“Can we just drop it, for now, Cas?”
Pulling into the parking lot she nods. “Sorry for pushing you, I just know how you get in your head sometimes.”
“Sometimes?” I snort.
“Exactly.” She smiles, turning off the ignition. “And I know you have big goals, but maybe you can also just have a little fun.”
I scoff. “I am having fun. I’m in a sorority. I had crazy hot sex two days ago. Basically, I’m living my best life.”
“You’re such a dork, Ava,” Casey says. And I think maybe she is right. Maybe I should lighten up a little. After all, isn’t Halloween supposed to be the sexiest holiday of the year?
We get out of the car, PSL’s in hand, ready to get our Halloween decoration game on. And maybe I’ll buy a flirty costume while I’m at it.
The store is packed, and I recognize a few people from around campus. There’ll be other Halloween parties going on, but none like the haunted house our sorority is putting on. I feel an ounce of pride as we fill a cart with decorations because it’s not only going to be one of the best parties of the year, but we’re also raising money for a good cause, the Oak Ridge Children’s Hospital.
“Oh, my God. Isn’t this the cutest?” Casey says, holding up a sexy angel costume.
“It is, but where’s the rest of it?” I tease.
“Haven’t you heard the saying less is more?”
I laugh. “Pretty sure that’s not what they were meaning.”
She puts it back on the rack, then pulls out another costume. “Okay, Ava, this is totally for you. I bet Andy would like this one.”
I swallow when she hands me the black and white French maid costume, which includes black thigh-high stockings, and a white-feather duster.
“Cute,” I mutter, but she’s already moved on to the next aisle.
“Oh, girl. I think you’re the hottest house cleaner I’ve ever seen.”
Andy’s words float back into my head, making my skin warm, and little flickers of flame ignite in my core.
I shouldn’t even be considering buying this costume, but I swear there’s a little, naughty devil sitting on my shoulder whispering in my ear to buy it.
“Ava.” Andy’s voice floats down the aisle, and when I glance up he’s walking towards me.
I barely have time to shove the costume back on the rack before he’s standing in front of me, all big and brawny, and looking like he’s ready for an argument, or to kiss me. Either way, it’s clear he has a mission.
“Hi.” I shift from one foot to the other, wondering where Casey went, needing her to save me from him... from myself. Because just seeing him here has my resolve unraveling.
“You haven’t answered any of my texts.”
“I’ve been busy studying.”
He grunts. “You and I both know that’s an excuse.”
I shrug, hoping it comes off as nonchalant and not filled with a hint of the raging emotions that have my gut all twisted inside.
“Can’t keep running from me, Ava.”
“I’m not running, I just...” I cross my arms, needing some kind of defense between us. “We’re just not... compatible.”
He takes another step closer, and whispers roughly in my ear, “We sure as felt pretty compatible the other day. Or don’t you remember.”
Warmth spreads, straight to my pussy.
“I remember,” I say, shakily.
“Too bad, because if you didn’t I’d be happy to give you a reminder.”
I shake my head and step back. “It’s all about sex for you.”
“No, Ava. With you, it’s about everything.” He holds my gaze, and if I didn’t know it was Andy Stafford I was talking to, I’d almost think he was sincere. “Let me take you out. You do still owe me.”
“Owe you?”
“The deal was you were to clean my room, and you kind of left it messier than before.”
I give a small huff. “I thought you liked it dirty.”
He chuckles playfully. “I like it any way you’re willing to give it to me, baby.”
There’s no denying he has an easy charm. But that’s what makes him so dangerous.
“Have dinner with me, tonight.”
“I have a paper--”
“That’s probably due in two weeks, but knowing you, you want to get it in early for bonus points.”
He’s not wrong.
“Two hours of your time, Ava. Let me show you that I’m more than the dumb jock you think I am.”
“I never said--”
“You didn’t have to.” The sliver of hurt I see in his eyes pulls down a few of my walls.
I sigh. “Fine. But only dinner, and only if you’re paying.”
“It’s a deal.” His grin just about lights up the whole damn store. “Wear something nice and I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Seven is good,” I say, wondering what I just got myself into as I watch him walk away.
Take a chance, my heart cries.
Why? So he can break you? I ask back.
But I know just once I need to take a small leap of faith. Do something a little crazy. So I do. Picking up the French maid costume from the rack, I toss it in the cart.