Page 10 of Halloween with a Daddy
“That would explain why some of these books look like age isn’t the worst thing they’ve come in contact with.” I touch a book with a cracked spine, and another that appears to have water damage.
“I’m sure a lot of books never made it back.” He chuckles.
“You really know a lot about this place.” I turn and walk over to a table, noticing an etching that appears to be a child’s poorly carved name. “Have you been here before?”
“Many times, yes.” He nods.
“How were you able to get inside?” I raise my brows inquisitively.
“I used to key.” He chuckles again. “I own this place.”
“What?” My expression surely goes blank, because that was not what was I expecting. “Are you serious?”
“I’m Edgar Grim.” He takes a step forward and extends his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Bethany Brooks.” I squeak out my name and tremble as I shake his hand. “Wait, so this is your party and you’re already tired of it?”
“No, my nephew is throwing the party.” Edgar shakes his head. “He invited me, and it’s been a while since I’ve stopped by to check on Grimwillow Manor, so I’m staying for the weekend.”
“Wow.” I blink in surprise.
“Would you like the grand tour?” He motions in the air. “Obviously, the downstairs is a little packed, but there’s plenty to see up here.”
“I don’t want to be an inconvenience.” A grimace spreads across my face. “I shouldn’t have been poking around to begin with.”
“It won’t be an inconvenience. It’ll be my pleasure.” He smiles. It’s so warm and inviting. “Come on, neither of us is interested in the party and you came here to see Grimwillow Manor. Let me show you the good stuff.”
“Okay.” I can’t help but beam a smile back at him. Actually, it’s more like a grin from ear-to-ear.
I won’t lie. I’m enamored right now. Grimwillow Manor. Edgar Grim. Of all the people I could run into at this party, the last person I would have expected is the owner. I was quite curious to know how someone booked the place for a party, and now I know. One mystery solved as another one unfolds. Edgar is the guy who was watching me from the top of the stairs. We made eye contact. I smiled to be nice, but I felt a slight tingle when I saw him. I feel it right now too.
Edgar is older than me, but he’s incredibly handsome. Not just handsome, he’s hot-as-sin. Tall, tanned, and built like a Greek god come to life. If he was auditioning for the role his costume is based on, he’d get the part over anyone, especially if I was choosing the cast. The fact he’s a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about Grimwillow Manor is some very delicious frosting on an already incredible cake. I haven’t felt my heart fluttering like this since I had a crush on my history teacher. Maybe I have a type. If I do, Edgar checks every single box so far.
“I assume you looked in all the bedrooms before you found your way to the library?” Edgar glances over at me as we walk.
“Only the first couple.” I admit. “I wasn’t sure how long I would have, so I skipped the last two.”
“Thank goodness.” He points to the door to our immediate right. “I’m staying in that one, and I think I left my boxers on the floor.”
“If I found a room someone was staying in, I would have probably left immediately.” I look down and laugh. “I honestly didn’t think anyone was up here.”
“Well, I'm glad I was.” He motions for me to follow him past the stairs. “You went the wrong way.”
“Why?” I raise a brow.
“Because the good stuff is down here.” He says, taking a few steps forward to open a door.
He’s hot, funny, and seems to be a perfect gentleman.
I didn’t come here to fall in love, but if he keeps this up, I may already be well on my way.
Edgar
Ileftthepartyto avoid temptation and the beautiful Bethany still found me.
Fate? I’ve never really believed in that.
But I can’t turn down a gorgeous woman in an outfit like this who would rather tour Grimwillow Manor than hang out and drink.
