Page 58 of Forget About Me

As Bianca looks over her shoulder in his direction, I sort through her rapid-fire spew of words. The only ones that stick are “I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.” Of course, women everywhere—and hey, probably a few men—drool over Ben on a regular basis.

She winces slightly. “To be honest, I wasn’t totally confident that featuring the dog training in the article would sell tickets, but this pup’s picture got us a lot of attention, too. Didn’t you, boy?” She leans down and he gives her a polite kiss. “Anyway, it all worked out for the best.”

She gestures to the huddle of board members by the bar. “Shall we?”

When I nod, her face breaks into a saleswoman’s easy smile. “Mrs. Wiseman! As promised, I present Ms. Lucy Minola, dog trainer extraordinaire, with the extra bonus of Shakespeare Boston’s newest star, Puck.”

The elegant woman laughs and claps her hands together. “May I give him a pat?”

I look down at Puck, whose butt wiggles in anticipation. Not sure if it’s the additional attention or the cheese and cracker on her napkin. “Of course. He’s very friendly.”

As Mrs. Wiseman coos at Puck, Bianca murmurs in my ear. “I’m just going to make sure Ben has everything he needs, if you know what I mean.”

As she sashays back toward Ben, her butt wiggles in anticipation, too.

The wave of jealousy rolling over me makes it clear: I want more than Ben’s friendship. I have to force my attention back to the board member, already moaning about how her Weimaraner chews the furniture every time he’s left alone.

Once my work is done here, though, I’m going to make sure Ben shares a bed with me tonight. I did it once, I can do it again.

BEN

Lucy’s perfect no matter what she wears.

But that dress.

It makes everything else fade to black and white. The red fabric hugs her the way I want to. She’s been passed from guest to guest—all potential clients, I suppose—all night long. I’m doing my best to be in the moment and enjoy the celebration. When Nick clinks on his glass to quiet the room for a toast, I pick up a glass of champagne. After a few sips, though, I switch it out for club soda. Obviously, drinking and driving isn’t something I ever do. Tonight, I want my head clear for other reasons. My senses are already on overload. Every cell in my body aches to touch the skin that dress reveals as well as every bit of Lucy hidden beneath it.

I shouldn’t.

Not before I tell her everything.

We may have successfully openedTwo Gents, but I barely got through a first rehearsal of my story.

“Dance with me, Ben!” Without waiting for an answer, Bella drags me to the makeshift dance floor. As the night goes on and board members exit the party, the music gets louder and the crowd more raucous. Losing myself in the music, in the relief and exhilaration of a successful opening, I let the happy smiles surrounding me boost my mood.

When the music shifts suddenly to a slower tune, I go in search of another club soda. A couple of sips in, my eyes zero in on Lucy. She’s dancing with Nick. As I watch, his hand slides down her spine, way too close to her backside.

It’s time to make a move.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“What I Like About You” - The Romantics

Lucy’s Copacetic Shagadelic Mixtape, Song #4

LUCY

“May I cut in?”

The sound of Ben’s voice has me stiffening in Nick’s embrace. The director has been showering me with compliments. In fact, my ears are full of praise from every person I’ve chatted with this evening, but my radar’s been tuned to one channel. The one guy in the room who’s avoided me all night.

Until now.

Nick, polite as ever, bows and turns me over to Ben before I can say a word. My body instantly responds, melting into his touch. I think I hear my privates moan in anticipation.

I do not allow my mouth to chime in, however. I want to know up front that he’s all in if we’re going down this path again. “I was enjoying dancing with Nick. He appreciates all the work I’ve done on the show, as did every board member I talked to and your fellow actors. Even your dog gave me some love before he was swept away by his fans.”

Ben leans in close, his mouth millimeters from my ear. “I’ve been trying to keep myself away from you all night, trying to give you the moment in the spotlight that you deserve. But I can’t do it anymore.”

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