From my peripheral, I studied her as best as I could. She was a few inches shorter than me, with wispy blonde hair, high cheekbones, and porcelain skin.
My best guess was that she’d rather be the one in front of the camera, but something prevented her from doing so. As an assistant to the photographer, I assumed she felt some sort of ownership over the models and other celebrities that came across her path. I could easily imagine her getting off work, going out for drinks with her girlfriends, and spilling all the tea—maybe even making up little scenarios of things that never happened tomake herself look and feel more important while those friends gushed over her.
All that to say, I didn’t appreciate the way she’d been glued to my hip since Owen and I arrived, like I was an interloper here.
And okay, maybe I was. But that man? The one currently sprawled out on crisp white bed sheets while the photographer hovered over him, the shutter on his camera going wild?
He. Was. Mine.
When shooting paused for a moment so Owen could change into different underwear, these ones bright orange with the logo printed in black on the band, I stepped away from the assistant to move closer to the action.
Owen must’ve clocked me, because he glanced up as I approached, shooting me a smirk as my eyes once again strayed to his chest.
“Like what you see, Whiskey?”
I shrugged, the portrait of nonchalance. “Not bad for an old man.”
“He has aged like fine wine,” the photographer, an obvious Frenchman by his accent, said as he fiddled with his camera, switching out one lens for another. He looked up at me then, eyes widening. “Who are you?”
I pointed a finger into the center of my chest. “Me?”
“Yes, darling,” he said, stepping closer, his gazing sweeping me from head to toe. It wasn’t lecherous or uncomfortable. It was simply an artist examining a subject. “Who areyou?” He pointed at Owen, who watched us curiously. In fact, everyone in the room had their attention on us. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. “Do you know him?”
“He’s my business partner,” I said, anxiety flaring in my chest. What was with the third degree?
“Partners? Ah, but that is perfect!” He clapped his hands together excitedly, like a child being presented with his favorite treat. “Sonya, we brought women’s wear, yes?”
“Yes, sir,” the woman who’d been speaking to me earlier said, rushing up to join our little powwow. “But surely you can’t…” She trailed off, cutting me a glare, as though she didn’t want to finish what was surely about to be a rude comment right in front of me.
Because doing it behind my back was so much better.
“I can,” the photographer said vehemently. “And I will.” He turned to me again. “What is your name?”
“Delia,” I said. “Delia Delatou.”
“Delia Delatou and Owen Lawless,” he sing-songed. “A match made in heaven. I am Felix Alain, and I am quite pleased to meet you.”
“You as well,” I said, a bit dumbstruck as I shook his proffered hand. “But…what exactly is happening?”
“Oh, my dear, you are too cute,” he said, tapping my nose with his pointer finger. “You’re going to feature in this ad campaign with Owen!”
“I’m going towhat?” I asked, incredulous. “But I’m not a model!”
“Neither am I,” Owen reminded me. “C’mon. It’ll be fun.”
“Fun? I’ve never done this before, QB! I have no idea what I’m doing!”
Owen prowled toward me, his steps tentative, as though he expected me to bolt at any second. Truthfully, I considered it,but then he was in front of me, settling those big hands on my shoulders. The man had no right to be so commanding dressed in only underwear.
“You can do this,” he assured me. “You take photos all day long. So pretend you’re one of your subjects. Felix Alain here is going to make this as painless as possible for us.” He stared deep into my eyes, imploring. “Do you trust me?”
“Of course,” I said without hesitation.
“Good,” Owen grinned. “I promise it’ll be okay. Plus, I’ve always thought you were too hot to be hiding behind the camera. This is your moment to shine.”
I couldn’t help but choke out a laugh, the knot of nerves in my chest unraveling and melting away instantly. Heaving a deep sigh, I nodded. I could do this.
With Owen at my side, I could do anything.
