Shadows of New York by Heather Fraser Brainerd Read Free Book Online Page B

possible, even more crowded than the last. Small groups of people stood around talking and laughing, most with glasses in their hands. With several “pardons” as he nudged his way through the crowd, Aiden led Steve to the seating area. This, of course, was full of gabbing, glittering party guests. With just one glance around the room, Aiden saw several faces that he recognized from television. Judging by the awed look on his face, so did Steve. The place was so packed, Aiden couldn’t even see a spot for Steve to set his plate and eat standing up. “Let’s try the terrace.” Through the large windows, it looked like the balcony was deserted. It was unseasonably chilly out, and everyone was dressed in their summer finest, meaning lots of exposed arms and legs. Plus, the celebrities and entertainment moguls were all holding court inside, which meant everyone congregated there.
    Making their way through the crowd and out the French doors, Aiden was surprised to see that Larry had beat them out there. Naturally, he wasn’t alone.
    “So, you work in television?” Larry asked the attractive redhead as they sat at one of the patio tables.
    “Yeah, I’m Mrs. Cooper’s assistant,” she answered. “Well, one of her assistants.”
    They both looked up as footsteps approached. “Oh, hey there, Aiden, Steve.” Larry didn’t sound all that happy to see his friends.
    “Hey.” Steve deposited his plate on the table, causing a Swedish meatball to roll off it, across the table, and onto Mrs. Cooper’s assistant’s lap.
    “Oh!” she cried.
    “Sorry,” Steve said. “Here, let me get you a napkin.”
    “I need more than a napkin. I’d better go rinse this off before the stain sets.” She stood and held her skirt so that the saucy section wouldn’t touch any other part of the fabric. “It was nice meeting you, Larry.” She went through the doorway and disappeared into the crowd.
    “Nice, Steve.” Larry was irritated. “Real smooth.”
    “Chill out, Larry,” Steve said.
    “It was an accident,” said Aiden, trying to keep the peace.
    “I know, I know.” Larry got up and wandered to the railing. “Nice view.” His tone already sounded friendly again.
    “Yup,” Aiden agreed.
    Steve failed to comment on the view. He was busy stuffing food into his mouth as fast as inhumanly possible.
    Larry leaned against the railing, hanging recklessly far backward. “Aiden, my man, this is quite a setup you’ve got here.”
    Steve nodded his agreement, his mouth filled with an entire stuffed mushroom.
    Aiden chuckled. “Yeah, it’s okay. The best part is the cook. She’s a food oracle.”
    “Wow!” Larry had a look of genuine shock on his face. “I had one of those once. You are one lucky son of a—”
    Whatever colorful term he had in mind was cut short when Josh wandered onto the terrace carrying a large plate full of food. “Mom said to bring this out to you guys.” He threw appraising looks at Larry and Steve.
    The three men all reached for the plate but stopped short as Josh asked, “So are you two werewolves too?”
    There was a moment’s silence before Aiden replied, “No, they’re not.”
    Josh looked disappointed.
    “He knows?” asked Steve.
    Aiden nodded and said, “Yup. I sort of…had to change in front of him this week.”
    After checking to make sure nobody was close enough to overhear, Larry extended his hand to Josh. “Well, then there’s no sense in holding anything back. Larry Fancypants, vampire.”
    Josh’s eyes went wide, causing everyone to laugh.
    “He’s okay, Josh,” said Aiden. “I wouldn’t bring him here if he wasn’t.”
    Josh relaxed, but only a little. He balanced the plate in his left hand and tentatively shook Larry’s.
    “And Steve Lickerman, leprechaun,” added Steve.
    Josh’s eyes went from Steve’s feet, which sported orange high-top canvas sneakers, up six feet or more to the top of his flaming red hair. “No, really. What are you?”
    Larry and Aiden