Page 47 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms
“Are you sure I can’t make it up to you?” I asked.
“No. It’s fine. Accidents happen.”
“That’s generous of you.” I tipped my chin and stepped back. “Cheers.”
His eyes flicked behind me, to something—or someone—in the ballroom, before he turned and walked out through the double doors.
“Well, now we know who Julian Myers is,” Natalie said in my ear. “Should we follow him?”
“No. I want to have Maple look into him. Plus, I think he suspects me. I don’t want to show my cards just yet.”
I set my empty champagne glass on a side table and spotted Natalie as she came toward me. It gave me the chance to enjoy the sight of her in that dress. The way her hips swayed made my blood run hot.
What was it about this woman?
“Have I mentioned you look delicious?” I asked as she approached.
She shook her head. “Stop.”
“If you think that’s just a line, it’s not. I could eat you for dessert.”
“Jensen,” she scolded.
“All right. I’ll behave. For now.” I winked at her.
She glanced away, but I didn’t miss the playful smile on her lips.
Getting under her skin was fun.
“What do we do now?” she asked.
“I think our work here is done.” I offered my arm. “Shall we?”
She tucked her hand in the crook of my elbow, and I led her outside. I took the liberty of putting an arm around her to keep her warm while we waited for the valet to bring the car around. She didn’t resist.
On the way back to her house, we chatted about our evening. What people wore, who was from Tilikum versus the neighboring towns, our theories about Julian. I did wonder whyhe’d been watching Natalie. According to her, they didn’t know each other. Was it simply the magnetic draw of a beautiful woman who’d caught his eye?
Hard to say. But I didn’t blame him. I couldn’t stop looking at her, either.
I pulled up outside the house and parked.
“You don’t have to walk me to my door,” she said. “I’m kind of hoping to sneak in without Nina noticing. I don’t want to have to explain the dress.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow?”
I nodded. “Looking forward to it.”
Her smile sent a tendril of warmth through my chest. We both got out, and I went up the stairs to my flat. When I got to the top, I glanced down, making sure she got inside before I went in.
On a whim, I sent her a text.
Me:You were magnificent tonight.
Natalie:I hardly did anything.
Me:I disagree. You played your part perfectly. And I quite enjoyed having you as a partner.
