Page 79 of Trick-or-Treated

“Well. Don’t be a stranger, Mark.”

I freeze. No one’s called me that in a very long time.

“I won’t.”

“And thank you, Ms. Reyes. The boys will be up all night with all this sugar, but they’ll enjoy themselves.”

Margo smiles widely. “You’re welcome. There’s more where that came from, as always.”

When we get back in the truck, I put the keys in the ignition.

Margo touches my wrist.

“Wait,” she murmurs, and leans over and kisses me.

I make a surprised sound into her mouth. Then my hand finds the back of her head, careful, giving her every chance to pull away, and when she doesn’t, I kiss her back, my tongue sliding against hers.

She sighs out through her nose and pulls away before I’m ready.

Margo gives me a bright smile, and I think I’d follow her anywhere, do anything, just to see it again.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

COLE

Iarrive at Hollow Pine at eight the next morning, hoping to catch Margo alone. There are only two days to the festival, and we’ve finished our trial runs.

We’re ready to begin the real work, as Margo calls it.

I can’t say I care much about pastry dough or what fillings go where, but Margo cares about it. She’s passionate about her work, and I can see it in every step she takes.

It’s sexy.

I’ve never had ambition, really. My father and I weren’t close. I hadn’t wanted to join the family business. But then he died, and his estate went to me. So, to take care of my mother and keep the business alive, I took over.

I have no passion for real estate. I just know how to talk to people. How to sell not just Hayes Real Estate, but myself.

Margo’s little sedan is in the parking lot. The paint is starting to peel.