They were all told to come with their hair up in tight buns so the focus could be on the clothing. I know Aspen will fly through their makeup, and I can start soon.
I head over to where the shoot is set up. It’s a plain background since the focus is on the clothes. I can always superimpose something later if need be, but this gives us options. I adjust the camera’s settings to ensure it’s correctly set up. Even though I’d touched it barely half an hour ago. It’s just easier to check instead of worrying about it. I do a final walkthrough of the set and make sure there’s nothing I’m missing. Sara and Taylor are done getting dressed, waiting for Aspen to do their makeup.
“I know we haven’t worked together before, so I just want to say thank you for being here. This is my studio, so if anyone needs water or a break, please just give me a shout. I want you to be as comfortable as heck here. I don’t think I even introduced myself, but I’m Max, the photographer.” I smile and look at each of the women.
“That’s so refreshing to hear,” Sara sighs.
“Is there anything we should know before we get started?” Taylor asks.
“I think you’ve all read the call sheet, but basically, this is for a local bridal shop. They’re queer and women-owned and trying to reach more people to buy their bridal attire. We want to have the focus on the outfits, maybe a few romantic poses, but otherwise we are showcasing the clothes and accessories,” I explain.
The three of them nod, and I smile. “If we don’t take any breaks, I don’t see this taking more than two hours, but if we do, maybe three at most? So it should be an easy day.”
The women all nod, and I look at Aspen, who shrugs. I guess they are shy, which is a weird trait for a model. But thinking about how I’ve seen shoots in the past, it’s possible they’re afraid to be too outspoken.
Some photographers act like they’re God’s gift to the world and don’t value their models’ input. There’s a fine line betweenthem trying to take over and being too afraid to say anything. I give them some space to finish getting ready and head to the bathroom.
I pee quickly and, looking in the mirror, run my fingers through my hair. My phone buzzes in my front pocket and I check my texts.
CARI: *1 attachment*
CARI: *1 attachment*
CARI: *1 attachment*
I open the images and lean on the sink to catch my breath. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow I am. The pictures are of Cari half-naked on her bed. She’s wearing a lace bra and a thong, leaning into the camera for one, the other, just of her body, and the last, of her ass. Holy fuck. Cari always looks good, but when she pops up on my phone like this, she looks a little wild. She knows I’m working, but she likes to tease me. I think she likes knowing I’m turned on because of her.
ME: Holy fuck
CARI: Thinking about u…
CARI: Thinking about last night…
CARI: * 1 video*
Before I can reply, she’s sending a video. I click on it against my better judgment and her moans fill the bathroom. She’s laying in her bed, hand in her thong, fingering her pussy and moaning for me. Fuck. Now she’s asking for trouble. She’s lucky no one else is around to see that. Or hear it.
ME: You’re killing me
CARI: That’s the plan
CARI: See me later?
ME: Working late. Maybe tomorrow?
Cari texts me back, but I flip my phone to silent and drop it into my pocket. It was a lame lie, but I have a rule about seeing her more than one night in a row.
We used to hang out all the time, hooking up, going out, until things got too complicated. She wanted more than I could handle, and it got too messy. I didn’t need drama, so when she asked to hook up again, I was down. But I promised myself I wouldn’t let her get so close this time.
I didn’t want a relationship with anyone, not now anyway. There was a time when I thought I’d found the one and was going to get my happy ending, but now I’m just trying to stay away from all that. It’s much easier doing my own thing, getting laid when I want, and focusing on my career.
Cari’s video replays in my head, but I push it out. I need to focus on work. Not on how good she tastes or whether she’s sending that video to anyone else. We aren’t exclusive, and it wouldn’t be the first time she’d hooked up with me and someone else. Which is also why I’m staying as far away from relationships as I can possibly get.
Chapter Three
CARI
Max stops replying to my texts after the video, and it’s a bit of a lady boner killer. Sighing, I wipe off my fingers and groan. I should get back to work anyway. After washing my hands, I take a sip of my Diet Coke and leave the can on the nightstand.
