The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell

understand.”
    â€œDo they all repay you in candy?”
    â€œSometimes people give out nickels and dimes, and the children share. I’m quite rich after Halloween.”
    Rich not only in sweets and pocket change, but in knowing she’d given the kids a chance to participate in the night’s activities. Priceless.
    â€œLet me get Ricky his costume and I’ll be ready to go.”
    Cade followed her to the back. They found Ricky seated on a cardboard box, his legs swinging. She crossed to a low shelf, removed a rectangular package. She handed it to the boy. He tucked it under his arm, but didn’t run off.
    Instead, he bartered. “How much?”
    Grace took a moment, contemplated. “Star-Lord is a brand-new costume and worth three Milky Ways and a box of Junior Mints.”
    â€œI’ll toss in a popcorn ball,” he offered, upping the payment. He grew momentarily serious. “You’re a nice lady, Miss Alden. Thanks.”
    â€œYou’re a good guy,” Grace returned the compliment. “Save the galaxy and have a good time at your party.”
    â€œSee ya,” and the boy pushed through the swinging Western-style doors. He walked as quickly as he could without running out of the store.
    â€œCostumes are big business,” Cade commented.
    â€œNot only for Halloween, but year-round. Anonymity. People like that fantasy element of being someone they’re not.” She grinned at him then. “Did you see anything you liked, other than Gina Avery?”
    So she’d seen him eyeing Gina. “She asked my opinion on her steampunk outfit, and I gave it. She looked hot. As for me?” He shrugged. “Not going there.”
    â€œWe have tons of choices.” She eyed him up and down. Her gaze held a second too long on his groin. “I could see you as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Pillsbury Doughboy, or a sugar cookie.”
    Say what? She saw him round, white, puffy? That didn’t set well. “Not quite how I pictured myself.”
    â€œOh?” She was all innocence. “We all see ourselves differently, don’t we?”
    â€œApparently so. I’m more man than foodstuff.”
    Grace saw him as all man, too. She wouldn’t admit it, though. She was having fun with him. She’d gotten him to talk costumes. After talking came wearing one. She was getting closer. He’d have fun if he’d just let himself go. For some unknown reason, she wanted him to attend the Halloween party at Rose Cottage, just not as a skeleton. The memory of his childhood misdoings would fade into the night.
    â€œTarzan, Hercules, and a gladiator are still available,” she nudged.
    He shook his head. “Not now, not ever.”
    â€œA football player, Popeye, Top Gun, knight in shining armor?”
    â€œNot happening.”
    â€œAstronaut, fireman, mile-high airline pilot.”
    His eyes darkened. He waved her off. “No more,” sounded like a warning. “I don’t like Halloween.”
    So he’d said, over and over again. She loved the craziness of costumes, candy, and creepy decorations. She knew she should drop the subject, but something inside her wouldn’t let go. She snapped her fingers, couldn’t resist. “You could go as a moving man.”
    â€œDamn, woman.” He was on her before she had a chance to step back. He slid his big hands into her hair, none too gently. Held her still. “What’s with you? I’ve asked you nicely to stop. Let up or I’ll—”
    â€œ What? ” She moved beyond common sense.
    He kissed her.
    His punishment was sexual, unexpected, yet effective. He was all hotness, hardness, and sensual appeal. Sparked by anger, he bit her bottom lip. Sensation puckered her nipples. Her belly pulled tight. Her groin pressed his. Their thighs rubbed.
    The kiss lasted. She had no desire for it to end. His firm mouth softened. He slipped his tongue between