Page 76 of Designs on You

“Is this where I find out you’re a serial killer?”

He laughed. “Trust me.”

“Say all serial killers right before they murder you.”

He cracked a smile, then they headed up a set of stairs along a narrow hallway. She saw couples coming from the other direction, laughing with their arms around each other, and her excitement grew, especially when they walked up yet another set of stairs.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“We’re almost there.”

There was a black door, and Eugene opened it.

Her eyes widened. She felt transported to another time as she was assailed by jazz music, opulence, glittering chandeliers, and amazing jazz music. They found plush seats at a table in the back and Natalie took a moment to catch her breath, her gaze taking in the ambience of this place called The Backroom.

“This is a speakeasy. Or modeled after one.”

He slipped his arm around hers. “It actually was one in the twenties, frequented by all the usual suspects.”

She shifted to face him. “Seriously?”

“Yes. They’d do”—he cleared his throat—“business here.”

“Fabulous.”

“I’ll go get us drinks. What would you like?”

“Hmm.” She thought about it for a few seconds, then said, “Vodka soda.”

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

He made his way over to the bar, and Natalie took the time to appreciate the tin ceilings, the opulent chandeliers, and the gorgeous art. There was music and some people danced right out in the aisles. She liked that no one seemed to pay attention to what anyone else was doing because they were completely involved in themselves.

Some dressed in twenties attire and others wore casual clothes, while there were some dressed like Natalie and Eugene. No matter what, it was obvious that everyone was having a good time.

Eugene came back holding drinks in teacups.

“Just like in the twenties,” he said, sliding her cup toward her. “Or at least that’s what the bartender told me.”

She lifted her cup and took a sip. “Mmm, delightful. I’m going to have to do some research on these speakeasies. I know several clients who would love a secret bar room in their houses.”

As they drank, she took in every corner of this place and even grabbed some pictures. At least until Eugene took her phone away.

“No work,” he said, handing her phone back to her.

“Fine.” She slipped it back in her bag, then continued to sip her drink. “This place is amazing. I knew speakeasies were out there but I’ve never been to one.”

“I thought you might like it.”

She leaned back against the chair cushion, drink in hand. “Oh, I definitely like it.”

Two drinks later she was vibing to the jazz, watching people dance, and there was no doubt she felt good. Especially since Eugene continually rubbed her thigh, sending tingles of awareness throughout her nerve endings. She lifted her gaze to see him watching the dancers. Straight on, he was devastatingly handsome. But his profile? His straight nose and rugged jaw were things people wrote poetry about.

For her, though, he was simply a turn-on. Everything about him made her insides quiver. Then again, it could be the way his hand moved imperceptibly along her leg. Hardly noticeable to anyone else, really. But every time he shifted his fingers, it made her breath catch and her entire body quivered.

And he knew what he was doing to her because she saw the way his jaw would tighten, and then the corners of his lips would tick up ever so slightly.

Then he surprised her by standing up and holding out his hand. “Dance?”

---