Page 29 of In The Dark
“I love that for you.” I dig into my purse and pull out two fives. “It’s not much, but please accept this as my contribution to the wife fund.”
“You’re sweet.” She slides over our drinks then fills a pair of shot glasses with vodka. “An extra treat for being the best patrons tonight.”
“Cheers.” Skyler lifts her glass in appreciation and we knock back the shots.
“That stuff is strong.” I slide the empty glasses back to the bartender who disappeared to help the next customer. The man is looking directly at her chest, and I find another five in my wallet to add to the tip jar on his behalf. “Thank goodness we took an Uber.”
“It’s so much better than what we buy.” Skyler stands on her toes and waves to someone across the room. “I see Delilah. She’s one of the performers in the show. Let’s go say hi.”
We link hands so we don’t get separated, but the crowd has grown. Two men push through our joined palms, making me lose her in the sea of people.
“Sky?” I call out, but the swell of a new song pulsing through the speakers drowns me out.
I spin and face the direction she disappeared in. I try to spot her, but I run straight into a firm mass of an object instead. Warm hands land on my shoulder and stop me from toppling over. I sway on my feet and I reach out, grasping the closest thing I can find.
“Shit.” Half my drink spills on the floor. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see where I was going.”
“Maxine.”
I freeze at the achingly familiar voice. I bring my chin up, and I’m met with dark eyes. A devastating smile and messy hair with a strand that falls across his forehead.
Hunter.
“You’re here,” I say with a breathy voice.
“I told you I’d find you.” His thumb brushes along the curve of my shoulder. My body reacts to his touch immediately, every inch of my skin heating under the press of his fingers. “It’s not hard to do when you’re looking for what you want.”
“I’m sorry for running into you.”
“I’m not.” His eyes flick down to my outfit, and he grins. “You look good tonight.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
I had this idea he wouldn’t be as attractive out of his costume. Maybe I fell into the guise of the mask and the knife, but looking at him knocks the wind out of me. His jeans fit his thighs perfectly. His plain white shirt shows off toned arms, more tattoos, and tan skin. His eyes twinkle, and there’s the tiniest dimple on his right cheek.
God.
He’s so hot.
The kind of man you look at and think there is no way inhellhe’d ever talk to you, but here he is. Smiling down at me. Still touching me while my hand rests on his chest. And I don’t know what to do.
“Are you having fun?” I ask, as if he’s a friend, not a stranger who bent me over and used his fingers to fuck me.
“Always.” Hunter spins me around so I’m facing the room and he’s behind me. He points to a guy with red hair and a wide smile trying to get the attention of a redheaded woman sitting by herself at the bar. “I’ve been watching my roommate attempt to flirt. I love him very much, but I’m not sure he’s going to score tonight.”
“I hope he does. I always liked an underdog story. You’re a good friend for supporting him in this endeavor.”
“I thought so too.” He traces down the line of my arm then back. “Are you having fun, Maxine? Don’t tell me you’re a new Adventure Oasis employee. I thought I knew everyone.”
“Max,” I say. “My parents call me Maxine and… I’m not a fan. I never have been.”
His eyes flash with understanding, like he can relate. With a subtle nod he dips his chin to his chest for the briefest of seconds before returning to meet my gaze with the hook of a smile.
“I’m sorry. Max it is.”
“That’s okay. And, no. Nope. No scare acting for me. I’m here because my best friend and roommate works in the Fright Nights stunt show. I lost her a few minutes ago, but I’m sure I’ll find her eventually.”
“What’s her name?”
