Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Instead, I reply in a similar fashion, lifting my hand for a wave. “Hey.” The microwave beeps, and I’m grateful for something to do. Grabbing one container at a time, I set them on the island where I have two places set up for us.
“Dig in.” I nod toward her container, and just like I knew she would, she picks up her fork, removes the lid, and takes a big bite.
“This is so good.” She covers her mouth with her hand. “Don’t tell my dad I said that. It will go to his head.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” I force myself to turn to my own food and not watch her eat. For one, it’s rude as hell, and two? Well, she’s sexy as hell, and I’m not going there. I can’t go there. She’s already taking up too much space inside my head.
“How’s your day been?” she asks in between bites.
“Went to the gym with Orrin this morning, mowed the lawn, and that’s about it. Yours?” I ask politely.
“I had a shoot first thing this morning. Two adorable kids. A walk-in that wanted boudoir images for her anniversary next week. I’m shooting her later today.”
“Boudoir?” I almost choke on the word.
She nods as if my cock isn’t straining against my zipper, thinking about her lying in skimpy lingerie across the bed.
My bed.
“Yeah, I’ve done a lot of them. Wives like to do them for their significant others. Husbands too.”
“No. Men do that?”
“They do. Some do it for the comedic side of things though some are… sexier. The women always choose sexy. That’s usually their goal, but some of the men want it to be a joke.”
Don’t ask her, man. It’s none of your business. “What about you?” The words seem to take on a life of their own. “Have you ever been the one in front of the lens instead of behind it?”
“No.” She laughs. “Not because I don’t want to. I just haven’t had the time, and well, I’m the only one who would see them.” She points at her chest. “Single pringle over here.”
I’ll take one for the team. I’ll look at them. “Suddenly, I feel like I might have chosen the wrong career path.” This makes her laugh.
“I don’t know about that. Most of my clients, the women at least, are relieved it’s another woman taking their pictures when they are open and exposed like that.”
I want you open for me.
I want you exposed to me.
“I can’t imagine that their husbands would love the photos as much if they knew a man was behind the lens.”
I nod. “I would guess that you’re right about that.” I know for damn sure if it were my girlfriend or wife, I’d feel a hell of a lot better knowing it was a woman. The thought of another man getting to see her, whoever she might one day be, is unsettling. That says a lot considering I’m single with no current attachment.
“I should convince Rams to do a shoot for Deacon. Oh, and Jade for Orrin.”
“I don’t need to hear this.”
“What? Why?”
“That’s my sister and future sister you’re talking about. I don’t need to picture either of them like that.” I shake my head as if I can literally shake thoughts out of my mind.
“Ramsey is your cousin, and Jade and Orrin aren’t even engaged yet.” She waves me off. “Besides, you were fine when it was me who was in front of the lens.”
“If you were mine, I wouldn’t be fine with it. Behind the lens or in front of it, not unless it was only with me and for me.” I wipe my mouth with my napkin, tossing it on the now-empty container.
She takes a drink of water and pushes her empty container away from her. “What are we talking about here? You wouldn’t be fine with the shoot? With a man being the photographer? Or would it bother you that your brothers see or just got the mental image?”
I growl. Fucking growl at her. I swallow hard and take a long pull from my bottle of water before answering her. Setting the bottle on the counter, I turn in my chair to face her. Unable to help myself, I rest my palm against her cheek. “Palmer, if you were mine, I’d be jealous as fuck if it were a man behind the camera. I’d be jealous as fuck if any other man got to see you like that, and I sure as hell wouldn’t want my brothers to have that image in their heads. No way.”
Her emerald eyes widen, and I can’t resist tracing just below the beautiful orbs with my thumb. Her breathing has picked up a notch, as has mine. I don’t know what the fuck is happening, but I can’t stop it either.
I lean in. Her lips are calling to me like a siren. They look soft and sweet, and I need to find out for myself. I crave the knowledge and fear I’ll never be able to find out. Before I can do something that I can never take back, she speaks.