As a rosy hue crept into her cheeks again, her head dipped slightly, and her shyness reappeared. I hadn’t come across anyone this shy in years. I noticed how the denim clung to her curves, and as my gaze fell on her ass, I smirked. “Nice arse.” I said out loud, but I didn’t expect her to hear me. She glanced back; her shy gaze met mine. I laughed at the shocked look on her face as she made her way to the guys on one of the loungers.
Nikki narrowed her eyes over at me, mine rolled and I placed my sunglasses back on my nose. God, she was tetchy today. I shut the gate again and took my place back against it as the interviews started while Karen got into position to take some snaps.
Once the interviews were over and the journalists had gone, there was only us and Karen left. Paisley invited her to stay a while longer, from what I could make out. I was just tugging my tie from around my collar as Roman came up to me. “Listen, about earlier…” my fingers wound my tie around my hand, “...about you and Nikki. It’s nothing to do with me who you screw, but maybe you and her should sort this out. She’s constantly angry.” His brows pinched tightly.
“She was like that before Paisley came on the scene, back then it was aimed at the both of us. There was always something she was ragging us for.”
“That is true.” he huffed out loud and nodded his agreement, chuckling. “I just don’t want Paisley upset. She’s pregnant, man. I’m trying to keep her stress free, that’s all.”
“I get that, I do. But I’m not just the guilty party. I know it’s easier to blame me because I’m the fuck up, but it takes two to tango. You know that.” I tapped his cheek and went inside.I needed to get this fucking suit off and into some different clothes. Something cooler and definitely more casual.
I didn’t need to be here. I itched for the atmosphere of the casino. I’d gone there more than once in the last week and every time I felt the beast awaken inside of me. I tried so hard to stick to my word, but it was hard, so fucking hard, it felt like it was my purpose. I kept my cravings at bay by listening to them. My friends. Why couldn’t I be like others and just walk away? What was wrong with me? And as much as Roman tried to understand, he couldn’t, not really. He didn’t understand addiction.
CHAPTER NINE
Karen
He stood outside of the French doors as he talked to Roman. I couldn’t help but admire the broadness of his shoulders, he wasn’t huge, but his shoulders stood out.
“So, Karen,” Nikki called my name, and my gaze turned to her. “How long before we get to see them?”
“Just a couple of days. I can duplicate a USB for you before I send them Hugo Boss.”
“Perfect. So, when did you start freelancing? I’m curious.” Nikki asked, unashamedly, as she crossed her leg over the other.
I smirked slightly, “I love photography. I learnt how to use a camera in school, I think that was when I knew what I wanted to do. Then I started doing it as a side job. I waited tables in a diner through college while I studied, but it was my best friend that actually gave me the push to freelance.
“It can’t be that hard to point and click.” My head shot up at his voice. His shoulder leant against the wooden frame, his body filling the gap of the doorway.
“Want to try?” I challenged him, he smirked and slightly lifted his shoulder.
“Shut up, Gav. Like you could do it.” Nikki sniped back.
“I love to see things through a lens, add another view. There’re so many ways to see a flower, or an object, or even a face.” I shrugged.
“Well from what I’ve seen today, you’re perfect.” Paisley complimented. I smiled at her, albeit I felt a bit shy. I’d never taken praise well, even when I was in school and college.
“Thank you so much.” I blushed. The flush warmed my cheeks again.
As I spoke to the others I felt Gavin’s eyes on me, Then, in my peripheral, I saw him turn away, the empty gap was soon filled though as Roman entered.I wondered what his deal was.
“What’s up with him?” Paisley asked as Roman sat beside her, his arm wound around the back of her shoulders.
“Oh, you know, just his impeccable personality shining through his grumpiness. Don’t worry your gorgeous head about it, leave him to me.” he kissed the side of her head; they were so sweet.
“So, Karen,” Roman turned his attention to me, “have these two been grilling you? It wouldn’t surprise me if they have.” He chuckled.
“Not really, no. But unfortunately, I do have to get going.” I pushed up from the couch onto my feet. “Thank you so much for this experience.”
“Honestly, I prefer the more personal touch. And if you’re interested, I’d love it if you’d work for me?”Roman stood as he spoke.
“Really?” My over-excited voice even had me wanting to smack myself. Don’t appear too eager, Karen, for fuck’s sake. I thought to myself as I pushed my cell into my back pocket. I took in a calming breath, “I’d love that.”
“You just got yourself a job.” Roman stood,
Nikki stood, a smile on her face.“I’ll see you out.”
I picked up my camera bag and opened the zipper in the front pocket. “Can I give you this?” I gave them a business card and took a breath in; I’ll make myself available for whatever.”
