Trick or Treat (Silver Spoon Connections)

2. Kat

Chapter 2

Kat

I stand next to the bar, staring into his dark eyes while wondering if I’m dreaming. The moment we stepped into Trick or Treat, the stunning interior took my breath away. The vintage stained-glass windows that line all the walls depict scenes of autumn landscapes and whimsical Halloween motifs, casting vibrant hues across the room when the disco lights shine across them. Each pane tells its own story, a fusion of artistry and the festive spirit of this unique town.

Dominating the far wall of the bar is an impressive stained-glass mural, arching over a heavy, dark antique bar. The mural is an intricate tableau of Halloween imagery: a crescent moon casting a soft glow over a haunted village, bats in flight swirling around towering pumpkins, and ethereal specters dancing in a twilight forest. The rich colors of the glass refract through the room, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows and light that brings the mystical scene to life.

Around the room, gothic-style fireplaces are strategically placed, their stone mantels intricately carved with gargoyles and twisted vines. The fireplaces emit a warm, inviting glow that complements the flickering candlelight scattered throughout the space. Fireplace embers crackle gently, adding to the ambiance with their soft, comforting sound.

Above, elaborate chandeliers dangle gracefully over all three levels of the bar, each a masterpiece of wrought iron and crystal. The chandeliers resemble upside-down black roses, their glossy petals cradling softly glowing lights that cast intricate patterns onto the ceiling and floors. As they sway ever so slightly, the crystals catch the light, creating a dazzling effect that mimics the twinkle of stars in an inky night sky.

The three levels of the bar are connected by sweeping, wrought iron staircases, each one adorned with carved pumpkins and trailing ivy. The upper levels offer a bird’s eye view of the bustling crowd below, each patron bathed in the enchanting, ghostly charm of Trick or Treat. It's a place where the whimsical and the gothic meet, effortlessly blending the mystery of Halloween with the elegance of a vintage escape.

But the true intrigue lies in the whispers about what exists beneath the main floor. Rumor has it they created a unique speakeasy in the abandoned bomb shelter beneath the bar.

Scared Shotless is an exclusive, invitation-only haunt that only the lucky few ever get to experience. Accessed by a secret door behind a seemingly ordinary bookcase, the speakeasy boasts a Prohibition-era vibe, complete with vintage furnishings and a menu of classic, handcrafted cocktails.

Standing here at the bar while this incredibly handsome bartender tells me to call him Tony seems surreal. His smile should come with its own warning label, and now I’m trying really hard not to swoon like some ridiculous damsel from one of those cheesy romance novels.

I pull myself together and return his introduction with a smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m Kat,” I manage to say, holding the cocktail, which looks like it walked right out of a Halloween dream. It’s some kind of bright green concoction with a tiny gummy worm crawling over the rim.

He leans against the bar, cape draping over his broad shoulders like he’s Count Dracula himself—but way better looking. “Kat?” Those dark eyes of his sparkle with mischief as he glances down at my tight Catwoman costume with a raised eyebrow. I’m pretty sure my brain short-circuits for a moment. I’ve never been good at handling handsome men who look like they stepped out of a gothic romance novel, and this hunky vampire definitely fits the bill with his raven-black hair slicked back perfectly and his ridiculously authentic-looking pearly white fangs.

Cass, my best friend, finally breaks free of the flirting ghost at the table by the front door and makes her way over. I can feel her stop next to me, but Tony demands my full attention. It’s hard to look away when he’s standing there like a real-life, very hot, Prince of Darkness.

“My name is actually Katara, but everyone calls me Kat,” I explain as my friend looks back and forth between me and the hunky vampire bartender.

“Aren’t you glad you let me drag you here tonight?” Cass leans over to whisper in my ear. This town is like Halloween Central all year round, and the crowd is loving this new spooky haunt. People dressed in fantastic costumes are everywhere, from sexy witches to dapper devils, and the whole bar glows with an eerie yet magical ambiance.

I hip-check her to shush her as I stare into Tony’s dark eyes. “Your name suits you.” He leans his elbows on the bar, and I get a little whiff of his deep woodsy scent. My insides turn to mush, and I know I couldn’t move an inch if I tried.

Flirting is not in my natural skillset, and having him this close turns my brain to Jell-O. “Thank you,” I blurt out the first words that come to mind.

Someone at the end of the bar catches his attention, and the hot bartender gives them a chin nod before turning back to me with regret shining in his dark brown eyes. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll catch up with you a little later, kitty.” His promise sends electricity coursing down my spine.

“It’s Kat,” I remind him.

“I know.” He winks at me before turning to serve another customer. I take a huge gulp of my drink, hoping to get control of my erratic heartbeat. As he moves to the far end of the bar, I can’t help staring at his profile. With a sharp jawline and perfect cheekbones, he’s the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome.

I sip my drink, savoring the sweet and tart mixture that dances on my tongue. The atmosphere is infectious, and I can feel myself loosening up, just enjoying the moment. Cassidy leans over, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Wow.” She fans herself. “I’m surprised my hair didn’t catch fire from the heat you two were giving off.”

“Uh-huh,” I agree, glancing back at Tony, who’s twirling bottles and chatting with customers like he was born to do it.

Cassidy wiggles her eyebrows at me. “I think the hot vampire wants to take a bite out of you.”

“I’ll let him,” I admit as Cassidy and I make our way to one of the gothic-style fireplaces on the side of the bar to wait for Tony to finish serving the crowd.

“See if you can get us an invite to Scared Shotless. I’ve heard it’s amazing.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

I turn around and see two ghosts dirty dancing under the black and orange disco lights, and realize I’ve stepped into the Twilight Zone. The decorations are perfect for such a quirky bar—cobwebs, faux bats, and pumpkins carved with intricate designs. There’s even a live band playing jazzy, spooky tunes in the corner, adding to the enchanting mood.

Cassidy starts to drag me onto the dance floor, a space alive with costumed guests doing everything from the Thriller to spirited little jigs. I hesitate just a moment, my gaze lingering on Tony, who catches my eye and gives me a little wink.

We dive into the crowd, twirling and spinning, and I let the music wash over me, freeing any lingering nerves. Cassidy was totally right; this is the perfect way to spend a Friday night.

I’m still reeling from the way Tony looks at me like I’m some kind of enchantress who’s just cast a spell. Every time I glance over at the bar, I find his dark eyes following my every movement. It’s flattering, if not a bit intoxicating, and I can't quite shake off the exhilaration of it. There’s something in the air at Trick or Treat, or maybe just something about Tony. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

The bar is buzzing. Costumed patrons fill the space in all shapes and sizes, from vampires to werewolves to a couple of mummies unwrapping themselves as the night wears on. Someone dressed as Frankenstein is having a dance-off with a witch in the corner, and I catch glimpses of Cassidy flitting about, chatting with every person she meets. That girl could make friends with a wall.

Tony is back at the bar, working his magic, mixing drinks with the kind of effortless charm and flair that I find just as bewildering as it is attractive. I have to admit, I’ve spent more time at this bar tonight than any sane person should, but it’s hard to wander too far when someone like Tony is mixing your drinks.

After several songs, slightly breathless but exhilarated, I make my way back to the bar, needing a refill.

I lean against the bar, watching him pour an emerald green concoction for a customer in a ghoul mask. When he catches my eye, he flashes that killer smile again, the one that I'm pretty sure should be illegal.

He finishes with the ghoul and glides over in my direction with the ease of someone who’s comfortable in any situation.

“Having fun?” he asks as I place my empty glass on the bar.

“I am.” I smile at him. “Can I have a refill, please?”

He takes the glass and stares into my eyes while electricity arcs between us. His eyes turn even darker as they stare into mine. “Anything for you, kitty.”

“Anything?” I bite my bottom lip, searching for the bravery to ask him for a huge favor.

He reaches under the bar to snag an unopened bottle, and the motion catches my attention, mostly because his arms flex ever so temptingly. Then he leans forward, closing the space between us so I can just breathe in the warm, heady musk of him amidst the cinnamon and pumpkin spice smells of the bar. “Anything,” he says, voice low and serious, yet with a playful undercurrent. “You name it.”

“Well, since you put it that way…” I drawl, letting the words hang in the air a bit as I weigh my options. I almost ask for something silly, like a pumpkin spice latte at a high-end coffee spot, just to keep things light, but then a wicked idea pops into my head. “How about an invitation to that exclusive speakeasy you’ve got hidden in the basement?”

The request sits between us, floating like the ghost decorations hanging overhead. A look of surprise flits across his face for just a second, then morphs into a slow, knowing smile. “Word travels fast, huh?” he remarks, straightening up.

“What can I say? This cat’s got its ears to the ground,” I purr and wiggle my eyebrows, matching his light tone. “But you did say ‘anything.’”

Tony laughs, shaking his head slightly as though he’s assessing the situation in a whole new light. “And I meant it,” he agrees, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “But I need something in return, kitty.”

The nickname causes my hussy girly bits to tingle. Curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. “And what’s that?”

“Well,” he says, pausing just long enough to make me hold my breath, “if you agree to go on a date with me, I’ll personally take you down to the speakeasy tomorrow night.” Holy moly. The smoking-hot vampire just asked me out on a date.

If you’d told me this morning I’d end up at a Halloween bar, flirting shamelessly with the vampire bartender, and get invited to some secret speakeasy, I’d probably have laughed. Yet here I am, my heart doing gymnastics as he lays out his terms.

I pretend to mull it over, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “A date. That’s a big ask,” I say, feigning contemplation. “I mean, it’s a well-known fact that going on a date with a vampire could be hazardous to your health.”

“You don’t have to worry about your health,” he assures with a grin that suggests he could charm the fangs off of Dracula if he tried. “But your heart is on the line.” Holy moly. Is the hot vampire really flirting with me? I swallow as my heart races in my chest.

“My heart?” I manage to squeak out past my dry throat.

“I have plans,” the mystery surrounding the bartender wraps around me, “that start with dinner. I promise, no spooky business until you’re begging for it.”

There’s a lightness to our exchange that makes it effortless for me to agree, though part of me tingles with excitement at the prospect, the mystery. There’s something potentially terrifying about this whole venture.

Throwing my usual cautiousness to the wind, I agree, “It’s a deal.”

“Perfect,” Tony replies, and there’s a warmth in his gaze that leaves me slightly dazzled. “I’ll make sure it’s a night to remember.”

“Like this one?” I tease, gesturing at the swirling crowd around us.

He smirks, that playful twinkle back in full force. “Even better. I’m pulling out all the stops.”

I give him my number, and then we chat a bit more until Cassidy comes strolling up. She insists on more selfies of us while Tony gets back to his other customers.

The night meanders toward closing, and I give Tony a little wave as I leave the bar, already anticipating our upcoming date.