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)
The buzz of the bar fades into the background as I lose myself in the gaze of a man who seems to know how to balance charm, mystery, and a hint of mischief all at once.
“Enough about me,” Tony says, leaning back in his chair, staring at me in a way that turns my insides to mush. “Why don’t you tell me all about you?”
“It’s a really boring story.,” I shrug knowing I’m about to bore his socks off. “I’m the office manager at my family’s towing company, Haul-O-Ween Towing.”
He stares into my eyes, truly interested in what I’m saying. “Cute name.”
“My parents thought it was perfect for Midnight Falls,” I admit with a grin. “My parents retired to Hawaii last year and left me in charge of the business side while my two brothers handle the towing operations. It’s a nice change to be able to order those two jerks around.”
Tony smirks, that charmingly crooked one that makes my heart do little somersaults. “So, you’re the one really running the show.”
“Someone’s got to make sure the ship doesn’t sink,” I reply, leaning back and swirling the wine in my glass. “Honestly, it’s not as glamorous as running a Halloween-themed bar, but it’s a decent job.”
He laughs, the sound warm, almost teasing. “Believe me, this bar may look glamorous, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes chaos. I can’t imagine keeping a towing company on the rails is easy work.”
I nod, finding myself appreciating how he sees past the typical assumptions. “It’s definitely a juggling act. Some days, it’s sorting out schedules; others, it’s negotiating with insurance companies. And don’t even get me started on the state of the break room.”
“It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it,” he quips, his eyes bright with laughter.
“Exactly!” It’s strangely comforting sharing these snippets, these little slices of normalcy that make up most days of my week. I don’t know why, but I already feel like I’ve known Tony forever.
“But really,” I continue, a touch more seriously, “I do enjoy it. I grew up around the business, and although I used to dream about something different, it keeps me grounded. Plus, I work well with my brothers, even if they have the subtlety of a bulldozer.”
Tony smiles, his expression turning thoughtful. “I spent my entire life working for my best friend.” I’m surprised by this little peak into his former life. “Running a family-owned business can be challenging. You have to make your customers happy while keeping the peace within the family at the same time.”
“Exactly.” I can’t believe how much he gets me. “I spend half my time keeping my brothers from killing each other, and the other half threatening to kill each of them myself.”
Tony’s laugh is genuine. “I can sympathize. Marco and I used to get into some pretty intense arguments.”
“Marco?”
“Marco Dean, my best friend and former boss.” Tony leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. The name sounds familiar, but I can’t place where I’ve heard it. “So, what do you do for fun in this crazy town?” Tony asks, redirecting the conversation with a charming grin.
“Fun?” I pretend to ponder, then roll my eyes playfully. “I live a pretty boring life that consists of work, binging on true crime podcasts, and annoying my cat, Walter. He truly believes he’s the king of my apartment.”
“I’d be worried if anyone with a name like Walter wasn’t,” Tony teases, nodding as though understanding feline royalty. “I’m honestly not shocked my little kitty has her own spoiled cat.” My insides do a little dance and spin when he calls me his. “I’d love to meet his royal highness.”
“Oh, he’d love you,” I reply, unable to keep the affection for my spoiled furball out of my voice. “If you come bearing treats.”
“I can definitely bring treats.” Tony rests his chin on his hand, studying me like I’m a fascinating puzzle he’s enjoying working out. “Would you and Walter like to have dinner with me tomorrow night? I’ll bring pizza for the humans and liver treats for the prince.”
“I’d love that.” I can’t believe the handsome bartender-slash-bar owner wants another date with me. “Are you allowed to have a night off during your Thirteen Nights of Halloween celebration?”
“I’m the boss.” He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. “I can take a few hours off to meet my main competition for your affection,” he teases me.
“Then we would love to have you come over for dinner tomorrow night.”
As the evening wanes and the time to leave grows near, I find myself lingering in every moment we share, each stolen glance, each laugh, each word that flows between us. By the end of the night, I’m forced to admit to myself that Tony has already freaking stolen my heart.
“Thank you for a magical night,” I say, genuinely grateful and still softly ensnared in the spell of the evening.