Flirting With Chaos by Kenya Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

reached into the hundreds of thousands. Phone calls from record labels had come at the end of the month with offers of representation and money advances to rival the monthly allowance his dad gave him.
    “Is he at least interested in going in the musical direction you want to?” I asked.
    “No. He’s still in the past, and I’m trying to do something that’s never been heard before. He doesn’t get it.”
    I kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. “Sorry.”
    “No big deal. I’ll deal with it eventually.” He grabbed me before I could move away from him and then landed kisses on my cheek and closer to my lips than his usual pecking. “Let’s talk about your apple.”
    “You better be joking. I said no.”
    “Hmm. We’ll talk about it later then.” He sat up. “You like your two surprises so far?”
    “Two?” I gestured to the whole party. “This is way more than two. I figured this was all twenty-two. Seriously, if you have any more surprises, I don’t need them.”
    “Too bad. You’re getting them all. One surprise was the party. The other was that Depraved Minds would sing for you. We have twenty more to go.” He formed his lips into a frown. “So, why did my dad hit your butt again? Is that why you’re saying no, because of the butt tickle?”
    “Are you really still thinking about the butt thing? It was a quick hit. That’s it, and it has nothing to do with why I don’t want you to take my virginity.” I shook my head. “I can’t even remember why he did it. I made some smart remark. He hit me on my butt. The whole thing was playful and fun.”
    “Okay.” He bobbed his head but didn’t seem relieved. “Either way, tell me if he gets out of line.”
    “He won’t. I have been around him before, you know.”
    “That was years ago. You’re a woman now.” His gaze strayed to my breasts.
    “New topic.”
    “Cool.” He rubbed his hands together. “Are you ready for surprises three, four, and five?”
    “Yes.”
    “Ted, get your ass over here!” Jude glanced my way and rolled his eyes. “I mean, please get your ass over here.”
    “Thanks. I hate being around you when you’re a pretentious asshole.”
    “Luckily, there are only rare moments when I’m like that.”
    “Bullshit,” I muttered under my breath.
    A tall blond guy carried over a big box with no top on it. Paint brushes stuck out of it. Excitement exploded in my chest. I jumped up to see what else was in there as he set it down. Jude pointed into the box. “These are just some of the supplies I’m putting in your creative cottage.”
    “Creative cottage?” I asked.
    “That big-ass mansion is ridiculously chaotic when Dad is there. I need you in there with me this summer, painting, keeping me from killing him, and inspiring my music. You’re my muse.”
    “I’m your muse.” I twisted my lips to the side. “How many times have you said that to a woman this week?”
    “Zero. And I’ll pretend like you didn’t accuse me of being deceitful where you and my music are concerned.” He pushed the box away from me. “These supplies are just a symbol of your creative cottage. I had Isabelle clean out the office next to my music studio. I’m making it your place to paint and do your art.”
    I lifted the different tubes of paint, dragged my fingers along the white, threaded surface of canvas, and studied the different sizes of brushes. “Oh my God, this is your best present yet. You’re spoiling me.”
    “So, are you going to come paint, sculpt, and do artsy shit every week?”
    “You know I will, and I’ll probably paint and draw you most of the time.” I stared longingly into his eyes and tried not to laugh. “You know, Jude, you are my muse.”
    “Ha ha. You’re so funny. I was actually being serious when I said it to you.” He tapped his chest. “Anyway, I just want you to promise me that all the things you paint, I get to keep.”
    “Sure. I’d like to get one of you and your