Fashioned for Power by Kathleen Brooks Read Free Book Online

men lining the runway in business suits and briefcases. The women will strip off their jackets revealing outfits for nighttime attire. It should be perfect with the hustle and bustle of the town surrounding them.”
    “Well, we will be there. Tomorrow afternoon, right?
    “One o’clock.”
    “Perfect. We’ll see your show, then go to ours that evening. What other shows are you going to?” David asked.
    “I have six houses putting on shows. Montclaire, you guys, and Lux4U, to name a few. I finish up on Friday, and the Simpson Fashion party will be at the NITE club that evening.”
    “Oh, I can’t wait. Isn’t that the club owned by that super-hot actor . . .?” Josh snapped his fingers trying to think of the name.
    “Nate Reece,” David reminded him.
    Allegra grinned and nodded. “He’s part owner, and he’ll be there.”
    “Lawdy! If we could get him to appear in a Bellerose campaign . . .” Josh said wistfully.
    “Why don’t you ask him when you see him at the party? We went to high school together.”
    David leaned forward seriously. “Tell us everything we need to know to get him to agree.”
     
    Finn leapt from the taxi and pushed past the line waiting for a table at François. The small restaurant was filled with people and he scanned the crowd, looking for Allegra.
    “Can I help you, sir?” the maître d’ asked.
    “Yes, I’m meeting Allegra Simpson here. I’m afraid I’m rather late.”
    “Her party was only for three. Are you sure it was tonight?”
    “Yes. I’m not eating. Just meeting her party before heading to another appointment,” Finn said in the most annoyed way he could. Growing up, his mother would have smacked the back of his head for talking like this. But being around powerful people had taught Finn a thing or two about bored annoyance. It seemed to make people feel more important.
    “Of course. This way.” The maître d’ led him around the room to a table in the back. He saw her then, laughing with David and Josh.
    Josh was the first to see him. “Finn! What a pleasant surprise. Have you decided to take us up on our offer to model for us?”
    Finn relaxed. Dinner with David and Josh was way different from dinner with men more interested on hitting on her than on business. “Sorry, gentlemen. I’m here for Allegra.”
    Allegra’s blue eyes widened as she looked silently at him. He could see the emotions running across her face—anger, hope, and something else that gave him the courage to reach out and take her hands in his.
    “Allegra, I’ve been a complete fool. I know something has been wrong, and I was more worried about trying to impress you than doing what I should have done in the first place—be there for you. We started off as friends, but then it grew into something more. At least it did for me. Your presence lights my soul, and I can’t imagine not having you in my life. Please say you’ll forgive me. Please tell me I wasn’t imagining that you have feelings for me. And if I was, then forget this whole thing and take me as your friend. I'd rather have you in my life as a friend than to lose you completely.”
     
    Sniff. Josh dabbed his eyes and David smiled at Finn. Allegra didn’t move. She couldn’t. His words were floating around her head as if in a dream. As if it were a wonderful dream. Would it all end when she woke up?
    “Is this a dream?”
    Finn chuckled and brought her hands up to his lips for a soft kiss. “No. Please say you’ll give me a chance. I know I’m not part of the country club scene. I know I grew up in one of the worst neighborhoods in Atlanta. I know they'll say I’m not good enough for you. But I will fight for your love every day. I will never stop trying to love you more.”
    Allegra felt a tear silently escape and roll down her cheek before she threw her arms around Finn’s neck. “I’ve been so stupid, Finn. I’m so sorry. It’s me who needs to fight to deserve you.”
    “Gentlemen, if you would excuse us.