Page 39 of The Charmer

"Georgie," I finished for him.

"That's right. I promise to learn your name too." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Julian actually reached for his tie and loosened it.

"Julian?" I asked tentatively. "What was that?"

He looked at his empty champagne glass on the table and said, "An unexpected complication."

He seemed to be determined to get rid of the tie.

"Want me to help you with that? I think you're just going to make a mess of it."

He flashed me that very charming smile. "Please do, girlfriend."

My stomach somersaulted at his words. He'd said them playfully, but I still wondered... what would it be like to truly be Julian LeBlanc's girlfriend? I couldn't even wrap my mind around that. My fingers were shaking a bit as I walked up to him.

"Want me to take it away or just make it loose enough that it won't bother you?"

"That's an option?" he asked, perplexed.

I laughed. "Yes, it is. Trust me, I've learned a lot of tricks from doing costumes."

"Then by all means."

I worked my magic on his collar. It wasn't that difficult, but being so close to him was somehow messing with my senses. I could smell the scent of his skin plus his cologne or aftershave. Although, the five-o'clock shadow he was sporting was a clear indication that he hadn't actually shaved today.

"There!"

He took in a deep breath. "That is so much better." Then he touched his tie. "I can't believe this thing is still on. Thought it was going to strangle me."

"Stop by Books & Beads any time you need help with it."

“Careful, Georgie. I might take you up on it.”

The prospect thrilled me to no end. His tone was flirty, but I still detected a bit of unease.

"Sorry, I feel like I need to catch up with whatever is going on. What did that Robert guy do to put you so on edge?"

"He owns two buildings in the Quarter. I want to buy them and open two bars. Robert is playing hard to get. One other person is interested. Guess who.”

Now I was finally putting two and two together. "Kyle."

"That's right. I'm not even sure why he’s making a play for it. He's up to his eyeballs in debt. Who knows what he did with all the money he stole. But that's not my problem."

I fiddled with my thumbs. "So, at this Landry party, you and Robert would talk shop."

"It seems so. I've been chasing him for long enough that I was ready to throw in the towel."

"That doesn't sound like you at all."

Julian gave me a wry smile. "I pick my battles. If something costs me too much time, I move on. In my experience, time is the most precious currency."

"It seems like Robert will be expecting me at the next event."

"Yes, he will." Julian paused, then said very sincerely, "Honestly, I'd like you there. This evening is already a hundred percent more fun than usual."

I laughed, though without much humor. "Really? You had to help me with the Tableaus, and then Kyle accosted us. How is it fun?"

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