Page 9 of Holiday Hook Up

“Well, if you change your mind, there are some gorgeous masks upstairs. First guestroom to the right. Help yourself. Emma and Caitlin did some shopping this afternoon and bought some extras to make sure everyone has one.”

“I’m sure they won’t go to waste.” Everyone loved the masquerade portion of the event. She personally always enjoyed that part.

Her masquerade role-playing last year with Rodney had been fun. While she pretended to be a jewel thief with a sparkly purple mask, he’d introduced himself as an FBI agent. She’d had a great time, but their dates around town afterwards when they were simply Bethany and Rod had been a little bland.

Not that she needed to be wined and dined to have a good time. No. A simple evening at home admiring the sunset with the right guy could make for the perfect date.

Bethany felt Abby’s hand on her shoulder, yanking her out of her thoughts of sitting comfortably on Adam’s deck.

“Oh, I almost forgot. If you are feeling adventurous, they also purchased some fun wigs for gals who want to throw a guy off track until after the hookup.” She rolled her eyes. “Totally Caitlin’s idea to spice things up a bit.”

Bethany took one step up the stairs. “Maybe I’ll just go up and take a quick peek.”

“Knock yourself out. Take whatever you’d like,” Abby said, tossing a coy smile over toward her husband who was setting up the bar and waved him over. “I’ve already snagged a dark brown one for later.”

“Hey, Red.” Brandon joined them, letting out a sexy whistle that Bethany was one hundred percent sure was for only his wife.

“Hey, Babe. You clean up well.” Abby linked her arms around Brandon’s tuxedo-dressed middle.

That action caused Bethany to gulp, remembering how she wrapped her own arms around Adam last night.

“Brandon, can you help me in the kitchen? My cream cheese stuffed mushroom caps should be ready to come out of the oven, and I need a taster.” Abby released her arms, taking her husband’s hand. “Bethany, help yourself to anything upstairs.”

“Thank you.” Bethany started up the half-twist staircase to the second floor. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look. Plus, she wanted to check her hair and makeup one last time. She stopped at the first door on the right and opened it.

She’d never been up here, though she’d heard all the stories that the third floor was haunted and had been the place that Emma, Jason, and Brandon had found the shimmering blue mixing spoon.

That thought made her shudder. She quickly stepped into the bedroom and shut the door. She didn’t mind talking magic with Adam, but she’d rather not see a ghost.

Once inside, she walked over to the bed, eyeing all the colorful, decorative masks and assortment of wigs that had been placed on it. The room, itself, was quaint and country chic. Next to the bed was a white dresser with a matching full-length mirror.

She set her camera down on the dresser and grabbed a long, blonde wig, pulling it over her own brown hair and tucking her loose strands in. She then picked up a glittery pink mask with white pearls along the edges, held it up to her face, and turned to face the full-length mirror.

“Why, Adam Reed. Fancy meeting you here. You’re looking mighty handsome tonight. Would you like to be my Holiday Hook Up?”

If only it was that easy.

She set the mask down and turned, her gaze landing on an exquisite chestnut antique hope chest to the left of the door. How had she missed it? She absolutely loved antiques, and the hope chest with its decorative carving certainly looked like one.

She walked over and bent down, running her hand along the top.

“What on earth?” She instantly pulled her hand away, wiggling her fingers in front of her face.

Why were they tingling?

She touched the top again with her opposite hand. This time no tingles.

More than a little curious to what was inside, she placed both hands on the brass handle and lifted.

The hope chest was empty except for a soft cream-colored garment taking up most of its floor. She couldn’t resist touching the satin fabric, pulling it out with both hands.

A dress.

But not just any dress. She straightened the fabric to get a better look. The gown was absolutely gorgeous with beautiful sheer lace sleeves and a cream-colored satin bodice.

She walked over to the mirror and held it up, marveling that the material fell perfectly to her feet. Mesmerized, she smoothed the blonde wig that she still had on. If she put on the dress and mask, she’d be unrecognizable, and maybe that’s exactly what she needed to get through this night.

A mysterious bride wanting one last hookup before her wedding.

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