I roll my eyes. "Did you forget what I do for a living? I set scenes. Create impressions. Don't go falling for the man just because I happen to know how to make people look good."
"Oh, please," she chides. "Tell that bogus line to someone who hasn't seen him in real life. And I'm not referring to catching a glimpse of his physical hotness. I mean, I'veseenhim. That man in those pictures with those kids is the real deal." She bends down to meet me at eye level. "And I've also seen him look at you like that."
I scoff. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Denial it is then." She bounces her shoulders. "Alrighty. In that case, shall we get to work? Let you move on to something that doesn't make your chest break out in hives?"
Instinct draws my hand to cover the skin beneath my collarbone. "It's not hives. I'm hot."
She winks. "I bet you are."
I groan, but before we can carry on with this absurdity, Remmi knocks on the door I left half open and comes in. "Are you going to have a photoshoot?" she asks, taking in the makeshift studio I've set up in my bedroom. Since it's Sunday, both the kids are hometoday, and it takes about three seconds before Gavin spills in after her.
"I am." I confirm, smiling.
"Can I help?" she asks, clapping her hands together with anticipation.
"Me too," Gavin pipes up from behind her.
My gaze slips to Holly in her summer dress and the improvised set I have ready for today's shoot. Including my bed and a skimpy black lace body suit.
"Let's start with some casual shots outside," I announce. "And you two can be in charge of lighting." Not really. I'll be relying on the sun for that, but I do have two circular reflectors they can both hold up that may or may not improve my shots to some degree. "Oh," I add, "And one of you can hold onto our props." I point to the small wicker basket beside my desk filled with random hats and headbands and other things I've collected over the years that come in handy in the most surprising ways.
"Me!" Remmi squeals, one hand shooting up to claim the gig.
"No fair," Gavin pouts.
"Yes fair," Holly cuts in. "I need you to be my water boy. A model needs to stay hydrated while out in the sun."
And like that, his smile is back.
Our shoot starts out in the backyard, and I get some gorgeous headshots with nature's early autumn colors for background. Then, we move to the swing hanging from the sturdiest branch in the ancient oak back here, and I get some lovely, whimsical images of Holly, childlike smile and wild hair blowing behind her.
"We should go to the barn," she suggests after we finish making our way around the garden for inspiration. "Cowboyromances are all the rage right now. You want to keep up with the market, don't you?"
I scrunch my nose at her, but before I can shoot down the idea, Remmi starts jumping up and down with giddy excitement. "We can use the horses as models too!"
"And maybe a cowboy or two," Holly winks.
I scowl at her but can't really argue the point. If I can't swing a budget for couple shoots right now, I at least need to keep up with the themes most in demand and thus most likely to gain me sales.
Even if I don't pick up any new customers, I need to do what I can to keep my current subscription members happy.
"Fine," I sigh. "Let's go to the barn."
Gavin and Remmi lead the way, Holly following close behind. Just short of the large doors we face an ambush when Cas's kid comes running out of the barn to say hi, excited to see us.
"Whose toddler?" Holly asks, stepping close to speak through the corner of her mouth.
"He's not a toddler," I make a face at her. "You know shit about kids, you know that right?"
She grins. "I can learn if he comes with a hot single dad cowboy."
I don't answer her. I don't need to. Cas and Jovi choose this precise moment to step outside.
"It's happened," Holly breathes.
"What has?"
