Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 128980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
I keep my amusement contained. It’s tricky. He’s trying to be diplomatic, when what he actually means and won’t say is that he’s not happy about me flashing my breasts to the world. His possessiveness is deeply satisfying. “I will keep focused on the design thing,” I assure him. “But this is a huge campaign with a massive backing from investors. Trust me, my career will thank me for it.”
He scowls. It’s the most endearing expression. Then he unbends his tall body, back to full height, clearly thinking hard about what he should say. “I can’t sit here and look at you virtually naked. It’ll drive me mad.” He walks past me and my smile breaks out, watching as he tries to discreetly adjust his groin area, muttering as he goes.
“Camille!”
The familiar, excited voice pulls my attention away from my brooding bodyguard and to the dressing room entrance across the studio.
“Shaun!” I race over to give him a hug. He and I have been in the industry for the same number of years, both of us having been headhunted by the same agency around the same time. He’s a dish—tall, dark, and handsome, with a cheeky single dimple that’s his trademark. Women fall at his feet, but he’s happily engaged to Cynthia, a TV presenter on a morning show. He literally doesn’t see the attention he gets. He’s modest and humble. I love him.
“How are you?” I throw my arms around him, unperturbed by the fact that he’s sporting only a skimpy pair of silver trunks.
He laughs and squeezes me. “I’m great.” Releasing me, he holds me at arm’s length, his happy face transforming into a frown the second he claps eyes on my cheek. “What happened here?”
“Oh, nothing.” I brush his inquiry aside, ignoring the question on his face. “Nice trunks!” I look down at the dull silver scrap of material covering his manhood.
He laughs. “Don’t get too cocky. Yours are smaller.”
I giggle and jab him in the shoulder, noticing him looking past me with interest. “I’ve heard you’ve got yourself a bodyguard,” he says quietly. “And don’t you just.”
I give him a tired look before glimpsing over my shoulder, finding Jake hasn’t yet left the studio. He’s now watching me from across the room like a hawk, standing looking professional and hyperalert. “I certainly do.”
“I’m as straight as they come, Camille, but even I would.”
“Shaun!” I gasp, giving him another smack. “Stop it and tell me how Cynthia is.”
“Gorgeous as ever,” he replies quickly, making me smile. “She was pissed she had to work and couldn’t come and say hi.”
“We’ll have to catch up soon,” I say, seeing the makeup artist poke her head around the door, looking for me. “Hey, I’m wanted.” I reach up and kiss his cheek. “See you on set.”
“Yeah, see you in a bit.”
I leave Shaun and make my way over to my dressing room, but I don’t get much more than three paces before my path is blocked. Jake is looking down at me, worried. “Everything okay?” I ask, not liking his pent-up disposition. He looks nervous.
“Who was that?”
I frown. “Shaun?”
“Is that his name? The ponce in the sparkly knickers?”
“You mean the silver trunks?”
He waves an indifferent hand in the air. “Whatever. Who is he?”
“He’s a model. We’re shooting together.” I see my makeup artist appear again, tapping at her watch face. “I have to get ready.” I go to pass him but get blocked.
“Camille.” Jake comes in close, trying to be inconspicuous again. He’s a six-foot, four-inch, brooding bodyguard. It’s not possible for him to be inconspicuous. “You’ve just told me that you’re going to be wearing next to nothing on this shoot, and now you’re telling me Mr. Sparkly Knickers is going to be rubbing up against you?”
I clamp my lips together and think how best to ease his concern. Something tells me nothing will work, and if it does, Jake isn’t going to hold on to that comfort for long, especially when we start the shoot and Lawrence instructs me and Shaun into what I know are going to be some interesting poses. “It’s work,” I say quietly.
“It’ll be fucking torture, that’s what it’ll be.” He sucks in air, already preparing himself.
I study him for a few moments, very aware that Shaun being on set isn’t the only thing that’s making Jake tense. He’s been edgy all morning. “You’re twitchy today.”
His eyes shoot to mine. “Is it any wonder?” he asks, flicking his head to Shaun’s dressing room. He’s trying to avoid the real issue, which needs far more attention than my semi-naked model friend.
“It’s day three.” I bite my lip nervously, but when Jake doesn’t acknowledge my observation, I sigh. “You should wait for me outside.”
“I’d rather wait in here,” he mutters, moving to the side to let me pass. “Have fun.” There is zero sincerity in his light order, his scowl pointing to Shaun’s dressing room again. I move past him with caution and a little worry.