The Taming of a Wild Child by Kimberly Lang Read Free Book Online

heart. CMP has focused, by necessity, on in-school programs for younger children …”
    Lorelei looked comfortable up there, and if publicspeaking was one of her fears it certainly didn’t show in her speech or body language. She had that same presence that Donovan had seen in her sister—that confidence that could only come from the security of knowing exactly who she was. Unlike her sister, though, Lorelei had a low, hypnotic timbre in her voice that sounded like pure sex to him.
    It did bad things to his equilibrium.
    “It’s my great privilege to announce tonight that ConMan Studios is partnering with the CMP to expand its summer programs for the area’s youth by providing not only funding, but space and access to some of the city’s best musical talent.” She paused for the applause, and then said with a laugh, “We have big plans in the works, so rest assured you’ll all be hearing from me very soon. And often.”
    There was shock that Lorelei was going to be so involved with whatever plans Connor had cooked up with Vivi for his project, but it didn’t cancel out the slice of desire that cut him at the sound of that husky laugh.
    In broad strokes Lorelei outlined the basics of the plan, preparing folks to open their checkbooks. It took a moment for him to realize she kept saying “me” and “I.” She’d started this speech as a Vivi substitute, but it was now becoming clear that Lorelei would be playing an active role.
That
was new. Lorelei hadn’t had much involvement with anything beyond the periphery until now. And she seemed genuinely excited about it, as well. The universe was slightly askew.
    To more applause, Lorelei handed back the microphone and left the stage, quickly being swallowed into the crowd.
    Jack let out another low whistle, jerking Donovan’s attention back since he’d long since forgotten Jack was even standing there. “I never had a thing for either of theLaBlanc girls back in high school, but I’m rethinking that now.” He pushed away from the bar and patted Donovan on the shoulder. “See ya.”
    “Where are you going?”
    Jack grinned. “To gather my thoughts, of course.”
    There was that need to punch Jack again. It made no sense whatsoever, but he was starting to get used to the feeling.
    Why do I care?
    “Well, hello there.”
    He turned and found Jessica Reynald flashing a broad smile and ample cleavage. He did not need this now. After listening to Lorelei’s straight-sex voice he was primed—but not for Jess Reynald. He’d been caught by her smile and her cleavage in a brief moment of insanity six months ago, and it had been nothing short of disastrous. Jess’s family had made their money in commercial properties, and they’d initially bonded over their similar still-not-good-enough circumstances. But Jess was desperate to eventually break into those circles that excluded her, and that desperation to be accepted had turned him off. Jess, though, wasn’t one to give up. She was looking to marry into the upper class—he wondered how long it would be before she realized that just wasn’t going to happen—but until then she was willing to make do with him.
    “I was hoping to find you here, Donovan. It’s been a long time.”
    Now the universe is just screwing with me
.
“Not really. Only a couple of months.”
    “Where’ve you been hiding?”
    “In plain sight. I’ve been really busy.”
    “But all work and no play is not good,” she purred as she stepped closer. The heavy rose scent of her perfume nearly choked him. “I heard there’s a great new jazz clubthat just opened over off Tchoupitoulas Street at Poydras. This is getting boring. Why don’t we go check it out?”
    “Not tonight, Jess.”
    She pouted and moved even closer, letting her breasts rest heavily on his arm. After his salivating over Lorelei’s elegance and class, Jessica seemed overblown. “So when, then? I’ve missed you.”
    He heard a snort—quickly covered by a cough—and