Unforgettable by Adrianne Byrd Read Free Book Online Page B

brick wall as she watched them press against him for photo ops or to slip him their numbers. “It must be nice to have the whole world on a silver platter,” she mumbled.
    She forced her gaze away just as another man approached her table.
    â€œCare to dance?”
    â€œNo, thanks.”
    He held up his hands in surrender. “Sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. It’s just when I see a beautiful woman sitting all alone, I figure I can at least attempt to cheer her up by asking her to dance.”
    â€œI don’t dance,” she said, shifting her attention to the dance floor to see if she could spot her grandmother.
    â€œYou don’t dance?” The man laughed and then eased into the chair next to her. “Then what are you doing at a club?”
    â€œMinding my own business and trying to set an example for others.”
    â€œOoh, that’s a good one.” He held out his hand. “My name is Bennie. What’s yours?”
    Diana finally looked at him and was shocked to see the man with shiny finger waves and his two front teeth capped in gold. She cleared her throat. “Look, Bennie. I don’t mean to be rude but I’m really not interested.”
    â€œSurely you’re not going to shoot a brother down like that. At least allow me to buy you a drink.”
    Her patience held on by a thin thread. “Look, I came with someone.”
    â€œYou mean the old lady and the gay guy?”
    She frowned.
    Bennie’s smile slid wider. “I’ve been watching you all night. You don’t have a man.”
    â€œActually,” a smooth familiar voice cut in, “she’s with me.”
    Diana glanced up at the man behind Bennie and she blinked in surprise at seeing Marcel Taylor smiling down at them.

Chapter 7
    T he world melted away as Diana stared up at her boss. Once she realized what she was doing, embarrassment burned her cheeks and she glanced away.
    â€œMr. Taylor.” Bennie jutted out his hand. “My main man. Whatcha doing here? Man, I love your work.”
    â€œIs that right?” Marcel smiled, but ignored the offered hand. “I’m always glad to meet a fan.” He swung his sparkling gaze in Diana’s direction. “Good evening, Diana.”
    â€œHello.”
    â€œSo, you really know this chick?” Bennie asked in awe.
    Marcel nodded and maintained his brilliant smile. “We’ve been together for the past two years.”
    Bennie’s beady gaze returned and raked over her. Shecould hear the man wondering why Marcel Taylor would be interested in such a plain “chick.”
    â€œAll right, then,” he said, backing away. “I didn’t mean no disrespect.”
    â€œI appreciate that,” Marcel said.
    Bennie grabbed a napkin off the table and then reached inside his eggplant-colored suit for a tape. “Uh. Do you think that maybe I could get you to listen to this tape? My cousin’s wife’s nephew does a little rappin’.”
    â€œYou probably should try to get that to one of our scouts,” Marcel said kindly.
    Diana sighed and shook her head. A few seconds later, the man stumbled out another apology before he finally left the table.
    â€œI thought that he would never leave,” Diana said.
    Marcel laughed. “Mind if I join you?” he asked, gesturing to the vacant chair next to her.
    She’d rather he didn’t, but shrugged instead. “It’s a free country.”
    He frowned at her answer as he sat down. “You’re still mad at me about something.”
    Before she had the chance to answer, two scantily clad women rushed up to Marcel. Her ever-accommodating boss was only too happy about the attention. He answered their questions about auditioning for his label and then turned his attention back to Diana.
    â€œSo what did I do?” Marcel asked once they were alone again.
    Diana sipped her drink. “I told you earlier that I’m not