Page 56 of Worst in Show

“Sure.” He stops the car and puts it in park. “In fact, I bet you I can make Canine King even more ‘decked out’ than Happy Paws.”

“Not likely.”

“You scared you’re going to lose?” He smirks.

The nerve. “Fine, you’re on. Best-decorated store wins. The loser has to wear the other store’s swag for a day and post a picture of it to social media. How about that? I’m not scared. Are you?”

The light from an exterior lamp on the house reflects in his large pupils as he nods approvingly. “Okay. Okay. I see you, Cora Lewis. Didn’t know you had it in you. Deal.” He offers me his hand. Its grip is strong and assured—much like in the picture where he clutched the ladder to pull himself out of the water. The vision before me changes. Blue skies and palm trees, sun-kissed skin. Leo, shaking his hair, spraying me with droplets as he tries to tug me into the glittering pool with him.

“But my clothes will get wet,” I say. It only takes a second for me to realize the words didn’t stay in my head.

“What?” Leo squints on a smile.

I pull my hand out of his, my mind blank. “Uh… um… pumpkins.”

“Wet clothes and pumpkins?” He stares at me. “Are you okay?”

I nod, slowly at first and then faster. My right hand massages my throat as if a logical explanation has gotten stuck there. “Sure, yeah.” Say something better. Now. “Um, if it rains. Pumpkin-picking. It’s muddy. Best to wear a rain jacket.”

“Ah.” He doesn’t look convinced. “I will.”

“Good. Wouldn’t want you to get, um, wet.” My chin slumps to my chest on a sigh. Damn it, I did it again. I’ve got to get out of here. I open the door but get tangled in the seat belt I’ve forgotten to unbuckle.

He reaches over to assist at the same time I go for the button, and again his warm skin brushes mine.

“I’ve got it,” I say, more brusquely than I intend.

Finally free, I straighten and suck in a deep gulp of cool air to clear my head. “Thanks,” I say. “Let’s just…” I hike my thumb toward the field.

An amused frown lingers on his face. “Whatever you say. Pumpkin.”

Living History Illinois Flockify DM, Thursday 10:30 PM

SingerQueen: Sorry I haven’t been online much. Swamped!

AlCaponesGhost25: Seems to be a busy time of year for everyone.

SingerQueen: #holidayfun

AlCaponesGhost25: Travel plans?

SingerQueen: No, but I picked up a commission for a Lincoln masquerade ball costume. It’s this annual Halloween party in downtown Chicago.

AlCaponesGhost25: I’ve heard of it. That’s good. Congrats!

SingerQueen: Thx. It’s a big job, so don’t take it personally if I’m on here less for a bit.

AlCaponesGhost25: Whatever will I do?

SingerQueen: Shake your little tush on the catwalk?

AlCaponesGhost25: Bah-ha-ha

SingerQueen: *blows kiss*

This is a shit-ton of pumpkins,” Micki says upon entering the store Saturday before opening.

She’s helping organize the crafting extravaganza I have planned as part of the two-week countdown to Halloween. I was prepared to do it inside the store, but because of the gorgeous blue skies, we’ll be setting up a couple of tables outside.

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