Page 49 of The Main Event

“We make quite the pair,” he agreed.

I linked my arm through his. “Are you ready to party like it’s Halloween night but without tourists?”

His grin was wide. “I thought you would never ask.”

ESSEX STREET WAS ALREADY BUSTLING WITHactivity when we arrived. I recognized a lot of familiar faces, and a lot of great costumes.

“Oh, look at Lux,” I said as I clapped my hands. She was dressed as a sexy chef, complete with hat. “What’s that she has in her hands?” I asked after a beat. It was hard for me to make out.

“It looks like a giant fork,” Levi replied. “I wonder what she’s going to poke with that thing?”

I didn’t have to think on it long because Jesse came into view a split-second later. He was dressed like a giant hotdog in a bun. “No way,” I sputtered, holding my sides as laughter burst forth. “No freaking way.”

“You have to give them credit,” Levi mused. “They know how to embrace the fun in their own story.”

“They’re adorable,” I agreed. My mind temporarily went to a dark place. “You don’t think she’s going to stick him with that fork, do you?”

“I would hope not.” Levi made a clucking sound with his tongue. “Is that Corey with them?”

I followed his gaze. Corey Hart, Lux’s best friend, had apparently gotten in on the fun. He was dressed like a giant pickle. “There’s a lot of phallic symbolism going on over there,” I mused.

“I think it’s hot.” Levi said the words on a wistful sigh, and when I darted my gaze to him, there was a question there.

“Are you and Corey spending time together?” I didn’t want to get too excited. Lux and I had been trying to hook up Corey and Levi for months. They both refused to even entertain the notion. They were friendly when hanging out as a group, but they never went beyond that.

“Don’t worry about what I’m doing with my time,” Levi replied. “You need to worry about what you’re doing with your time.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“Exactly.” He gave me a wicked grin. “You need to start doing something.”

Another figure moved into view next to Jesse. This one was dressed like the Monopoly man as far as I could tell. He wore a black suit, a top hat, and had a monocle in his hand. Who else could he be, right?

“Speaking of someone you should consider doing,” Levi drawled.

I elbowed him. Hard. “Don’t you even consider saying something weird,” I warned.

“I would never.” He tugged on my arm, which was still joined with his arm. “Let’s go say hello to our friends, huh? I don’t think you’re playing nearly enough Monopoly these days.”

“Don’t push me,” I growled. “I’m going to be mad forever if you embarrass me.”

We both knew it was an empty threat. I could never stay mad at Levi for more than a few days.

“I didn’t suggest we do anything embarrassing,” he replied. “We’re here to have fun with our friends, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Irritation had me by the throat, but I was helpless. “I’m being serious, Levi.”

“It’s going to be fine.” He was insistent as he tugged me with him. “Trust me. I’ve got everything under control.”

That was what I was afraid of. Levi was a man who got what he wanted. What would that look like this time?

13

THIRTEEN

What in the hell?

What in the ever-loving hell?

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