The Vampire's Mail Order Bride(17)

“Tradition is great,” Annabelle interjected. “But shaking things up is fun too.”

Vicky’s exterior returned to its normal brittle shell. “I suppose you’re one of those who likes salt on their chocolate.”

“I do.” She reached into a nearby bin and pulled out a handful of wax paper wrapped pastel discs. “But I also love Necco wafers. They’re one of the oldest American candies, you know.”

“Yeah.” Vicky smirked. “I know. You actually going to buy those or are you just touching them for fun?”

Hugh was on the verge of snarling at Vicky. “We’ll take the whole bin.”

The woman’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Isn’t that generous of you.” She snapped her fingers. “Mary, ring up this bin of Neccos for Mr. Ellington.”

“Ellingham,” he corrected, knowing the second that the word was out of his mouth that he’d given her exactly what she wanted. Recognition.

With an evil little smirk, she spun on her heel and walked away.

Mary Keller, Vicky’s daughter, ran up to help them. She smiled at Hugh and blushed a little. “Hi, Mr. Ellingham. I’ll take care of that right now for you.” She scooped up the candies and headed off to the counter.

Annabelle shot him a questioning look that included crazy eyes.

He snorted and nodded. “Yep.”

As soon as they were back outside, he lifted the bag of candies. “You really like these things, huh?”

“Ugh, no, I hate them. They’re chalky, flavorless discs of…chalk. I just didn’t want that woman to win the argument. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back.”

A burst of laughter tore out of Hugh. When he caught his breath, he just shook his head. “You’re a madwoman. I can’t adequately express how entertaining you are.” He hefted the bag. “Best money I ever spent, so don’t even think about paying me back, but what are you going to do with all of these dreadful things?”

She held out her hand for the bag. “Every day is Halloween, right?”

“Right.” He gave her the bag.

Two little girls dressed as whatever Disney princesses were currently the rage came toward them, their parents in tow. Annabelle crouched down. “Are you Elsa and Anna?”

Shyly, but smiling, they nodded. “We are.”

“Your dresses are beautiful,” Annabelle cooed. “Do you have treat bags?” They did. Every child in Nocturne Falls did. They held them up. Annabelle added a generous handful of Neccos to each one. “Happy Halloween,” she said.

Then she linked her arm through Hugh’s. “I’ll have these gone before we hit the end of the street.”





Delaney was shocked by how much the owner of the candy store’s treatment of Hugh had bothered her, but handing out the candy and seeing the kids’ faces light up was fun. Getting rid of the candy and being able to hold on to Hugh without being interrupted was even better. His hand was tucked in his pocket and her arm was laced through his. The connection was surprisingly easy and oddly comforting. Whether or not he felt the same, she couldn’t tell, but he’d made no move to change it. Either way, she felt safe with him around. Not that she was in any danger here.

“Piper was your ex, I take it?”

He nodded. “Yes.” Then he changed the subject. “You’re really good with children. Actually, you’re good with people in general.”

“Thanks. I like people.” Him included, which was almost worrying her. “Speaking of, why doesn’t Vicky like you?”

“Long story.”

“I have twenty-nine days left. If you can’t tell it in that amount of time, I don’t want to hear it.”

He smiled. “Perhaps it’s not that long. Her family refused to sell when my family was buying up the town. She’s still bitter even though it was ages ago and she wasn’t even born yet.”

“She resents your money and your influence, despite the fact that without your family’s intervention, she wouldn’t have a business to run.”

“Pretty much.”

Delaney sighed. “People like that wear me out.”

“You never did get your dessert, you know.” He glanced down at her. “Would you like something sweet?”

“Always.”

“What would you like?”

She almost said a kiss. Where that had come from, she had no idea. Her pulse jumped at the freshness of her own thoughts. “Chocolate is always good. Unless you’re in the mood for something different?”

The wicked glinted in his eyes lasted for half a second, then he looked down the street. “There’s a great little coffee shop just down the way. They have biscuits, er, cookies and little cakes and such, too.”