Page 33 of The Charmer

"I can't imagine why."

"But it does sound like a good plan, doesn't it?"

She glanced at me again. When she nodded, my whole chest expanded. "Yes, it does."

Hell yes.

For tonight, Georgie was mine to touch and hold close.

Chapter Nine

Georgie

I’d always loved the Garden District. I even had my favorite mansions. Then again, every born-and-bred New Orleans resident did. I'd rarely been inside one, though, so tonight I couldn't help but glance around in awe. This one was a Greek Revival style with majestic columns and a lot of marble on the facade.

Inside, though, it was even more impressive. I wasn't an art collector or connoisseur, but the paintings hanging on the walls had to be worth a fortune. There were fresh flowers in every corner of the room. It felt like a fairy tale.

"Let's drop off your coat." Julian pointed at an elderly gentleman dressed to the nines who was taking guests’ wraps.

I unbuttoned mine, and then Julian started to take it off. The second his fingers brushed my bare shoulders, I shuddered. My mind immediately went to the kiss we’d shared at his bar. It had been so hot that I could almost still feel it on my lips. The man had some serious kissing skills.

"Are you cold?"

"Huh?"

He pointed at my skin. Ah, of course my goose bumps were showing.

"It's just how I react when the fabric brushes my skin." What kind of a lie was that? No one would believe it.

But Julian didn't question me. Instead, he tilted closer. "Ready for showtime?"

That made me laugh. "Sure!”

He gave me his arm, and I gladly took it. Walking on heels would never be my strong suit even on a flat surface.

"So, what exactly happens at these things?" I asked.

"Eating, drinking, and rubbing elbows with"—he quoted with one hand—"‘the right people.’ I think I’ve closed more business deals at events like these than in the office."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah. People are more open to discussing business after a drink. And I think they assume if someone was invited here, it’s a sign that they’ve been vetted."

"Interesting," I murmured. "Your world is so different from mine."

"It's not very exciting, I assure you."

"Quite the contrary. I find this very exciting."

"Then why do you look like you're about to run away?" he asked in a teasing tone.

I stopped in the act of looking over my shoulder. "Is it that obvious?" I whispered.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. I keep looking around for Kyle."

Julian stopped walking and turned around, staring straight at me. "Georgie, we can still leave."

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