Urban Wolf by Zerlina Valinski Read Free Book Online Page A

five more sets. Ease up girlfriend. You’ve got time.”
    “ I hope this isn’t a mistake.”
    “ Don’t worry.” Patty waved her hand. “You’ll be fantastic.”
    “ But this group is a lot more hip-looking than my last audience.”
    “ Don’t worry Ragen, you’re outstanding. And this audience has more men. It’s bound to boost your vote.” Patty hurriedly ate her salad.
    “ I can walk you out to your car to fetch your dress after we eat,” Liam offered. “Then you can change in my office.”
    “ Thanks.” Ragen tasted her steak. Her stomach flipped with sudden nerves and excitement of what she was about to undertake. “Mmmm, this steak is wonderful.” She took another bite. “So tender.”
    “ I’m happy you’re pleased. I buy the best to serve at my club.” He cut into his steak, as he continued to watch her. 
    After they were done eating, Liam escorted them to her car.  “I’ll have Zoey show you two to my office.”
    Zoey met them at a back entrance of the club when they returned with Ragen’s change of clothes.
    “ This way.” She led the way down a long hallway lined with expensive mahogany paneling. The lighting was soft making the atmosphere even nicer. Ragen got a glimpse of the kitchen as she passed double doors, the aroma of tasty food floating toward them. The cook area looked modern, with glimmering stainless steel appliances and black tiled floors. “You know, I think Liam’s smitten by you.”
    “ I bet he’s smitten with a lot of pretty girls.” Patty said. “He looks like a real lady’s man.”
    “ No, not Liam.” Zoey shook his head. Her short ebony hair shone under the lighting. Her brown eyes were vibrant and seemed to twinkle. “He’s quiet, serious, keeps mostly to himself. He has friends, but he doesn’t make new ones easily.” She paused just outside a large mahogany door. “Here you go.” She opened it. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be around the corner in the kitchen. Come and get me and I’ll take you to where you need to be.”
    “ Thanks.” Patty closed the door almost in Zoey’s face. “Let’s get you done up. You have about twenty minutes.” Patty opened the garment bag.
    “ What am I singing?”
    “ Come on Over by Jennifer Lopez.”
    “ No way, you didn’t sign me up for that? For this group?”
    “ Yes I did. It’s perfect. Did you see the crowd? It’s full of men.”
    “ Exactly, there are too many young men for me to sing something so suggestive. Plus, there’s Liam. I don’t know if I can.”
    “ Hon, you’ll win for sure. Sing it like you did at your mother’s birthday party.”
    “ There were only women there.” Ragen shook her head.
    “ So?” Patty shrugged. “This crowd will appreciate it more.  Come on, sing to your new beau.
    Find him in the crowd and sing to him.” Patty helped her into the tight fitting sequin emerald dress. “You’re going to have to take your bra off.”
    “Okay. I hope I don’t fall out of my dress.” Ragen laughed. 
    “ Nah, you won’t fall out of the dress.” Patty gathered Ragen’s hair, helping her to arrange it down her back. “And if they do fall out, you’ll win for sure…and maybe more than the contest.”
    “ Patty.” Ragen rolled her eyes.
    “ What? He’s big time hot and loaded. I’ve never seen you so taken by a guy. You’re practically throwing yourself at him.”
    “ I am not,” Ragen huffed.
    “ I’m not being critical. It’s obvious you like him and that’s great. Use it girl.” Patty grinned at her then twirled around to look at the room. “Look at this office.” She moseyed around the room looking closely at everything. “All of these old books and gorgeous furniture. Yup, this guy’s definitely loaded. Wow, look at that.” She pointed to a ring on his desk. “I’ve never seen such a lovely ruby. Wonder why it’s on a golden chain? You sure he’s single?”
    “ Money isn’t important to me.” Ragen looked closely at her