Page 48 of The Charmer

"I know. It's why they're so popular around here."

The air smelled delicious. I glanced down at the paper bag he handed me. "Wait, there's a ton of containers here. What did you buy?"

I started to reach inside, but he stopped me. "You can only look once we get to your house."

"Why?"

"Because the anticipation will make you savor it even more."

Heat gripped my body at his words.

For God's sake, Georgie, he did not mean that in a sexy way.

Or had he?

When it came to Julian LeBlanc, I couldn't be sure of anything.

During the drive, I tried to convince him to spill all the secrets, but I had no luck.

Once we reached my house, I began to put on my shoes, but Julian boomed, "Don't. I told you I'll carry you."

"I thought that was a joke."

"It's not, beautiful. So grab your shoes and that bag of food, and I'll take care of you."

I knew it was just a saying, but his words warmed my heart. He came over to my side of the car and opened the door.

I held the food in one hand and my heels in the other.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Absolutely not, but I'm still willing to do it."

That was the kind of influence this man had over me. I was starting to enjoy it.

He lifted me very easily by putting one hand behind my knees and the other on my back. It would probably be better if I could cling to him, but my hands were full. I had full confidence that he could carry me to the house without dropping me.

He walked carefully to the front door. “There’s no way for you to get out your key, is there?"

"Not at all."

He put me down and took the shoes and paper bag from me. I reached into my small clutch and immediately found the key.

I unlocked the door quickly, pushing it open. "Welcome to my humble home."

He looked around curiously as we both stepped inside. "This place is very cozy."

"I know, right? I love it."

"But it's far from the Quarter. How do you even get there every day?"

"I take the bus. It's perfect, really. The station is by St. Louis Cathedral and drops me off around the corner."

Julian frowned. "That’s not safe at night."

"I've never had any issues. You can put the food there." I pointed at the small table between the kitchen and the TV. My bedroom was separate, but the kitchen, dining, and living areas were one and the same.

"Where do you live?" I asked him.

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