Page 12 of In The Dark
He must recognize me, because he waves, gestures me over with a wide grin, and takes out the earpiece he’s wearing.
“Max, right?” he asks.
“Hi. That’s me. Skyler’s friend,” I say.
“Is she with you?”
“No. She’s getting ready for the show.” I smile. “I hope you two have fun tonight.”
“Thanks. She’s, uh, a nice girl.” Dustin blushes and rubs the back of his neck. “Do you want to go through the house again?”
“Is that okay? I’m learning to conquer my fears, and the other night wasn’t totally terrible. I figured I’d give it another go.”
“Use my name up at the top, and they’ll get you in.” He looks at me, grinning. “Conquering your fears, huh? I would’ve thought something inside caught your eye.”
“Nope. Nothing at all.” I smooth my palms over my skirt to give my hands something to do. Excitement dances up my spine. “Just embracing the Halloween season.”
“I see. Make sure to say hi to Michael for me.” Dustin winks and unhooks the chain that blocks the VIP line. “Word is he’s been asking about the blonde girl he met the other night, but I think it’s more fun to make him figure it out on his own.”
My heart almost falls out of my chest.
He talked about me?
I have to stop myself from skipping on the walk up to the house, feeling like a teenage girl with a crush. Adrenaline courses through me, and I’m practically giddy when the attendant shuffles me into line behind a family of four.
Doing the haunted house is more terrifying without Skyler to guide me, but as I step inside the dark soundstage, I try the technique she taught me the other night. I assess my surroundings, always one step ahead. I find the actors hiding behind a curtain before they can scare me, and it works like a charm.I’m having fun, and one guy even offers me a wave that makes me laugh.
I approach the corner where I mis-stepped the other night with a swarm of emotions. The group that entered the house after me is still in the previous room shrieking their heads off, and I slow down. I take my time searching for any sign of him, my masked man.
A light flashes.
A prerecorded voiceover track rolls.
What would be Hunter’s cue to pop out and scare guests comes and goes, and no one in a costume appears. I’m in here alone with a stuffed dead body and fake blood, defeated and feeling ridiculous as hell.
I start for the next room, following the path and making a point not to stray from the marked route. I turn a corner, and a hand wraps around my wrist. I gasp, surprised by the rough tug on my arm and the palm over my mouth that prevents me from screaming.
I dig my feet into the ground, trying to dodge my attacker. He’s stronger, deliberate with his movements, but the softness of his touch catches me off guard. His thumb grazes over the pulse point on the inside of my wrist. A reassuringyou’re okaymumbled in my ear and a hand on my waist.
I don’t know where we’re going, but when we reach our destination, I blink. My vision adjusts to the different lighting, a man coming into focus, and I recognize the eyes staring back at me immediately.
Hunter.
“Maxine,” he says, my name a rumbly exhale. He pulls his hand away from my mouth, dropping his arm to his side. “You came back for me.”
“What iswrongwith you?” I twist out of his hold and put my palms on his chest, giving him a shove. “You can’t go around accosting women and touching them without permission just because you have a pretty face.”
“You think I’m pretty?” He lifts the mask over his head, and…damn him. He’s just as attractive as he was Thursday night. Sharp features, the hint of a five o’clock shadow on his jaw. A smile that’s a mix between curious and cunning and a small white scar above his right eyebrow. “I knew you were a sweetheart.”
“Someone’s vain.” I cross my arms over my chest, glaring at him. The bastard keeps grinning. “This place scares the shit out of me, and you think grabbing me without warning is going to make it more enjoyable?”
“You tell me. Are you having more fun now than you were three minutes ago?”
“Irrelevant.”
“Someone’s feisty. I’ve always liked that in a woman.” Hunter leans against the wall, casual and relaxed as he watches me. “I missed you, Maxine. Did you miss me?”
I dip my chin. I’m not sure how to tell him I’ve looked at every social media channel available in hopes I’d see him again.
