Ali was quiet, like Dan, but his energy was all warmth and comfort. Shane watched him work. He wore work boots and jeans with a fitted black t-shirt and looked sexy as hell.
Shane watched as he took control of the group. In his quiet way, he directed all of them, even Tess. His hand grazed her back, and she obeyed his touch, following his directives. He met Tess's gaze, and Shane watched how the same soft light she saw in Tess's eyes was reflected in his. The horses were fresh and alert, and Penny went to work snapping frames as they talked. Their intimacy captured on film.
Shane was startled when she felt Ryan’s’ hand on her back, his voice tickling in her ear. “Hey.” He said as he leaned into her.
“Hey.” She answered as she leaned back against him, reluctant to pull away.
“I had to take a quick call.”
“That’s okay.” She reassured him. “Ry, Tess is having so much fun.”
He laughed. "I knew she would. She's the center of attention, and she has new clothes."
Shane laughed. “True.”
Ryan perked up as Penny beckoned and Shane was left standing alone to watch. Tess mounted Fawn; her ensemble complemented beautifully by the little chestnut filly. Ali held the little pony's halter, and Shane watched as Penny drew back taking the picture. Tess sat on the horse, looking down at Ali. He held the reins and met her gaze. The little horse nudged Ali, and he turned his attention to the mare, both of them laughing. Penny stepped into the moment with them, the only indication of her presence was the click of the camera capturing images at lightning speed.
Shane watched with amazement. The photographers who had been taking up so much space and attention on the backside of the photoshoot by the pool now slid into the background as silent observers.
Ali was prepared to assist with both horses and looked to Tess now for direction. She nodded and looked back at Midnight. Ali gave Fawn one last pat before he moved to Midnight and mounted. It was a smooth, graceful movement that had him sitting on the steed at once. Penny’s camera capturing the moment in a burst of clicks.
For a moment, Tess stared into the camera and then continued on as if Penny wasn’t there. She turned the horse to follow Ali and Penny followed them down the dirt path around the barn. Penny’s ensemble trailing behind.
"Shanie," said Ryan reaching for her. "I think Ali might have just made it into the photo shoot."
“I think so too,” she said. “Will you drive the ATV, then?” she asked.
He smiled. “Absolutely.” He hustled behind the trailing photographers, and Shane followed. It would go where the horses went, made to travel well over the rocky terrain.
Tess and Ali kept the horses at a plodding pace allowing Penny to follow until Ryan appeared with the ATV and waved them into the little vehicle.
Penny climbed into the front passenger seat, never taking her eyes off the retreating couple and the horses, as Jessica slid into the seat behind Penny, toting the gear.
Dan opened the door behind Ryan and smiled. “After you.” He said.
Shane returned a smile that did not reach her eyes and slid into the little vehicle beside Jessica.
Jessica shifted, “Can I hold something?” Shane asked.”
Jessica shook her pretty blond head. She was as fresh faced as Penny’s, with big blue eyes. “No, it’s okay. Sorry, it’s a bit of a squeeze.”
Dan slid in beside Shane. "It sure is." He said, his leg touching hers. Shane leaned closer to Jessica, and he moved with her, spreading out comfortably with his leg still pressed into hers. Shane closed her eyes and took a deep breath; dreading the ride.
The afternoon passed quickly; she busied herself helping Jessica and Penny. They were artists at work, capturing both the landscape and the vineyard. Sometimes Tess and Ali were the objects. Other times, it was Tess alone. The horses behaved beautifully. If not for Dan, the day would have been a delight.
He stood back, passive and watchful. What he contributed was critical and low. The words that passed his lips were not more than "oh, I think you missed it" or "that would have been a great shot." Penny seemed immune to his comments, same as Jessica. This scenario was repeated over and over again as they moved further from the barn into the vineyard. Shane knew Ryan and Tess had a specific route in mind. There were six spots they'd agreed would be iconic for Vino. By the time they hit the fifth spot, she had found herself wandering the same space she and Ryan had explored yesterday morning. It felt like a lifetime had passed since they walked through the same building. As she climbed back into the ATV, and felt him resume his seat beside her, Shane pushed her anger back. Teeth clenched. One more stop. Only one more stop.
The last site was the peak of the hill, looking over the beach. The horses stood side by side, long grasses shifting in the sea breeze. The storm seas they fled two days ago were playful once again. Tess's golden hair shimmered in the setting sun; tendrils that slipped loose of the braid hung loosely around her face. She was lost in the moment, seeing only Ali. They talked and laughed throughout the day. Caught up in the moment with the horses and the peace of the valley. Shane felt like she'd witnessed the first date more than a photo shoot.
Penny's camera went off in a flurry of clicks, capturing the sky behind Tess and Ali. Shane looked up to see the sun melting into the horizon. The sky was ablaze with the fire of the sunset. She could see the setting sun reflecting in Tess's eyes, eyes that only looked at Ali. His gentle strength and hi quiet way.
The strain of the day slipped away as Shane stood watching them. She felt something within her settle. The ocean waves calling to her from the shore below. Shane let her gaze drift down the grassy hill to the beach.
Penny was talking. Shane shifted her focus to listen.
"That’s it. Thanks for the good work today, everyone. The shoot was amazing. I'm thrilled with what I've seen so far."
Ryan nodded along. “I agree. Penny, this has been phenomenal. I’m so pleased with the experience. Tessa? What do you think?”
Tess turned her attention to Penny to answer Ryan. "It's been wonderful. I'm so excited to see the photos. Ali, thank you for standing in as a last-minute model. I think you'll make a terrific addition to the photo shoot."
He smiled and nodded. “Happy to.”
“Ry?” Tess called, “should we head back now?”
“Yeah, see you there.” He said.
“Okay,” she called over her shoulder. Fawn had already begun the downhill trek with Midnight close behind.
Jessica and Penny turned towards the ATV as Ryan trotted a few steps ahead to reach them.
She heard him ask for something and stretch his hand towards Penny. Curious, she cocked her head to listen. She was engrossed in Ryan’s voice that she didn’t notice when Dan appeared from behind.
"Looks like you have some competition for that pretty one's attention." Shane stared at him, incredulous. As he spoke, his fingers grazed her forearm. "If she's not taking your time. I'd be happy to."
Shane drew back, retreating from his cloying, trailing touch. Penny and Jessica were already settled in the ATV.
"Ryan," she called to him. "I've been riding all day," her voice wobbled unsteadily. She was angry and tired. "I could use the air. Go ahead. I'll walk." Her boots were comfortable, and it didn't matter. She didn't care if her feet hurt.
“Shanie,” he called. She gave him a warning in her eyes that did not match her tone. She didn’t want to distress Penny or Jessica. “It’s okay. I can use the exercise.” Ryan held her gaze for a minute more in an attempt to read her distress.
Shane moved away from the ATV under Dan’s watchful stare. He winked as he climbed into the back seat beside Jessica. Shane waved them off as the girls called their goodbyes.
Grateful for space and sea breeze, Shane started down the grassy hill, following in the ATV's tracks. From the path, she could see the glow of the house in the valley below. The light of the sky dimmed with the setting sun. Reassured by the lights of the house, Shane followed
the glow into the valley below.
CHAPTER 6
Missing Equipment
S hane made it to the house before anyone else. She shook her head as she slipped in through the terrace door. It was beyond her how she was faster than horses or an ATV. Shane moved through the quiet house to her bedroom and climbed onto the bed. God, she was tired. Sleeping on the beach with incredibly satisfying sex, while amazing, did not make up for a restful night’s sleep. She closed her eyes and waited for the others.
She didn't exactly sleep, but she wasn't exactly awake. When she surfaced from her rest, it was to the concerned voices beyond her window.
They were looking for something. She lay there, listening to Ryan's soothing voice as Penny's concern rose. Something was missing—a lens. The conversation came together, and she understood. Penny had lost a camera lens.
Shane sat up and shook her head. Her mind was foggy, and she tried hard to grasp at coherent thoughts—a lens. God knows how much that cost. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and she understood the reason for Penny's rising concern.
Shane slipped from the bed and moved through the house. Where could it be? The barn or maybe the ATV. With all of the eyes on the grounds near the house, she headed to the barn. She moved quickly out front door, across the driveway to the path through the trees.
It was dark and moving away from the light made her pause, but she steeled herself against the night and moved into the trees. A quiet voice was coaxing her along. The horses are in the barn. There’s light in the barn. Shane moved through the dark, relying on her newly formed memory of the path. As she rounded the bend, she saw the barn, dark and still. Something moved, and she felt goosebumps rise on her arms. This is such a bad idea. Such a bad idea.
Something grazed her thigh, and then she felt Ty’s big muzzle in her hand. The dogs had followed her into the darkness. She blinked back tears and knelt to hug the big dog. He let her, staying close for a moment before Sammie joined him.
Shane stood up, feeling light-headed. Her heart was pounding. Ryan and Tess didn’t even know she’d made it back to the house, or that she’d headed down to the barn.
She started to turn back, and thunder rumbled again. It was closer this time. The lens would be lost to the rain. She'd seen how quickly the storm had come up on the beach.
“Come on.” She said. Her words sounding too loud in the quiet of the trees. “We’re almost there.” The words as much for her as for the dogs. Sammie disappeared into the darkness, but Ty's white coat seemed illuminated. He turned his head to her for a moment, then led her forward toward the barn.
The rain had begun, slow drops that had her waiting, wondering if another would fall by the time she reached the barn. Shane pushed open the large door, letting the dogs take refuge. The raindrops fell faster, and she was grateful for the thin roof that kept them dry. Shane moved through the darkness of the barn to Ali's office. Flashlight. She just needed a flashlight. His desk had been cluttered with so many things. She hoped she'd find a flashlight there. Sammie moved through the darkness with her, and she called to the smaller dog, wanting her company.
Behind closed doors of their stalls, the horses shifted in the darkness, unsettled. A stranger in their barn? The tall windows of the barn let in the hazy light of the moon as it fought the storm clouds. Shane rummaged through Ali’s desk searching for a flashlight.
The importance of this errand flickered like the candle in the storm. So dumb. This was so dumb. On her search of the third drawer, her fingers closed on a flashlight. Shane moved her thumb over the flashlight's switch and felt it move. A thin beam of light caught the desk. It blinked out once, then twice. Shane shook the torch, and the light came back strong. Thank God.
Shane moved through the barn with the light dancing across the dirt as she ran. It had to be in the corral; it had to be. That's where they had stayed the longest. Shane ran through the activities of the day. She remembered the moment Penny had shifted from a photographer counting on props and equipment, to a photographer lost in the moment. There had been no more equipment changes after that.
Shane moved through the open door, the flashlight beam bouncing on the dirt in the corral. She scanned right and left franticly searching as the raindrops came faster. She swept the light over the corral and caught the corner of something in the thin ray of light. The light blinked, and she shook the flashlight hard. The artificial light returned. Storm clouds had covered what was left of the moonlight’s glow. Shane swept the light back and forth in the darkness as she closed in on what she had seen. There it was the lens, still in its case resting in the tall grass.
“Oh, my god.” The words escaped her lips. Shane squatted and reached for the lens. Triumph soared as her fingers closed in on the case. She stood and turned toward the barn, anxious to escape the rain. Something snapped in the trees behind her, and she heard Ty's low menacing growl.
“Ty,” she said. She moved toward him and heard another movement in the trees. He moved forward towards the noise as Shane swept the beam light towards the edges of the corral. The thunder boomed as she ran for the barn, passing him as he disappeared into the trees. The flashlight in her hand flickered and went out.
Shane moved through the barn, seeking the darkness that frightened her moments before. The rain let loose, sounding all around her as it hit the barn. A wave of unsettled nickers filled the barn as she crept through the dark. Somewhere in the darkness, the door banged. She searched for her phone and came up empty. In her sleepy state, she had forgotten to grab it. No one knew where she was.
She had come to the turn in the barn. She remembered it from her morning there with Ryan and Ali. It was where the sunny little car was parked, all safe and dry, protected from the storm. She moved past Ali's office and turned the bend, seeking the stall where the motorcycle sat and the exit beyond.
The light flickering in her hand no longer a savior, but a beacon to anything that had come through the open door. The unsettled nickers became louder as the storm raged around them. A shadow moved, darker than the darkness. There was a flash of lightning, and she thought she saw someone. Shane moved backwards and lost her footing. Falling backwards, she heard a crack and white light exploded in front of her eyes as the recovered lens slipped from her fingers. It hit the ground with a thud and the sound of breaking glass.
The world flickered as had the flashlight had, moving in and out of focus. The pain in her head masked coherent thought. Her fear retreated as her consciousness waned.
Then there was someone there in the dark. A man with soothing hands, whose presence let him walk quietly through the barn because like Shane, the horses trusted him. The lightning flashed again, and the face she saw before the world went dark belonged to Ali.
When she awakened, it was to pain and noise. There was a wet cloth on her head, the damp warmth fighting the throbbing pain. Penny was upset. Dan was arguing with Ryan. The photographers were leaving. Shane couldn’t make sense of the words. She opened her eyes to see Jessica. Her sympathetic eyes fell on Shane for a moment before she turned away. The broken lens was in Penny’s hands.
Ali sat beside her; close and silent. She struggled to sit up and felt his hand gently push her down. She had no strength to fight his calm instruction. There were too many voices, too much noise. She looked up at Ali, and he turned the cloth so that the cold side was against her forehead. It fought back the pain, and she slipped into darkness.
When Shane awoke again, the house was quiet except for Ali's soft snoring. He sat in a chair at the end of her bed. Shane had grown accustomed to the silent house. When she moved, she aggravated the throbbing in her head. The cold cloth lay beside her on the pillow. She retrieved it and replaced it as Ali had done. Shane slid from the bed, testing her legs. She took a tentative step, one after the other as she poked her head out into the hallway.
The kitchen light was on. Tess's bedroom was dark, so was Ryan's. She followed the ray of light, moving silently across the stone floor. No one
was in the kitchen, but the pantry door was open. Shane crossed the kitchen to the top of the stairs. She could hear the rise and fall of a conversation.
"Tess?" Her voice was dry and weak. She tried again. "Tess?" No answer from below, but she could hear them. Shane took the steps, one at a time, slowly making her way towards Ryan and Tess. The white carpet descended into darkness, somehow her eyes adjusted easily. As she neared the bottom of the steps, she realized she stood not in darkness but in infrared light. The white carpet and walls took on a red hue that soothed her aching head. Their voices were closer now, but still muffled, "Tess?" She called again.
The muffled voices stopped, and for a moment, she thought her eyes deceived her. The wall seemed to shift, and then she realized it was a curtain well beyond the door to the playroom. Ryan's voice came to her from the darkness.
"Shanie?" A voice called, and then they were there, both of them rushing to her, talking over each other. Tess made it to her first and wrapped her slim arm around Shane's waist. "What are you doing up?" She asked. "Ali was supposed to be with you."
Shane nodded, “He is, he was,” she corrected. Her brain was working hard to find the right words. Shane leaned into Tess. The rest of the explanation escaped her.
"Shane…Tess," Ryan was there. "Let me help." His arm replaced Tess's, and he helped her to the room he and Tess had come from.
“Tess, grab a chair.” he ordered. She obeyed silently reappearing. Chair in hand. Shane leaned on Ryan but felt more able as she walked beside him. He led her past a curtain. The room beyond the curtain had the same dark effect as the rest of the cellar, but here, pictures hung in rows on a string. Shane took in the images of Tess and Ali, scenes from the day of the valley, the horses, and the vineyard as she slid from Ryan's arm into the hard metal of a folding chair.
“What are you guys doing?” She asked.
The Boardroom Series – Complete Boxed Set (Boxes 1 – 6) : An office romance turned seductive submission Page 45
