Page 78 of Haunting the Hunter
I quickly slide into the passenger seat and he shuts the door, getting in beside me.
“I didn’t know you drive,” I say casually as I turn to face him, legs crossed.
He grins wickedly, teeth flashing. “I don’t.”
My eyes widen as he starts the engine and peels out of the driveway, his laughter echoing through the night.
Downtown is packed. Costumes, music, vendors, and a whole-ass carnival. This town must take Halloween seriously, I muse to myself.
Alabaster rolls down the windows, blasting R&B so loudly that people turn and stare as we pass. He’s loving it. I roll my eyes at him.
We park in a grassy field and he comes around to open my door, holding out his arm.
“Playing the gentleman tonight?” I ask with a smirk.
“Only for you, pretty girl,” he replies smoothly.
I step out—and my heels sink into the grass, making me wobble immediately. My hand flies out, clutching his arm.
“I may have chosen the wrong shoes for this,” I say with a laugh, and then squeal when he lifts me with one arm, carrying me like a purse.
“What are you doing?” I squeak, feet kicking as I try not to flash everyone around us.
“Helping.” He says it seriously, looking down with his brow furrowed in confusion.
I burst out laughing. “This isn’t how you’re supposed to carry a lady!” I scold him, but the words are light and playful.
He hums, adjusting me. Pulling my legs around his waist and wrapping his arms under my thighs, holding me flush to his warm body.
“This better?” he asks, completely serious as he watches my face.
Our faces are close. Too close. I’m still in his arms, my breath fanning his lips.
“Uh… yeah,” I whisper, knowing my face must be bright red.
He carries me to the edge of the field and gently sets me down,holding his arm out for me like the gentleman he isn’t. I take it with a soft laugh.
We make our way to a churro stand, grab two, and sit on a nearby bench. I take a bite—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Perfect.
I moan as the flavors burst along my tongue. “Mmm. Good choice.”
He’s staring, that glowing gaze fixed on me likeI’mthe dessert, and I feel my cheeks flush.
“Let’s go. I’m bored,” he says suddenly, standing and grabbing my hand. I drop the rest of my churro with a laugh as he tugs me to my feet.
He leads me through the crowd toward a huge gothic building with a big painted sign that readsNightmare Manor.
“A haunted house? Seriously?” I deadpan, but I’m unable to hide my excitement.
He grins down at me. “It’ll be fun.”
He tugs me along and we pay the ghoul at the entrance then make our way inside. It’s darker than I expected—I reach for Alabaster’s arm but he isn’t there. I look around for a moment trying to find him in the dark hallway.
“Where are you?…”
A chill creeps up my spine when I feel breath against my ear.
“Come and find me.”
