“Sinclair? Can I have a quote about the Celestia swimwear line you’ve just modeled for? I’ve got a great shot of you in that little red two piece to go with it.”
Denver’s body seems to expand in size as he makes a noise that sounds like a cross between a grunt and a growl. Whatever it is, the camera man falters, taking a step back.
“Miss Beaufort only gives pre-planned interviews. You want a quote, contact her agent.”
The man pulls back his shoulders, deciding Denver isn’t going to stop him getting his scoop. He snaps another couple of images.
“Come on, Sinclair. Tell me, which was your favorite? Was it the red one? You’ve already made that one sell out. Or was it the one with the thong panties? That was my favorite.”
He snaps another image before Denver covers the lens of his camera with his hand and shoves it away. “Fuck off.”
The guy throws his hands up, smiling as he backs away. “Thanks, Sinclair. Looking beautiful as always.”
“Thank you,” Sinclair calls sweetly as he walks off.
She spins to Denver. “Will you relax? God, I’m so glad you’re not usually with me. He just wanted a picture.”
Denver grunts, his eyes burning into the guy’s retreating back.
A car pulls up alongside us and the rear window rolls down.
“Halliday?”
I turn. Lavinia’s looking out of the window, her face pinched with worry.
“Is everything okay? Was that man bothering you?”
“We’re fine, thank you. He wanted a quote from Sinclair.”
“Hi, Lavinia.” Sinclair gives her a little wave.
“Hello.” Lavinia smiles and looks at me. “I was hoping I could talk with you?”
“Oh, um…”
“Go ahead.” Sinclair holds Monty’s leash up. “I want to take Monty for a walk in the park to get some pictures for his Instagram.”
She blows me a kiss and then plucks the lingerie bag from Denver’s hand.
“See you later.” She crinkles her nose up with a cute little smirk knowing she’s about to ditch him.
“I’ll give Halliday a ride,” Lavinia says to them both. “You don’t need to concern yourself. I’ll drop her home or wherever she needs to go.”
Denver looks at me and pulls his phone out.
“Boss?” he clips, and my stomach does a little dance knowing he’s talking to Sterling. “Lavinia Weston just offered Halliday a ride. Sinclair’s taking Monty into the park, but she’s just been harassed by a pap. I think I should stay with her.”
Sinclair grumbles something under her breath as Denver nods.
“Understood.”
He hangs up then steps forward to open Lavinia’s car door for me.
I throw Sinclair an apologetic smile and she sighs but doesn’t look angry.
I climb into the backseat beside Lavinia. Sinclair’s already strutted off up the street and he strides to catch up with her. She turns and says something to him before flicking her hair and marching on ahead. He’s fallen into pace one step behind her and Monty as we pull out into the traffic and drive past them.
“I’m glad I ran into you,” Lavinia says, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. Her diamond earring sparkles. It’s one of the new designs from Sullivan’s showcase last week. He told Sterling he’d taken a lot of orders that evening from the invited guests. Lavinia must have spent a lot of money on their pieces over the years.
