Confessions of a Romance Cover Model by C. J. Hollenbach

Author:C. J. Hollenbach
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc.
Published: 2013-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

The Boys on the Bus

I am always onboard for a book signing or a party. So when Jasmine-Jade Enterprises asked me to help promote Ellora’s Cave’s new magazine Lady Jaided in Tampa, I was more than happy to oblige even though it was July. There is a special place in hell for whoever booked my 5:45 a.m. flight to the Sunshine State, though. I was accompanied by another Ellora’s Cave cover model—the black, buff and beautiful Rodney Chatman. For some reason the Hooterville airport stapled our boarding passes together. I laughed and told Rodney I felt like we were “life partners” on our honeymoon. I also added, “We could BOTH do worse!”

The sweltering Florida heat hit me like a punch in the face when I got off the plane. We were met by fellow cover hunks Peter Decicco and John Desalvo, who would also be attending the festivities.

I thought the guys would balk at the outfits they were given to wear for the party, citing exploitation for the black tuxedo pants with matching fedoras, white suspenders and no shirts. But the male eye candy went along, looking chiseled and picture-perfect in their minimal wrappers. I was given a white vest to wear since I’m a Lady Jaided columnist, in addition to being a model.

The guys rode to the party in the Ellora’s Cave tour bus. We chatted on the way, but, sorry ladies, what is said on the bus stays on the bus, kind of like in Las Vegas. Besides, I took that damned cover model oath of secrecy. I even did the handshake.

The party was a lot of fun, with free drinks, good food, great music, and of course, plenty of beefcake. John Desalvo and I cut the Lady Jaided cake, chocolate with white icing and a picture of the magazine on top. For the record, John didn’t have any cake, which would explain his trademark washboard abs. I, on the other hand, had two pieces and that is why I’m on my way to trading in my washboard for a Maytag.

On day two of the promotional tour, the guys did a photo shoot at the hotel. We picked up the nickname “Jaided Gentlemen” and caused quite a stir. Spectators were hanging off the balconies of the adjacent hotel for a glimpse of us. Passing cars slowed to watch and honked their horns. Some asked if we were shooting a Chippendales calendar.

Then it was back onboard the bus to Borders for the book signing. John snoozed as the rest of us commiserated about reality TV shows. Peter nudged John and asked to borrow his cell phone for a call. “Guess who the girl picked on Average Joe?” Peter said into the phone. John opened his eyes. “You woke me up for that?” (Sorry, but I had to break the oath for that one!)

I did have my own “Oprah at Hermes in Paris” moment on my last night in Florida when I tried to buy some souvenirs in St. Petersburg.

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