by Amy Brent
“I’d love to. What do you think about a glossy red on these full lips? I hear you’re wearing a red dress tonight?” She asked, and I nodded as I raised an eyebrow. She giggled. “They tell me this stuff before the models come in.”
“I thought you were psychic,” I replied with a smile as she shook her head and grinned. “I like that idea.”
I was done within a few minutes, and I thanked her and headed to wardrobe as I tugged on the low messy bun that the man had done in my hair. It showed my curls but suited the dress, and I smiled as I pushed the door open and watched the madness for a moment. Models were running everywhere with clothes in their hands, and people were barking at them as I shook my head slowly. This was the reason I preferred solo work and photo shoots. I ran my hands down my yoga pants and stepped forward to the platinum blonde I’d spoken to earlier, who looked completely frazzled by this point. “Hi. I am here for my dress,” I told her as she asked me my name. “Trina James.”
Her tired brown eyes searched the paper on her clipboard, and she glanced up at me and pointed to the corner of the room. “Over there, number fifteen. There’s a place to change right there.”
“Thanks,” I told her as I smiled and turned to search the room with my eyes. The little curtained off areas weren’t the best conditions for getting some of the clothing that I’d worn on, but it was the nature of these events. I walked over to the spot where my dress was hung and stepped inside of the thin blue material as the noise level increased around me. I was quick to slide it on, and I made sure that it was covering everything before I stepped out, thought it was cut in such a way that it showed off all of my curves. I looked in the mirror and slipped my feet into the Louboutin heels that brought me from five foot nine to over six feet tall.
I needed some quiet, so I left the room to put on the black choker and earrings in the hallway as I reminded myself to never take a job like this again. Models were hard to deal with on a smaller scale, and this was chaos. I walked over to where we’d be entering the stage area, early enough to be on my own and find a seat as I prepped myself for this. These things were always bright lights and loud music, usually with a rambunctious audience that was drunk from the cocktails and little food they’d eaten over the dinner they paid top dollar for. I smoothed my hands over the top that was tied around my neck and cut daringly with a good tease of my cleavage. I knew not to mess with my face or press my lips together from the near ten years of experience that I’d gained, but I was nervous about this evening. I wasn’t sure just why, but my stomach fluttered as I heard other models approaching.
They were all dressed up in revealing dresses of various colors, and I had to admit that the designer had a good style about her. I’d opted to wear only one and be out of there since I wasn’t fond of the quick changes and Monica had grudgingly agreed. I might stick around in the back and check out some of the other clothes, but that was my limit. I wasn’t getting paid for this.
CHAPTER 2
The announcer stopped the music that was playing to announce the fashion show and the designer, Valerie Bacceli. She bounced by us, tiny and young in a black dress with an edge. She looked happy, and I smiled as she walked out and waved to everyone before answering the questions the man asked her. She was flustered and nervous and absolutely adorable. The crowd cheered obnoxiously, and I waited as they started calling our names to walk the long runway. I was the sixth model and walked out to a Sade song that I favored.
I walked to the sensual beat; shoulders raised and eyes forward as I let them pass over the vague crowd as if I could see them. I wanted to make Valerie look good, and I knew damn good and well how to own a dress. I flirted and swayed before making a turn at the end to show off every part of the dress from every angle. I paused for a moment as I felt someone staring hard at me and blinked before I started back towards the exit. It seemed to take forever, and I was happy to step into the dimly lit hallway as the next girl took the stage. I was done for the night, but I figured that I’d change back into my clothes and watch a little more from the back just to see more details in the clothes.
Once I was changed into my yoga pants and sweater, I was surprised when the blonde handed me a bag in the changing room. “What’s this?” I peeked inside to see the dress I’d modeled as well as the heels and I stared at her. I was only in the bathroom for a few minutes rinsing off my makeup. “Why are you giving this to me?”
“I was told by my sponsors to give that to you since they thought you looked so beautiful in it. There’s some paperwork that you’ll want to read as well.” She gave me a bright smile, and I tilted my head as red flags showed up everywhere in my mind.
“Who might the sponsors be?” I inquired as she laughed.
“Brighton Architecture, among other businesses all over the world.” That’s right. My agent told me about them, but I’d hardly paid attention.
“Do they do these kinds of things often?” My question seemed to fluster her, and she shrugged mysteriously. “Have a good night.”
“Thanks. You, too.” I left with my purse slung over my body and the bag in my hand and skirted around the crowd to watch some of the remaining show. The dresses were quite impressive, but I found it odd that none of the other models seemed to be leaving with a bag like mine. I was at the bar ordering a drink when I felt someone beside me.
“You’re the sixth model, correct?” I turned to see a handsome man sitting beside me, muscled and dark and a few years older than my twenty-three years.
“I am. How do you remember me?” I asked as he smiled seductively and extended his hand.
“Colton Brighton. Trina, was it?” He asked, and a lightbulb flashed in my mind.
“Brighton as in the company?” He nodded, and I wondered what he did there. The man couldn’t be older than thirty. “You sponsored this event?”
“My company did, yes.” He said easily as a man that looked just like him came to stand beside him. I looked from one to the other and wondered what kind of family would produce such gorgeous people, twins at that. “This is my brother, Declan.” I shook his hand as we greeted each other and could immediately sense some tension thick in the air. I wasn’t sure if it was of a sexual nature since they were some of the hottest men I’d laid eyes on and I’d be crazy not to think a few dirty thoughts. I also sensed it between the siblings as I looked them over. “We own the company.”
“Did you send the dress and shoes with me?” I asked them directly, and one of them smirked as Colton smiled widely. Colton seemed to know more about it, and he nodded. “Why?”
“You were stunning in it. It belongs on your body,” Colton’s deep blue eyes drifted down my now covered curves, and I felt my skin heat up as I licked my lips. “There’s also an invitation of sorts in the bag.” Declan looked at his brother and brushed back the dark hair that hung slightly in his face as he waited for the answer. Colton’s hair was cut shorter and slicked back some, and I couldn’t decide who was more handsome. “We’re looking to shoot some ad shots in a few places that we’re going to be building in, and we’re interested in you as a model. That was the actual reason for this show, to be honest. You won our vote.”
“I didn’t hear anything about a contest when I signed up for this.” Colton shrugged.
“We didn’t want it to be hard on the models and add more stress then there already is backstage. None of them knew.” He leaned closer to me, and I could smell his intoxicating cologne that reminded me of a lush forest with a hint of spice. “You are one of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen.”
“Thanks,” I found myself flustered which was unlike me, having made my way up from the bottom in this industry.
“There’s a breakdown of our plans inside a portfolio in the bag. It will serve as a lovely vacation as well with a lot of extracurricular activities when you’re not working.” For a fleeting second, I considered the activities to be a menage with these men, though they seemed too competitive to share anything in my eye
s. It was clear just watching Declan get frustrated with Colton’s advances towards me. “There’s a number in there to call. Please let us know by the end of the week once you’ve reviewed everything.” Colton looked at his brother as he stepped away after kissing my cheek and bidding me farewell. I looked at the bartender as he slipped me my drink with a smile and assured me that it was covered.
I watched as the brothers seemed to argue as women approached them the entire way until they reached a table and sat down. They didn’t pay attention to any of them even though they were beautiful and built a lot differently than I was.
This was a weird night.
CHAPTER 3
I headed home once everything died down and sat on the futon in the tiny living room of my one bedroom apartment. I found the portfolio that outlined the offer, which included three weeks in Belize and the surrounding beaches since they had plans for a big resort chain over there. It included a round trip flight first class and lodging in various five-star places in the locations that we’d be shooting at. Both of the brothers would come to overlook the shoot, which made sense since they were owners. Still, though, I was nervous about having them around to watch me since they already did wild things to my imagination.
When I got to the part about payment for the job, my eyes popped out of my head. They were offering a salary that I could generally make in a few months working steadily in town. That would get me ahead so I could think about a backup plan, such as school. I’d skipped it to move here and stay with a friend until I got some work and my own apartment.
I decided to take the risk, and I called my agent to tell her about the offer. She was thrilled and since I didn’t have a lot going on over the next few weeks since it was Fall here. They did less outdoor shootings, particularly with the rain we’d been having. That was another reason that I’d agreed to do the fashion show, and it apparently paid off for me. Monica assured me that I should take this job and even popped over to read through the contract in her excitement. “Trina! This is incredible money and with the expensed paid for, I think this is a great opportunity. I think you should go.”
“It’s too good, isn’t it?” She gave me a strange look, and I nibbled on my lip. “I didn’t know there was any kind of contest at the show. They say that I won something, but they’re paying me so much.”
“You’re a beautiful woman, Trina. They should pay you,” Monica smiled and looked down at the papers again. “This isn’t that unusual. Companies like Brighton pay millions for their advertising.”
“Do they use models regularly?”
“They build in some beautiful places, so yes. It’s not unheard of.” She grinned at me. “This is a fantastic chance for you. Go for it and have some fun somewhere beautiful.”
I made the call the following day and spoke to Declan, who sounded surprised that I accepted the offer. He took down my address and phone number, explaining that I would be receiving items for the trip. We were leaving in three days…together. A flight with those guys would be torture. “We’ll pick you up in a town car and take you to the airport. How does seven am Friday morning sound?”
“Perfect,” I replied as I heard a dark chuckle at the other end of the line.
“I look forward to it, Trina,” his voice promised sin before he ended the call and I dropped back onto the couch with a sigh.
Within a day, packages were being delivered to my apartment. I got a beautiful set of luggage in a lovely red color and so many clothes. There were bikinis, dresses, shorts and tops and all of them were sexy and revealing. I looked at the sizes, and they were dead on, and I remembered the fashion show. I blushed at the lingerie that I found in some boxes from a very prestigious store in the city and looked through the lace and the satin that made me wish I was going with a lover. Maybe I’d meet someone. It had been a while since I’d dated, even casually.
I’d never even slept with anybody yet. I was selective, and I wanted it to be right. Here I was fantasizing about two gorgeous men!
My mind wandered back to the brothers, and I bit my lip as I thought about them. They were both so handsome, and Colton attracted me with his bold flirtations while Declan seemed to offer a more subtle invitation. Either one was appealing, and the idea of sharing them was beyond my wildest dreams. I giggled and called Monica if all of this stuff was normal. “Look, I did some digging, and they don’t work on ads too much, Trina. When they do, these guys go all in with their expenses, so enjoy it. They’re gorgeous too!” She whistled on her end, and I laughed. “I’d have a hard time keeping my hands off of them, and I do mean both of them. Live vicariously for me!”
I managed to pack everything into the suitcases that they sent me as well as a few comforts from home. I needed them to feel like I was still myself since this was like a dream. I set everything by the door and chose a soft pink dress with some sandals for the flight, along with a cardigan sweater. I slept fitfully that night and woke up early to shower and make some coffee. I dressed in my outfit as I stared outside and watched the city come to life as the sun rose.
I walked out of my apartment and locked the door as I took a deep breath. I rolled the large suitcase to the elevator and managed to fit the smaller one above it so I could toss my purse over my body. I went through my checklist in my head to assure myself that I didn’t forget anything and stepped out to the curb to see a sleek black car pulled up and waiting. The door opened, and Colton stepped forward, looking fresh in his black slacks and a buttoned up white shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck. “Good morning, Trina. You look lovely,” he looked me over as I stepped forward and got lost in his eyes. A man stepped out of the driver’s seat to put my luggage in the back and Colton gestured for me to get into the car with his big hand as I licked my lips.
Declan sat on my left, and I moved across from him as Colton moved back to sit beside me. It was a roomy car, but it felt small as the heat inside made me start to sweat. “You look beautiful,” Declan told me as I smiled and thanked him. He was dressed as his brother was but in a light blue shirt that brought out the blue in his eyes and I found myself staring at him for a moment. “Ready for some fun?”
“I am thinking of this as business, seeing that you’re paying me generously for this.” I hinted as I looked at them with a slow smile.
“We have a generous budget for marketing. It’s everything to a company.” I looked at Colton as he offered me coffee after that phrase. “We stopped by Starbucks. There’s black as well a cafe mocha and that caramel drink they serve. I always forget the name.”
“That one sounds good. Caramel.” He handed me a tall cup, and I noticed that the brothers had their own beside them. “Thank you.” I didn’t want to admit how much coffee I’d had waiting for this moment. We made the drive to the airport through all of the traffic heading to morning jobs. Once we cleared that, I was surprised to drive right through the gate and up to a private plane that was parked away from the bigger passenger jets. I was stunned since I thought we were flying commercial. “A private plane?” I squeaked as Declan grinned at me.
“Company perk,” he winked at me as I blushed and felt Colton stiffen beside me. He left the car first, and I watched as the driver and another man unloaded the trunk and got all of our bags into the plane before Colton held out his hand to assist me onboard. It was beautiful with large seats that were spread apart with something that looked like a room in the back. The plane would hold twelve people, and I looked around with a smile. “There’s a bedroom back there should you need to rest. It’s quite comfortable,” Declan said behind me as I turned to look at him. His eyes offered company if I wanted it and I stared at him before I felt a hand brush my lower back.
“Want to join me in the seats, Trina?” Their voices started to blend together, and I allowed Colton to take me to a place as I tried to catch my breath. We buckled our seat belts as instructed as I looked at Declan across the aisle from me as he sipped the coffee. The engine fired up, smooth and quiet until we took off a
nd soared into the sky. I gasped and felt a hand cover mine as I looked at Colton. “It’s a rush, Trina. We’ll even out in just a few moments, and you can breathe again.” His blue eyes comforted me as I leaned my head back and stared into his beautiful face for a long moment. He leaned closer to me, and I sucked in my breath as he brushed his lips against mine gently before pulling away. “Feel better?”
I realized that we were flying smoothly through the air now, and I swallowed. “Do you always use that trick to calm nervous flyers?”
“Not that I recall. Did it work?” Colton asked as I stole a glance at his brother. Declan had seen everything, and I could see that he was planning on upping the ante as my heart pounded in my chest.
“It was impressive,” I replied as I stared forward and took a deep breath. That was just a peck if that. What would a real kiss feel like?
We made the flight ion a few hours and soon were landing in Belize in a small airport. We’d made some small talk about the trip that was loaded with sexual tension, and I stood gratefully to step down from the plane. It was breezy and beautiful here, and my hair blew into my face as I looked around.
“I can’t wait to pull that hair when you’re crying out my name,” Colton murmured behind me as I felt my knees weaken. He chuckled and wrapped his arm around me to hold me steady before he assisted me down with Declan following with an intense look on his face. We went to a car that was waiting that whisked us away to a gorgeous beach resort. I couldn’t stop staring as we drove past beach after beautiful beach with scattered trees and flowers. It was amazing here, and I felt someone slip a hand over my thigh as I turned to see Declan grinning at me.