Page 10 of One Killer Night

I went from debating whether or not I was about to be killed to knocking on an unnumbered, unlabeled warehouse door for a girl whose last name I don’t even know. At a party I wasn’t even originally invited to.

But there’s something about a girl who makes “hot mess” look intriguing.

A bunch ofStar Trek–looking aliens walk by as I crane my head to look past them. Where is she?

I’m about to pull my phone out to text her instead of trying to be cool and just happen upon her when a high-pitched screech, something like a dying owl would make, comes from my left, forcing my attention around.

There’s a guy in white face paint dressed as the bad dude inHellraiser. He’s looming over some girl at the bar while the people surrounding them laugh.

He must’ve scared her.

As if to give proof of that, she presses her hands to her chest like she’s trying to jump-start her heart. I grin, but it almost immediately starts to fade as auburn curls fall in front of her face. Wait a minute. My eyes narrow as she puts a hand on her knee, presumably to catch her breath.

I’m already moving in their direction as she stands up, laughing along.

My eyes stay locked on her, and the grin that faded on my face from before suddenly finds its way back into place.

Hey, I know you . . .

Goldie sweeps her long, spirally curls over her shoulder, smacking the chest of the guy who just frightened her.

Damn, I almost didn’t catch that it was her because she’s not in her costume anymore. Instead, she has on one of those one-piece legging / tank top thingies in olive green and is wearing black Nike Court Royale 2 high-tops. It’s smoking hot.

Helplessly and without permission from my brain, my eyes drift over her frame, over each curve and bend as she moves, speaking animatedly while using her hands. I’m indulgently taking her in, lingering in some places but only glancing at others so I can still call myself a gentleman.

Never mind, I am a perv. I can now confirm her ass is better than nice.

I don’t know what most guys like; all I know is what she’s got is what I want.

I’m closing in on her, trying to think of a good opening line, beginning to get distracted by my nerves.

I should’ve just texted her. Dammit.

She’s still talking to the nails-in-the-face guy when I sidle up to the bar, put my helmet on top, and eavesdrop, trying to buy myself some more time.

“Is that the third time I’ve gotten you tonight?” he says.

She huffs playfully. “Yes. And I think the third time’s the charm. So now you’re done.”

He laughs, rubbing her arm. “Come on, Goldie. How is someone afraid of their own shadow at a Halloween party?”

She laughs and grabs her drink, accidentally brushing my ghost arm.

“Sorry,” she politely breathes my way, giving me an opening to interrupt her being flirted with.

It’s okay, buddy. I don’t blame you. I’m here to do the same.Before he steals any more of my time, I pounce, letting my voice carry.

“Don’t be. Goldie, right? Hold on a minute. Did you do something different? You’re almost unrecognizable.”

Goldie looks over her shoulder for a second before a smirk blossoms. She nibbles her lip, completely turning my way as I continue.

Ever so boldly, I take her hand, bringing her fingertips close to my ghosty eyehole.

“Are the claws different?” I raise her arm above her head, spinning her halfway around. “Or maybe it’s the tail ...” She giggles as I bring her back around, this time stretching her arm out. “I got it. You got an arm-lengthening surgery since a couple hours ago?”

She shakes her head, delivering her comeback with diabolical sincerity while our fingertips still touch as I drop our hands between us.

“No, silly, I did a middle part in my hair instead of side ...”