Page 14 of Hunted By the Headless Horseman
“Oh, Mrs. Kravitson,” I chirp, too eager to get rid of her, “you’re just in time to hear how much I love my independence.” My voice drips with the sweetest sarcasm. “And what brings you here so late? A hankering for mystery novels at bedtime?”
She waves her hand dismissively. “I found a coupon in the flier for a free bookmark with a purchase! Expiration date is tomorrow, you know!”
Of course. All my insides wriggle. She’s the only person alive who would show up at sunset for a free bookmark.
A loud creak and a muffled thump come from the back, and my heart nearly leaps out of my throat. “Oh, just the cat!” I blurt, hoping she doesn’t address my flustered state. “He’s being quite the troublemaker. Let me just?—”
Mrs. Kravitson narrows her eyes. “A cat, you say? I didn’t know you had one.”
The sound of a door creaking open and a muffled crash comes from the back room. My eyes widen in panic. God, what is he doing? He’s a headless guy, but he’s making more noise than a bull in a damn china shop!
“He’s a new addition,” I nudge her warmly to the counter, pointing to the various bookmarks. “Adopted him last week. His name is Mortimer. Why don’t you check out the bookmarks, and I’ll go see what he’s up to?”
I don’t wait for her to respond. I hurry back to the kitchen. My jaw drops at the sight of Jack kicking the tangled twinkle lights with his boots. Multiple boxes from the storage room are scattered about.
I can explain…he says right before closing the distance between us.
“You need to be quiet.” My blood smolders as he toys with my corset strings.
Not to worry, my Belle. I’ll be quiet. But you certainly won’t when I’m done with you.
I firmly push him away. “Behave,” I say through gritted teeth, glancing nervously at the bookshop where Mrs. Kravitson is holding a bookmark while eyeing the back room with curiosity.
Jack takes my waist again and tugs harder at the few laces. I squirm, my cheeks reddening. “Jack, please!” I whisper. “Not here!”
Care for a change of scenery? Say the word, and I will sweep you off your feet and carry you out of theshop.
Pinching my eyes, I grab the nearest broom and shove it at him. “Make yourself useful andsweepupyourmess instead.”
I give him a final stern look before swiping the key on the wall hook and locking the door behind me. I blow a sigh of relief when I find Mrs. Kravitson fiddling with more bookmarks.
“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Kravitson, but it’s closing time.”
Mrs. Kravitson huffs, adjusting her hat. “Well, I suppose I must be going then. And Belle, you really should consider?—”
“Yes, yes,” I cut in smoothly, handing her a small, wrapped book. “Here, a little gift for you. Consider it a thank you for your visit and reminding me about my biological clock.”
“You know my nephew is a fine catch, and he would?—”
“Yes, we will discuss that next time.” I open the front door and softly urge her outside. “Thanks for stopping by. Always a pleasure.”
I all but slam the door behind her, twist the lock, and lean against it, exhaling in relief. Turning, I catch sight of Jack peering out from behind a shelf—um, make that his body peering—the dim light intensifying his eeriness.
“That was close,” I mutter, crossing the room to meet him. “We need to discussboundaries.”
You say ‘boundaries,’ I hear ‘temptation.’ What, I wonder, is a headless, horny man to do?
I really regret telling him what horny means.
8
Damnation, Belle! If I possessed lips, I would kiss you
JACK
“Look!” she groans, raking her fingers through those wild curls. “The last thing we need is to give Mrs. Kravitson an early heart attack. Or anyone else for that matter.”
I chuckle, raising a hand to claim hers.I believe everyone loves a Halloween thrill. Pity she couldn’t see me.
