Page 52 of Trick or Tease

“I guess that’s the goal.”

She held up the sheets. “Want to help me turn these into ghosts? Billy bought about twenty sheets at the thrift store. Apparently we’re going for quantity over quality.”

“Sure.”

We spent the next hour creating what had to be the most half-assed ghost army in Halloween history. The process was simple enough—drape a sheet over a wooden frame, secure it with rope, and draw on a face with black marker. But somehow we kept finding ways to make it complicated.

“That one looks more confused than scared,” I said, pointing to Sabrina’s latest creation.

“The ghost isn’t scared,” she said and rolled her eyes. “The ghost is the scarer.”

“Silly me,” I said dryly.

By the end of the day, I was covered in dirt, my polo shirt was torn in two places, and I’d discovered muscles in my back that I’d forgotten existed. But somehow, I was actually enjoying myself.

We managed to set up twelve scarecrows throughout the maze, each one positioned to guide visitors along the correct path while still maintaining the illusion of being lost. The ghost army was stationed at strategic points, and Sabrina’s spider collection had been distributed with what I had to admit was impressive attention to psychological impact. Just when a person thought they were safe from Charlotte, there was a spider that would hit anyone over five-foot tall in the face. She talked about creating a pulley system to lower the spiders but we vetoed that. That was a little too disturbing.

“I think that’s enough for today,” Billy announced, emerging from the deeper sections of the maze with straw stuck to his shirt. “I’m going to take Lucy home. Need a ride, Sabrina?”

“Nah, I’m good. Short walk.”

Billy shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

After they disappeared through the cornstalks, I found myself alone with Sabrina in the maze. And that was dangerous.

“You know,” Sabrina said with a cocky smile. “I have to admit, I didn’t think you’d last an hour out here.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly.

“I’m serious. You surprised me today.” She turned to face me, brushing a strand of blonde hair away from her face. “I thought you’d spend the whole time complaining about getting dirty or worrying about your fancy clothes.”

“These aren’t fancy clothes,” I protested, though looking down at what had once been a sixty-dollar polo shirt, I realized how ridiculous that sounded.

“Garrett, that shirt probably cost more than I spend on clothes in three months.”

“It’s just a shirt.”

“Exactly.” She stepped closer. Too close. “That’s what I mean. You didn’t act like it was precious. You just got to work. Like the old Garrett.”

“Maybe I’m not as uptight as you think I am,” I said.

“Maybe you’re not.” Her voice was softer now, and she was standing close enough that I could reach out and touch her.

Kiss her.

Her gaze dropped to my mouth and I couldn’t help but think back to the moment on my balcony.

She wanted me to kiss her.

I wanted it.

“This isn’t a good idea.” I stepped back. The cool air was suddenly frigid. “I’ve got to go. This isn’t smart. I’m not going to be here long. Goodnight, Sabrina.”

19

SABRINA

Fucker.