A knock on the dressing room door startled her. “Lara, it’s Jack,” he said just loud enough for her to hear him. “You in there?”
“Yes, trying on a costume.” She cracked the door. Peeked out. “How’d you find me?”
He kept his voice low. “My office door was open, and I heard you leave the conference room. You took the elevator before I could catch you. I ran down the back stairs. Still missed you. Stella mentioned you’d turned left on the sidewalk. Outside I caught a glimpse of you. I was close behind and saw you enter Charade.”
“I’m costume shopping.”
He grinned. “Good idea. I’ll do the same. I have a couple ideas in mind. You show me yours, and I’ll show you mine.”
“Costumes, right?”
“You can show me anything at any time.”
She couldn’t help but smile. She quietly closed the door. Privacy was minimal. The dressing room walls were thin. She heard Jack leave, then return. She wondered what costumes he’d chosen. He was so handsome, he’d look good in any one.
She swallowed hard and began to undress. She’d worn a forest green wool dress to work. It had a gently fitting bodice with a pleated skirt. With a single tug, it came off easily, up and over her head. She stood in a white cotton bra and bikini panties. Not very glamorous in comparison to the sexy corset.
She slipped off her bra to get the full benefit of the heart-shaped garment. She was a 34C, and the boning lifted her chest dramatically. Her white breasts and shadowed cleavage were a sensual contrast to the red velvet. Once hooked, the corset fit snuggly, but didn’t cut off her breath.
She next stepped into the black gauze petticoat. It had an elastic waist, no problem. The short gold brocade skirt with the black lace train followed. She sucked in her tummy and closed the side zipper. She added the faux gem heart pendant choker. Then came the red velvet crown edged in gold. She centered it on her head. It fit better than a hair band.
She took a long moment and stared at herself in the mirror. Wonderland surrounded her. The fantasy made her feel feminine and sexy. Self-assured.
Reality returned with a tap on the dressing room door. “You dressed?” asked Jack.
“Yes . . .”
“I’m coming in, then.” A turn of the knob and he bumped the door open with his hip. “Do you feel the need for—” One look at her and speed died in his throat. Silence collected. Awareness amplified. The mirror reflected her uncertainty. His self-confidence.
The fluorescent lights cast Jack on the fast track with his Top Gun zip-front flight suit. His white T-shirt peeked from beneath. A Maverick name badge and dark aviator glasses were included. He could easily give Tom Cruise a run for his money.
“You look like a movie star,” she managed.
He leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb. Crossed his arms over his wide chest. His gaze was a visual touch. “The Queen of Hearts,” he admired, his voice husky. He reached out, skimmed his forefinger along her heart-shaped bodice. “I have few words. You’re indescribable and desirable as hell. A fantasy, sweetheart.”
In spite of the customer traffic in a nearby aisle, he leaned in, his whisper possessive. “I’m looking forward to a night in Wonderland.” He kissed her then, full on the mouth. A lingering kiss that sped up her heart and tented his flight suit.
“You do it for me,” he murmured. “Time to change.” He retreated to his own dressing room. Closed the door.
Lara breathed deeply. Her nipples puckered. Fortunately they weren’t visible beneath the velvet corset. She was seconds from removing her costume when Grace walked by and caught her as the Queen.
Catwoman smiled. “That outfit was meant for you,” she said, sincere and honest, not trying to make a sale. “Lady, you look amazing.”
Lara pressed her hand to her chest, needing assurance the corset wasn’t too low-cut. “It’s not too much?”
“Never too much with your figure.”
“I plan to buy the costume,” she told Grace. “I might also rent a cape. In case the temperature dips.”
Grace had an idea. “No need to rent. I could lend you the red velvet cape that goes with a Red Riding Hood outfit. Cape and corset would match just right.”
Lara nodded. “Sounds perfect.” She took her time changing out of the costume. Careful not to crease the velvet or to tear the lace. Her street clothes were far less enchanting than the fairy-tale ensemble.
She met up with Jack at the counter register. There was a never-ending line of paying customers. Grace and an assistant were busy ringing up sales. Jack offered to buy her costume, which she appreciated. It was expensive. Still, she gently declined. It was important to her to pay for it. She’d had her eye on the Queen of Hearts from the moment Grace displayed it in the front window. She’d stood on the sidewalk and envisioned this very moment. Her money. Her purchase.
The noise level in the shop rose, then fell. Lara noticed the sudden change in volume. She turned slightly to see who or what had brought Charade to silence. It was Edna Milner, she realized. The door opened, and she blew in on the night air, all narrowed gaze and sour expression. The older woman took in the crowd. Once locating Grace, she walked straight for the counter. She cut in line, ahead of Jack and Lara. A pushy woman with a purpose.
The shoppers returned to the costumes. Pursuing the perfect one. Lara noticed the conversations had quieted. Gazes flicked to Edna. Just as quickly looked away. There was a heightened curiosity about her visit to Charade.
“Good evening, Ms. Milner,” Grace acknowledged.
Edna pulled a face. “What’s good about it, Cackling Stripy Socks?”
Lara’s eyes rounded. Apparently Edna had a Halloween name for Grace as well. The shop owner explained to those in line, “I was wearing the Wicked Witch costume from The Wizard of Oz when Ms. Milner was last here. The outfit included black-and-white striped knee-high socks and red shoes.”
Lara thought the nickname quite appropriate. It was one of Edna’s nicer names. She nodded to the older woman. Edna eyed her steadily. The shop quieted further. Those nearby listened intently—Edna was known to be rude. Antagonistic. Fortunately, Grace got to her quickly.
The shop owner reached beneath the counter, then brought out a medium-sized brown box. Laura was intrigued. What costume would appeal to Edna? she wondered. Would Edna attend the local Halloween parties? Would she be recognized?
“That will be twenty-six dollars,” Grace said, quoting the price.
Edna pushed aside a panel on her wool cape, locating a zipper in the lining. She paid in cash. “Thank you, Cackling Stripy Socks.”
Lara couldn’t remember ever hearing Edna show gratitude. It was startling. Edna stepped out of line, turned to Lara and Jack. She spoke without reservation. “Together again, I see.” Her voice carried.
Together caught a lot of attention. People turned their way. Jack didn’t blink an eye. “We’re shopping for costumes, same as you,” he politely informed her.
Edna was on a roll. She outed them. “A peanut butter and jelly set? Paired Popeye and Olive Oyl?” She focused on couples’ costumes.
Everyone took note. There were a few smiles. Numerous raised eyebrows. Followed by nods of approval. Jack curved his hand over Lara’s shoulder. Squeezed. No words were necessary. He didn’t want her to worry about what other people might think. They had connected and weren’t trying to hide it. Thanks to Edna, their relationship had come to light and was moving fast forward. So be it.
Edna cut her hand in a wave. Then turned to go. “See you, Pumpkin Head, Jack-O’-Lantern.”
Lara spoke without thinking, labeling Edna with an intuitive rather than intentional nickname. “Have a good evening, Moonie McBright,” floated through the store.
She was as stunned as Edna that she’d spoken aloud.
Edna’s face creased. Her mouth pinched.
Lara’s lips parted in apology. What had she done? The last thing she ever wanted to do was embarrass the older woman in public. There wer
e so many people in the store. All as startled as she. All awaiting Edna’s reaction.
“Moonie McBright . . .” Edna tested her nickname. She looked directly at Lara. Her expression relaxed. “Is that the best you have?”
“It’s all I have.”
“Not bad for an amateur.”
“I’m a rookie compared to you.”
“Give some thought to next year. I’m sure you’ll do better.” The crowd drew back, and Moonie McBright Milner departed the store.
Lara caught the older woman’s expression reflected in the window of the door. She was smiling.
Chapter 4
Saturday morning arrived. Jack rubbed his jaw. He hadn’t stopped smiling since Charade. That was four days ago. Lara had called Edna Milner Moonie McBright, and the older woman had actually gotten a kick out of it. There’d been no repercussions. Since then the locals had all chimed in. Gently teasing Edna as well. Oddly enough, the older woman had become a part of the community. All due to a nickname.
He and Lara presently strolled through the Pumpkin Patch on the outskirts of town. It was the largest one in Maine. The assortment of offerings was enormous. A collection of sixty thousand pumpkins, gourds, and squash, along with a fifteen-acre corn maze. Scarecrows and witches were freckled throughout the acreage, which showcased an extensive collection of orange, yellow, blue, pink, and even speckled pumpkins. Some pumpkins were smooth, others had slightly ribbed textures.
Hayrides and pedal cars transported customers about the property. Row by row they could view and select the stacked pumpkins surrounding the red barn or ride into the fields and pick the perfect pumpkin right off the vine.
Lara loved Halloween. She embraced every aspect of the holiday. At that very moment she assessed the pumpkins. She wanted one for each office at the courthouse. Along with a circular grouping at the reception desk. She’d tagged the perfect ones with a courthouse sticker. To be retrieved that afternoon.
Eyeing the size of those she’d already chosen, Jack was glad he’d gone ahead and hired Three Men and a Truck. Otherwise he’d break his back lifting. Following her final decisions, the crew would haul the pumpkins to the government building. They would be given a pencil and paper sketch, and would place the decorations as diagrammed.
The sky told of fall. An authentic blue with just enough sunshine, and there was little to no wind. Excitement was as sharp and crisp as the day. Screeches echoed from the corn maze nearby. The Walton triplets nearly ran them over as the boys exited the cornstalks in a flourish of superhero capes and eye masks. Their mother brought up the rear. Powerwalking, but still losing ground to her eight-year-old sons. She just couldn’t keep up.
Jack smiled at Ellen Walton. “Your boys have super energy.”
“Today they are the dynamic trio. Stay close,” she shouted to her sons. Surprisingly, they stopped, dropped onto the ground. She sighed. “They are recharging. They ran through the maze, got lost, and backtracked, a dozen times. I’ve promised bags of kettle corn and caramel apples on our way home. Maybe they’ll be good for a few minutes and let me catch my breath.”
Lara came to join them. Jack curved his arm about her shoulders, and she leaned against him. He liked the feel of her. Familiarity held them close. He felt as if he’d known her forever. “Those are great capes,” she noted. “I love the colorful emblems: Superman, Batman, and Captain America.”
Ellen dipped her head, said, “Times are tight for us, despite my husband working two jobs. Our three growing boys eat us out of house and home. They’ve shot up several inches since school started, which means no hand-me-downs, only new clothes.”
“Yet you bought them costumes,” Lara noted.
“Not me,” she slowly admitted. “Moonie McBright.”
Lara startled. “Edna Milner?”
“One and the same.” Ellen hesitated. “It’s a secret, actually. She hates to be recognized for her good deeds. She ordered the capes through Grace at Charade. She’s quite generous.”
Jack glanced at Lara. They read each other’s minds. They now knew what was in the brown box. Halloween gifts for those boys.
“Edna lives down the block from us,” Ellen continued, “and often bakes cookies for the family. She’s also known to babysit in an emergency. She’ll often go along with my boys when they walk the dog. To keep an eye out and make sure they’re safe.”
“We’re still talking Edna Milner, right?” Jack had to ask. Had to be sure.
Ellen nodded. “Although she’s going by Moonie McBright now. I was in Merchants National yesterday, and even the banker greeted her by her nickname. The tellers clapped.”
He and Lara were stunned to silence.
“Mom!” the three boys interrupted. “Let’s go.” They jumped up and sprinted for the barn.
“That’s my cue,” said Ellen. “Have fun picking out your pumpkins.” She followed her sons at a much slower pace.
“Edna . . .” muttered Jack, not sure how to process the benevolent side of the often crotchety older woman.
“Moonie McBright . . .” Lara seemed just as mystified.
“I’m liking Halloween Edna,” said Jack.
“I want to buy her a pumpkin,” Lara decided.
“She might not accept it.”
“Deny a gift from Pumpkin Head and Jack-O’-Lantern? I don’t think so.”
He chuckled over her logic.
She left him and walked slowly along the edge of the Pumpkin Patch. Stretching, bending, and eyeing countless pumpkins.
He watched her every move. She looked cute and adventurous. Ready for fun in a long-sleeve pale-blue sweater with a navy puffer vest. All quilted and warm over black jeans, wool socks, and loafers. Today her tortoiseshell headband stayed in place.
She slowed near an enormous pumpkin, one nearly as big as Edna herself. It had to weigh one hundred pounds or more. Her back was to him. She bent over, bottom up. Nice butt, he thought, as her jeans tightened over her ass and thighs.
“That pumpkin’s quite large, Lara. We could deliver it to Edna, but how would she remove it after Halloween? It will eventually rot and decompose on her doorstep. Not pretty.”
She straightened, planting one hand on her hip, the other one bunched, as if forming a fist. She looked ready to punch him. But did not.
“Go big or go home.” He gave in. “You want that huge pumpkin for Moonie McBright, and it’s hers.”
She came to him then, held up one hand. She unclenched her fingers. There on her palm was the smallest pumpkin he’d ever seen. Three inches in circumference, pale orange in color, and perfectly formed. “A miniature,” he said.
“Just right for Edna. Being so tiny, it might not be easy to carve, but she could design a face with permanent black marker.”
“You think she’d go to such lengths?”
“I think there’s a lot about the woman we don’t know, and might never know.”
He agreed. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“I know I’m right.” She rose on tiptoe, kissed him lightly on the lips. “Right about Edna, and right about you.”
“I had no idea I was under consideration.”
“I came to a decision on you when you hired me.”
“What did you decide?” He was curious. He was crazy for her. Suddenly his life had a purpose beyond being mayor. She was constantly on his mind. His heart warmed for her. People embraced them as a couple. There’d been initial speculation, followed by congratulations once they made it official. But while he enjoyed dating her, he desired permanence. A home. Children. He hoped she wanted the same.
He wrapped his arms about her waist, hugged her close, and listened carefully as she said, “I recognized that you were a kind, considerate, and caring man. Respectful and genuine. You created a job for me in my darkest hour. I was grateful. I’d always had a crush on you, Jack, but I never really knew you. I imagined your personality. Your future.” She sighed against him. “My assumptions were lacking. You are so much more than
I ever believed. A man larger than life who’s—”
“Who’s falling in love with you,” he finished for her.
“I’m falling in love, too.”
“What we’re feeling isn’t happening too fast for you?” he asked, concerned. He didn’t want her to feel rushed. To be the least bit unsure.
“It’s a little scary,” she admitted.
“But not Halloween scary,” he teased her.
“Scary, just how happy I am. I find myself smiling for no reason. Paula thinks the parade has made me crazy.”
“Paula delights in repeating herself. She’s nudged and asked me to do things, twice.”
“I’m enjoying you, Jack Hanson.”
“The pleasure is all mine.”
He released her, only to take her by the hand and draw her along the pumpkin path. He tugged her inside the cornstalk maze. A bit prickly, but, ten feet in, they were snug among the stalks and well-hidden. Invisible to the public eye. And able to kiss and appreciate each other. She tucked the tiny pumpkin in her vest pocket. Faced him then, with wide-eyed openness and a soft blush of innocence.
His kiss was full of gentleness and promise. Her mouth was soft. Responsive. Her taste was sweet. Addicting. He allowed her to settle into him. To wrap her arms about his waist. To kiss him when she was ready. There was no hesitation on her part. She was there, with him, profoundly into him.
Their closed-mouth kisses were no longer enough. He soon slipped his tongue between her lips, prompting a deeper intimacy and passion. Moist hunger and profound need. She massaged his back above the waistband of his worn jeans. Jeans that dated back to college. She then finger-walked beneath the hem on his thick blue sweatshirt, bearing the logo of the Maine Mariners, the minor league hockey team from Portland. She kneaded upward, then scraped her fingernails down his sides. Her touch turned him on. He widened his stance. Cupped her butt, and fit her flush against him. They were soon so into themselves that seconds, minutes became a timeless embrace. All ragged breathing. Fondling. Carnal and hot.
The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice Page 27