Read Online Full Blast by Janet Evanovich & Charlotte Hughes - Free Book Online

him a benign smile, meant to make him feel as though she were immune to his charm. “Thank you, Max. Coming from a world-renowned womanizer I consider that quite a compliment.”
    He grinned. “So, who’s the boy?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Your date?”
    “You know Mike Henderson. I hardly think he qualifies as a boy. He’s, um, not exactly a real date, he just escorted me. He’s here to take pictures for the society column.”
    “If he were any younger, I’d have to report you to the authorities.”
    “Same old Max.”
    “Tell you what, Swifty. I’m going to be a gentleman about this, seeing as how you probably think I took you for granted. I assumed you wanted to see me as badly as I wanted to see you. But let’s get something straight.” His tone dropped, and there was a slight huskiness to it. “You leave the party with me.”

 
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
     
     
    JAMIE’S STOMACH QUIVERED AT THE THOUGHT OF going anywhere with Max. “I don’t know if that’s wise.”
    He stroked one finger down her arm. Her skin prickled.
    “There you go again,” he said. “You’re thinking too much.” He gave her a private smile. “You’re wearing the blue dress. I can’t wait to see what’s under it.”
    Jamie gulped. Yikes, the man was seducing her right there on the spot. And damned if there was anything she could do about it because her tongue had suddenly become plastered to the roof of her mouth.
    And now, here she was, wondering what he was wearing, if anything, beneath that dignified-looking tux.
    “I need a drink,” she said, if for no other reason than to change the subject. Max knew what he did to her, and he was probably enjoying every minute of it.
    Max motioned, and a waiter appeared instantly, carrying a tray of white wine in tall, long-stemmed glasses. “Would you like a glass of chardonnay?” the man asked.
    Jamie concentrated on keeping her hand steady as she reached for one of the goblets. She could feel the perspiration beading her upper lip, and she hadn’t put any tissues in the small bag she’d chosen to bring.
    “Are you hot?” Max asked.
    Jamie tried to play it down, suspecting Max was enjoying her discomfort. “There are too many people crammed into this place. I think your sister invited half the town.”
    “Dee Dee does have a way of going overboard,” Max said, looking about the room.
    Mike returned balancing a plate stacked high with food, camera dangling from his neck. “Hi, Max. Hey, nice tux. I’ll bet you didn’t rent it in Beaumont.” He looked at Jamie. “Why is your face all sweaty?” He didn’t give her a chance to answer. “I haven’t eaten all day. I hope I don’t make a pig of myself.” He bit into a finger sandwich. “Wow, check out the brunette who just walked through the door. The one in the red dress,” he added. “I should go over and introduce myself. Maybe she’ll let me take her picture.” He winked at Jamie. “Don’t tell Destiny. I’m saving myself for her.” He hurried away.
    Jamie shook her head as she caught the amused look on Max’s face. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. “May I?” When Jamie merely shrugged, he very carefully mopped her forehead and upper lip. “There now, good as new.”
    Jamie drained her glass. “I should find Frankie and wish him a happy birthday.”
    “Great, we can go together.”
    Dee Dee Fontana and her assistant Beenie appeared out of nowhere. “Oh, Jamie, I’m so glad you could come!” she cried, hugging her tightly. “You too little brother.” She and Max hugged, as well.
    “You look beautiful,” Jamie said, noting Dee Dee’s ankle-length, Kelly-green cocktail dress. It set off her green eyes and red hair. Jamie was certain Beenie had handpicked the outfit for her; he’d long ago tossed her slinky rhinestone garb, before husband Frankie had been elected as town mayor. Beenie was dressed in Ralph Lauren, his dark hair combed straight back, emphasizing a perfect oval