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)
“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.
Chapter 3
Tony
The golden morning light streaming through my bedroom window mocks me, and I give up trying to sleep at the ass crack of dawn. Sleep was elusive last night with my thoughts running wild about Kat.
Every single thing about her calls to me. Last night, her laugh lit up the entire bar while that playful glint in her eyes stole my goddamn heart. My little kitty wove her spell of magic around me, and I don’t ever want to escape from it.
Stretching, I drag myself out of bed, mentally prepping for everything I have to get done before my date with Kat. First things first, though. I need a shower to clear the cobwebs of my restless night.
Standing under the hot spray, I can’t help but replay last night’s conversations, especially the part where she asked if I would take her to the speakeasy. I’m not one to get flustered since years in the mafia turned my nerves to steel, but there’s something about Kat that feels electrifyingly unpredictable.
After toweling off and throwing on a casual T-shirt and jeans, I head to the kitchen and brew a strong pot of coffee. As the aroma fills the air, I feel more awake and focused. I’ve got plans to make, and with a little caffeine boost, I’m ready to tackle them head-on.
In between sips, I grab my phone and place an order for flowers. A bouquet of vibrant autumn blooms should bring a smile to her face, so I order sunflowers, burgundy dahlias, and a hint of greenery that captures both the warmth and mischief of the season. I make sure the card is appropriately flirty with just a hint of my determination.