Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20818 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Chapter 7
Kat
It’s Tuesday morning, and I’m standing behind the front desk of Haul-O-Ween Towing, tapping my pen against a stack of invoices, pretending to be focused. In reality, I’m trying to calm the nervous flutter in my stomach because Tony is coming by to meet my brothers today. The modest office is cluttered with maps, flyers, and assorted towing paraphernalia, a stark contrast to the polished charm of Trick or Treat, where we’ve carved out our own little corner of magic.
I’m halfway through organizing a chaotic pile of paperwork when I see Tony’s sleek car pulling into the lot, unmistakably chic amidst tow trucks. I feel a rush of excitement, instantly quelled by a tiny bubble of anxiety. It’s one thing for him and me to hit it off, but introducing him to Elliot and Henry is another can of worms.
Elliot, my oldest brother, is both fiercely protective and intimidating when he wants to be, which, unfortunately, is all the freaking time. Henry, on the other hand, is more laid back and open-minded, willing to give anyone a fair shot unless they steal his last donut.
Tony strides in confidently with a small bouquet of autumn flowers in hand, his signature charming smile on full display. My heart flutters despite myself, charmed by his thoughtful gesture.
“Hi,” I greet him, trying to act all casual as though introductions to intimidating siblings are part of my daily routine. “Glad you made it.”
He grins, his eyes flickering around the office, taking in the organized chaos as if he’s genuinely interested. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he says warmly, offering me the flowers, and cue the butterflies—again. When he leans over and kisses me to within an inch of my life, I melt against his hard body, wishing we were all alone instead of here in this busy, testosterone-filled office.
The next thing I know, the office door bangs open, and Elliot walks in looking like he’s auditioning for a role as a disgruntled giant.
“Who the hell’s car is that in our lot?” he booms, zeroing in on Tony with a look that could fumble even the most self-assured.
The air chills slightly, and I brace myself. Elliot's been in 'protector mode' ever since Dad retired, both a blessing and an occasional curse.
“Elliot, this is Tony Conti,” I jump in, trying to save the introductions. “Tony, this is my oldest brother, Elliot.”
Tony extends a hand, all grace and composure, despite my brother’s surly demeanor. “Nice to meet you, Elliot. Kat’s told me a lot about you.”
Elliot’s looming presence doesn’t falter. “Has she now? Well, let me be clear.” He finally shakes Tony’s hand, though it's more of a cautious grip. “If you hurt my sister, you won’t need a tow—I’ll roll your car into a ditch myself.”
“Elliot!” I exclaim, my cheeks coloring with embarrassment. He chuckles as if it’s all in good fun, but I can’t help but groan inwardly. Nothing like some classic intimidation tactics to start off a meeting.
Tony, to his credit, just laughs lightly. “Understood,” he replies, and I think he actually finds the whole exchange amusing. “Never been one to mess with family, promise.”
Just then, Henry walks in, stealing some tension from the atmosphere like a breath of fresh air. His casual demeanor and ever-present backward ball cap contrast with Elliot’s looming presence.
“Henry!” I say, probably way too enthusiastically, as if we’re playing a sitcom. “This is Tony.”
Henry gives Tony a nod, followed by one of those measuring-up kind of stares, but with no edge behind it. “I hear you’re the man who’s caught my little sis’s eye.”
I groan, but Tony just grins wider. “I am,” he quips, shaking Henry’s hand with genuine warmth.
“So, Trick or Treat, right?” Henry continues, leaning against the wall next to an old map of Midnight Falls. “I hear it’s quite the spot. Word around town is you’ve got a hell of a speakeasy, too.”
Tony leans into this easier interaction, his posture relaxing. “Yep, Midnight Falls’ best-kept not-so-secret,” he says. “Actually, I wanted to invite both of you to come check it out sometime. We can get to know each other.”
At this offer, I watch as the ice starts to crack, Henry looking mildly impressed and even Elliot softening marginally. “Now you’re speaking my language,” Henry says with a nod, his interest piqued by the prospect of an exclusive experience.
Elliot, though still imposing, seems to humor the idea as well. “Maybe I’ll swing by,” he relents, evidently intrigued despite his earlier stance.
Just as the convo hits a smooth pace, a ring echoes from my desk phone, and I duck behind reception to grab it. Business calls in a towing company wait for no sibling bonding session.
While I’m locked into a quick scheduling chat with Mrs. Henderson about her unfortunately unyielding transmission, I hear snippets of Tony effortlessly engaging them, talking about the bar, some hilarious past mishaps, and, admirably, giving as good as he gets with Elliot’s jabs.