Page 69 of Fish out of Water
She twisted, her left leg moving just enough to send a slash of daylight sliding up her thighs to cut through the shadows.
I strained, eyes burning as I looked for a familiar print. Would it be zebra?
Maybe leopard.
Possibly the neon yellow pair that would perfectly match her banana pants.
But what I saw was none of those.
There were no panties.
No.
Fucking.
Panties.
Julia grabbed my hand and slowly stood, her body brushing mine. “What’s wrong, Grant?”
So much was wrong.
So much I couldn’t count it all.
So much I could drown in it.
“Welcome back to The Sweet Side, Mr. Servantes.” The doorman caught my attention, forcing me to take my eyes off Julia.
I held Julia’s hand, keeping her tight to my side. Suddenly every other man seemed too close. Smiled too long at the woman with me.
Only Julia wasn’t with me. Not really.
It was a growing problem.
I followed the line of open doors into the building. Julia walked tall and straight. Commanding the attention of everyone in sight.
And my problem grew more.
Michael, the maître d’, smiled at me, oblivious to the unrest simmering under my skin. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Mr. Servantes.”
I offered as much of a smile as I could manage under the circumstances. “Hello.” I tipped my head to the woman at my side, not trusting myself to fully look her way. “Michael, this is Ms. Murray.”
Julia’s eyes were wide as they drilled into me, but she didn’t say anything.
Michael turned to the young man at his side. “Please take Ms. Murray and Mr. Servantes to table six.”
Julia stayed silent as we followed the host, but every move of that damn leg made my pulse pick up. By the time we reached the table I was ready to cancel this whole night. Drag her away from this place.
Prove I’d learned how to swim.
The table I requested was tucked in a private corner, away from the dance floor, offering a perfect spot to watch everyone else.
And avoid being watched back.
I pulled out the chair behind the table, putting as much space between Julia and the eyes still following her as possible. She sat down, watching me from the corner of her eye as I scooted her in. I grabbed the other chair at the table and dragged it close to hers before sitting as close as I could manage.
As soon as the host was gone I leaned into her ear. “Where are your fucking panties, Julia?”
“This dress isn’t really conducive to panties.”
