“We do,” she said.
“May I ask the name of your hotel?”
Julia raised one eyebrow. “That wouldn’t be very discreet, would it? There’s a reason we don’t advertise. A reason most people have never heard of us. The people who need our services know how to get in touch with us.”
Dawson took another sip of his drink. “A woman of mystery,” he said, studying her.
“No. Just a woman who enjoys her job.”
“Most hotels want publicity. They want to attract more clients.”
“I assume you live in Seattle?” she asked Dawson.
“I do.”
“Then you wouldn’t need our services,” she pointed out.
He flashed a smile at her, and she understood how charming Dawson could be. “I can be very persistent when it comes to getting what I want.”
His words chilled her. Just as she was about to excuse herself, Nico stopped beside Dawson. “May I offer you a fresh glass of champagne?” he said, holding out a tray of flutes.
“Thank you, but I’m fine.”
Dawson’s fingers tightened on the glass, as if he were afraid Nico would snatch it out of his hand. She wondered why he was so determined to keep the glass, but Julia wouldn’t allow herself to glance at it.
Dawson took another tiny sip, and seeing her chance to escape, Julia said brightly, “Nice meeting you, Kent. Enjoy the party.”
“I will now,” he said, his voice low.
Nico’s knuckles whitened on the tray, then he nodded at both of them and turned away. Offered a glass of champagne to Jim and Haley, who were about ten feet away.
As Julia walked toward Zoe, she felt Dawson’s gaze on her. Repressing her shudder, she smiled at Zoe, pretending to have a cheerful conversation. Keeping the smile firmly plastered on her face, she said quietly, “He wouldn’t let Nico give him another glass of champagne. Why’s he holding it so tightly?”
“Not sure, but it doesn’t matter,” Zoe said easily. “A lot of people are watching him. If he puts it down, someone will grab it immediately.”
As the party went on, Dawson sought her out several more times, finally asking her if she’d like to leave the party and get a drink somewhere else. “Sorry,” she said, trying to sound sincere. “But I don’t get as much time to visit Zoe as I’d like. I’m hoping she has a moment so we can catch up.”
“In that case, may I have your phone number? I’d like to see you again,” Dawson said.
“I’m very busy with work right now,” Julia said, thinking quickly. “But why don’t you give me your card? If I have some free time in the next week, I’ll give you a call. We can meet for a drink somewhere.”
“I’d like that,” Dawson said, his eyes gleaming. He pulled a business card case out of his suit jacket’s inner pocket, opened it and handed her one, holding it by the edges. “Call me soon,” he asked.
“I’ll try to,” she said. His eyes darkened as she slipped the card into the bodice of her dress.
“See you soon, I hope,” he said, his gaze lingering on her for a long moment before he turned and walked away.
Julia waited until Dawson was out of sight, then went looking for Mel. “He gave me a business card,” she said in a low voice. “Held it by the edges, though, so I’m not sure you’ll get anything from it.”
“That’s okay. We’ll try. Where did you put it?”
Julia grinned. “Between my dress and my bra. His eyes almost fell out of his head.”
Mel laughed. “Good for you,” she said. “He’s not going to forget you, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah,” Julia sighed. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
* * *