don’t have to worry about your health,” he assures with a grin that suggests he could charm the fangs off of Dracula if he tried. “But your heart is on the line.” Holy moly. Is the hot vampire really flirting with me? I swallow as my heart races in my chest.

“My heart?” I manage to squeak out past my dry throat.

“I have plans,” the mystery surrounding the bartender wraps around me, “that start with dinner. I promise, no spooky business until you’re begging for it.”

There’s a lightness to our exchange that makes it effortless for me to agree, though part of me tingles with excitement at the prospect, the mystery. There’s something potentially terrifying about this whole venture.

Throwing my usual cautiousness to the wind, I agree, “It’s a deal.”

“Perfect,” Tony replies, and there’s a warmth in his gaze that leaves me slightly dazzled. “I’ll make sure it’s a night to remember.”

“Like this one?” I tease, gesturing at the swirling crowd around us.

He smirks, that playful twinkle back in full force. “Even better. I’m pulling out all the stops.”

I give him my number, and then we chat a bit more until Cassidy comes strolling up. She insists on more selfies of us while Tony gets back to his other customers.

The night meanders toward closing, and I give Tony a little wave as I leave the bar, already anticipating our upcoming date.