And that’s what they both wanted, right?
“I’m sorry the stylist tried to touch your hair. The director told me she’s new—not that that’s an excuse or makes it okay,” Rosie said. “He’s happy to fire her?—”
“What? No, I don’t want that,” Shay said. It might’ve been different if the stylist hadn’t been ultra-apologetic, but she had. “Your director’s at fault too. He should make sure his staff are properly trained.”
Rosie nodded, looking as guilty as if she’d been the one to cross the line. “I’ll speak to Franklin on Monday, and I’ll get him to authorize a sensitivity trainer right away. I’m really sorry; I didn’t realize that wasn’t a standard element of their induction.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Your finger coils look amazing, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Shay smiled and instinctively touched her curls. “I hadthem done yesterday ’specially for the shoot.”
‘Well, they’re gorgeous and looked amazing on film. I was watching the monitor while they were shooting you.” Rosie bit her bottom lip and sighed. “You could definitely have been a model. Blake said they’re a little bit in love with you.”
Shay glanced at Blake, the photographer. They had their long hair pulled into a ponytail and bunched under a ballcap, revealing a high undercut and a head tattoo Shay hadn’t been able to quite make out but didn’t want to stare at. She shook her head. “They’re not my type.”
“Phew.” Rosie held the back of her hand to her forehead in an exaggerated motion. “I kind of like them, so I didn’t want to have to kill them.”
“Possessive much?”
Rosie raised her eyebrow. “I can’t be possessive over someone I don’t have.”
Shay wrapped her arms around Rosie’s waist and pulled her closer. “You’ve had me plenty.”
Rosie’s eyes half-lidded, and Shay grinned at how easy it was to turn her on.
“You’re laughing at me, aren’t you?” Rosie wriggled from her grasp. “It’s not my fault you’re so damn sexy. You should have a warning sign.”
“Should I?” Shay put her hand on Rosie’s hip. “What would it say?”
Rosie swatted her away. “Danger. One hundred percent flammable.”
Shay smiled widely. “I like that.” And she also liked the way they seemed to have slipped back into the easy nature of their situationship. The fervor of their Mexican mini vacation had clearly receded, leaving much-needed oxygen for their friends with benefits fire to burn again. Her concerns had clearly been unfounded, and normal service had resumed.
In some form, anyway. The connection they’d forged in thoseshort days had drawn them closer together with an invisible linkage, one that Shay couldn’t seem to break, even if she wanted to. Which she didn’t. Their friendship had become stronger, and they knew so much more about each other. Just as Solo’s therapist was encouraging her to understand Janie more, Shay felt like she understood Rosie more. And that understanding made Shaywantto be a good friend. That she was able to have thatanda blazing-hot sexual bond was almost too good to be true.
Rosie waved her hand in front of Shay’s face. “Are you in there? I was trying to say thank you for doing this on a Sunday.”
“Sorry.” Shay winked. “You made me think dirty thoughts.”
“Make sure you share them with me later,” Rosie said. “Bonus points if it’s something we haven’t done already.” She gestured back to the shooting area. “You’re up again for some group shots. Go glitter and sparkle.”
Shay joined her friends on the makeshift stage, and Blake issued directions, getting them all to move this way and that in a vertical version of Twister with tools.
“Solo,” Blake said. “Could you maybe smile andnotlook like you’re going to commit murder with that wrench?”
Solo took a half-step forward, and Shay and Gabe caught hold of her arms before she advanced farther.
“Don’t do that,” Shay said. “You just said the triplets need their mom.”
Gabe wrapped her arm around Solo’s shoulders. “Come on, buddy. Let’s just get this done with and sell the shit out of these tools. Think of all the building blocks and teddy bears you can buy the girls with the money we’re making from this.”
Solo held up her hands and nodded. “Okay, okay. I’m all good.”
Shay gave a thumbs-up to Blake, who look dumbfounded by Solo’s reaction. “Keep talking. What do you want us to do?” She glanced across at Rosie, who pressed her palms together and mouthedthank you.
Blake continued to give directions, although they were a littlemore cautious with their delivery and word choice: a good move on their part. When Rosie moved behind Blake and their camera, Shay concentrated on just her, knowing she’d be giving her most genuine smile.
