The Perfect Mess Read Online Free

head, trying to clear the fog of lust. “So, did you grow up in the city?” Landon asked and Ben laughed as he reached for his drink.
    “Yeah. Jason said you did too and that you’re an artist,” he offered before he took a drink. Landon waved as he raised his.
    “I’m an illustrator, it’s not that sexy,” he said before he took a sip and Ben’s eyes twinkled as they met Landon’s.
    “That’s still pretty cool and you don’t need the help,” he said and Landon grinned.
    “You think I’m sexy?” He asked and Ben gave him a dry look.
    “You fishing for compliments?” He took another drink and Landon shrugged before he looked around for a waitress.
    “Maybe,” he mumbled. He used to think he was really good looking but as he got older and had to put more effort into keeping in shape and grooming, he started to feel more and more average. Ben’s hand slid around his jaw and Landon’s eyes were wide as he looked at Ben.
    “You’re unbelievably sexy, Landon. I’ve already broken about a dozen of my dating rules and I have a feeling I’m going to break them all tonight,” he whispered and Landon’s mouth went dry.
    “Oh?” He squeaked and Ben nodded.
    “Yeah. I can tell you don’t get how sexy you are and I think that’s half the reason I can’t keep my hands off of you,” he admitted and Landon was glad he was sitting down.
    “That’s really good,” Landon said as the waitress picked the worst time to show up. “Two more,” he said without looking at her. “What do you do?” he asked and Ben licked his lips and took a deep breath. Landon forced his gaze to Ben’s eyes.
    “I’m a musician. I play the guitar.” It looked like it was requiring some effort and Landon was glad that he wasn’t the only one having a hard time focusing.
    “Are you in a band?” He asked and Ben shook his head.
    “No, I’m a studio musician. It’s not that sexy,” he said and Landon rolled his eyes.
    “You could drive a Zamboni and it would be sexy,” Landon argued and Ben laughed softly. “What do you mean by studio musician?” He asked.
    “I work for a record label and whenever an artists needs a guitarist for recording, they get me,” he explained and Landon nodded in understanding.
    “You don’t want to be in a band?” He asked and Ben shook his head.
    “Nah. I don’t enjoy touring and I prefer having a steady paycheck,” he said and Landon nodded again.
    “That’s not too different from what I do. I like working for different authors and companies instead of trying to make and sell my own work. The dry spells were too stressful and there’s always plenty of work now that I’ve got a solid reputation,” he said and Ben grinned.
    “Exactly. I don’t have to keep writing new music or work on promoting and keeping steady gigs. And I have a lot more free time than I would if I was tied to a band,” he added and Landon smiled up at the waitress as she set their drinks down.
    “What kind of music do you play?” He asked and Ben raised a shoulder.
    “Anything. Everything,” he said and Landon’s head pulled back in surprise.
    “Really? What did you start with?” He became distracted when Ben’s lips tilted mischievously.
    “I started with classical violin. I studied at Juilliard and broke my mom’s heart after I graduated by switching to guitar and not getting a job with a major orchestra.” He offered a grimace and Landon laughed.
    “My parents were relieved when I actually found a way to make a decent living after ignoring their pleas and studied art,” he said. “They begged me to at least minor in business but I stuck to my guns,” Landon said and Ben raised his glass in salute.
    “Here’s to following your passion but doing so sensibly,” he said and winked. Landon raised his glass before taking a drink.
    “May we always follow our dreams with minimal risk of financial instability or failure,” he stated and Ben raised his glass again before he drained