Page 14 of The Charmer

"What gave me away?"

"The mask, your energy. I don't know. I told you you're special.” He tilted closer and whispered, “And that I’d recognize you anywhere."

"I made it easy for you, didn't I?"

"You dressed like that for me?"

Would you look at that? Even my ears were on fire now.

I cleared my throat and put the mask in the bag I had slung over my shoulder. "Sorry to disappoint. I always like to dress for the parades. I take every chance I get."

Straightening up, he gave me a dazzling smile before glancing at the bartender. "I'll have a Sazerac with Georgie."

"Here you go."

After clinking glasses, I took a sip. "Yum. This is amazing."

I loved the cocktail. The mix of rye whiskey, absinthe, and lemon was perfect.

He grinned. "We serve the best Sazerac in town."

I rolled my eyes, though I wasn't sure he could see them. "Julian, every bar in this city claims to have the best Sazerac."

"Yes, but we’ve won awards," he said with a wink.

"Well, it definitely deserves it."

Even though there were a few inches between us, my entire body was still sizzling.

"Hey, you started drinking without me," another voice said.

Julian turned to the newcomer, his face instantly lighting up. "Zachary, hey! Grab a drink and join us. Georgie, this is my brother, Zachary."

I smiled at him. "Hi, Zachary."

He looked me up and down before saying, "Damn, I approve. Someone who knows how to dress for Carnival."

"Always," I said.

"Georgie owns Books & Beads," Julian shared. "She's actually the one in charge of decorating our float. We ran into a bit of an issue this year—my mistake—but she'll be back in charge next year."

I nearly dropped my glass, shocked that he’d called it his mistake.

Zachary shook my hand. "Pleased to meet you. Whatever happened this year, I’m sorry. I’ll kick his ass. Thanks for making us the best damn float decorations in town for all these years."

I didn't know if it was the Sazerac already going to my head or these guys paying me compliments, but I was ecstatic.

"Thank you, Zachary. I like you."

Julian trained his gaze on me. "And you based that decision on what?"

Zachary snorted. "The fact that I'm amazing, dude. Cheers."

He grabbed his glass of Sazerac from the counter and clinked it to mine and then Julian's.

“Perfect, as usual,” he exclaimed after taking a sip. “I’m going to make the rounds. I’ve spotted some friends.”

After he left, I asked Julian, “Is your whole family around here?”

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