Impressive. I wonder how Rick pulled it off.
Chapter 4
“This place is amazing.” Rick drops his voice to a hushed whisper as we walk inside the costume shop, like we’re in a museum.
Rows and rows of elaborate costumes line the walls, from monstrous to cute to fully authentic historical pieces like ruffed Elizabethan dresses and hoop skirts. They make me think of the historically costumed man I saw in the mirror last night. I haven’t mentioned him to Rick. Let him see that for once, his prank didn’t get to me. He hasn’t mentioned it either: playing it cool, apparently. Two can play that game.
We start to browse the costumes, some of which look so ornate I can’t imagine getting into them without assistance. Oroutof them, come to think of it. What about when you have to pee? But I guess this is what we need for Gossmer Hall.Fancy.
“Can I help you?” A middle-aged man comes out from behind the counter, smiling at us.
Self-consciously, my hand goes to my neck. Even though my collar is hidden under a turtle necked sweater that makes me look like a jewel thief, as Rick pointed out with a smirk.
“We’re looking for Halloween costumes,” Rick says. He sounds shyer than usual, intimidated by the grandeur of the clothes. It’s adorable.
“Any suggestions?” I say. I’m feeling out of my depth too.
“You would make a lovely Dracula,” the man says to me in his warm Geordie accent.
“What about me?” Rick says. He looks down at me, eyes twinkling. “You choose, Arden.”
The man’s gaze flickers between us. I spot the exact moment his smile softens as he realizes: there’s something between us. My stomach buzzes with excitement. So Rick’s attraction is visible to strangers? It isn’t all in my head.
“That would look good on you.” I point out a skimpy demon costume to Rick: skin-tight, shiny black pants with a tail, and a black waistcoat that’ll barely cover his torso. Plus a pair of huge, curved black horns that send my mind somewhere dirty. Rick’s lips curve into a grin. He looks demonically wicked already.
“Done,” he says.
The man points us to the changing rooms at the back of the shop. They’re the old-fashioned kind with curtains screening the booths from the store, and only curtains between each stall. We go into separate compartments. I take off my shoes and start grappling with my costume. The high collar of the floor-length black cape will work perfectly to cover the pink collar. I’m halfway out of my pants, awkwardly balancing on one leg, when Rick’s arm appears through the curtain. He pats at my chest, feeling around while I wonder what the hell he’s doing. Then his fingers inch up and grab my collar. He drags me through the curtain into his changing space. The demon horns are already on his head, curving upward from his dark hair and making him look like the hottest otherworldly creature I’ve ever seen. My heart beats faster, a dizzy patter in my chest. I’m very aware of my pants around my ankles.
“Well, this is cozy,” Rick says. “Wanna play again?”
I glance at the curtain, the only thing separating us from the man in the shop. Of course I want to. But…
“On your knees,” Rick says.
Those three little words turn me to fire. My body takes over, knees hitting the floor hard before I can even think.
“Look at you,” Rick whispers. He runs his fingers through my hair. A tiny whimper escapes my lips. “So obedient.” His gaze holds me tight, questioning.
“Not here,” I say.
A disbelieving smile takes his lips. His expression is hot and greedy under his demon’s horns. The happiness in his eyes is real. Way deeper than a joke or a dare could inspire.
“You actually want to?” he says.
He sounds like he can barely believe his luck. Meanwhile I can barely believe what’s happening here. He’s acting like I might refusehim? Maybe he isn’t as confident as I’ve always thought. All this time I’ve been pining for him from afar, so sure he didn’t reciprocate my feelings. So sure he only saw me as a friend. Is there a chance I was wrong?
Fuck the dare, it’s time to tell him what I want. So on my knees in front of him, a collar around my neck, I finally find my courage.
“I really want to,” I say.
We’re flustered and distracted as we pay up and make our way out of the store. My heart is racing. Rick takes charge, gripping my hand and leading me straight to an alleyway behind the store. It’s completely enclosed, not overlooked by any windows. Perfect except for the fact that it’s full of stinky trash bags piled against the wall. A few pigeons peck around, looking irritated.
“Romantic,” I say.
Rick shrugs. “I offered you the nice cozy store.”
“I wouldn’t have felt right with that man right behind the curtain.”
