Free Irresistible You by Celeste O. Norfleet

fact,” he said plainly.
    She looked directly at him through the mirror’s reflection. “Let’s cut to the chase shall we. We know each other well enough not to beat around the bush. What do you want?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Get to the point. What do you want an autograph, a signed photo, another quick lay with a prima ballerina? What?”
    His brow rose with interest. “Are you always this direct?”
    “You should know.”
    “You’re right, I guess I should.”
    Their eyes met in the mirror again. Each smiled remembering just how direct she could be. “It saves time in the long run.” With her face, now perfectly clean, she spun the chair around to face him. “Well, what’s it gonna be Mr. Evans?”
    His smile turned to a knowing chuckle. “It’s J.T. And as you said, we know each other well enough.”
    “Okay J.T., what’s it gonna be?”
    “Why don’t we play it by ear for the time being?”
    Juliet stood to face him remembering that those were the exact words he had used ten months ago when they shared a hotel room. “That was a long time ago.”
    J.T. walked to the door. He grabbed the knob. “Ten months isn’t that long ago Juliet.” He turned the knob and opened the door.
    “It was one night,” she said as he stepped through.
    “Some say that one night can be a lifetime. We’ll talk later,” he answered as the door closed behind him.
    “Bet on it,” she said to the empty room as the idea of attending the fundraiser began to appeal to her. She owed J.T. Evans. No man had ever walked away from her like he did.
    She grabbed her robe from the back of the chair and a fresh towel from the cabinet in the small bathroom. She reached into the shower stall and turned on the cool refreshing water. She removed her clothes and stepped in letting the water wash away her stress. Tonight promised to be an interesting evening.

Chapter Five
     
    Officially named the Washington Cultural Center, J.T. walked around the huge open space. Although he’d been here just two years earlier to celebrate a product launch, he barely had time to appreciate it then. The open airy space with huge floor-to-ceiling windows afforded an excellent view of the gardens and promenade outside, while keeping guests cool and refreshed inside.
    Built in the mid-60s, the main promenade and lobby had a vaulted ceiling, at least two stories high, with live trees and Italian marble floors polished to a reflective sheen. Monochromatic and minimalistic in design, it was traditional and classical, and complimented the evening’s performance.
    J.T. stood by one of the long tablecloth-covered tables topped with cascading floral arrangements and a variety of appetizers, hors d'oeuvre and aperitifs. Talking with several businessmen and women, he watched as one by one dancers joined the gathering. But to his disappointment Juliet had yet to arrive.
    Beset by several members of his mother’s arts organization who had instantly recognized him, J.T. tried to be as attentive as possible.
    They asked Taylor’s whereabouts. J.T. offered her regrets and apologies for her uncharacteristic absence. She’d called him at the last minute to inform him that, due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to attend, but for him to go ahead without her.
    They expressed their concern then began talking endlessly about the commission’s projects, their regard for his parents and lastly as he expected, about the merits of him becoming a more active member of the commission.
    J.T. quickly, expertly, sidestepped all of their attempts at pinning him down to attend the next meeting, citing his workload and travel schedule and his mother’s dedication to the organization. He nodded attentively but continually focused his attention on the guests as they arrived.
    Afterwards he excused himself and walked over to the bar. Standing there gave him an unobstructed view of the entrance. As each dancer arrived a wave of excitement rushed through the crowd. The most