by Haley Travis
Turning the camera around so she could see, her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God!”
“You’re absolutely gorgeous,” I told her. “But when you’re laughing, Chelsea, your eyes are magical.”
A blush blossomed across her cheeks. My fingers reached out to trail along her cheekbone, and I watched her eyes as she looked up at me with the cutest expression. I needed to kiss her. But it was a bit too soon.
“Is there anything else you’re shooting tonight?” she asked, changing the subject as I pulled my hand away.
“No, that’s about it. Unfortunately, I should get home and wrap up this stupid ankle.” I paused. “I think you’re right. Your magic pills really did work in eighteen minutes.”
She laughed, and I gently stroked her hair where I had messed it up. “Sorry I’m not a stylist,” I said. “Honestly, I would love to get you in the studio with one of my makeup pals. You have such an expressive face. I bet she’d do something really crazy and modern with your bone structure.”
Chelsea shook her head shyly. “I belong on the other side of the camera.”
“At least think about it,” I said. “Where do you live? I’ll get a cab and drop you off.”
Her eyes flew wide. “I’ll just take the streetcar, it’s no trouble.”
There was no way I’d leave her alone downtown near midnight. Taking her arm, I led her south. “I’m at Broadview and O’Connor. Where do you live?”
“Gerrard and Greenwood.”
“We’re practically neighbors,” I laughed, waving to a bright orange taxi.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
On the way to her apartment, she seemed shy again. I hoped I didn’t intimidate her, or make her nervous. It was so hard not to stare at her, as I realized I wanted her to be with me. I needed this sweet, pretty girl to actually be mine.
I’d dated younger girls before. They were absolutely exhausting. Heavy drinkers, going out every night. I was positive that wasn’t Chelsea. She was truly sweet, and seemed incredibly thoughtful.
“Can I get your number so we can meet up Monday and go over the shots together?” Her eyes lit up. I’d never seen eyes that light brown before. She told me her number.
As the cab slowed down, I reached out to hold her hand for a moment. “Chelsea, it was amazing to meet you, and I can’t wait to see you again.” I placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
Her perfect lips hung open for half a second before she whispered, “Thanks for the ride. Nice to meet you too.” I watched until she was safely inside.
Some people were naturally quiet, and I’d never want to change her, but her energy seemed up and down. She was a bit skittish until she had a job to focus on.
I wondered what I could do to get her to focus on me.
CHAPTER THREE
* Chelsea *
I spent Sunday in a haze, not believing Saturday night had actually happened. I met one of the most amazing photographers in the country, and I was seventy percent sure that he had been flirting with me.
A quick online search assured me that he was single, never been married, and somewhere in his mid-thirties. It was strange that I’d never looked into his personal life before. I’d thought of him as an artist, not a man. Even though he was obviously incredibly handsome in his photos, I also knew how photos could be deceiving. Everyone looks pretty good at their best possible angle.
There was something in his eyes that could never be captured in a photo. He was confident, often teasing, and seemed amused by the entire world. He was an incredibly positive person, and I found that even more inspiring.
My mind kept replaying every moment of that night, savoring little treasures like his hug, and the way he held my hand as we zipped through crowds. But he could just be one of those touchy-feely people that used their hands a lot.
Yet the way he tousled my hair so sweetly… Just the memory sent a shiver of desire down my spine. I realized with shock that I’d never been genuinely physically attracted to a man like this before. No wonder I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
On Monday I sailed through my afternoon classes and was about to head home when Ben sent me a text.
Hey Chelsea – want to drop by the studio this evening? I should be finished up a shoot by six pm. Then we could go over all of the shots from Saturday and put some collections together. Hope to see you soon.
It was four o’clock. I’d just have time to dash home to change and make it to his studio for six. I didn’t want him to see me in a crappy pink t-shirt and jeans. I wanted to appear professional, but also a bit sexier.
Sure, I’ll be there for six. See you soon.
I rushed home and found a cream button-down shirt and peachy-orange skirt that would be appropriate for a job interview. I had to admit though, it also brought out the sun-kissed lighter bits of my hair, and made me look quite feminine.
As I applied a touch of makeup, I noticed my hands were trembling. I was being ridiculous. There’s no way Ben would want to date someone like me. I certainly wasn’t someone he could show off. I wasn’t glamorous. I wouldn’t know how to behave around a worldly man like that.
Giving my head a shake, I bolted out the door, jumping on the subway for a few stops. Ben answered the door with a huge grin and a hug.
“Hey, welcome. Let’s go over Saturday’s shots,” he said immediately. I handed him the memory card, and he loaded them into his computer, pulling a chair over for me.
He started scrolling through them rapidly, and it was interesting to watch his eyes scan my photos so quickly. I was barely breathing, nervous about his reaction.
“Chelsea, these are stunning.”
I finally exhaled completely.
“Interestingly, your style is a bit similar, but you certainly have your own unique flair. Honestly, I think it complements mine.” He turned, his boyish grin making my stomach clench. “I have to show you something.”
He opened another folder, loading the photos he took of me on the street with the festival lights behind me. They were all amazing, but he opened one and made it full screen.
I actually gasped. It was just my eyes, and my hair, and the wild lights and action just over my shoulder. It was flirty and fun, and honestly made the festival look like a blast.
“This shot is definitely going to be used in the marketing materials for next year’s festival,” he said. “I bet you a nickel it’s going to be the poster.”
“I… I don’t know what to say.”
“I’ll have to work backward, and get you to sign a model release and all that, and of course you’ll be paid. Don’t worry, we’ll figure that all out.”
I nodded. I didn’t care about any of that. I was just stunned that a photo of me taken by Ben Hayes, might go public. It was amazing, but uncomfortable.
“Chelsea, I saw your eyes light up when I suggested working together the other night. Are you looking for a job?”
I nodded, wanting to jump up and down and giggle and explode all at the same time.
His phone beeped, and he glanced, then rolled his eyes. “Sorry, I need to check this.”
He read a text while I looked around the room. He had so much gear and equipment that this place was like a photographer’s playground.
“Son of a…” Ben growled. He raised an eyebrow at me. “Want to help me save the ass of a good client?”
“Probably?”
He laughed, making me giggle. “Blue Truck Advertising is usually a reasonable client. But sometimes they need a test shot in an emergency. What they need now requires a gorgeous female model. And since I happen to have one right here, I can’t say no, right?”
I froze. I didn’t want to be uncooperative, but I didn’t really like posing for photos. It made me incredibly nervous to think of people picking me apart and analyzing me. I was average in every way, with thick thighs and hips. Certainly not a glamazon. But Ben was looking at me expectantly. “I’m not a model,” I finally said.
“This is
just a test shot so they can get their client to sign off on the concept. Think of it as a sketch before the artist does the real painting.” His enthusiastic grin nearly knocked me over. “Chelsea, will you be sketchy for me?”
I laughed. “Sure, I’ll try.”
He set up a peachy-pink cloudy background, then set out a selection of old-fashioned teacups.
“What’s the photo for?” I asked.
“A campaign to get more women to try whiskey,” he said. He shot me a sideways glance. “Which I obviously don’t recommend for you, after that face you made on Saturday night.” He set the cups in a row. “Do you drink tea?”
“When coffee isn’t available.”
“Okay. As my new expert on all women in North America, please select the teacup that is most appealing to you.”
“Gosh,” I said, shaking my head dramatically. “This is a lot of pressure.” I chose the one with the most elegant shape and small peach roses. “Hold on.” I dashed to my purse and applied peach lipstick that almost matched the cup.
Ben laughed. “Chelsea, you’re amazing.”
I stood in front of the backdrop. “What do you need me to do?”
“Is it okay if I arrange you?” he asked.
“Sure.”
As Ben came closer, I realized that my breathing was becoming twitchy. He tousled my hair gently, pulling a few tendrils down my shoulders, and spinning my hair around his finger to create a few waves under my chin. Then he turned one shoulder toward the background so that I was practically in profile.
Holding the teacup toward the backdrop, he raised it so that I was turned as if I was examining the cup. Then he dropped my other shoulder.
“Eyes to me. This is perfect,” he said, stepping back. He was scanning me for the shot, but he was also staring at me in a way that made me tingle all over.
“Would you forgive me if I undid one button on your blouse, to show off your neck?”
“Sure,” I whispered. It was hard to breathe as his fingers undid the button, opening my shirt and arranging the collar. As his fingers brushed my throat, then under my ear, I wasn’t sure if it was an accident, only that I wanted more. Then his fingertips tickled behind my ear, which was certainly intentional. Leaning into his touch, I stared up at him, breathless.
Ben leaned closer. A strange knot of tension in my chest swelled. His lips were close enough to kiss if I stretched up slightly.
He hesitated, looking into my eyes with an expression I’d never had directed at me before. His gaze dropped to my lips, then back again. A shiver ran through me as I knew without a doubt that Ben Hayes was thinking of kissing me.
I realized, as heat bloomed through my stomach and hips, that I really needed him to.
CHAPTER FOUR
* Ben *
I’d never been so unprofessional in my entire life. Chelsea was so wide-eyed and dewy fresh. Yet she’d already proven herself to be clever, competent, and incredibly talented. I knew that having her as an intern would genuinely help my studio. But would she be able to handle being more than that? Was it really so wrong?
“You look absolutely incredible,” I said softly, as my fingers trailed down her shoulder.
She smiled sweetly, with that shy sparkle in her eye. It felt like she had wanted me to kiss her.
Reaching out to lift her elbow slightly, she was in the exact position I needed. Grabbing my camera, I took a couple of shots.
“What kind of expression are you looking for?”
I loved that even though we were obviously dealing with some intense sexual tension, her instinct was to get the work done first. “Think saucy and fun,” I said. “You’re at grandma’s tea party, but you got bored, so you’re drinking whiskey from her fine teacups.” She grinned saucily, and I got a few great snaps.
“Look to the cup, then look at me suddenly as if you realized you’re doing something very naughty.”
She took direction beautifully, giving me exactly what I asked for. Holding the camera to the side for a second, I crinkled my nose at her. “Is there anything I could possibly say to you that would make you blush right now?”
Her eyes dropped. One ankle crossed behind the other, suddenly changing her posture from demure to sexy.
“Come on, Chelsea. You’re a whiskey swigging little tease. You’re a naughty girl who is about to get caught.” Her expressions were so vivid. So full of life. “These are great. Now how about one more with a bit more fire?”
Her eyes rolled. “How do I give you a look of fire? I’m not a model, I don’t know these weird secrets yet.”
I suddenly realized how I could test the waters. It wasn’t professional in the slightest, but it would probably be effective. And I would definitely get a winning shot.
“Chelsea, you realize that you can stop posing, stop me, or slap me at any time, right?”
She looked at me quizzically. “Yeah, I guess so.”
Stepping forward, I slid an arm behind her, tangling my fingers in the back of her hair as I tipped her face up to mine. “Be honest, gorgeous. Do you want me to kiss you hard and make you blush right now?”
Her lovely eyes were wide. Her pupils were huge. Her gasping breath made me need to hear what she sounded like when she shuddered in my arms while I was moving deep inside her. The urge to feel her naked against me was nearly overpowering.
Chelsea’s soft chin nodded up and down slightly.
Instantly gliding my lips against hers in a positively searing kiss, her gasp nearly undid me. The way she pressed her body to mine, her hips immediately moving, her lips parting as she opened herself to me. The electricity between us was overpowering, and I knew in that instant I was going to make her mine. Her tiny moan made my pulse race, needing to hear more.
Although I wanted to stay in that moment forever, I tried to keep my focus. Jumping back, I barked, “Cup higher, look straight at me.”
Her look of utter shock changed to a tantalizing smile of absolute seduction. The shot was stunning. That was the one. And she was the one.
I set my camera down, then took the cup away. Taking her hand in mine, I led her to the long couch under the front windows. It seemed like she was in a daze.
“Chelsea, that last shot is indescribably perfect. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she whispered automatically.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have done that.” My hand cupped her cheek, my thumb running lightly along her jawline. “But it’s almost physically impossible to keep my hands off you. Tell me you feel this pull between us?”
She nodded. It looked like she was barely breathing.
“May I kiss you again?”
She nodded quickly, a shy smile playing across those perfect lips.
This time I kissed her gently. Sweetly. My arms wrapped around her, pulling her close as we moved against each other. Her hands wrapped around my neck as we slid together.
I’d never kissed a girl like this before. She melted against me in a way that felt like I was already her man. That she wanted me. Although my heart was racing with raw desire, it was also surging with feelings that were too intense for a girl I barely knew.
Yet I did know her. Her sweetness, her clever manner, it was all right there on display for me, and I adored every single part of her.
I couldn’t think, just pulled her into my lap so I could explore her soft, curvy body. My hand ran along her side, and she gasped against my lips. My fingers crept under her shirt to caress her breast, and she moaned softly. Her little noises were driving me insane and I realized that I needed to stop myself.
As I pulled my mouth from hers, she blinked, looking up at me, those sweet light brown eyes hazy with what I hoped was lust. “Chelsea, do you want me to stop?”
“Um...” she barely breathed, “Well, no, but...”
I realized she was nervous. “Oh, sweetheart.” I quickly set her back on the bench, pulling my hands away. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” she whispered, “It’s just... um.
..”
Taking her hand gently, I flashed a smile. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
She stared down at her shoes. “This is really hard to say.”
“Take your time. I’m listening.” I wanted so badly for her to open up and trust me.
Chelsea took a deep breath. “It’s two things, actually. First, I really would like to be your intern, and work with you, and wouldn’t want anything to get complicated for you.”
“Okay. What’s the other thing?”
“I...” She blushed ferociously. “I don’t know if I could do everything you might want to do.”
For a moment I didn’t understand. She obviously knew a lot about the industry, and was extremely talented. Then she looked up at me, biting that perfect lip, her soft eyes so nervous and innocent. It suddenly struck me how innocent she might be at just twenty-one.
“Chelsea, are you saying that you’re a virgin?”
She nodded, then looked away, her bottom lip trembling.
“Shh, oh sweetheart.” I held her against my chest. “I would never take more than you’d want to give. Let’s slow down. I’m sorry, I didn’t think.”
“I do want you,” she whispered. “I just might need, you know. Direction.”
I stroked her back. “Well, we’ve learned from your modeling that you take direction very well.” She laughed a little, and I felt her relax.
“Do you want to go through the festival pictures now, and I’ll try to keep my hands off you?”
Her expression was so sweet as she nodded. I was already head over heels for this precious girl. Now I just had to find out a way to make a relationship with her feel right.
I couldn’t have her looking up to me as a mentor if we were going to be a real partnership, and I couldn’t let her settle for anything less.
CHAPTER FIVE
* Chelsea *
I woke up the next day feeling off-kilter. My dreams were a scattered mess of exams and deadlines and Ben’s sexy lips.
