Curvy Ever After: Forbidden Curvy Girl Fairy Tales by Twyla Turner Read Free Book Online

Ashland was just finishing up the garish decorations when Sophia and Olivia glided into the living room. They were resplendent in elegant ball gowns. One in pale pink and other in green pastel. Which, unfortunately complimented their creamy caramel coloring to perfection.
    Ashland was throwing the strap of her camera bag over her shoulder, getting ready to leave when Sophia stopped her.
    “Oh my goodness! I’m so forgetful. Ashes, I forgot to tell you that I signed you up to attend the ball as a guest, not as a photographer. Oops.” Sophia finished with a sly smile.
    “Wait. What?!” Ashland said, panicked. “I don’t have anything to wear to actually attend the ball as a guest.”
    “Well, that sucks,” Olivia piped in, insincerely.
    “Oh and one more thing. I also volunteered you for the charity auction.” Sophia added at the last minute.
    “What do you mean, to help with the auction?” Ashland asked hopefully, but her gut knew better.
    “Oh no! I mean you’ll be auctioned off for a date. Olivia and I will be participating too.” Sophia informed her with a sinister grin.
    “And don’t worry. I’m sure some poor sucker will pay at least fifty bucks for your company.” Olivia said cruelly before they both burst into a fit of giggles.
    “I don’t have to go, you know. I could stay home.” Ashland said defiantly.
    “Yes, you could. But…if you don’t show, it’ll look pretty bad. Especially because it’s for charity. As you know, the fashion industry’s elite will be in attendance. It wouldn’t look good for future career opportunities, if you flake.” Sophia smiled brightly, knowing she had Ashland over a barrel.
    Without a word, Ashland turned and walked out the front door and walked to the elevator. Once again, she was doing everything in her power not to cry. She internally scolded herself for always turning on the waterworks when she visited her childhood home.
    She had no idea what she was going to do. She had planned on wearing a simple black dress with her hair pulled back into a ponytail, to stay out of her way while she worked. It would’ve been the perfect ensemble to blend into the background. Now she was expected to actually attend. She didn’t have a ball gown and she didn’t know what to do with her hair. When it came to hair and makeup, she always stuck with the bare minimum. And not only did she not have anything to wear, but she also only had a little over an hour before the charity masquerade ball started. Which she knew was the point of her sisters’ evil plan.
    Ashland quickly fumbled through her camera bag for her cellphone. She called up Cisco’s number and pressed send.
    “Hey, Ashland! All done slaving away at Casa Del Diablo?” Cisco answered after the second ring.
    “Cisco, I need your help,” Ashland said, her voice filled with tears.
    “What happened?” He asked immediately.
    “ The Shining twins signed me up to go to the ball as a guest and volunteered me for the charity auction. And they only just told me now. A little over an hour before the ball starts! You know I have nothing to wear!” Ashland blurted out in a panic.
    “Calm down, sweetie. Meet me at the apartment. Jump in the shower and by the time you’re done, I’ll be there and ready to make you fabulous.” Cisco assured her with confidence.
    As the elevator doors opened on the main floor, several guests heading up to attend the pre-party were waiting on the other side. As Ashland quickly pushed her way through the throng of people, she collided with a very tall and very solid body. She glanced up briefly as strong hands reached out to steady her. In her rush, she saw the flash of a bright white smile, warm ocean blue eyes, and sexy blond locks. The features, vaguely familiar. Her heart stuttered in her chest, but she had no time to analyze her response. She pulled free of his large, warm hands and ran full speed for the door. Once on the street, she put her thumb and forefinger in her mouth