Page 209 of Trick or Stalk

“Okay, then. Guess it’s settled.”

He lays the book down on the counter, and my face goes scarlet.

As he hands Penny to Gracie, he says, “What’s the total?”

I peek at Gracie, who looks like she’s about to burst into laughter at any second. Then to Margaret, who stares at the book, then at Hades with raised brows.

Clearing my throat, I ring him up and give him the total.

“That’ll give you some pointers if you need them,” Margaret says.

God. I’m going to die.

“I doubt someone like him needs them,” Gracie says, laughter in her voice. “Although, that might tell him exactly what Presley likes⁠—”

“Okay.” I hold up my hand. “We’re not doing this.”

Hades smirks as he hands over the cash. He looks like he’s trying hard not to laugh.

I put the book and the receipt in the bag, avoiding eye contact.

But when I hand it to him, my eyes lock with his smoky ones.

“I’ll see you soon.” He winks, takes the bag, and then walks out of the bookstore like he didn’t just set my entire body on fire.

Panties included.

I look around, wide-eyed, as we enter Halloween Emporium.

I’ve never been here, so this is a new experience.

And I’ve certainly never been here with someone like Hades.

I look around the enormous temporary store. Fake cobwebs hang from the ceiling. Animatronic monsters twitch and scream from displays. Somewhere nearby, a child is crying.

Festive.

“Since it’s almost Halloween, I thought costumes seemed appropriate.”

“I know what day it is,” I murmur.

“Then you understand the costumes.”

“No, I understand that you have an ulterior motive.”

Hades looks down at me. “I don't like crowds.”

I pause.

I wasn't expecting him to say that.

“You're shy?”

“No.”

“Socially awkward?”

“No.”