Page 40 of The Charmer

"You make everything a lot less boring. Besides, there will be some dancing later. And you're the best damn dancer I know."

His eyes dropped to my middle for a moment, and then he brought them back up. He didn't even particularly linger on any inappropriate place, but it was enough to fire me up.

"Think about it. It's not a big deal. If you aren't in the mood, I'll just tell Robert that you couldn't make it. None of his business anyway. But we could run into some more of your clients."

"Huh, you're bribing me to come with you."

He grinned. "Sort of. But it's also true. I haven't spotted anyone else you mentioned tonight, though some could still come."

I deflated at that.

"Besides, Robert is a snob. The Landry party is the best out of them all. Probably because it isn't as highbrow. But people know how to party. They bring a jazz band and—"

"I’m sold," I said.

"—have live music," he finished. "Wait, that's what sold you?"

"I like music, and I like dancing. And if it helps you, I'm going to be there, of course. I owe you."

"No, you don't."

"For the Tableaus and sticking it to Kyle."

"You don't owe me a thing." He came closer and leaned toward me. "So, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, think about it before agreeing."

"Okay, I will."

"What's that I hear?" a man said, approaching us. "My brother has a girlfriend and no one knew?"

Julian turned in the direction of the voice. "Xander." He grinned. "I didn't know you'd be here. You don't usually come to these things."

"Had to make an exception for business’s sake," he said. Then his eyes fell on me.

"This is Georgie," Julian said.

"Georgie, the one with the float business?" Xander asked. I was surprised that he knew about me.

"Precisely."

Xander narrowed his eyes. "So, when exactly did this happen? What’s going on?"

I looked at Julian, ready to follow his lead.

"We'll talk about it later. Too many people watching us right now."

Xander nodded. "And I also heard from Robert that you're going to the Landry event. Beckett's the one who usually attends it."

Julian snapped his fingers. "That's right, I forgot. I kept thinking, why didn't I show up there the past few years? But it's because Beckett went."

"Yeah, and he actually enjoys it."

"I'll talk him into getting me an invitation."

Xander grinned, and his entire face transformed. "Beckett won't let you live it down as quietly as I am. Why can't you tell me what's going on?"

"Because Georgie and I are going dancing." He looked at me, and I smiled, nodding. "They should start the music any minute now."

Xander groaned. "Yeah, I don't know why they insist on playing jazz everywhere."

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