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“Fine, but no sex on the couch,” I said, and Lilah’s eyes got big, looking at Charlie as if she had to make sure that was alright.

“Not a problem for me…Just make sure Match and Roxie get the message. Plus, Lilah already said I could sleep in the studio.” Charlie looked pleased with herself.

“Now, just as a warning. We are ALL going to look amazing. Do not let the fact that I’m still going to win the costume contest get you down.” Fee snorted and rolled her eyes at Lilah, who just giggled.

“Sound’s like a challenge. I’m in,” Lilah said, winking at me. It was a new side of her; a little tougher, more sarcastic, and comfortable in her skin.

“Okay queen. Bring it. Could use some competition,” Charlie said as she helped Fee pack up the last of Birdie’s toys.

“Gimme the bags.” Getting the girls in and out of the house took far too long on a good day, and with the addition of Birdie, it was even more of a process. They could definitely use the help. Before the offer was fully out, they were dropping bags and outfits into my arms until I could barely see where I was going.

When I got back inside, the living room was empty. Lilah had converted the large second bedroom into an art studio slash guest bedroom. A small daybed was kept in the corner away from her easel and art supplies.

I often sat there pretending to read or work when in reality I was just watching Lilah. She continued to surprise me. I had spent so much time watching her, I rarely looked at what she was making. This latest piece, though, I’d been a part of since the first stroke.

She was keeping the project a secret, the image still unclear but no less incredible. The way she layered the colors built texture and dimension and brought the images to life. Shadows fought with the light, colors weaving into thick strokes of black ink, looking as if they were bursting through. Pulling my gaze away from the canvas, I focused on my girl, who was bustling about moving things in and out of drawers. Grabbing her hands, I pulled her over to me, wanting her attention.

“So what are we going as?” I asked.

“It’s a surprise. You’ll find out tomorrow, but I followed your rules, so you can’t get mad,” she said, her nose twitching as she scolded me.

“When do I ever get mad?” I asked, pulling her into my arms.

“Never. Not with me,” she replied. Wrapping her in my arms, she melted into me. Any questions about costumes disappeared after that. Losing myself in Lilah seemed to be the only thing I was capable of doing around her.

The following night, I found myself back in the studio. Dressed in just my boxers, Lilah was still keeping things a secret. She came in with a bundle of black clothes in her hand, as well as a tub of paints. Bringing just the container over to where I was seated on a stool, she finally came near me. Her eyes tracked over my body, hovering in certain areas before she shook herself out of it. She was dressed in one of my zip up hoodies and leggings, barefaced, with her hair up in large rollers.

“You’re gonna be a skeleton. I have a hoodie for you to wear, but I need to paint your face and hands,” she said, her teeth pulling at her bottom lip. Grabbing her hand, I pulled her close, cupping her face I pressed a soft kiss against her tortured lip.

“Do whatever you need, Angel,” I told her, her breath fanning my cheek as she stood in front of me. A shy smile spread across her face as she slowly dragged her hands over my shoulders and down my arms.

“Originally, I was gonna paint your body, too, but I was afraid it would take too much time…And that we wouldn’t make it through the process without smudging everything. Especially after having my hands on your for that long.” I froze at that.

She was right; if her hands were on me, and I couldn’t move or respond, it would be tortuous. Because I would need more, need to feel all of her. Lilah had vanquished my biggest enemy. Her touch soothed a part of me I hadn’t known existed.

“I love you.” Such simple words for something that meant so much. Does she have any idea what she has given me?

“Love you too. Now, sit still,” she told me sternly, rummaging through her bin before returning with sponges and face paint. Once she was finished, Lilah asked me if I wanted to look.

“Wanna see you first. Go get ready. I’ll make you a snack. Don’t want you drinking on an empty stomach.” Pausing, I looked at the pile of clothes she had brought in.

“Can I put my pants on now?” I asked, and she smiled cheekily, making a twirl motion with her hand. Doing as she asked, I spun around in a circle and jumped when she stepped up behind me, pressing a kiss between my shoulder blades as her hands rested on my hips.

“Thank you. For everything. For being you,” she whispered, and I grabbed her hands, holding them against my chest. We stayed like that for a minute before she pushed herself away from me, wiping a stray tear from her eye.

“Okay. Your clothes are there. I’ll be out when I’m ready. No peeking!” she ordered, before heading for the master bathroom. In the kitchen, I made a couple of sandwiches. I wasn’t planning on drinking, but I wanted to be prepared just in case. There was always plenty of food and drinks at the party, but with everything that was going on, it was easy to forget to actually make a plate. I’d look out for my girl, so she could let loose and have fun without worrying or getting sick.

I wasn’t sure how long she would take, the curlers in her hair the only indication she had started getting ready before I arrived.

A little over an hour later, she came out while I was channel flipping, trying not to ask her how much longer it would take. I was grateful I had managed to wait patiently, because the sight that greeted me had me salivating. My eyes didn’t know where to look, where to focus. Brightly colored flowers in pinks and oranges sat on top of her head like a crown, her thick hair falling around her shoulders and down her back in large curls.

Her face was painted, but instead of the traditional black and white, hers was a burst of color. Like a sugar skull, pinks, yellows, and purples highlighted her face, contrasting with the white paint underneath. Her lashes were long, and her lips a bright red. Then there was her dress. Fuck me.

Strapless, the top of the dress looked like some sort of corset. Black satin, it molded to her curves, lifting her chest and emphasizing her small waist. A tiered skirt started at her hip, falling to the ground in a swirl of vibrant colors and fabric. A long slit showed Lilah’s creamy skin and the extra high heels she had paired with the outfit.

“You’re staring. And you’re not saying anything,” she said, her hands wrapping around her waist in a nervous gesture.

“Don’t have the words, Angel. You take my breath away.” Her shoulders pulled back at that, her body relaxing as a smile spread across her ruby lips.