Page 70 of The Charmer

"It doesn't matter, Georgie. Dance like no one’s watching," he whispered in my ear. My skin turned to goose bumps. "Dance as if you're dancing only for me."

There was an unmistakable command in his voice, and it was so damn seductive.

I started to hum and dance and call out to the krewe as they approached. The costumes were phenomenal, and I wasn't jealous at all. I loved that there were others like me, keeping the tradition alive by making costumes.

Dancing this time felt different than at the bar, and even at the party. More intimate. Julian was right behind me, both hands on my waist, matching my rhythm. His hands felt red-hot even though I had a coat on.

He held his nose right above my ear. Every inhale and exhale sent ripples through me. I was looking at the floats, transfixed. The balcony was getting more and more crowded, yet Julian didn't leave my side. Even when others tried to engage in conversation, he brushed them off with a quick "later" or "not now." Then he turned back to dancing with me.

I applauded along with all the crowds below when the floats went past the balcony. Others on the balcony reluctantly started to clap too.

"You're making this a real Carnival party," Julian said into my ear, "and I like you even more for that."

"Even more, huh?"

I'd been dancing for what felt like two hours, although I was sure it was much less. I was slowly starting to lose steam.

"Yes," he whispered.

I turned around to face him, and he was much closer. Much, much closer than he'd been on the balcony at his bar.

"You need a break?"

"How did you know?"

"By the way you move. You've slowed down a bit." Holy shit, he was so in tune with my body. "Besides, your feet must be killing you. Just putting it on the table, but I'm up for giving you a foot massage if you need it."

I jerked my head back slightly and then brought my mouth to his ear. "It's an all-inclusive package with you, huh?"

"Sure, it comes with the fake boyfriend subscription," he added, and my previous elation instantly vanished.

"Ready to take me up on the offer?" His smile was even more seductive than before, but I was suddenly not in the mood anymore. I needed to be alone for a bit to get my bearings.

"It's not necessary, really." I stepped to the side, clearing my throat. "I'm going to the bathroom real quick. Besides, I think I've monopolized you long enough. I'm sure others want to catch up with the host."

He frowned but didn't say anything, just nodded.

I immediately darted to the restroom. I didn't need to go, but I wanted a bit of distance from him and everyone else.

The bathroom was all green stone. It felt very peaceful. Taking off the mask, I stood in front of the sink, looking in the mirror. Why was I out of sorts all of a sudden? This was the best Carnival event I’d attended. The motorized floats looked amazing from up here. And having Julian next to me was the cherry on top.

But that was the crux of the issue, wasn't it? Julian had the power to take me to elation and then complete sadness in an instant. I didn't like that at all. Damn it, I was a strong woman. I didn't just sway in the wind.

I rolled my shoulders back, still looking in the mirror.

Enjoy the party, Georgie. It's absolutely fantastic.

I took a deep breath, put the mask back on, and then returned to the main room, intent on keeping the promise I’d made to myself.

And I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I avoided Julian, but it wasn't hard because he was surrounded by guests all the time. I made small talk with some of them and chitchatted with a few of the ladies whose costumes I adored.

Around midnight, people started to filter out. I took it as a sign that it was time for me to go as well. I didn't want to leave without telling Julian goodbye, though. But that was proving to be difficult because all the guests had the same thought.

I stood by the door, chatting with everyone as they left. I didn't want to line up with everyone else. Besides, I was his fake girlfriend. That meant I had a pass to cut the line, right?

So, instead of doing the right thing and waiting my turn, I snuck up behind him and whispered in his ear, "Julian, I'm going. Just wanted to let you know."

I'd expected him to simply nod and return to the guest who was waiting to bid him goodbye, but to my astonishment, he grabbed my right hand and whispered, "Stay."

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