Private Show (The Private Series) by Danielle Torella Read Free Book Online

out or went after an older guy…
    “Your costume is amazing!” I tell her. “Ben told me that you’re a fashion designer. Did you design and make this yourself?”
    Her face lights up with pride. “I did, and thank you. When living with only Dad and Ben, I had to get creative in something girly. I love making something out of nothing. Ben told me you paint and that you’re an amazing photographer?”
    Oh Ben…
    “Yes, I love to paint and I want to be a photographer for rock bands. You know, taking shots of them on stage in their prime.”
    “That’s amazing! Maybe you can work with Ben at Tones ?”
    “Funny you bring that up, because I have an interview there this week.” It’s true. When Ben and I were apart after my accident and my little blow-up at the hospital, Ben showed his boss my photos from the Maroon 5 show. The boss was impressed. One step closer to my dream, and if I can have the added bonus of working with Ben, then hell, I will take it! I would have been happy starting in the mail room.
    We start talking about fashion design, and I find myself admiring her arm wear. “Can I try one on? Yours are just so cute.”
    She then grabs her arms and crosses them in front of her chest. She seems to have gone from warm and friendly to standoffish.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to overstep…”
    “No, no, it’s fine. I am sorry. It’s just that these ones are a little harder to get on and off. With the sequins and all…”
    I don’t buy it. So I just give her a polite smile, but I am far from over from figuring her out.
    I take a look around the room, and my eyes lock with Ben’s. He is talking it up with this middle-aged gentleman and his much younger date. The older man continues to talk and doesn’t seem to take notice that Ben has lost complete interest on their conversation. His eyes sear into mine; I can sense his agitation with having to stand there and not with me. He is leaning against a fireplace mantle and holding a drink, all while in a nice black suit… hello, Mr. Bond.
    My mind must have drifted, because I feel a light nudge on my arm. I turn to see Erin with a large grin on her face… shit, am I really that obvious?
    “He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night, Tess.”
    I stick my tongue out at her. I look around to find Caroline, but she is out of sight. I wrap my hands around myself and rub my arms, feeling a little cold. I look back to where Ben was standing and he is gone, too.
    “So, tonight the big night?” my best friend asks.
    I feel the sudden warmth of a jacket being draped over my shoulders, and a deep throat clearing.
    “Oh, I see how it is. You tell Red here your little surprise but not your boyfriend.” Shit. He heard that, huh?
    Erin throws a hand over her mouth and her eyes bulge. “I am sorry, Tess, I didn’t see him coming when I said…”
    I throw my finger up to warn her to stop. I can tell she has been drinking and we both get the same way when we drink—no verbal filter what so ever.
    Ben finds this humorous, because he lets out a laugh and he rubs my shoulders. “Yes, Erin knows, but you’re the one who is going to appreciate it.” I arch my back as his grip tightens slightly and I am getting even more turned on.
    “In that case…” Ben moves to the front of me and holds out his hand to help me stand, which at this moment I am grateful, a few drinks and these shoes… man. “Shall we?”
    I look to Erin and she winks at me and as I pass her she whispers, “Get it girl.” I have to laugh, I see Erin’s eyes shoot to Ben’s and then drop just as fast… that was odd.
    We make our rounds to say our goodbyes, and find Jack, Gwen and Caroline talking by the front door. They look to be having a heated conversation, so we approach with caution.
    “What’s going on now?” Ben asks his family and by the sound of his tone this is an average thing. I look to Caroline and she is nearly in tears; Gwen seems irritated and annoyed; and Jack—well,