TrickorTreat Read online

  Trick or Treat

  Madeleine Oh

  Katie Fairfax jokingly asks her cousin for “a gorgeous, exciting, bedworthy man to make all my wildest dreams come true,” not expecting to be taken at her word. When she first meets Jud Carlton, she finds the man pushy and overbearing. But as Jud bulldozes into her life, she finds his special way of loving is what she’s always longed for.

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Trick or Treat

  ISBN 9781419926334

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Trick or Treat Copyright © 2003 Madeleine Oh

  Cover art by Syneca

  Electronic book publication 2003

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Trick or Treat

  Madeleine Oh

  Chapter One

  “But I told Andrew you would, darling. He’s counting on you.”

  Katie Fairfax took a deep breath. “Mother, did it ever occur to you to ask? What if I happened to be going away that weekend?”

  She pictured her mother’s raised eyebrows. “You’re not, are you, dear?”

  Katie sighed. ‘Yes, I am’ entailed lying to her mother, ‘No, of course not’ meant she got stuck cat sitting. What a choice! Pity she couldn’t plead allergies. “Tell Andrew, I’ll keep his cat.”

  “I think it will have to be in his house, dear. Moving Elise will upset her, she’s expecting.”

  Sheesh, her sister, her cousin, and now the cat. At least Mother hadn’t started on, ‘Isn’t it time you found a nice young man Katie’.

  “Okay, Mom. Tell Andrew I’m game. But he darn well owes me!”

  “I knew you would dear, now don’t forget Sally and Tim’s shower. You do have a gift don’t you?”

  Yet another cousin getting hitched-not that she’d have Sally’s Tim if he came gift-wrapped, “Not yet, Mom, but I will. See you there then. Bye, I love you.”

  Katie hung up the phone with a sigh. One of these days she’d toughen up and learn how to tell her mother ‘no’. Meanwhile, she was committed to spend a weekend in her favorite cousin, Andrew’s, almost obscenely luxurious house, and possibly midwifing a cat. That was in two weeks. More pressing was getting a shower gift for Sally and her intended. A quick trip to the mall one afternoon after work would take care of that. As for the cat, she’d manage. If Andrew had asked, she’d have agreed like a shot, but when her mother asked, she felt honor-bound to push a bit. Mind you, Andrew never nagged her about still being single, and didn’t ask prying questions about her social life.

  He did however, call her the next day. “So your mom and mine put the screws on you. I didn’t mean them to shanghai you.”

  “What did you intend?” Just curious of course…

  “I asked my mother if she knew anyone who’d house and cat sit while I was away. I’m driving down to Atlanta to pick up Sophie.” Sophie was Andrew’s sophisticated, but quite agreeable, intended.

  “No prob, Andrew, but you owe me!”

  “Forever!” he agreed. “What can I get you?

  “A gorgeous, exciting, bedworthy man to make all my wildest dreams come true.” Good luck Andrew! She’d not managed it herself in twenty-seven years.

  “That’s a tall order!”

  She chuckled. If her mother knew what she’d asked, she’d pitch a hissy fit. “Too hard?”

  “No way! Give me time!”

  “Never mind, Andrew, if you can’t, I’ll settle for pizza.”

  “I think I can find the man for you.” He gave a teasing laugh. “Tell you what, you come help me shop for a gift for Sally and Tim, and I’ll take you to the new brick oven pizza place at Five Points.”

  “Sounds great. Shall we stop by the mall?”

  “How about the Rose and Leather Boutique?”

  The new, kinky sex shop out in Rosewood that certain city counselors had been trying to close. “I thought I’d get them scented candles or perfumed massage oil.”

  “They have oil, and scented candles, and other stuff. It’ll help broaden your horizons. Pick you up at seven, tomorrow.”

  Mom and Andrew seemed to be taking over her life. She'd suspect them of being in cahoots-but the kinky boutique was not, she was certain, her mother’s idea. Still it might be fun. She had been curious about it, with Andrew she’d not get hit on by perverts looking for entertainment, and it would up her street cred with the twenty-year-olds at work.

  Andrew was there on the dot, complete with his sporty Mercedes and a smile. Pity he was her cousin, and taken already. On the other hand, did she really want to hook up with someone she’d played kidnap and 'tie up the princess' to his dragon, when they were kids?

  “I might have another client for you,” he said as his car purred away from the curb. “I gave your name to a man at work for his sister.”

  “Great! What does she want?”

  “Not too sure. She’s a writer. Just sold a book, and decided she needs a web site. I’ve got her card in the glove box.”

  Not a name that rang any bells, but if she’d just sold a first book, it wouldn’t. “Thanks,”

  “Have to help keep my little coz solvent.”

  “I’m two days older than you!” They’d had this argument a dozen times. It was about the only edge she’d ever had.

  He glanced away from the road and grinned. “Maybe, but I’ve got a bigger one than yours!”

  She spluttered. What next? “I’ve managed very nicely without one for twenty-seven years.”

  “That’s not what you told me on the phone last night.”

  She’d live to regret that little confidence. “Maybe, but can you provide one?” She was sorely tempted to slug him one and wipe the smirk off his face. But he was driving, and a major collision would delay getting pizza.

  Marvelous pizza it was too—pesto and assagio with shrimp, piping hot from the brick oven. The tiny restaurant was cozy from the warmth of cooking. The air redolent of garlic and cheese.

  “Thanks for the referral about the website,” Katie said as she chewed on a particularly toothsome mouthful of shrimp. “Every one helps.”

  “How are things going?

  “Not bad really. I may even end up making a profit this year.”

  “Wonderful!”

  “Not a massive profit you understand-about a hundred, if I’m lucky, but it’s way better than a loss, and I can tell my mother that Fairfax Web Design has had a profitable year.”

  “She’s still giving you a hard time over it?”

  “Pretty much. I think I’m a major disappointment to her. Susie is a tax accountant, properly married, and producing grandchildren, wh
ile I’m single, eking out an existence with a retail job, and playing with computers in spare time that would be better spent finding a husband.”

  “Quit acting like a sad sack! You’ll be the successful one. Your web sites are marvelous. Each one is different, not cookie cutter sites from templates.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I can’t convince Mother.”

  “My mother adds her fuel to the fire. I’d better warn you, they have both decided you need a ‘nice young man’. They’ve seconded me to find one.”

  She’d been joking, sort of. Her mother and Aunt Mary weren’t. “Darn them!” She reached for a second slice. Pizza momentarily satisfied a lot of needs.

  “How’s your love life?”

  From him it didn’t sound like a cliche. “According to my mother, unsatisfactory. I’m too particular. I need a man made to measure. After all Sally is getting married and she’s two years younger than me! I should be getting worried.” It was enough to make a saint cuss.

  “Are you too particular?” He grinned. “Don’t throw that slice at me! The cheese will fall off. Just wondered. After all you’ve had plenty of dates over the years.”

  Katie shrugged. She’d never admit this to Mom, but after all, Andrew was the closest thing to a brother. They’d shared confidences and secrets since they were kids. “I’ve met some nice ones, yes. A couple Mom thought perfect.”

  “But you didn’t?”

  She shook her head. “No one who lit my fire.”

  He looked at her a long minute. “What was wrong with them?”

  “Nothing really! They were nice men, but…”

  “The sex just wasn’t right?”

  “Yeah.” She chuckled. “You can just hear me telling Mom that, can’t you?”

  “I’ll find you someone. I think I know the perfect man for you.”

  “I’m pretty picky, you know.”

  “But I know you, Katie. Remember when we were kids and I’d kidnap you and carry you off to the dungeon?”

  “Yeah! And remember when you tried to kidnap Sally and she ran screaming to Aunt Jenna?”

  “God, yes! I had to apologize for scaring her. She was a whiny brat.” And hadn’t changed much, only now it was her fiancé she griped about. “You never complained.”

  “Just planned on punching you when I’d had enough!”

  “I don’t remember you ever punching me.”

  “Neither do I.”

  He went very thoughtful, looking at her in a way that sent an odd shiver down her back. It wasn’t sexual. Couldn’t be. Heck, she and Andrew had had diapers changed together. Attraction wasn’t anywhere in the deal.“

  They finished the pizza in companionable silence, sharing the last slice. Andrew eyed the empty platter. “That was worth the trip down here, now shopping, right? It’s why we came, wasn’t it?”

  “I’ve got my Visa card ready.”

  He hadn’t been joking about the Rose and Leather Boutique. The black leather bikini and fishnet stockings on the model in the window, set the mood. The whip in her plastic hand left little doubt that this was not your everyday gift shop.

  But despite her misgivings, Katie was fascinated, and couldn’t help noticing Andrew seemed right at home as he went over to the cash register and bought a gift certificate. That would be an easy way out, but she caught sight of a row of costumes. All grown-up sizes, for Halloween, she supposed. She was looking at a pirate outfit complete with black breeches, spotted kerchief and a white shirt with flowing sleeves, when a young woman clerk came over.

  “Looking for a costume?”

  “Just looking, thanks.”

  Andrew came up behind her. “Found something you like?”

  “I don’t dress up for Halloween.” She spent her energies and money handing out candy to the children in the neighborhood.

  “They’re not for Halloween.”

  Katie looked from Andrew to the young woman. “Fancy dress?”

  She shook her head. “Acting out fantasies.” She pulled out a couple of hangers. “The French maid and the nurse are popular.”

  The idea was preposterous, and utterly fascinating. The nurse and maid did nothing for Katie, but the empire line Jane Austen style dress the clerk now held was lovely. Apart from the slits up to the high waist.

  “Like it?” Andrew asked, as the clerk wandered off to talk to another customer.

  “I do rather, but it’s revealing.”

  “That’s the whole point.”

  “You could get arrested walking down the street in that.”

  “Sweet coz, it’s not meant to be worn walking down the street. It’s for acting out your fantasies in the privacy of your boudoir.”

  For when the pirate came and carried you off… It took her back to their old games of make believe as kids. “You’ve got a pirate one?”

  “Not the pirate.” He chuckled. “I go for the black leather look myself.” He looked up at a model suspended against the wall. “Like that.”

  ‘That’, was skin-tight, black leather pants with a vest that showed pretty much all of the model’s wide chest. “I can’t see you wearing that for Sunday lunch with your parents.”

  That sent him off in a great peal of laughter. “I’ll let you into a secret, only Sophie has seen me in it.”

  Perfectly understandable. Or was it? What was she doing here? Fascinated to tell the truth. The price tag on the Jane Austen dress was reasonable enough, but when would she every wear it?

  “You like it don’t you?” Andrew asked.

  “Yes, but I came to get a shower gift, not fancy dress.” But she spared a final glance for the Pirate. It even had a leather eye patch dangling from the hanger. Enough! She turned and all but knocked over a table of whips and riding crops. She stepped back, but not before noticing one made of royal blue suede. Fascinated, she reached for the smooth handle, and ran her fingers through the soft tresses, until she noticed the price tag, and put it down very carefully. Way above her price level.

  “Like it?” Andrew asked. “It’s a nice piece of workmanship: French. They make very nice quality things over there.”

  “They make the best crystallized fruit too.”

  He raised an eyebrow at that. “Marrons Glacés to you too, Katie me girl. Never thought I’d find you with a flogger in your hands.”

  This was getting too much. “Let up, Andrew. I need to find a gift for Sally.”

  “I’ve paid for mine. You’re the one playing with the merchandise.”

  Undeniable, but… “You brought me here.

  “Yes, I did!”

  “Why?”

  “Just curious, Katie, and I do so love yanking your chain.” He rattled a set of manacles and chains hanging from a display case.

  There was no point denying her fascination. Andrew read her too well, but the shop was more crowded than a few minutes earlier. What if one of her clients walked in, or someone she knew? Time to beat a fast retreat. She grabbed the nearest article that wasn’t leather or metal: a pair of red velvet, fur-lined handcuffs, and made for the check out.

  If the pimply youth at the cash register dared any smart ass comments… He barely glanced at them, just scanned the tag and took her plastic. Why not? If customers regularly bought chains, whips, and the odd-looking leather swing hanging in the window, a pair of handcuffs were pretty banal.

  “Do you gift wrap?” She wasn’t sure what made her ask that, but…

  “Sure,” he indicated a roll of paper behind him. It was shiny black with tiny gold and silver handcuffs.

  “Never mind.” She’d drop by the card shop later and pick up something with flowers or wedding bells. Much safer.

  She was ready to beat a fast exit. Where was Andrew? Over by the books and videos, talking to a tall, dark-haired man. A sumptuous-looking dark-haired man. Okay, a kinky dark haired man, given he spent his evenings here, but on the other hand, maybe his cousin had dragged him here too.

  At that moment, Andrew look
ed her way. “Ready?”

  “Yes!”

  He-and the scrumptious other-walked over.

  “Katie, this is Jud Carlton. Jud, Katie Fairfax.”

  “Hi, Jud” He had a lovely firm handshake, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

  “My pleasure.” His voice was warm and confident. Yikes! What a sexy smile, did the man have any idea what he did to any woman over puberty? “You’re with Andrew?”

  “He’s my cousin. We’re shopping.” Sheesh! That sounded twerpy and now Jud was eyeing the black shopping bag in her hand.

  “I dropped in to look around, too. You never know what you’ll find here. Or,” he paused, “who you’ll meet.”

  “We’re done, Jud,” Andrew said. “On our way for coffee. Want to join us?”

  It was the first she’d heard about coffee, but caffeine wouldn’t go amiss. She had a web site to work on when she got home.

  She ended up in a booth next to Jud, while Andrew went off to pick up three lattes, and to make sure hers was hi-test.

  “Planning on staying up all night?” Jud asked.

  “With a bit of luck.” He nodded expectantly and she went on. “I have a web design business on the side.”

  “So you stay up all night working?”

  “Not every night. Just when I have someone paying extra for a rush job. I wasn’t about to say ‘no’.”

  “Do you ever say ‘no’?”

  How was she supposed to take that? His dark eyes didn’t look as if he were hitting on her, but hell if she knew. “When it’s in my self-interest, yes. What about you?”

  “Me? I believe in self-indulgence and discipline.”

  “Aren’t they contradictory?”

  Jud shook his head, and a lock of dark hair fell over his high forehead. “Not in the least. Doesn’t one need both in any venture? How would your business on the side be without discipline on your part?”

  “It wouldn’t be, and yes, my mother considers it self-indulgent.”