Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
“I think we might need more help. You know a few extra hands wouldn't hurt?” I nod toward a group at the far end clamoring for more refills.
Shane chuckles, flashing his faux fangs. “You aren’t wrong. We’ve got more ghosts and ghouls than the Winchester House in here.”
“I’ll put out an ad reading ‘Must enjoy Halloween and tolerate the lamest jokes ever,’” I say, grinning.
And that's when it happens. The door swings open, and a fresh wave of costumed revelers tumbles in. But one of them stands out like a spotlight on a dark stage. She walks in, or rather, she struts in, and my brain does that classic cartoon thing where I’m pretty sure my eyes pop out of my head like two ping-pong balls.
She’s dressed in a tight, black leather Catwoman costume that clings to her curves like it was sewn on her. And she’s short, five feet if she’s lucky, but the way she carries herself makes her seem tall and full of presence. Her long, sleek blonde hair cascades down her back while her piercing pale blue eyes appear to glow even in the dimly lit bar.
I’m completely caught off guard when she glances in my direction, turning my heart to mush. As my eyes roam over her bountiful curves, my cock hardens, shocking the fuck out of me. I’ve lived my life surrounded by gorgeous women, but none of them have ever caused me to have even a flicker of interest. Yet, this gorgeous little kitty has me tied in knots within seconds. I can feel Shane’s eyes on me, following my gaze, and he lets out a low whistle.
“Oh man, you’ve been drinking the Silver Spoon Falls water, haven’t you? You might want to reel those eyes back in before you trip over them,” he snorts, giving me a nudge.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I stammer, trying to laugh it off, but my heart’s not in it. There’s something about her that has stolen my full attention, so I only partially hear Shane’s explanation.
“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.”