Page 102 of The Charmer

"It is what it is," I said honestly. "It was a few years ago, so I'm not really hanging on to that. Was it difficult for you in the beginning, when you first took over the bar businesses?"

He nodded. "Some aspects. Like you, I'd assume that because I'd been in the business world forever, it couldn't be that hard. I’d interned for a long time, but I learned the ropes quickly, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else."

I resumed eating my jambalaya as I was listening to Julian. He was almost done with his plate. How did he eat so fast? I thought I ate quickly, but he bested me.

Suddenly, I was very eager for us to finish our dinner. It was lovely up here, but I wanted to move to the next part of the evening.

"Why are you eating so fast?" Julian asked as he lazily took his last forkful.

"Well, you’re already done, and I didn’t want to hold us up."

I realized how weird that sounded, but judging by Julian's smirk, he understood exactly what I meant.

"I see. You're in a hurry to go somewhere. Where exactly?"

I glared at him. "Julian, you know. Don't make me say it out loud."

"Why not?"

"Because I might burst into flames."

His smirk was more pronounced. "Fine, then I won't. I take it you're not in the mood for dessert?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm too full, and I still want to be able to... you know. Take advantage of you. You wouldn’t let me at the store, if I remember correctly."

Julian growled. "Georgie, if I'd done everything I wanted to you at the store, we would've spent the whole night there."

"That doesn't sound half bad."

"The only comfortable piece of furniture you have in there is that armchair."

I gasped. "No, we're not going to defile that." But he did have a point.

“We can go if you’re finished. Want more wine?”

“No, I’m done. But don’t we need to pay?"

He shook his head. "All taken care of. Tip included."

I smiled. "Okay, then we're ready to go, I guess. Do you think anyone will know why we're in such a hurry?"

"Nah," Julian said, then leaned over quickly, kissing my cheek. "Leave it to me."

"I fully trust you."

We walked to the first floor with quick steps.

Oliver immediately noticed us. "Leaving so soon? You didn't even have dessert."

"No. Georgie here is in the mood for Café Du Monde." I barely hid a gasp. Oliver seemed downright affronted, but Julian continued with "Nothing can beat those beignets. You know that."

Oliver cocked a brow but didn't reply. I had a feeling it was only because Julian was a LeBlanc.

"Oliver, the jambalaya truly was the best I’ve ever had." It was an attempt to salvage this poor man’s evening, and I succeeded.

He flashed a huge smile. "Thank you. I’ll pass the compliments to the chef. Let me get your coat."

He stepped into a side room for a few moments, returning with my coat. Julian helped me put it on right away.

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