Behind The Lies

by Dahlgren , Heather

  Chapter 6

  Braden

  * * *

  It’s been a week since the girls left and I finally took up Kallie’s offer for dinner. As much as I want to sit at home and feel sorry for myself, I can’t. It was my decision to move back to California, so I can’t blame Sarah for that one. I just miss them so much when they leave, I forget for a few days how to do things without them.

  I park my truck, grab the wine I brought and head up to Kallie’s apartment. I knock and wait for her to answer.

  “Braden, I’m so glad to finally see you.” She wraps her arms around me and I smile knowing my sister loves me just as much as I love her.

  “I’m happy to see you too. Smells awesome in here.” I put the wine on the counter and lean against it.

  “Thanks. I invited mom too. She should be here shortly.”

  My poor mom has been so worried about me, I need to let her know I’m doing fine.

  “Thanks Kallie. Where is Jax?”

  She pours herself a glass of wine before handing me a beer out of the fridge. “Let’s sit, my feet hurt.” I follow her to the couch and we both take a sip of our drinks. “He is in Arizona for a shoot until next weekend.” I don’t know how they do it. They are separated so much of the time, but damn they make it work. “Anyway, before mom gets here. I was talking to her the other night and she told me that she had dinner with some guy she met at work.”

  This is a total shock. My mother hasn’t been on a date, well ever. At least not that I know of. “You’re kidding. How the hell did that happen?”

  She laughs and takes another sip of wine. “No idea. When I tried asking her, she got annoyed.” We both laugh and I’m happy for my mom. She deserves to be with someone, and he must be a great guy to have gained her attention.

  The three of us are sitting on the couch, stuffed with the roast that Kallie made. It’s been such a great night, exactly what I needed. My mom was happy to see me back to myself and it felt like we were kids again having dinner with her.

  “I love you both, but I need to get going. I am going to the movies.” She gets off the couch and Kallie and I grin at each other.

  “Who are you going to the movies with Mom?” I ask.

  “Just a few people from work. Come give me a hug.” We both hold back our laughs and say our goodbyes.

  Once the door closes, we both burst out laughing. “Mom’s got a booty call,” Kallie yells, which makes me want to puke.

  “Fuck Kallie. That’s disgusting.”

  Of course, this just fuels her to laugh harder and I shake my head grabbing a now much-needed beer out of the fridge.

  “Alright enough, damn. What are the plans for the rest of the night? I’m totally free,” I say.

  “Actually, I have a shoot in about a half-hour. You can hang out and watch if you want.” Watch my baby sister do a shoot with some guy’s cock hanging out, no thanks. “It’s with McKinley.”

  I lower the beer from my lips and look at her. “McKinley? How the hell did that happen?”

  Now the idea of seeing McKinley half-naked is something I just might stick around for.

  “Apparently she was a model back home and Blake showed me her portfolio. I knew she was beautiful and was excited she was a model. Anyway, her portfolio isn’t that great, and I offered to do some shots for her. I figure I’ll do some headshots and move on to sexy ones that will have authors begging to have her on their covers.”

  “You’re an amazing woman. That’s extremely generous of you, but I should probably leave you two alone. I mean I don’t want to get in the way. I’ll just go home and rent a movie or something.” That is my intention. I know I shouldn’t be here for this. The thought of seeing her naked makes my cock twitch and I know I should leave.

  “Come on. It’ll be fun. You can be my assistant,” she says with pleading eyes.

  “I don’t know anything about photography. I can’t assist you.”

  She slaps my chest and walks toward her studio. “Please, it’s nothing. I need something, you get it. Easy. Now come here.”

  For the next fifteen minutes, she tells me where everything will take place and what she’ll be doing. I know this is a bad idea, I know deep down it is, but part of me wants to be here for it.

  When there is a knock on the door Kallie squeals and runs out of the studio.

  I on the other hand try to keep my thoughts out of the gutter as I walk out of the studio. They are both talking in the kitchen when I walk in and McKinely’s eyes nearly bug out of her head.

  “Oh, Braden is going to be my assistant tonight, I hope you don’t mind. I needed help and he was here so…” Kallie says, shrugging her shoulders looking between us.

  “Oh, yeah sure. Hi Braden.”

  She blushes and I know this is going to be awkward for both of us. We are both attracted to each other, and this is probably not good for staying away.

  “Hey.” Is all I manage. I can’t take my eyes off of her. She looks absolutely stunning. Her long brown hair is curled; her makeup is much heavier than I’ve seen but holy fuck it’s hot. She’s got on a pair of tight jeans and a red shirt that is hanging off of one shoulder. Her fuck me heels complete the look and make me want to do just that.

  “Alright, are you guys ready?” Snapping out of my thoughts I look at Kallie. “Follow me.” We both follow her into the studio, and she closes the door. “Alright, in the studio it is nothing but professional. Got it?”

  We both agree and she just takes over. It’s actually amazing to watch. She is so confident in what she does telling McKinley to turn this way or that way. To smile, be serious, look left, right, up, and down. I can already tell how amazing the photos are going to look.

  “Great job. I think we’ve got enough headshots. Let’s get to the fun stuff. Did you bring a nighty?” McKinley nods her head and Kallie shows her the bathroom to change in.

  “Maybe she’ll be more comfortable if I leave?” I suggest, looking at the bathroom door.

  Kallie looks up at me smiling while she does all kinds of things to her camera. “Braden, are you kidding me? I think you being here is making her better. Every time she looked at you, she gave me the exact expression I was looking for. I have a feeling you being here will make these shots fucking hot. She's going to give me that shy face without trying.”

  Just then the bathroom door opens and out walks the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I reach down to adjust my cock because her nighty leaves little to the imagination. It is black and everything is see-through except for her tits, which are spilling over the top anyway, and the thong panties she has on. Her flawless skin flushes when she notices me taking in every inch of her body.

  “Where do you want me?” she asks Kallie, but fuck I want to say right here on my cock baby.

  “Climb on the bed. We are going to do some sexy shots. Just relax and do what I tell you. They will be amazing.” She nods her head and climbs on. “Let’s start easy. Just lay down on your back, with one arm draped over your eyes the other on your stomach.”

  Doing exactly what Kallie tells her, she looks gorgeous. Every part of me is having trouble not climbing in that bed with her. I want to touch her skin to see what it feels like. I want to kiss her body to see what she tastes like. I want to hear the noises she would make while I pound into her.

  “Well done. Now get on your stomach with your hand outstretched in front of you. Look at the camera, but don’t smile.”

  Listening to Kallie tell her what to do pulls me back to the present. I continue to watch for the next hour as she has McKinley do unbelievably hot positions.

  “Alright, last bed shot, then we move into the bath. After this shot, my assistant will go draw the bath.” Kallie looks at me and winks. “Get on your hands and knees, head all the way back.”

  When she does this, I have the perfect shot of her tits and I decide now is the perfect time to go run the bath water. If I don’t, I will either come in my pants or fuck this woman in f
ront of my sister. Neither of which are an option I’m willing to give in to.

  As the water is running Kallie comes in laughing. “Dump a bunch of bubbles in that water.” Trying to be a good assistant I do it. “Got a little too much for you in there huh?”

  I turn and look at her. “Hey, I’m not judging, but I can tell when two people are ready to climb each other. I deal with naked models all the time.”

  I shake my head and turn away from her. “Well, obviously I don’t think I need to be here for the naked part.”

  “Fine I’ll let you off. Although if you wanted to get in the tube with her…”

  “No fucking way. I’ll call you tomorrow,” I say, walking out of the bathroom with her laughter echoing behind me.

  I almost crash into McKinley and grab her by the arms to steady her.

  “Shit sorry.”

  I don’t take my hands off of her because the feel of her skin is more than I thought it would be. We are searching each other’s eyes and I’m completely lost in the moment.

  “You are stunning McKinley,” I whisper as I lean my head toward hers.

  The pull I feel is undeniable and unavoidable. She lets out a soft moan right as my lips crash against hers. She opens right up to me and the minute my tongue touches hers I lose control. I pull her flush against me, running my hands down to squeeze her ass.

  She lets out a moan and I swallow it down. The only sound I hear is my pulse racing and her soft moans. That is until Kallie clears her throat. We break apart faster than a bunch of teenagers when their mom walks into the room.

  “I said when we entered this studio it was professional. Remember?”

  McKinley’s face turns deep red, and I feel like a damn fool.

  “It’s my fault. She tried to tell me it wasn’t a good idea. I’m sorry, don’t blame her.”

  “Like I told London and Blake, just don’t do it again. Alright, let’s go finish up this shoot. It's been amazing so far,” Kallie says and walks back into the bathroom.

  I give a quick glance at McKinley before I walk out the studio door. I shouldn’t have done that. It was not the right time or place, but fuck. I needed to feel her in my arms and taste her, even if it was just a kiss. Believe me, I want to taste more than just her mouth.

  With my cock harder than I can remember, I climb into my truck and drive home. Thoughts of McKinley consuming me, making me realize just how long the night ahead of me was going to me.

  Chapter 7

  McKinley

  * * *

  After Braden left and I had to finish the shoot with Kallie I felt like such an ass. I should have pushed him away. No one is going to take me serious if I can’t even make it through my first shoot without making out with someone.

  The thing is, I had never in my life been so turned on. Having Braden’s gaze on me the entire time did things to my body that I didn’t even recognize. It was burning with desire and the little bit of fabric I had covering my pussy was soaked with my arousal. Every move I made, I thought of his eyes on me. I wanted to be sexy if only for him.

  When he bumped into me walking out of the bathroom, I couldn’t take it. So, I gladly welcomed his lips on mine, but when his hands squeezed my ass I thought I would orgasm right there. If Kallie hadn’t interrupted, I would have let him fuck me right there on the floor.

  However, doing the last few shots in the tub I felt horrible. I apologized over and over to Kallie, but she kept saying don’t worry about it. I do though, I’m worried I ruined my chances as a model, that I ruined my chances of being more with Braden and even my relationship with Blake. I don’t want to lose everything I just got.

  I finished getting dressed and met Kallie in her kitchen.

  “McKinley, you did an amazing job. I’ll get these photos uploaded and edited as soon as possible. Once I do, I’ll send them to you for your new portfolio.” She hands me a glass of wine and I graciously accept it.

  “Thank you for everything Kallie. I wish I had money for you. I feel awful.” She waves her hand and pours herself more wine. “And again, I am really sorry about what happened with Braden. It was so unprofessional.”

  “You’re right it was and if it wasn’t me, you’d have lost that job. Remember that. Also, remember before you enter this world you need to make a choice. You either want a successful modeling career or you want to sleep around. You can’t have both.”

  She finishes off her wine as I just sip mine. “Can I ask you a question?” she asks.

  My heart races and my stomach swims with butterflies wondering exactly where this was going. Of course, I simply nod my head and take a large sip of my wine.

  “Is there something going on with you and my brother?” She grins and motions to the living room.

  “No!” I nearly shout and she turns giving me a confused expression. “I mean, yes, no…I don’t know.”

  We sit down on the couch and she tilts her head, almost checking me out. “It’s not my place to go into detail about Braden’s past, that’s his story. All I’ll tell you is my brother has the biggest, most genuine heart I’ve ever seen. He would lay down his own life for the people he loves. He’s been hurt and trust doesn’t come easily. If you are interested in him, like he is in you, you are going to have to be the one to make it happen. You’ll need to gain his trust and prove you can be trusted.”

  This is so much to take in and I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but when she says he’s interested in me I can’t keep the smile off my face.

  “How do you know he’s interested?”

  She laughs and lightly hits my arm. “McKinley, the way he looks at you says it all. Not to mention I did walk in on that kiss. That girlfriend was not just a friendly kiss. That was him putting himself out there to you. I’d say it’s up to you at this point. The ball is in your court.”

  With so much information swimming in my head, it’s hard to focus on anything else she is talking about. She’s telling me stories of models and photographers and I should be listening. I should be taking damn notes, but I’m not. My thoughts are consumed by Braden.

  “Alright it’s getting late, and I’ve kept you long enough. It’s almost time for my nightly FaceTime with Jax too.” She winks as we stand up from the couch.

  “Thank you again for everything today. I don’t know how to thank you enough,” I say, grabbing my purse off her counter.

  “It was my pleasure. Oh, and here. Just in case. Be safe driving,” she says, showing me to the door.

  Once I’m in the confines of my crappy car I open the paper she headed to me. She not only wrote down Braden’s phone number, but also his address. I guess she’s right, the ball is definitely in my court.

  I wake up the next morning after a restless night's sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his. I felt his touch, I tasted his lips. I wanted more.

  When I leave the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in, I make my way to the kitchen to make coffee. It’s still unreal to me that I am renting this house. London and Blake were just amazing, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

  Making my coffee I bring it outside and sit at the table. I play around with my phone, debating what to do. I programmed Braden’s number last night, but now I am second-guessing it all. I don’t know what the right thing to do was.

  If I call him and he rejects me I’d be humiliated. If I call him and he wants something with me, what if I can’t live up to his expectations? I’ve always been considered poor, white trash. I’m afraid he’ll see me the same way and it terrifies me.

  I drop the phone and decide it’s best to just walk away before either of us gets hurt. Besides he’s the one who said I should work on my relationship with Blake.

  I shake my head and get up to start my day. What that consists of, I have no idea. I haven’t started working yet, so my time seems endless. Maybe I’ll explore this town a bit, get to know it a little better. I haven’t even gone to the beach yet.

  With my mind made up, I
get in my bikini, throw on a sundress over the top and head out.

  I’ve been driving around for a while. I found some restaurants I want to check out and I found a grocery store closer to my house than the one I’ve been going to.

  With the music blasting through the speakers, I continue to drive until I find a beach. I park and look out to the water. It’s so beautiful. I’ve never been to the beach so I’m excited to feel the sand and water on my toes. Walking toward the sand I feel like a kid and if it didn’t look ridiculous, I’d run to get there faster.

  I finally step onto the sand and start walking toward the ocean. The thing I notice most is how hard it is to walk with my flip-flops on. I kick them off and even though the sand is hot, it feels good. Making my way to the water is much easier now and I stop just about a foot from where the waves are crashing on the beach. It’s unreal. I’ve seen it so many times on TV or in magazines, but to be standing here feels like a dream.

  I walk closer and let the water rush over my feet. I giggle when I feel like the wave is pulling me back out with it. Once I feel brave enough, I move further in, up to my calves. Staring out into the beautiful hues of blue I get lost. There is nothing but water as far as I can see. It is so relaxing and terrifying at the same time.

  Having no idea how long I’ve been standing here captivated, I decide to walk down the beach more and explore.

  I stay close to the water, letting it rush just over my feet when the waves crash. As I make my way down the beach, I take notice of the many families, friends, and couples. Everything about this intrigues me. I’d love to sit on the beach with friends or a boyfriend.

  The more I walk I discover shells, rocks, and even little crabs that actually scare the shit out of me at first. I bend down and pick up a few shells closing my hand over them. I’ll keep these forever to remind me of my first time seeing the ocean.