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The smile I see reflected back in the mirror is one of utter joy.

When the front door opens, I rush out of the bathroom and down the hall, straight to Auggie.

He turns just in time to catch me as I jump into his arms, my legs wrapping naturally around his waist. When I kiss him, it’s with every ounce of the joy and happiness I feel.

“What was that for, Moonlight?” he says breathlessly.

“Just because,” I say as nonchalantly as possible, even though I am near bursting with bliss.

His smile is mischief and heat, rolled into a cocky grin. “Feel free to kiss me just because anytime.”

With a laugh, I slide down his body, shuddering as I slide over his erect cock.

“Ready?” I ask.

He heads for the fridge and grabs two large leaves of romaine lettuce, setting one in Toby’s terrarium and laying one on the floor for Buster. Then he walks to the pantry, grabs a small bottle, shakes it a few times, and pops the lid. He pours a few treats onto the table for Cleo and Jesse. When he puts the bottle back, he takes a biscuit from Minna’s snack jar. She’s already sitting pretty, anxiously awaiting her treat.

Once he’s fed her and scratched behind her ears, he reaches out a hand. “Ready?”

My heart does funny things, knowing he cares enough for my animals to make sure they are taken care of before we head out for a long evening. I slide my hand into his. “Ready.”

With that, we head out the door, lock up behind us, and head for The Press Box.

The Press Box is nothing like the Twisted Broomsticks. The walls are covered in sports memorabilia and posters of players and various teams. Massive tv’s are mounted on the walls, each playing a different game or sports cast. Pub tables line the outer perimeter, while tables are scattered about the large front room leading up to the long bar lined with more taps than I can count. I can see several billiards tables through the doorway to the left and more seating through a doorway to the right.

Auggie leads me to the right, heading for a booth in the far back corner. I spot Ember and Logan as we approach. Even though I’m still floating in the clouds from my recent revelations about Auggie, I still note every exit.

Some habits die hard.

Or not at all.

“Cordelya! Oh, this is going to be so fun!’ Ember exclaims while shaking Logan's arm.

He smiles softly down at her, utter adoration in his eyes. I wonder if she has any clue he is absolutely gone for her.

I glance at Auggie and wonder the same thing.

Everyone greets us and scoots around the large round booth to make room.

How we all manage to fit with Evren and Jackson’s massive forms boggles my mind.

“We ordered appetizers and drinks. The usual plus a few extras. It should be out in a few minutes.” Kallie says.

I look around at the packed room, small groups and a few large ones spread throughout. Some of them are wearing matching t-shirts with what I assume are team names.

“I can’t believe how many people are here. The Twisted Broomsticks was a ghost town.” I marvel.

Evren smiles and sweeps his hand around the space. “This is the only place you’ll find crowded before the Halloween Festival. Trivia night is serious business around here.”

Kallie pokes his side. “Evren, don’t scare her,” she scolds her husband with no heat behind the words. She grabs a plate from in front of Jackson and passes it to me.

“Hey!” Jackson yelps.

“Hey, nothing. You’ve had enough. Don’t act like you don’t have a stash at home.” Grace levels her husband with an icy glare before turning a soft smile to me. “Have a cookie, honey. And seriously, no pressure. Unless it’s food related, I’m just here for fun.”

“Same here,” Logan says. “And the food and drinks.”

When the plate reaches me, I’m delighted to find sugar cookies decorated like sugar skulls, black cats, and jack-o-lanterns. I take a sugar skull cookie, feeling a little sad that I’m about to destroy this work of art, and take a bite.