“Christina picked out some costumes for the hen’s night, and she wanted me to try them on to make sure they fit.”
“You’re dancing?”
“Yeah.” She entered the apartment in front of him. “I’ll do a dress parade for you. You can give me your expert opinion.”
In her bedroom she stripped down to her underwear and glanced at the first of the costumes. A long black dress with silver embroidery. It was reminiscent of something one of the glamour movie stars of the thirties would have worn. She’d have to lose the bra.
“Ryan, are you there?” She heard him coming and turned her back to the door while holding the bodice in place. “I need help with the zipper.”
Warm hands tugged the zip into place then settled on her bare shoulders.
“Wow,” he said as he turned her around to face him. “Are all the costumes this elegant?”
“Yes, we’re doing a Hollywood glamour theme for the hen’s night. Sort of thirtyish era.”
“Do you need music?”
“Christina and I thought we’d sort out a soundtrack of music from that era.”
“Would you like live music?”
“You’d do that?”
“Yes.” His short tone told her he was a little pissed with her for doubting him.
“You haven’t been here,” she flared defensively. “I’m not used to counting on you.”
His face clouded, a hint of pain twisting his lips. “You’re right. I’d be honored to provide live music for your first function. I can’t promise Caleb’s help. He’ll have to answer for himself, but I’m in. Will you want me to wear a costume too?”
“I’ll discuss it with Christina and we’ll come up with something for you. Can you unzip me?” She slid the dress off and reached for the next. The choked sound from Ryan stilled her hands.
“You’re beautiful.”
Julia picked up the gown—a slinky red—and held it against her. After her stripper years, nudity never worried her, but Ryan’s avid gaze roving her body felt different, her skin pulsing under his visual interest. “I didn’t think.”
“Let me help with the fastener.” His voice was lower than usual and rough in a sensual way.
“It zips up the side.” Without looking at him, she stepped into the dress and pulled it up over her hips. “Do you like it?”
“I thought these were costumes for strippers?”
“Some are, but Christina and I decided they’d work for me to wear while introducing each act. I’m aiming for sophistication. Do you agree?”
“You’re a knockout and your ideas are perfect.” His gaze traced the curves of her breasts, cupped and lifted in the tight bodice. In a trick of the light he appeared predatory and when he stalked around her to view the back of the gown, the similarity to a dangerous feline heightened. He settled in a casual sprawl on the bed. “Are there more?”
“Yes.” She undid the gown and stepped out of it. The next number was the one Christina had dubbed sexy ringmaster. Black and white, it was more bathing suit in coverage, leaving her legs bare. A tight black jacket completed the outfit.
“You need black boots with spiky heels and fishnet stockings with that one,” Ryan said.
Julia nodded, in full agreement after a quick glance in her full-length mirror. “Christina has a good eye for fashion. These fit perfectly. I thought you were going to have a shower.”
“And miss the show? Not likely. Besides, you might need my help again.”
A snort escaped her.
“I hope you’re not going to make that sound on stage,” he said. “You’ll send the customers running to the opposition.”
“Funny man.” Julia reached for the blue. It was almost the same color as the paint she’d chosen for the walls of the club. Gold sequins decorated the neckline and hem.
