Page 178 of My Real Love Affair

“Yes, ma’am.”

After a quick breakfast, it was time to get to work.

An hour later, I was holding her professional camera, which was way more complicated than my phone but I figured it out. Melody modeled a flowy sundress in her living room. I got the chance to see her workspace. Again, I was impressed by just how serious she took things. There were various props and backdrops. A large window allowed plenty of natural light, but she had several professional-looking lights as well.

“How’s this angle?” I asked, crouching down.

“Lower. It’s more flattering.”

I dropped to one knee, adjusting the lens the way she’d shown me. Through the viewfinder, she looked like a goddess. The dress caught the light perfectly, hugging her curves before flowing out around her thighs.

“You’re staring,” she said, but she was smiling.

“Can you blame me?”

“Less staring, more shooting, Bancroft.”

I snapped a burst of photos. She moved naturally, shifting her weight, adjusting her pose. She knew exactly what she was doing, and watching her work was mesmerizing. I had kind of assumed her job was just taking selfies, but this was an artist who understood angles, lighting, composition.

“How do they look?” she asked.

I turned the camera to show her the display screen. She leaned in, studying each shot critically.

“These are actually good,” she said, surprised.

“I wish you didn’t sound so shocked,” I said with a smile.

“Well, it’s just that most guys wouldn’t get it. But you’re actually listening to what I’m asking for.”

“That’s because youknowwhat you’re talking about, and I respect that.” I stood up, adjusting my grip on the camera. “What’s next? Some boudoir shots?”

“No, next outfit.” She disappeared into her bedroom, calling out, “This is going to take a minute!”

“Are you sure I shouldn’t be in there, documenting the whole process?” I asked loud enough for her to hear me.

“I’m not that kind of internet model,” she called back.

“I can leave the camera out here,” I said with a chuckle.

“Okay, what do you think?” Melody emerged in a killer pantsuit that made my mouth go dry. It was tailored perfectly, emphasizing her waist and showing off her figure. She had added heels that made her legs look endless.

“I think you’re trying to kill me.”

She laughed, striking a pose. “Is that a yes?”

“That’s a fuck yes.”

We worked through several more outfits. With each change, I got better with the camera, and she got more playful with her poses.

“You’re actually pretty good at this,” she admitted, reviewing the shots on her laptop. “Cleo is going to be jealous.”

“I just have a good subject.”

She rolled her eyes but was grinning. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

“Is it still flattery if it’s true?” I asked, musing out loud.

“I think so.” She stood up, stretching. “One more outfit change, and then I’ll need to edit these.”