Bewitched by Max Hudson

Author:Max Hudson [Hudson, Max]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-10-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Noah

Electricity crackled in Noah's fingertips as he hopped up on the curb, approaching the Ferrington Center with a pep in his step as he tugged at his frilly sleeve. The clock had just struck 7:00 PM and he could feel the echo of the downtown mechanism chime in his chest. Each reverberating beat signaled he was one step closer to Ari.

He spotted Floyd and held up his hand, picking up his pace.

Floyd wore a white toga with a crown of gold laurels, his curly hair having recently been trimmed and styled. Gold bands decorated his wrists and he folded his arms as Noah approached, giving Noah an appraising look.

He squinted and then, with a look of surprise, shouted, “Tanner!”

“The one and only!”

Floyd embraced Noah warmly and clapped Noah on the back. When he took a step back, his face was awash with joy and his lips were quivering.

“You look...” He dropped his gaze quickly and then met Noah's eyes. “Divine.”

“That's the idea. My date probably looks better than me.”

“Oh, stop it.”

Noah grinned. “No, I'm serious. He's waiting inside. You should meet him!”

“Inside.” Floyd turned to the doors decorated with black plastic and smirking skeletons. “Right. Who is this guy? The blind date?”

“Yeah, his name is Ari. You would love him. He's charming.”

“Charming.”

Noah tugged on Floyd's hand, pulling Floyd toward the entrance with glee. His nerves were fraught with tension and his muscles ached to be in close proximity to the one man who had appeared to have taken over his thoughts. Even though he felt Floyd resisting, he proceeded to tug, pulling Floyd through the double doors and into a tiled hall that rose up into curved arches.

The ceiling was painted with a fascinating mural, a design that must have been commissioned by the city for this very event. Haunting cherubs floated overhead with lyres in their hands and mischief sparkling in their eyes. The faces seemed to shift, either a trick of the light or the curve of the ceiling, offering the viewer a more than nagging sense that the eyes of the seemingly innocent angels were following every movement below.

Noah searched the crowd urgently. He found the Venetian wolf mask and marched across the room, striding confidently up to Ari who was standing with a few other people in masquerade costumes.

“Sir,” he said in his most alluring voice. “Would it be inappropriate to ask for a dance?”

Ari turned with wide eyes, recognition filling them immediately chased by sheer pleasure. He chuckled as he studied Noah, the sound partially muffled by his mask.

“I don't think such a fine fellow could ever be inappropriate,” he replied in a sultry tone. “Yet I do find I like surprises.”

“I could provide such a surprise.”

Ari grinned and gestured to the people next to him. “Noah, this is my co-worker, Marc. He's a perfect gentleman when he's not hogging the brandy. The man next to him is Derrick, and the lady is our wonderful secretary, Amanda.”

“Hello, good to meet you,” Noah said while extending his hand.

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