Zachary Bodine owns a costume store with his friend and business partner, DeeDee Harrow. It's the only thing that keeps him going most days after the betrayal and near bankruptcy caused by his ex-boyfriend Maddox five years ago. It happened on Halloween, and he’s hated that holiday ever since. He’s become thin and grouchy, to the despair of his closest friends.<br><br>Lucius “Lucille” Lombardi, the gorgeous drag queen and part-owner of the popular club next door, has had his eye on Zachary for years. He’s determined to have the man for his own. The plan? A few home-cooked meals, some kisses, and Dinah Washington.<br><br>When Maddox shows up out of the blue on Halloween night, Zachary has to choose: let the past continue to rule his life, or don a feather boa and grab hold of Lucius.

Of Love and Feather Boas

“Looks like he’s courting you,” she continued, enjoying my discomfort. “When did all this happen?”


I kept on eating, knowing my face was likely burning bright red as I finished my meal.


“Well, whatever this is, it’s about damn time.” She patted my cheek and went back to work.


I closed my eyes and sighed. I’d never live this down. If Lucius did this every day, there was no way I could, in good faith, not go to the Halloween party. I was so screwed.


After finishing the meatloaf Lucius had dropped by right before closing, I took both empty plates and utensils, which I had washed, back to the club. The door was already open for patrons, and the lines were long. The huge bouncer at the door waved me in with a wide smile when he saw me. I guess Lucius had warned him I was coming. I shouldn’t be surprised he knew me, since I’d probably seen all of the employees of the club either in my store or passing in front of it at one point or another.


Chapter 6