“Yeah,” I grunt.
“That’s great,” the photographer yells out and my hands drop to my sides. “Let’s get some things changed up and then we’ll do another round. How about an outfit change?”
I know he’s not really talking to me. If I have an outfit change, it’ll just be my jeans coming off. At least I’ll still have my boxers on. There’s no way I’m going fully nude, and I’ve made it very clear to everyone.
The last thing I want is pictures of my ass to be out there or to be on the cover of a book. Since romance covers are what I primarily shoot for, I could wind up on bookshelves somewhere for who knows how long.
Knowing my luck, having my ass out there on a book would bite me in the…well, in the ass.
So, I’ll keep my boxers on, thank you very much.
Vallie flits off and I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes. The way she’s prancing around, her hips swaying from side to side, looks unnatural. If she thinks she’s enticing me with a little hip movement, she’s going to be surprised.
During the break, which doesn’t last long enough, I can’t help but think about the convention I’m working tomorrow. It’s some sort of fantasy thing which means there is going to be a lot of dressing up going on. Cosplay? I think that’s what they call the whole dressing up thing.
I’ve worked quite a few events like this one and they’re my least favorite. When people are dressed as someone other than themselves, they sometimes think they can do whatever they want and get away with it.
It means more work for me because inevitably they do something stupid, fueled by anonymity and an over inflated sense of safety. Normally it’s pretty benign, and they just need a stern look to get their shit together. Other times I need to get involved and pull people out of the event.
The good thing is they don’t put up a real fight. Not physically. But words can hurt.
Just as Vallie starts walking back to me, now wearing barely there shorts and a tank top her nipples are arguing with, I’m dive bombed. The photographer’s assistant comes out of nowhere with a spray bottle in her hand.
I grunt as I register just how cold the liquid I’ve been sprayed with is. Then her small trembling hands are on me and rubbing the liquid all over my chest. At least, I think that’s what the frenetic movement she’s making is supposed to be.
“Thanks,” I try to keep my voice as soft as possible, but she doesn’t look at me. She does spray me again though. I’m glistening under the lights of the studio.
Damn it.
I clear my throat and run a hand over my chest. “I’ve got it.”
“Right, right,” she stammers, “of course.”
When she glances up at me, she blushes softly. It’s surprisingly cute considering I’m so uncomfortable with this whole side job.
After she scurries away, one more parting spray causing me to stumble back a step in her wake, Vallie’s there with a sly smile tipping up her lips. Her eyes devour me, but it’s not intriguing or sexy.
She’s hungry in a way I find off putting. Don’t get me wrong, I want any woman I’m with to want me, but not like this. I’m pretty sure Vallie would unhinge her jaw and eat me whole.
Figuratively.
Of course.
“I see they got you,” she teases me, her voice a seduction I want no part of. She blinks up at me, her eyes round with faux innocence. “I really would like you to reconsider going out tonight. It’ll be Josh, who was here earlier, and a few other people we’ve done shoots with.”
For a moment, I consider her offer. It wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve ever done. Still, I could think of at least three things I would rather do than go out to a bar with Vallie and whoever else wants to spend time with her. Or they just want to fuck her.
Yeah, I just don’t think I’m going to be pushing myself out of my comfort zone tonight.
“I wish I could,” I soften my voice, “but I do have to get some rest tonight. The event I’m working tomorrow is going to be a long one and there will be a lot of people there. I have to be alert.”
Something flashes in her eyes that looks about ten steps past irritation on the pissed off scale, but she masks it quickly. “I really admire how devoted you are to your job. It’s admirable.”
I grunt and nod sharply.
“Everyone ready?” The photographer’s voice pulls our attention his way.
He eyes me and then flashes a grin toward his assistant whose cheeks are still pink. Vallie presses her body against mine and my head snaps around in her direction. I have to gnash my teeth together to stop myself from barking at her.
