Tell Me Something (The Something Series Book 1)

by Bondurant, Aubrey

  “Sorry, you’re absolutely stunning, Haylee girl,” he reassured me.

  “Thanks,” I said shyly and awkwardly tried to position myself. I was sure the pose was going to look good for the photo, but looking good in print and looking natural in real life were often two different things.

  “Lean up more, Haylee. Good. Someone get her a magazine,” Bart called.

  I did a scene flipping through it.

  “Let me see both the engagement and wedding rings.”

  They would be hard to miss, I thought, wearing a four-carat solitaire and a band worth another two carats.

  “Okay, you two. Will, stretch out on the bed, flex the abs. Yes, across the bed, and Haylee, I want you to be on your stomach facing me and up on your elbows reading the magazine. Good, but too much cleavage. Pull it up a little.”

  Shit. I sat up and tugged at the corset, managing to catch Josh’s dark look before I got back into position.

  Bart looked a little frustrated. “I can’t see the ensemble very well in either shot, so new plan. Will, I want you to sit on the edge of the bed, feet on the floor. Haylee, stand on the same side in front of him, and Will, put your hands on her hips.”

  He moved over to us and placed us in the intimate position, with me turned slightly more than Will towards the camera. “Good,” he encouraged, taking a couple pics and then coming back.

  I was stiff, but how could I help it? I was in lingerie in front of everyone who was looking on.

  Will’s fingers tickled my side.

  “Hey.” I giggled at his funny face.

  “I thought it might relax you. Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?”

  “I’m not sure, but I don’t think so.”

  “Well, let me know. I’ll be back the day before, and we should do something.”

  “A little less chatty, please. I need more sexy, smoldering looks,” Bart interjected.

  I couldn’t help it, I giggled. Then Will laughed. When I looked at Bart, even he was now smiling.

  “Okay, you two, I’m going to get above you. I want you both across the bed looking at each other. I want tender and smoldering looks.”

  Sure enough, there we were giggling at the fact that Bart was standing literally between us looking down. Finally, Will turned serious and caressed my face. He pressed his thumb on my bottom lip, causing me to catch my breath. Even if I was completely involved with Josh, Will was too good-looking and sweet for me not to have some reaction. Damn.

  “Good. I like those shots. Catherine, what do you think?” Bart questioned, having her come over and look while Will and I sat on the bed waiting.

  “Holy intensity, you two. You sure you aren’t a couple?” Catherine inquired.

  Blushing, I glanced over to where Josh was now ignoring me, completely engrossed in his phone it seemed.

  “You looked amazing,” Gina confirmed, taking off all of the heavy eye makeup for the next shot.

  Everyone was hanging out while Gina did my hair. She started chatting with Bart about her holiday plans. It was obvious the two of them had worked together a number of times over the years. Turning towards me she said, “Are you sure you are set on going to California Haylee? Because you’re welcome to come over to my house for dinner. I’m just over the river in Jersey.”

  Oh shit, she had overheard me tell Will my fictitious plans. Everyone seemed to focus on me at once including Josh.

  “Uh, yes, I’m going out to LA to meet my old roommate, Angela.” I figured Angela would be the best excuse as no one knew her and there wouldn’t be a lot of questions.

  I was grateful for Bart’s interruption. “I’m almost ready. You can get her into the dress.”

  “All set, let’s go,” Gina announced, having sleeked my hair back into a fun ponytail.

  I loved the Pucci dress. It was vibrant and cool and the perfect vacation dress. It paired great with the vintage pearl and diamond jewelry. My oversized sunglasses and beach bag completed the look. We posed in front of the green screen and clinked champagne glasses for the next few shots. Catherine had mentioned something about inserting a beach scene for the actual finished product.

  “Show us the rings, Haylee,” Bart ordered.

  We managed to go through a couple more poses, one of which had me on Will’s lap in a beach chair. Luckily, this shot was the simplest of them all, and we were done quickly.

  Now for the crowning jewel. Gina pulled out all the stops for this one, arranging my hair into a bridal up-do. Lucy came over with the pink diamond pendant necklace and matching earrings.

  “God, it’s perfection, isn’t it?” Sasha proclaimed, looking at me as Catherine did the same. It was the culmination of our three combined efforts, and we savored the moment. Sasha did the honors with champagne and Catherine handed me a box.

  “I knew as soon as I saw these they were meant for this dress.”

  I opened the box and found the most breathtaking shoes I’d ever seen. “Oh, my God, Catherine, they are beautiful.”

  “Blush-colored Valentino lace pumps with bows,” she supplied.

  We all sighed while I could hear Brian’s voice carry.

  “What the hell are they all staring at?”

  Josh answered in a mildly amused voice. “Shoes. Women and shoes.”

  Even Lucy came over to covet them, a box in hand. “All right, ladies, for the final engagement/wedding ring combo, I thought we’d let you pick. Here are the five we have to choose from.”

  “Huh, well, would you look at that? It’s the only time I’ve ever seen so many women quiet,” Brian stated.

  Sasha tossed him an amused look over her shoulder.

  “Haylee, you do the honors. You’re going to be in your mother’s wedding dress; pick the ring you would most want,” Catherine offered.

  I had to keep myself from glancing to see if Josh was within hearing distance. I could pass, but what the hell. It was a trial run for my mother’s amazing dress, and there was one exquisite ring which had first caught my interest online. It did so again here in person. “This one,” I declared.

  Lucy smiled and nodded. “That is my favorite, too. 1950s vintage, four-carat round center stone with intricate side stone baguettes, and the wedding band that goes with it sparkles.”

  We all just nodded dumbly, and I had to ask. “How much does this retail for?”

  “Together the set is over two hundred thousand.”

  “Holy shit,” again from Brian. Again a reminder of just how close everyone was to us.

  “Cheapskate,” Sasha admonished, and again I saw sparks fly between the two of them.

  He only shrugged. “Not cheap, merely practical. Would you wear that much money on your hand, Haylee, for real?”

  “No way, but it is fun to wear it for the day,” I admitted before making my way into the changing room to put on the dress. I don’t know why I was feeling so nervous, but the thought of having Josh see me in the gown I eventually planned to wear at my own wedding left me feeling out of sorts.

  I stepped into the gown and turned around for Gina to zip me up. Catherine and Sasha were there smiling and for a weird moment it felt like I would if I were an actual bride trying on the dress in front of my girlfriends.

  “Oh, Haylee, your mother would be so proud,” Catherine exclaimed.

  Just like that I was sobbing, embarrassingly so, as she and Sasha and Gina all sought to soothe me while I felt the weight of the holidays coming up.

  I finally took a deep breath and calmed myself. “I need a few minutes. Could you tell Bart and Will?” I realized that Gina was going to have to start over. Feeling guilty about that, I watched as they all went out searching for tissues and to talk to Bart about needing more time.

  It wasn’t long before Josh came in. “You okay?” he inquired in his commanding voice.

  I faced him, watching his eyes widen at the sight of me in my dress and probably at my running mascara. We both were speechless until Gina came back in with tissues.


  “I uh heard you crying and wanted to make sure you were all right,” he explained, breaking the spell.

  I had to fight the urge to cross the small room and have him envelop me in a hug. “I, um, I got overwhelmed. I’ve never put this dress on, and I was thinking of my mom. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry anyone, and I didn’t mean for you to have to redo my makeup, Gina.”

  She waved me off, wiping tears of her own. “Honey, I’m a mama, and you don’t have to apologize. Hell, it feels more like a real wedding with the tears. So let’s get you touched up and out there, okay?”

  I gave one last apologetic look towards Josh, and then let Gina work her magic. When I finally came out, Will was in his tux, munching on a granola bar and chatting with Bart. Josh and Brian were talking with Catherine and Sasha.

  “Ah, bella, you look beautiful,” Bart approved, coming towards me.

  I bit the inside of my cheek and tried not to cry again. “Thank you, Bart.”

  Will’s reaction was sweet. “Haylee love, aren’t I the lucky man today. Now why don’t you think of what you’re going to pig out on after this shoot? Pizza, pasta or maybe a hamburger. Take your mind off of the sadness, all right?”

  My hand squeezed his, and I smiled. His joking was what I’d needed to distract me. I was back in work mode.

  “Okay, take a seat on the settee. And Will, you stand behind it, reaching down. I want it like your arms are reaching up Haylee,” Bart requested. He positioned my dress so that my beautiful shoes were showing and I reached up so that my ring was visible as well as Will’s. “Beautiful. All right, now stand up, Haylee, and I want you two to do the kiss the bride moment by joining hands. Cock the foot back so we can see that shoe. Great, great.”

  I swallowed hard as Will dipped his head to kiss me. My heart fluttered for a beat. There was an overriding sweetness that I had never felt when Josh kissed me. It made me lonely for something I hadn’t known was missing.

  “You’re gorgeous,” he whispered, winking at me after the kiss.

  I was thankful he was so good at setting me at ease. It seemed so natural and simple with him. “Thank you, Will.”

  “Now can you pick her up in front of the green screen? I’m thinking an over-the-threshold shot,” Bart requested.

  I groaned at the thought of being picked up. “I’m heavy,” I appealed, panicked as Will took off his jacket and loosened his tie as directed.

  “Haylee, please, you’re what, a buck-o-five?” he admonished.

  “Will, I’m definitely not one hundred and five pounds.” Now I was even more flustered.

  “So what, one-fifteen?”

  “Will, let me give you some advice, stop guessing a woman’s weight,” Brian supplied from three feet away.

  “Finally he spreads words of wisdom,” Sasha laughed.

  “Sorry,” Will winced, giving me a sheepish smile.

  “You’re fine, but I’m one hundred and thirty pounds for the record.”

  His expression showed his shock. “Wow, you’re heavier than you look.”

  That hadn’t exactly been a compliment, and my narrowed eyes reflected that. “All right, careful with the dress,” I warned and then was scooped up.

  It felt odd to be picked up by a man other than Josh.

  Josh must have felt the same strangeness for when I risked a look, I saw him turn and leave.

  “God, you’re heavy,” Will jested, earning a swat and getting me back in the moment as we laughed.

  Bart took his last shots with Catherine approving that we had enough. It was a wrap.

  I’d never been so exhausted, both emotionally and physically, after a shoot. I was confused over my reaction to Will’s kiss and not sure how to feel about Josh’s jealousy.

  ***

  I was relieved to be back in my jeans and thankful when Catherine had all of my dresses back in their bags, ready to be taken to Josh’s office that night. I’m sure it must seem weird to her, but I couldn’t very well give her my home address. I’d just have to go back by the office to get them tonight.

  When I came out of the changing room, everyone was gathered around chatting with the exception of Josh who hadn’t come back. Sasha was all smiles as she relayed how happy the client had been with the focus on the jewelry.

  “Bella, it is a pleasure as always. Merry Christmas to you and safe journey to the west coast.” Bart was all packed up and kissed both my cheeks.

  My hands took his. “Merry Christmas, Bart, and thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means that you would photograph me again.”

  “It’s always a pleasure. Maybe I will do your actual wedding someday.”

  “Maybe. Take care Bart,” I managed, feeling weird all over again that the day in question may include Bart and my dress, but would never include Josh.

  Catherine gave me a hug. “Merry Christmas Haylee, I can’t wait to see these pictures. Josh said he had a flight to catch and had to leave early.”

  Will gave me a kiss on the cheek and I promised to call him when he got back to talk about New Year’s Eve plans.

  I gave hugs to both Sasha and Gina and turned down the offer of a shared cab. I wanted to make the short walk to the office by myself so that I could take home some of my dresses as well as drop off Josh’s gift. It sounded like I wasn’t going to get a chance to give it to him at home before he left this evening. It would just have to be on his desk when he got back.

  “I’ll walk with you,” Brian said, surprising me.

  It wasn’t like I could say no. “Uh sure, I guess.”

  Brian and I walked in silence the first block. “So, are you going home to see family for the holidays?” I asked, making small talk.

  “Yes, flying out to Virginia tomorrow morning. So what’s the deal with you and Josh?”

  Stopping after a few steps, I waited until he turned and saw me standing there.

  “I know it’s none of my business,” he said, walking back towards me.

  “Agreed, it isn’t any of your business. I will simply say that he is my boss, and I’m lucky for the opportunity he’s given me.” I didn’t need this shit right now especially with my emotions all over the place.

  “So are you and Will an item?”

  “Again, none of your business.” I could absolutely refute being anything more than friends, but at the moment I didn’t feel I owed anyone an explanation.

  He contemplated, and I remembered what Josh had said about Brian asking about me in Charlotte. “And if you’re going to ask me out, please don’t. I think you’re a nice and funny guy, and I’m flattered. But if you want my honest opinion, I’m not the girl for you.”

  Laughing out loud, he said, “Oh, I think you have enough guys at the moment who would like to date you, Haylee girl, without me adding to the mix.”

  I narrowed my eyes at his use of Will’s endearment.

  He laughed. “Come on, it’s freezing, let’s walk.”

  We fell into step again.

  “I’m curious. So who is the girl for me, then, if you’re not? You sounded like you had someone in mind.”

  “Oh, I think you know.”

  “Inter-office relationships can be tricky.” His innuendo was unmistakable.

  “Are they? I wouldn’t know.”

  “Because they aren’t tricky, or because there isn’t something going on?” he questioned.

  I stopped again. “Why don’t you spit it out, Brian? Or better yet, go ask your best friend.”

  He smirked as if he’d been hoping I would ask him to do just that. “Okay, I’ve known Josh forever. I have to say that in the last couple of months since he’s met you, he’s been happier than I’ve seen him in a very long time.”

  Oh, shit, this wasn’t what I’d expected to hear. I had assumed he was going to make it sleazy. “Oh,” was all I managed.

  He took my arm and sighed, falling back into step. “And I did ask Josh. He’s towing the same line you are. So I think one of three things is happening. Either
there is nothing going on, and I’m being completely offensive to you right now. Or there is something definitely going on, and neither of you want anyone to know. Or what I think is that there may be potential for something, and if I know Josh, he isn’t acting on it because of the position he’s in.”

  There he went with the assumption Josh wouldn’t act. “So Brian, what would you recommend, then, if I were theoretically in the third situation you describe?”

  We had arrived at the office building and went into the lobby. There Brian turned towards me. “I would recommend that you keep doing what you’re doing. At some point, you’re probably going to have to make the first move.”

  My lips twitched. If he only knew that’s exactly what I had done.

  “So I’m curious, what made you reach out to Sasha? She wasn’t exactly nice to you when you first met,” Brian inquired.

  We stepped on the elevator heading up to the office. “I image it’d be exhausting having to fight to take charge and be heard. I saw that in your meeting in Charlotte. She has to work three times as hard, all while getting half the respect. I’d be bitchy too if I had to go through that every single day.”

  He looked at me, regarding my words. “I respect her fully, for the record, and I can appreciate how hard she has to work in this industry. But I can’t seem to figure out a way to make her believe she doesn’t always have to fight.”

  “You’re a smart man, Brian with an I. You’ll figure it out.” We both stepped off the elevator as Josh walked out of his office. I hadn’t expected to see him tonight.

  He looked equally as surprised. “Haylee, I didn’t expect you’d be back this evening.”

  “Ah, well, Catherine was sending the dresses over here, and I was going to bring a couple home with me tonight. Plus, I needed to grab some things.”

  Brian decided to take his leave. “So, Merry Christmas, Haylee. Amazing job today. The client is going to be thrilled, and I can’t wait to see the photos.”

  “Thanks, Brian. Merry Christmas to you, too. Good night.”

  “See you in Virginia, Josh.”

  Josh gave him a brief nod in return.

  The elevator doors closed, and we simply stood there looking at one another until Josh finally broke the silence.