Page 43 of The Death of Kisses

“I look like an arsonist,” I said, voice distorted and eerily hollow beneath the mask. A shiver of exhilaration ran through me as the sound changed—deep, ominous, and unsettling.

“Yeah,” Charlie nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. I started to take the mask off but she stopped my hand, “Leave it on.”

“Why?” I asked breathlessly.

Some of the old goons stared at me like I was crazy and I didn’t want to stand out or embarrass myself.

“You look beautiful,” Charlie smiled, bright against the fading daylight and in that moment, I knew this Halloween night would be unforgettable.

31

COSTUMES

Present day - October 31st - Town of PineRidge - Population 5025 - 18 yr old

Anna arrived after school, her car quietly pulling up beside my bike—right where Lilly’s spot had once been. Despite the ache that threatened to surge through me, I forced a smile, trying to hold on to the fragile moment of normalcy.

“Hey Charlie,” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and a hint of nervous hope. “Dad’s working late, so I thought I’d get ready here. I hope that’s okay?” as I pushed the door open. The house was small, unassuming, but it was mine in those quiet, desperate moments—since Lee never saw fit to unpack. His room sat at the back, untouched, like a ghost of a person who was gone but never really left.

I pressed a button on the stereo, and a scattered handful of country tunes filled the space—faint and familiar. They weren’t perfect, but they carried a sense of comfort, even with the occasional pop or Halloween track sneaking in. The counter was cluttered with bowls of candy in all stages of disarray—empty wrappers, spilled chocolates, Halloween-themed treats—but I hadn’t truly noticed just how much until Anna’s gasp broke through the quiet.

“Holy shit, are you seriously feeding a zoo?” She grabbed a Three Musketeers from the stack and eagerly shoved it into her mouth, a soft moan escaping as she bit into the center. I froze, captivated by her, unable to look away. Every movement she made was like a spell, utterly intoxicating—her presence alone ignited something deep inside me. Without thinking, I crossed the counter and pressed my hands to her waist, pulling her closer. She blushed as I pressed my lips to her neck, my breath grazing her skin, and a soft whimper escaped her lips, igniting a fire that burned hotter with every second.

“Maybe we should stay home and I’ll give you a private halloween dessert,” I hummed into her neck watching as her skin pebbled with goosebumps against my touch.

“Charlie I —-” she was squirming beneath me and I sighed reluctantly letting her go.

“Yeah, yeah, go take your shower,” I tease, a sly smirk tugging at my lips as she flushes a deeper shade of red, disappearing down the hallway toward the bathroom. Watching her leave, I settle the candies, placing large bowls on the porch for the kids, my mind lingering on her—the way she moves, the heat in her eyes, the promise in her presence. As I turned, I caught sight of her in those black cargo pants and that snug crop top, and a wave of desire washes over me, lustfilled and unstoppable.

I groan inwardly, driven by a hunger I can't ignore, pushing my feet toward her. “You look even better than I thought,” I whisper, my voice thick with admiration, as I reach for her combat boots. Kneeling down, I gesture gently, inviting her to slide her foot inside, my fingers jittering slightly as I start to lace them up—each loop a silent vow of protection, of possession.

“I can do that,” she protested softly.

“I know,” I murmur, finishing the left boot with a deliberate touch, then moving to the right, “but I want to do it.” My voice drops, weighty with unspoken longing. Rising to my feet, I pulled her close, our bodies pressed together in a moment that sparked with desire. I stole a lingering, feverish kiss, both of us caught in that space, invigorated by each other's presence—like a fire thirsting for oxygen, burning brighter with every heartbeat.

Anna pulls her mask over her face, and I adjust the strap just so. My fingers brush against the frame, hesitant yet insistent, and I whisper softly, “Perfect.”

32

FAIRGROUNDS

Present day - October 31st - Town of PineRidge - Population 5025 - 18 yr old

“Your turn,” I grinned as I reached for my backpack. “I got you something too.”

Charlie’s eyes flickered with curiosity, a teasing smile curling on her lips. “A costume?” she asked, voice tinged with playful skepticism.

“Well…” I pulled out a sleek black shopping bag, my heart pounding. “It’s more of an outfit.”

My hands steady slightly as I revealed the pieces: a fitted black off-the-shoulder top, skin-tight black pants that hugged every curve, a bold wide cinch belt, and a pair of fiery red heels that screamed confidence. Her gaze lingered on the clothes, then shifted back to me, wide-eyed and unsure.

“Seriously?” she asked, voice thick with disbelief.

I chuckled, warmth flooding my chest. “Trust me.”

“You want me dressed like…” she hesitated, voice uncertain, anticipation almost tangible.

“The end of Grease,” I finished for her, my eyes shining with hope. “Tell me you wouldn’t absolutely own it.”