Although Caleb was trying to make a joke of his past, he had already let her see how deeply affected he had been by his appearance on the reality show. She suspected his wounds ran deep. His coping mechanism was to act self-deprecating about it at times.
“I think natural colors would work with your complexion and the setting. Why don’t we go for the taupe and the cream? We’re just doing some test shots today so we can play around with a few concepts.”
While Caleb changed into his first outfit for the indoor shots, Sophia checked and rechecked her camera to make sure she had everything perfectly lined up.
Her mood was a bit muted due to the issues with Donny. She had thought about his visit all weekend, asking herself what had prompted his unexpected decision. On some level she knew he loved Lily, but he had never expressed a single desire to actively raise her. This sudden reversal was mind-boggling. And concerning. It made her stomach clench up just thinking about being separated from Lily. For the last four years it had been the two of them against the world. Honestly, it wouldn’t be easy to be accommodating to a man who wasn’t even paying child support, but she would do so if it was in the best interest of her child.
Shake it off!She needed to strut her stuff today and showcase her skills so Hattie would see she had made theright choice in hiring her. When Caleb returned from the changing room, Sophia gave him a nod of approval. Although she couldn’t imagine him not appearing attractive, at the moment he looked amazing. The clothing fit him like a glove. Taupe cords, a V-neck cardigan, and a pair of Timberland boots. He had the requisite swagger to totally pull off this photo shoot and elevate the Yukon Cider brand.
“Looking good, Hollywood,” she said, giving him a thumbs-up sign.
“Thanks. You’ve got a good eye for clothes,” Caleb said. “This is an outfit I want to own.”
“Ready to rock and roll?” she asked.
“I was born ready,” he quipped, winking at Sophia.
She let out a groan. “Come on. You can do better than that.”
“Let’s go,” Caleb said. “I’ll put my money where my mouth is.”
“Save some of this energy for the shoot,” Sophia said, getting into photographer mode as she told Caleb where to stand for the first batch of pictures.
“That’s it,” Sophia said as she took photo after photo. “Put your chin down, eyes looking up. Awesome,” she said, excited at what she was seeing. Caleb was a natural. He exuded raw sex appeal while at the same time projecting a laid-back, natural vibe.
She had to give it to Caleb. A lot of her subjects, even professional models, got tired of the repetitive nature of photo shoots. Caleb was a pro. His hundredth photo was as sharp as the first one.
Toward the end of the shoot, Hattie crept into the room, clearly trying to make a discreet entrance. She stood on the sidelines, proudly watching her grandson’s every move. Her face lit up like sunshine, even though her complexionseemed a bit pale. Sophia thought it might just be the sweetest thing she had ever seen. She knew her dad looked at Lily in the exact same manner.
“Okay, I think that’s a wrap for this session,” Sophia said. “Time for a break, Caleb. Why don’t you get some water in the break room?”
Hattie appeared at her side, shaking her head as if in amazement.
“Imagine being that good looking. God took extra time with that one,” Hattie said, gazing adoringly in Caleb’s direction.
“Hard to imagine,” Sophia quipped. She knew better than to argue the point with Hattie. As it was, the older woman wasn’t wrong.
Hattie locked eyes with her. “Did I tell you there’s no policy against employees dating?”
Sophia chuckled. Leave it to Hattie to brighten her mood and make her laugh out loud. “Yes, Hattie. You sure did.”
“Caleb is as single as a dollar bill,” Hattie added, a gleam twinkling in her eye.
“Is he?” Sophia asked, trying to keep a straight face. Hattie was all kinds of adorable when she wore her matchmaker hat.
“Just like you, in case I missed something.” Hattie’s gaze was steely and unwavering.
“Nope. You haven’t missed a thing.” As if Hattie didn’t know everything there was to know about every single resident of Moose Falls. She was always privy to all the goings-on in Moose Falls. She suspected it was because Hattie was old-school Moose Falls, having been born and bred here. The older woman was trustworthy and solid. She’d also put their small town on the map with Yukon Cider.
She tapped a finger to her chin. “If I didn’t know anybetter, I would think you’re trying to play matchmaker. Or maybe you just want all of your grandsons to fall for locals and stay permanently in Moose Falls.”
“Who, me?” Hattie asked, pressing her hand to her chest. “I would never.”
“Wouldn’t you, though?” Sophia asked, shaking her head. She wasn’t certain, but she recalled hearing that Hattie had done a little matchmaking between Xavier and True. She was probably gloating on the inside about their engagement.
“What’s cooking over here?” Caleb asked as he walked up to them. “The two of you look as if you’re hatching some sort of plot.”
“Never ask two ladies what they’re discussing in private. Didn’t Daisy teach you that? You might get your feelings hurt.” With a smirk Hattie walked off, leaning heavily on her cane.
