Pure Lust Vol. 1 by M. S. Parker, Cassie Wild Read Free Book Online

up-and-comer. Open bar, free food.”
    “More like all I can eat because other models only peck at it.”
    She grinned. “That’s my Gabs! Come on, it’ll be fun.”
    My stomach twisted as something occurred to me. “What if he’s there?”
    “No chance,” Kendra said. “Word has it he’s off to Europe. I heard the project director for the swimwear line complaining about how much he can get away with just because he’s Flynn McCreary.”
    “Then count me in,” I said.
    ***
    I was glad I’d agreed.
    I’d never been to this sort of party before.
    It was the kind people could see from miles away, thanks to laser light shows and the spotlights bursting from neighboring buildings.
    Then there was a red carpet. An actual red carpet. Kendra’s agent had sent over a gigantic SUV with silver spinning rims and when it pulled up to the velvet ropes, Kendra grabbed my hand and pulled me out. I had no choice but to follow her down that red carpet, trying not to look too dazzled…and trying not to fall or stumble too much in the extra-high heels she’d loaned me.
    Inside, still blinking from all the flashbulbs, I was left alone as Kendra was swept away by a flock of reed-thin models. I managed to snag a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and tell myself that I loved to play the part of the mysterious outsider. I was just working up a back-story for my fashion correspondent turned film producer when I was interrupted.
    “I saw you on the red carpet with Kendra Facet, didn’t I?”
    I started to turn with a snarky comment since I was sure I was about to be asked to be a go-between. Ice blue eyes looked down on me from a handsome, chiseled face and I swallowed the snark.
    “Yes, she’s my roommate. She invited me. I’m not just making that up.” I had the feeling I was starting to babble.
    He laughed, the sound warm and inviting. He was tall, easily six-three, six-four, and dressed in a conservative, yet expensive suit. As good-looking as he was, he didn’t look like a model or have the searching look of an agent finding an angle. That meant he was probably one of the countless executives that kept the fashion industry in the billions of dollars.
    “My name’s Edward.” He held out his hand.
    “Nice to meet you. I’m Gabriella.” I took it, smiling at the little tingle of warmth that went through me.
    “Kendra’s roommate.”
    “That’s me,” I said.
    He smiled again and sipped his drink though I could see his eyes traveling down the outfit Kendra had carefully chosen. It was one of the few things of hers that could actually fit me, though I filled it out quite a bit more than she did.
    I waited, assuming he was trying to find a way to bring up Kendra again. I would’ve done it myself just to get it over with, but here he was, speaking to me and I wasn’t certain I wanted to end that just yet—then I’d go back to playing the mysterious outsider.
    “You come here often?” I asked.
    He laughed, that deep sensual sound, and I felt it tangle in my stomach. Wow. That was some laugh.
    “Yes, actually. It’s kind of a family obligation.” He looked down at me and I saw something in those blue eyes shift, as if making some sort of internal decision. “Would you like to dance, Gabriella?”
    We passed our glasses off onto a passing server and moved onto the dance floor. Each step, each moment erased the Flynn incident a little more. Edward made comments about people I pointed out, never anything rude but always interesting. As people came up and tried to interrupt us, he introduced me and then waved them away, keeping his arms loosely around me the entire time.
    He was something straight out of a fairytale. It was like I’d kissed the toad and here I was with Prince Charming. It was easier to believe in things like love…or at least romance again.
    After a couple songs, he leaned over my hand and kissed the back of it. The feel of his lips on the back of my hand had warmth racing through me and I