Page 50 of Better Together

The sound of a throat clearing made them jump apart and out of their sexual trance. Pete leaned against the doorframe, ankles crossed, with an all-knowing smirk taking up residence on his tired face. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, General.” He nodded. “Zeke.”

“No, of course not. Tell me you have a solution.” Alexis had called Pete because he had a knack for solving problems that arose on jobsites and had saved her ass many times over the years.

“Yep. It’ll only push you back a day. Maybe two.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Alexis’s mouth hung open at the sight of a sexy pirate costume laid out on her bed.

Phone in hand, she pulled up Maggie’s number and placed the call, fingering the white bodice of the costume.

Maggie picked up right away. “I know. I know. Before you say anything, I found out Paige is dressing up as a sexy librarian. I guess it’s Ethan’s fantasy. Not that I needed to know that!”

Alexis waited patiently as Maggie explained and then said, “I can’t wear this.”

“Why not? You definitely have the body to pull it off.”

“I think you mean push it up.”

“Potato, Patato.”

“Maggie. We’re going to a costume party in town.”

“So?”

“I have a reputation to uphold.”

Maggie let out a giggle. “Well, maybe you’ll land more jobs.”

“Really? You’re seriously going there?”

“Come on, Alexis. Live a little. Besides, I have it on good authority you’ll match Zeke.”

Alexis sighed. “Is Zeke really dressing as a pirate?”

“Yep. It’ll take the pressure off because you’re going as a couple. I’m surprised you two didn’t coordinate your costumes.”

“I didn’t decide to go until last night. It isn’t high on my priority list.” She paused and then gave in. “I’ll be the sexy pirate.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. Now I’m hanging up so I can get ready.” Alexis ended the call, leaving Maggie cheering on the other end.

* * *

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a snowstorm, and the weather was some of the warmest they’d seen on Halloween in a long time. There wouldn’t be an excuse for Alexis to wear a bulky winter coat to cover her scarce attire. At least the tall brown leather boots covered most of her legs, the cuffs extending just above the knee.

Alexis entered Zeke’s house through the back entrance to avoid the neighbors who had already started their haunts as dusk drew closer.

Zeke whistled and growled, “Delicious!”

Speechless, Alexis smiled at the handsome Jack Sparrow lookalike, who must have been practicing the mannerisms of the famous pirate. Zeke had shaved his recent beard growth into a goatee, somehow adding extra hair with beads. The bandana and dreadlock wig accentuated his badass look. “Did you apply your own makeup? The blue eye shadow and eyeliner look great.”

“I did.” Zeke pulled a dagger from his side and used the rubber blade to push aside her bodice and expose more of her breast. She moistened her lips, wanting in the worst way for him to undress her.

She grabbed his wrist and brought him in closer. Zeke nuzzled her neck. He whispered in her ear, “You look so hot in your costume. I can’t wait to take it off.”

Alexis thought maybe she’d get out of this party yet.