“My mother? Never.”
“So, any big plans for Halloween, or was shredding mommy’s money the main agenda?” Rus asked as he led the way to a free booth.
“Himbos with a few folks from Pride. I think they’re hosting a costume contest if you’re interested.”
“Maybe, I will be downtown.” Rus shrugged. “Kaiden’s taking us to some fancy gala, and we’re going to wander a bit. It should be fun.”
“Us?” Daysha pursed her lips. “So that means the whole boyfriends plural thing is working out?”
“Yeah, it’s been nice,” Rus answered. “The real test will be the next few weeks. Lots of holidays and I’m gonna have to go home quite a bit.”
“Worried they’ll be happy without you?”
Rus paused. It genuinely wasn’t something he feared. Though the idea didn’t thrill him, he didn’t want Kaiden and Dylan to put a stop to things every time Rus had to leave town.
“More worried I won’t be happy without them.”
“Awww.” Daysha took a big bite of her burger. “You’re disgusting.”
Rus ended up taking a second shower early that evening before Kaiden and Dylan arrived. It turned out his costume was not as light and breezy as one might think, and the weather hadn’t exactly gotten the memo that Fall had rolled in. Nope. It was hot and muggy most of the day, but thankfully, as the sun set, the lightest of breezes kicked in.
As someone knocked on the door, Rus fumbled to throw together the last touches of his costume before answering.
“Well, well, well, don’t you look lovely,” Kaiden said, tipping his bright pink cowboy hat.
While Kaiden stayed true to his heart, wearing a corset vest, he’d picked a costume that worked well with it. His hat and boots were bright pink, while the rest of his western getup was white with dark brown. Almost. The lace lining of his vest matched in a similar pink.
“Darling,” Rus said in his poor accent. “You look delicious.”
“Always do.” Kaiden’s cheeks burned bright red at his own bravado, but Rus really enjoyed it when inadvertent confidence slipped from Kaiden.
He stepped inside, making room for Dylan’s grand entrance. Only Dylan slinked up wearing a plain black shirt and some ripped jeans.
“Seriously?” Rus quirked a brow.
Ignoring Rus’ question, Dylan revealed two single black roses.
“For you, my lovelies.” Dylan handed Rus and Kaiden each a rose. “Careful, they still have their thorns.”
“You didn’t consider getting some without thorns?”
“On Halloween?” Dylan pressed a hand to his chest, feigning shock.
Rus chuckled in response, awaiting Dylan’s outlandish reasoning.
“Perish the thought,” Dylan said. “Tonight’s a night when sweet, lovely things should be a little scary, and very dangerous.”
His grin almost charmed the irritation right out of Rus. Heck, he almost outright swooned, but Rus sniffed the beautiful black rose and gently set it on his desk with Kaiden’s rose. Then he turned back to Dylan and frowned.
“And what lovely thing are you supposed to be tonight?”
“A superhero.” Dylan shrugged.
“Where’s your costume?”
Dylan huffed. “You’re as bad as Kaiden.”
“He’s the worst when it comes to dressing up,” Kaiden explained. “Outright refuses. I’m surprised he even spun this story of being a superhero.”
