blazed between them. So much for all her rules; she should have known she couldn’t stay away from him for long. That summer kiss… the night after dance class… last night, against the wall. If their kisses could reduce her to this molten, breathless state, then she could only imagine what it would feel like to have more of him.
All of him.
Stella sank back in the bubbles, her eyes falling shut as she retraced the path his hands had taken – and then exploring further, still. He was so buttoned up, and in control… She wondered what it would be like to unravel him completely, leave him as hot and gasping as she felt, just thinking about him.
The afternoon melted away with her bath bubbles, until Stella realized, she needed to start getting ready if she wanted to make a big impression. She toweled off, and pulled her new lingerie from its tissue wrapping. Her underwear drawer was full of practical cotton undies, but she’d seen this set in the window of Paige’s boutique, and hadn’t been able to resist. Dark, inky purple silk was edged with delicate lace, a ribbon bow nestled between the cups of the plunge bra, with two more matching ties connecting the sides of the frothy panties with a flourish. They fit perfectly beneath the sequined gown, which she finished with a pair of elbow-length satin opera gloves she’d found in the accessories bin, smoky eyeliner, and a pair of plastic vampire fangs.
She almost didn’t recognize herself in the mirror.
Was she making a huge mistake? Stella was gripped by a sudden pang of self-doubt. What was she playing at, dressing like some sultry temptress? She was a mom, she should stick to baggy overalls and boots. Even on dates, she wound up in jeans and sensible shoes; in her world, anything else was just asking for stains.
But tonight was different, she reminded herself. Tonight was Halloween, and it was like Mackenzie said: she could be anyone she wanted to be.
The doorbell sounded downstairs, and her heart skipped a beat. It was now or never.
Stella took a deep breath, and tried to push her insecurities back in the utility closet with those muddy work boots, where they belonged. She slicked on some lip gloss, smoothed her hair back, and grabbed her jacket as she hurried downstairs, trying not to trip in her heels.
“Coming!” she called, making sure she had everything she needed for the ball – and whatever might happen afterwards. With a final look in the hall mirror, she flung open the front door…
And whatever she was about to say died on her lips, because damn.
Aidan was standing there on her front porch, dressed all in black. Black suit, black shirt, and a black cowboy hat – with a single red rose in his hand.
He looked irresistible.
“Jonny Cash,” she said, realizing what his costume was. She laughed, impressed. “The man in black! I love it.”
But Aidan didn’t say anything, he was still looking at her, an unreadable expression on his face.
She paused. “I’m Elvira,” she explained. “Or Dracula’s bride, or… something.” She looked down, self-conscious about all the skin on show. “I just saw the dress, and, well—”
Stella didn’t finish, because he was already kissing her – hot, and wild, with a passionate fever that left her in absolutely no doubt:
She’d picked the right outfit tonight.
Aidan was speechless.
He’d never been a man of many words, but he was well and truly dumbstruck seeing Stella dressed up like this; the sequined gown hugging every curve, making him wonder if they really had to make an appearance at this town event, or if he could just take her straight inside, and spend the rest of the night peeling it off her.
Slowly.
“I…” Aidan’s brain was still frazzled, so he kissed her again, just to buy himself some time. “You look beautiful,” he managed, when they finally came up for air.
“So do you.” Stella blushed. “I mean, you look very handsome.”
Aidan sent up a silent thanks to Cassie as he escorted Stella to the car. His sister had shown up on his doorstep an hour ago with a garment bag and a smug look on her face. “Trust me,” she’d said, and since a costume had been the last thing on his mind, he’d had no choice.
He owed her one.
“I should warn you, this town takes Halloween pretty seriously,” Stella said beside him, as he drove into town.
“You mean, the same place that has a whole festival devoted to