Page 16 of Haunt the Mall
The clatter of the keyboard stopped. “Ah, you found a willing victim," he said.
I tutted my tongue and fixed my lipstick in the mirror. “It kinda sounds like you’re the one eavesdropping.”
He huffed through his nose. “I was standing in proximity.”
Was he jealous? “Well, I’m going with my sister.”
He clicked something and hummed. “Already introducing the family.”
“To who?”
“Shirtless, brooding men,” he said.
I giggled and straightened my spine. Could I count him among that pack? “Are you working tonight?”
“Yes.” His gravelly voice churned vibrations all the way down to my toes. “So, you’ll come tonight?”
“I’m counting on it.” I grinned.
“What?” he asked.
“I mean, yes, the eight o’clock showing if that’s okay.” I was going to have to throw myself down the stairs after this. What was I thinking? I was going to the movies with my little sister. There was no way I’d be able to sneak off to fuck my mystery man.
“Can I have your credit card information?” he asked.
I patted down my pockets. “I have gift cards.”
“Even better. Okay, Miss Silver. I’ll give you reward points for The Widow as well," he said.
“Thanks.” I twirled my necklace around my fingers until it was tight enough to bind. “You’re spoiling me.”
“I aim to please."
A good motto. If only I could get him alone to find out exactly how pleasing that could be.
9
The Moon Pact
I slowed as we walked through the lobby, scanning for my spider man on the balcony. Would it be too weird to ask somebody where he was? I didn’t know his name, though, so I’d have to refer to him as the manager with the sultry voice. The squirrely-looking guy was at concessions. He’d know exactly who I talked to. But Tori would probably drop dead from secondary shame if I said anything.
She cocked her head. “Do you want snacks?”
“What? No. Let’s go see some shirtless men,” I said. They’d be a good distraction. Although if I lingered long enough, I might’ve seen a cute clothed one.
As we walked down the aisle of our theater, I peered over the wall, half expecting the spider plushie to make an appearance. But we got to our seats without incident. No one tall, dark, and handsome came in to check on us. I crossed my arms and huffed.
“What’s with you?” Tori yawned sweetly and propped her chin up. “Is someone hitting the back of your chair?”
“No, I’m fine.” I double-checked he wasn’t nearby, then leaned closer. “I kinda like a guy here.”
Her eyes widened and she looked around. “Here in the audience?”
“No, he works at the theater. I don’t see him now. But, um, we have a thing. Or kind of a thing. All I know is we have chemistry.”
Tori paled and whispered, “Do you mean sexually?”
I laughed. “That has yet to be seen. We’re talking. Well, flirting.” I raised my shoulder to my heated cheek. Why did he make me feel like a lovestruck teen?