Trick or Treat (Silver Spoon Connections)

4. Kat

Chapter 4

Kat

When he extends his hand and invites me to dance, my heart skips a beat. I mean, if it isn’t every little girl’s dream to have a dashing, tall, and infuriatingly charming man lead her in a dance under soft, flickering candlelight, then I don’t know what is.

I take his hand, and as he pulls me closer, I swear I’m experiencing one of those cinematic moments you always see in rom-coms—music swelling, hearts thumping, everything around us blurring into oblivion.

The atmosphere in the speakeasy is perfect for this. I can’t help but notice how the soft notes of the jazz band seem to float around like they’ve come from some bygone era, wrapping us both in their spell. The place is decadent in the subtlest of ways. Shadows dance along the walls and highlight the aged brick, giving the room this mystique that makes everything about being here with Tony feel even more special.

“You sure you can handle my two left feet?” I’m not joking at all. I’m utterly challenged in the coordination department.

“I can handle whatever you send my way,” he says with a grin, effortlessly sliding one hand to my waist while the other maintains our connection. “I’ll take care of you, little kitty.”

We start swaying to the music, and I almost melt into a puddle of goo when he spins me around, bringing me back into his arms with an ease that makes my pulse race. There’s something deeply intimate about feeling his muscular body holding mine close.

I feel the warmth of his hand through the material of my dress. We move fluidly across the patterned tiles, his fingertips brushing against my spine in a way that sends little sparks through my skin. It’s ridiculous how something as simple as dancing can evoke so much emotion in me, but then again, everything tonight seems charged with a special kind of magic.

“You went all out for our date,” I tease, trying to sound casual despite the emotional whirlpool coursing through me.

“I’d do anything to make you happy,” he says, twirling me again. The world spins in a blur of laughter and music, his words tingling somewhere deep in my chest. When he drags me even closer, I feel something very hard and really huge pressed against my stomach. Wow. The room fades away as I fall even further under the spell he’s weaving around me.

Eventually, the song winds down, bringing us to a slow stop. His gaze is warm, and for a moment, the world is still again, filled with unspoken promises.

“Time to head back?” I ask softly, almost as if I need permission to break this spell. He nods, guiding me back to where our dinner awaits.

I settle into my seat, feeling the connection during our dance and the ambiance leaving a permanent smile on my face. Our fancy meal is not just a feast for the taste buds but an experience in itself. Each course is presented artfully, from the seasonal salad to the gourmet entree, and ultimately to the show-stopping dessert—a molten chocolate lava cake that could probably summon a love sonnet from a hardened cynic.

As we eat, I take in every detail of this hidden gem we’re in. The speakeasy is intimate and aged beautifully, like it’s stuck in a time loop of the nineteen twenties, silently beckoning those who enter to leave the worries of the world behind. It feels exclusive, a secret waiting to be kept.

I notice the staff gliding around like shadows, efficient and almost invisible, making sure everything stays perfect. I can’t help but feel a little curious. I mean, why us? Why such privacy when a bustling venue above leaves room to get lost in the crowd?

Eventually, curiosity gets the better of me. “Tony, not that I’m complaining,” I start, taking a sip from my glass of wine, “but why are we the only people in here?”

He leans back, crossing his arms casually but with that ever-present hint of playfulness. “I wanted it to be just us,” he admits, his eyes meeting mine with that honesty that floors me again. “I own the bar and made sure the room was reserved for our private dinner.”

The revelation makes me blink a few times. Of course, the allure thickens. “You own Trick or Treat?” I ask, genuinely surprised, and maybe a tad impressed.

He nods, the light catching his dark eyes with that devil-may-care glint. “Yeah, bought the place when I moved here. I wanted something different, something with character.”

“Well, it definitely has character,” I agree, letting my gaze wander around a bit more. “It’s freaking awesome.”

Tony laughs, low and warm. “I’m glad you think so.”

I can’t help but smile at that, feeling something akin to admiration bubbling up inside me. He’s not just the mysterious bartender with devilishly good looks. My heart is telling me to jump in with both feet while my cautious mind is warning me to take things slowly.

“I think I need to know more about you.” I smile at him and push a bite of that decadent cake onto my fork.

“What do you want to know?” He sits back in his chair and stares into my eyes.

“What kind of job did you have in Las Vegas?” I start with the simple question, figuring we’ll move on to more personal questions later.

“That’s a long, complicated story.” He stares into my eyes, explaining, “In a nutshell, I had an extremely stressful, mentally challenging job, and I just got too old to deal with all the hassle. I decided to retire to this unique town and try my hand at bar ownership.”

“Well, I’m glad you did.” I can tell he’s glossing over but I don’t care. This handsome man has woven a magical spell around me.

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.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” he replies, that smile playing perfectly on his lips as he walks me up the back stairs and through the mostly empty hallway leading to the private entrance at the back of the bar.

He walks me to my car and opens the door for me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” When he leans over and covers my lips with his, I melt against his muscular body. His warm hand roams up and down my back, leaving goosebumps along the way.

He slides his tongue into my mouth, and fireworks explode behind my closed eyelids.

The late-night chilly air wraps around us, but I’m not at all cold with his warmth cocooning me.

He pulls back and lays his forehead against mine, and I stare into his dark eyes, wondering if I’m dreaming this perfect night. “I’ll see you soon, kitty.”

“Okay.” I slide behind the wheel before I give into the temptation to throw myself at him.

When I pull out into the mostly empty main street, I notice a sleek black sports car following me. I should be worried, but there isn’t a town on earth safer than Midnight Falls. Well, except maybe Silver Spoon Falls. I turn onto my street and get a look at the driver of the car following me and realize it’s Tony. My heart melts as I pull into my driveway.

After I park in front of my garage, he stops behind me, and I give him a little wave before unlocking my front door. As Walter grumbles his displeasure at spending the entire evening alone, I hear a rumble as the sports car drives away.

A few minutes later, my phone vibrates with a text.

Unknown

I had a great time tonight. It’s going to be a long fucking night without you here with me. Goodnight, kitty.

Wow. How do I respond to that text? Taking a deep breath, I type out a message, and then rethink my words and delete it. I sit on the side of my bed and stare at the phone screen for several minutes until I finally decide what to send.

Me

Walter said he’d like tuna for his treat.

Unknown

I can make that happen.

Me

Goodnight

Unknown

Goodnight, kitty.