Page 2 of Trick or Treat
“Didn’t anyone explain to you about the magic water in Silver Spoon Falls before you built your fancy ass mansion there?” He leans close like he’s sharing some big secret. “Rumor has it, drinking the extra-special water causes love at first sight.”
I tear my eyes away from the stunning Catwoman and glare at him. “Come on, Shane, have you been drinking the Kool-Aid? Magical water?”
He snorts. “Hey, it’s not me saying it. Blame it on the residents in Silver Spoon Falls. They swear by it. Folks around here love their legends. You take a sip of that enchanted water and bam. Cupid’s got you in his sights, whether you like it or not.”
I feel like I’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone, but I’m not complaining. Not when there’s a gorgeous little kitty standing a few feet away. “You think I’m under some sort of love spell?”
“Hey, stranger things have happened, my friend. Besides, it’d make a hell of a story. ‘Ex-Vegas mobster finds love thanks to small-town magic.’” He shrugs, painting the picture with grand gestures.
He laughs again, and I glare at him. “I don’t believe in fairy tales.”
The woman glances over toward the bar and starts to make her way through the crowd, the leather of her outfit gleaming under the chandeliers, and I forget all about magic water and fairy tales. I try to play it cool, but my palms turn clammy. Damn, who knew Catwoman could make my heart race like a teenager with a crush?
She approaches the bar, flashing a smile that could light up all of Texas. “Hi, can I get a glass of your house specialty poison?” she asks, and even her voice is perfectly sweet with a hint of mischief.
I clear my throat, hoping I don’t sound like a complete goddamn idiot. “Hello, kitty, welcome to Trick or Treat. How about our signature potion, the Witch’s Brew? It’s got just the right kick to get the night started.” My eyes hold hers captive as I forget all about Shane standing next to me listening in.
“That sounds perfect,” she says, not breaking eye contact. There’s a spark there, something intense and powerful, and suddenly, it feels like we’re the only two people in this bustling bar.
I take my time making her drink, hoping to give my heart time to settle a little before I slide the drink over with as much swagger as I can muster. “First one’s on the house,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
She laughs softly, a sound that rings above the music, and takes a sip. “Mmm, delicious. Thank you very much, Count Dracula.”
“You’re welcome.” I lean in a little closer over the bar, needing to get rid of the space between us. “And, please call me Tony.”
And just like that, the night takes on an even brighter glow. It’s amazing how sometimes, without warning, someone steps into your life and shakes it up like the glitter in a snow globe. As the party continues to whirl around us, all I can think is that Midnight Falls might just be the best decision I’ve ever made—right after opening Trick or Treat.
