Page 11 of One Killer Night

She pulls her hand away to touch her chest as her eyes grow wide before she sucks in a sudden, dramatic gasp. “But you look pale as a ghost.” She presses her palm to my covered forehead. “Are you sick? Maybe even deathly ill?”

We stand there, staring at each other, me smiling even though she can’t see it.

Then we laugh.

And it’s kind of magical. Damn, I really want to get to know this girl.

Pinhead steps up next to Goldie, reminding both of us that he’s still here. He’s armed with a furrowed brow as he looks directly at me.

“Hey, who’s your friend, Goldie?”

Okay, time to scram, buddy.But he keeps going as he reaches to shake my hand.

“I’m Scott. I own the company.”

Ooo, big flex. My eyes stay locked on hers as I extend my hand to him and answer.

“I’m her boo.”

She laughs, and I like it. It’s the kind of laugh someone has when they’re comfortable in their own skin. The dude shakes my hand before packing up his dignity and bowing out.

“Well, you two enjoy the night.” He looks to Goldie, who’s locked on me. “I’ll see you around? Maybe another scare before the party’s over?”

Goldie gives him a nod, still smiling at me, and barely whispers “Sure” as he leaves.

This is wild. Our chemistry is crazy. I’m so attracted to her that it feels illegal. I glance over at Scott as he’s leaving, but she draws me back.

“He’s my sister’s boss.”

So, this is her sister’s job.

I tilt my ghost head, looking back at her. Goldie downs what’s in her glass and places it back on the counter.

“Buy me a drink?”

I immediately raise my hand to the bartender, noticing a sign that saysOpen bar.

I’ve been set up.

“Okay, but I gotta warn you. Carrying a wallet in the afterlife is tricky. So, you can only get what’s free.”

She giggles again. Man, I’m going to do all my best stand-up and steal from every Netflix comedy special I’ve ever seen to keep that sound coming.

“Tonic with two limes, please,” she orders.

I add mine along with hers. “Same.”

She looks surprised that I’d drink the same drink she does, but instead of questioning anything, we just keep glancing at each other, neither of us knowing what to say.

“What happened to the dino getup?” I toss out, wanting to take the damn sheet off.

“I decided to go with the after-dark version. This is sexy Rexy.” I smile as she rolls her eyes, adorably so. “Just kidding. It unfortunately fell victim to a concrete wall about three blocks into my walk ... Between that and asteroids, I figured it was time to give in to natural selection.”

For a second, I totally picture her in a deflated T. rex costume, walking down Main, and it makes me chuckle.

Her fingers tap the bar as, I swear, the music gets even louder. She must feel the same because she steps in closer to me, our arms brushing.

“You know, I half expected you wouldn’t come.”