Page 22 of The Charmer

That was true, but it was also an excuse. I simply wanted more time with her.

She licked her lips, looking sideways. She was fucking beautiful. Those eyes and full lashes drew me in and held me captive.

“I’m sure he’s already gone. Thanks a lot for everything.”

“Julian!” The call came from down the spiral staircase. It belonged to one of my bartenders.

“See?” she said with a smirk. “You'd better join everyone before they think I've kidnapped you or something.”

I wiggled my eyebrows, leaning in. “I wouldn't mind if you kidnapped me, Georgie. Not at all.”

Chapter Six

Julian

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During the Carnival season, it was traditional for my family to brunch together at LeBlanc & Broussard. The restaurant was packed as usual, but we had a space reserved just for us. This was our flagship restaurant on Royal Street. It was on the ground floor of a three-story building. Upstairs were the main offices.

"Dad, this is the best pecan pie," Bella exclaimed. She was sitting at the head of the long table, munching on a slice. She’d had other food, too, but my niece loved her pies.

I was sitting a few seats away from Bella, Chad, and Scarlett. Since the two of them got together, my brother needed my help a lot less. Before that, he would often call me out of nowhere to ask if I could watch Bella for a bit while he had to run an errand. Nine times out of ten, I said yes because spending time with my niece was one of my favorite things. I missed our time together as I wasn’t seeing her too often now.

"How was Sazerac Day at the bar?" Isabeau asked. She was a few seats down the other end of the table.

I was flanked by Beckett, Anthony, Xander, and Zachary. I leaned forward over the table so I could make eye contact with my grandmother.

"It was a success, as usual. People enjoyed it."

"Not that he would actually know. He spent most of it on the balcony with a very attractive young lady," Anthony said.

I straightened up, staring at him. What the hell has gotten into him? Why would he put me on the spot like that? He knew I didn't like talking about my private life. None of us did, for that matter.

"Do you have something to share with us?" Celine asked.

"We're all ears too," Zachary said. "We tried to ask him what was going on, but he wouldn't say a word."

When they were kids, I could intimidate them into not giving me shit. But that had stopped working about a decade and a half ago.

I was stunned when I realized that the entire family was watching me. My parents were leaning with their elbows over the table, eyes trained on me.

"It was a favor to a friend."

"We’ll need more than that." That came from Zachary.

Fucking hell. I'd expected more from him.

"I don't see why it's any of our business," Xander cut in.

I could always count on my exacting brother to be impartial. Still, no one looked away, anticipating my answer.

"Are you going to have a girlfriend, Uncle Julian, like Dad? That’s awesome."

I turned to look directly at my niece. The hope in her eyes gutted me. I didn't like to disappoint her, but I had to nip this in the bud immediately.

"No, Bella. No girlfriend for me."

There was a collective grunt from the table.

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