Page 45 of Be Our Ghost
“That’s so unfair,” Charlie said. “You shouldn’t have been punished for something that wasn’t your fault.”
“But it happens, doesn’t it, dearie?” Gertrude graced her with a benevolent smile. “In any case, it made no matter because I was soon to be married. I went on to have four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.”
“That’s so inspiring. Did you ever tell any of them about the storage room?”
“I mentioned it once, when my daughters and I were watching a movie about a haunted house, but they thought I was joking. I’d put it out of my mind until you called me.” Gertrude held up her wineglass in a salute. “Now that it’s in the past, I don’t mind discussing it.”
“Thanks.” Charlie shut off the recorder on her phone. “If you want to share any other stories about the Duchess, I’d be happy to listen. Not for the show—just for me. I’ve had so much fun learning about the hotel’s history. But if you’re too busy, I understand.”
“Busy? Hardly. Buy me another glass of wine, and I’ll spill all the tea you want.” She winked. “That’s what the kids say, isn’t it? Spilling the tea?”
Charlie laughed. “That sounds about right. Let’s do it.”
Eighteen
With a touch of wariness,Knox regarded the costume he’d be wearing for the gala at the Grand Duke. While he couldn’t deny that it was professional-grade quality, he doubted it would fit him. When he and Charlie had watched the 2004 version ofThe Phantom of the Operalast night, the titular character had a lean physique that didn’t resemble Knox’s body type in the slightest.
Even so, he appreciated the effort Laurel had made in finding him a stylish costume that fit the Grand Duke’s requirementsandcovered his face. When she’d dropped off the outfits this morning, she’d asked him and Charlie to try them on as soon as possible. Though the big event was still two and a half weeks away, Laurel wanted to allow time for any necessary alterations.
“Here goes nothing,” he grumbled.
To his surprise, the costume had been designed for someone his size. The black tuxedo jacket, starched white shirt, and tailored black pants fit him to a T. He placed the long black cape across his shoulders and grinned at his reflection in Charlie’s bathroom mirror.
“Are you ready?” she called out. “I want to see you.”
“Hang on.” He emerged from her bedroom and gave an elaborate bow.
Charlie squealed. “Oooh! You look so dashing!” She ran up to him and stroked the lapels of his tuxedo jacket. “I love this on you. I wish you didn’t have to put on the mask.”
He let his gaze roam over her. She’d told him her dress was based on the masquerade scene from the original Broadway show; on her, it was stunning. The dark blue bodice hugged her breasts and enhanced her cleavage, and the low, ruffled sleeves showed off the curve of her bare shoulders. A pink tulle skirt, adorned with silver stars, fell just above her knees, revealing her shapely calves.
He let out a low whistle. “You look like a fairy princess, only much sexier.”
“I’m glad you approve. I feel like I should be twirling about onstage.” She picked up the sculpted white Phantom mask and handed it to him. “Here. Try it on to make sure it fits.”
While it wasn’t that comfortable, at least it didn’t block his vision. “I don’t love how it feels, but that’s not important. I need to make sure most of my face is hidden. Can you tell it’s me under the mask?”
“Sorta? But if I was a guest at the gala, I’d have no idea, especially since Mac Iverson didn’t have a sexy lumberjack beard like you do now. Does any part of the costume need adjusting? Laurel needs to know right away.”
He took off the mask and wiped the sweat from his brow. Wearing it for six hours would be a test of his endurance. “Everything fits, but I’m going to change back now. The less time I spend dressed like this, the better.”
She leaned toward him and placed a quick kiss on his lips. “I think you make a totally swoon-worthy Phantom. These costumes are gorgeous, but I can’t wait until we get the ones fromPeter Pan. Think how sexy that’s going to be.” She lowered her voice. “Imagine Tinker Bell, down on her knees, pleasuring Captain Hook.”
Jesus.They’d already had sex once this morning, but the thought of her kneeling before him, dressed in a sexy pixie outfit, made his dick spring back to life. “There’s probably a porno out there with that exact scene. But if you’re offering, I’m gonna hold you to it.”
“Please do.” She gave him a saucy wink. “Let’s go get changed. Remember to hang up your costume after you take it off. I want to keep it as pristine as possible. And don’t forget you promised to take me out for bagels this morning.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her close until her body was pressed against his and gripped her ass. “You sure that’s what you’re hungry for?”
With a laugh, she swatted his arm. “Behave. I want to have time to eat breakfast before I go in to work. I’d also prefer not to show up late.” She eased out of his grasp. “I wish my schedule wasn’t so intense. I guess I should be grateful Preston isn’t making either of us work on Thanksgiving. I’m glad we get to spend the holiday together.”
He’d been pleasantly surprised when she’d invited him to join her parents at the yacht club, but something about it didn’t sit right with him. “Are you positive your folks want me to come for dinner? I got the impression your mom wasn’t thrilled at meeting me.”
“She was just caught off guard. Plus, she was still hoping I’d get back together with Randolph. By now, she has to realize that ship has sailed. I don’t care if I ever see him again.”
Same here. “How about you spend the night at my place afterward? You still haven’t seen it yet.”
“I’d like that. I’ve been dying to get a peek into your lair.”
