“What are you supposed to be? An Egyptian princess?” Ean’s warm gaze slid over her.
Megan laid her damp palms on the skirt of her white lamé dress. “The goddess Isis.”
She reached behind her to spread the gold theatrical cape or “wings.” The heavy black eyeliner had been a pain to apply, even harder than wielding the hot comb to straighten the curl from her hair.
“I like it.” The intensity in Ean’s olive eyes made her stomach muscles quiver.
“Thanks.” Megan nervously checked the gold band wrapped around the top of her head. She felt the others staring between her and Ean, and fought the urge to fidget.
Quincy turned to Ramona. “Where’s your costume?”
Ramona’s eyes narrowed. “I wish this were a real wand. I’d turn you into a toad. Oh! Too late.”
“Ouch.” Darius chuckled.
“Afternoon, everyone.”
Megan turned at the newcomer’s greeting. “Sheriff, is that your costume?” She clenched her teeth to keep from snarling.
Sheriff Alonzo Lopez glanced at his tan shirt, black tie and spruce green gabardine pants. His cocoa eyes looked confused. “It’s my uniform. I’m on duty.”
Megan cut Darius a look for his inappropriate laughter. “I’m sorry, Sheriff.”
“No need to be.” His calm acceptance soothed Megan. “I took the afternoon shift so my deputies with families could take their children to your party. It’s a fun event for the kids.”
“That was nice of you.” Ramona gave him a sweet smile.
The older man’s shrug was uncomfortable. “Doreen looks very nice in her movie star outfit.”
“Doreen’s spoken for.” Darius’ smile teased the older man.
“Can’t a man appreciate a pretty woman without having any designs on her.” Alonzo turned to Ean. “No disrespect intended.”
“None taken.” Ean’s tense tone belied his words.
Alonzo nodded. “Well, I’d better get back to work.”
“Thanks for stopping by, Sheriff.” Megan laid her hand on his shoulder. “It’s always good to see you.”
Alonzo nodded before strolling away.
Ean caught Megan’s attention. “Dracula was singing inappropriate bar songs to your customers.”
Megan threw up her hands. “Oh, for Pete’s sake.”
Ean caught her arm as she started past him. “My mother brought him into the kitchen. She’s giving him coffee.”
The warmth of his touch through the sleeve of her costume made her shiver. Megan exhaled before addressing Ramona. “What were you thinking to hire Stan Crockett to read to a bunch of kids in our store?”
Quincy gaped at Ramona. “You hired him?”
Ramona’s ebony eyes were innocent. “He needed money.”
“To buy alcohol.” Megan wanted to throw back her head and scream. Why wouldn’t Ramona understand?
“It’ll be OK, Megan.” Ean released his hold on Megan’s arm.
She bit her lip to keep from protesting his withdrawal.