Page 21 of The Charmer

She turned around. "That cannot possibly be true. You’ve probably attended a million of them."

"I have," I said, "but sharing it with you was a different experience altogether. I don't think I've seen anyone enjoy it as much as you do."

"Um, hello? Did you see all the people down there? They were having a lot of fun."

"But I’ve always watched it from the sidelines. This was different. I love that you celebrate it with no restraints."

She smiled sheepishly. "Well, I might go overboard. I didn't see anyone in the bar wearing a glittery dress."

"It looks fucking amazing on you."

She snapped her head up, lips parted.

"And you are amazing,” I continued. “I hope you didn't let one word that moron said get to you."

Her demeanor instantly changed. Fuck, why did I have to bring him up?

"I try not to, but it's hard. Mom raised me to never care about what others say. She had to endure a lot worse, considering my dad left when I was little. It was a hard time for her."

"I’m sure," I murmured.

"But I'm not made out of stone. Kyle did throw a few punches to my self-esteem, but you fixed it all with your beignets and beads. And just being you."

"Don't forget the kissing."

She nodded. "And the kissing, yes. That was a highlight."

It was on the tip of my tongue to say that I could repeat it any fucking time. She only had to give me a sign and I’d kiss her senseless.

"I think I should be going."

"No, don’t. Stay." I wasn’t sure what I had planned, but I knew I didn’t want her to leave.

She licked her lips. "Your crew might need you downstairs eventually."

"They probably do. I lost track of time."

That was an understatement. I'd been gone for far longer than intended, yet I didn't regret it one bit.

"Hey, bro, what the fuck? We've been looking for you forever. We thought you bailed on your own party," Beckett called up to me from the street. "Oh, hi," he said, looking at Georgie. "You look familiar."

Anthony was with him, too, sporting a knowing smile on his face.

"Everyone, this is Georgie. Georgie, these are my brothers, Beckett and Anthony," I said.

I unconsciously put a hand on her shoulder, and my brothers zeroed in on that the gesture. I knew without a doubt that I was never going to hear the end of this.

"I'll be down in a minute," I assured them.

“I should get going,” she repeated.

As much as I hated her leaving, I had to get back to work. Darn.

“I’ll walk you to your store.”

“That's crazy,” she scoffed. “You've got a full house here, and your brothers are waiting.”

I cleared my throat. “I don't want that fucker getting anywhere near you.”

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