He nodded. “Am I allowed to say that? Does it make me big-headed?”
“No. You’re allowed to recognise your strengths and shout about them from the rooftops.”
He rolled his shoulders back and grinned. “I am, aren’t I?”
“Absolutely.”
He put the comp cards on the coffee table and lifted another layer of tissue paper, revealing two copies of his portfolio. He put a shaking hand over his mouth as he flipped through it. The photos were beautifully presented on glossy paper. After a few minutes of staring at every page multiple times, Jae returned the portfolios to the box, which he then put aside so he could fling his arms around my neck. He kissed me hard and long, making my toes curl.
“Thank you so much.”
“You’ve already thanked me.”
“I know, but I needed to repeat it.” He moved to sit on my lap, facing me. “What you’ve done for me is beyond amazing.” He rested his forehead against mine. “You’ve made my heart go all fluttery.”
“Do I need to call a doctor?”
He laughed softly. “No.”
“Good.” I cupped his arse in my hands and squeezed slightly. “I’m glad you like your new portfolio.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Oh?”
“I love it!”
I pecked his lips. “You used to say that all the time when we were kids.”
“I did, didn’t I?” He sat back and stared at me. “I know it will take more than a kick-arse portfolio to get a modelling contract. I need to have the right look for the right agent at the right time.” He sighed. “It’s as much about luck as it is about talent.”
“That’s true.”
“But having an amazing portfolio and comp cards will hopefully lift me above some of the people I’m competing against.”
“I’m sure they will.”
“I’m going to get signed.”
“You will.”
“Maybe not tomorrow or at any of the remaining four open calls this month.”
“I’m crossing my fingers that you do.”
“Me too. But I have to keep my feet on the ground and my expectations realistic. Otherwise, I’ll get crushed after every rejection.”
“If you get rejected, I’ll be here to lift your spirits.”
Jae stroked his knuckles over my cheek. “Thank you. I wouldn’t even be here without you. What did I do to get this lucky?”
“It wasn’t luck.”
He widened his eyes. “It wasn’t?”
“Of course not. You’ve been the best friend my brother could have needed or wanted. I spent years watching the pair of you. You always had each other’s backs. When he asked me if you could crash here for a month, there was no way I was going to say no. All the help I’ve given you is help you’ve earnt by being you. And you know, there’s the bonus that I get to kiss you.”
“And beat me at racing games?”
