Tell Me Something (The Something Series Book 1)

by Bondurant, Aubrey

  Considering any client would jump at this opportunity, Sasha assured her that she would be in touch the next day with the details.

  “So, Sasha. Haylee and I were going to make our way downstairs for happy hour. I’m newly divorced, and she is kind enough to reintroduce me to the single scene. Would you like to join us?”

  Sasha smiled. “I’d love to. If you could excuse me for a moment, I’m going to call my boss and let him know about this. Then I’d like to call my client.”

  “Of course. There is a conference room right out my door to the right. Please feel free to take as long as you would like. Haylee and I can discuss more about the scenes and a few other details.”

  Sasha smiled, mouthed thank you to me, and quickly went into the conference room.

  “You’re beaming like you won something,” Catherine remarked.

  “I feel like we did. She worked hard on this, and it was important that you saw that instead of merely doing me a favor.”

  “I can respect that, especially now having met her. Will you be comfortable doing the lingerie?”

  “I think so. I mean, I’ve done bikinis, and Bart is amazing at making me feel relaxed. Is Will going to be the model?”

  She smiled. “If he’s as great as you say, I think so. We are meeting on Monday. Also, Bart did get back to me. How does December twenty-third work for you? Sorry it’s so close to the holidays, but he’s coming into town to see family, so he’d like to combine the trip.”

  “That’s not a problem. I’ll check with Mr. Singer and confirm, but he’s always said he’d be flexible when it comes to modeling.”

  “Honey, I meant for your holiday plans, you have some right?”

  “Uh, yes, I have a couple options. I’m working that week either way though.” Shit I hadn’t even thought of Christmas plans yet.

  She sighed. “Well if you need me to talk to Josh about getting a day off, let me know, and I’ll have a chat with him.”

  I tried not to think of the irony of her thinking she’d have more pull than I would.

  ***

  It was obvious by the time we made it downstairs that I was not going to be the one who could show Catherine what the single life was like in New York City. Not only did I not know the city, but I also wasn’t familiar with how business professionals did happy hour.

  Sasha, thankfully, was more than willing to take the lead. And Catherine and I were happy to be her pupils for the evening.

  “Okay, first rule, ladies: never go to the bar right next to your work. Because guess who you will see there? Work people.”

  Huh, well that made sense.

  “Secondly, go to a bar that is next to a firm with a lot of successful men because they will simply go downstairs to grab a drink.”

  If anyone had self-assurance when it came to men, it was Sasha with her flawless porcelain skin, her pencil skirt, and her white blouse accenting her curves. Her killer stilettos appeared to be the icing on the cake. I had a feeling I could learn a lot from her when it came to self-confidence.

  When we entered the bar, I noticed right away the ratio of men to women was indeed in our favor. The décor was modern with funky light fixtures, chrome tables and a huge bar with colorful liquor bottles behind it. Mirrors were everywhere and although we stayed downstairs, it looked like there was an upper level. It was happy hour central with suits and ties everywhere.

  Sasha smiled at the bartender and held up three fingers.

  He obviously knew exactly what she wanted since he nodded and then pointed over to a high-top table with two stools. Within a minute, another stool was brought around and three martinis delivered.

  “Wow, that’s some service. You come here a lot?” I asked, impressed.

  Sasha smiled and then shrugged. “Enough, although I haven’t been out in a while. I like to bring my single female clients here as there is a big law firm upstairs. Lots of men.”

  Sasha nudged me under the table when I tried looking around. “Third rule of Operation Trolling for Hot Guys: we don’t look around. We are here for these amazing blackberry martinis and to talk to one another. We don’t give a shit about who is around us or how cute the men are. Let them come to you, ladies.”

  The rules made me giggle. We made small talk, and I realized that Sasha was actually quite funny when she was comfortable around people. By the end of the evening, I’d had a great time in the company of two dynamic, successful women, and Sasha had given her phone number to a hot attorney.

  ***

  It was late by the time I got home and sank into my bed. I lay there waiting for Josh, hoping he’d come by. Finally frustrated, I picked up my phone and texted him.

  “Had three drinks and miss you. I am home now in my lonely bed.”

  Fifteen minutes later my door opened. I sat up, watching him crawl into my bed.

  “Lonely bed, huh?” he queried, tucking my hair behind my ear.

  I stroked his bare chest. “Very lonely.”

  Reaching down, I cupped his thick erection in my hand and marveled at how soft his skin was while he could be so hard at the same time. He shifted and lifted me up so that I was on top of him and I scooted down and took his hard length in my mouth. I liked it when I could take him by surprise, and his deep guttural groan let me know he was enjoying it. I worked my way up, kissing his chest and teasing his nipples. Hovering over him, I aligned his erection to my wet center and took it one inch at a time.

  He took deep breaths with the pleasure. “I— Jesus, Haylee.”

  “I definitely like this position,” I hummed, now filled with him. I gasped with pleasure at how deep he was.

  The added bonus was the fact that he had access to my most sensitive spots and took full advantage of it. He rubbed my clitoris in slow circles and established a rhythm. As I was about to come, he took control, gripping my ass and thrusting up until we both went over the edge together.

  I lay on top of his chest, catching my breath. I loved the way he smelled and felt under me.

  “How was happy hour?” he inquired.

  “It was good. Sasha definitely has it down, and I think she will be good for Catherine.”

  “Hmm. Well, I heard something today from Brian. Seems that Sasha presented to Catherine today an idea for Delayne Diamonds to do the jewelry for this vintage spread Catherine is doing. Do you know anything about that?”

  “Surprised?” I asked, kissing his neck.

  He gently moved me off and tucked me into his side. “I was surprised, and then I realized I shouldn’t have been. You have a very business-oriented mind, Haylee, but I do have a question.”

  “Mm?” I was getting sleepy.

  “Did Catherine want Sasha to present, or was that exercise merely to make Sasha think Catherine wasn’t merely doing a favor for you?”

  “I think you know the answer. Sasha is proud, and I wanted Catherine to know that Sasha’s diamonds were going to do her shoot justice, that the whole idea wasn’t simply a favor to me.”

  “Why did you do this for her?” he questioned quietly.

  I was a little uncomfortable with the question. “Technically, it was for Gamble Advertising, but the truth is that I liked her idea during the meeting. She got shot down before anyone actually listened to her, and I didn’t like to see Warren bully her. Then this opportunity, well, it presented itself.”

  He brushed my hair back and kissed me. “You are special, Haylee. Not many women would do that for someone else, let alone Sasha Fierce.”

  “Huh, that’s her nickname?”

  Now it was his turn to look uncomfortable. “Not ever to be repeated, but it’s what Brian calls her sometimes. It’s a compliment, but I don’t think one she’d enjoy knowing he has for her.”

  “I think it is fitting, and they should be a couple.”

  He sighed. “No matchmaking. Especially in the workplace as it could be disastrous, which I know is totally hypocritical, but I don’t care. By the way, I hope you and Catherine don’t have
me as a subject of your conversations.”

  That earned him a swat. “Narcissism does not suit you, and no, neither one of us would ever gossip. One, it would make me feel disloyal towards you. And two, I’d feel guilty as hell regarding her since she likes you, and I really like her.”

  “Well, it isn’t the ideal for me to have you two be friends for that reason, but at the same time, she’s one of the best people I know in the city.”

  “Don’t you have someone you could set her up with?”

  That earned me a swat. “No matchmaking, Haylee, especially by me. I want no part of it.”

  “All right, no more talk of that. So the shoot is set for the twenty-third of this month. Bart called, and he can do it. I will check with Nigel about the day, but considering David’s surgery is two days after Christmas, they will be in town. He should be able to cover for me at the office.”

  “Shouldn’t be a problem. I believe Brian plans on being there at the shoot, so I thought I would be, too, if that’s all right.”

  As if I would say no. “Of course it is.” I wanted to warn him not to get weird about the wedding dress, but to hell with it, he would have to deal.

  “Who is the male model?” He inquired lightly even though I knew there was nothing light about it.

  “Catherine is going to interview a couple of candidates.” I didn’t want to reveal I had offered up Will until my hot Aussie friend had met Catherine and she had decided whether to use him or not.

  “So I guess now is as good as time as any to ask you what your plans are for the holidays. Are you traveling?” Josh asked.

  “I’m not sure yet. The Hastings, you know, my father’s former partner, invited me out to California. Nigel invited me to have dinner with him and David, and I have friends I can spend it with, too. A lot of options, but I’m not sure what I’m up for at this point.”

  That appeared to ease his mind a little. “I don’t want you spending Christmas alone, Haylee. I’ll be home in Virginia, but I could come back if you needed me to.”

  I fought the lump in my throat and the slight disappointment that he wasn’t inviting me with him.

  “Thank you. I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The next few days went by quickly as, in complete awe, I experienced the holidays New York-style. I had spent a day just marveling at all of the window displays and Rockefeller center’s tree. It truly was magical. It was almost enough to take my mind off of the first Christmas I’d spend without any family.

  I mailed off a package to my aunt and uncle and was pleased when the gift I’d bought for Josh, arrived in the mail. What did you get a guy who had everything? Something silly, I figured, not even knowing if he would reciprocate or when I’d get the opportunity to even give it to him. I’d hardly seen him this week as he had an engagement each evening pertaining to the holidays. Although I didn’t ask, I was pretty sure he knew it had been that time of month for me. It was unsettling that he’d know that, but considering this was the first mature relationship I’d been in, I guessed it was par for the course.

  I woke up early the morning of the shoot and headed out to the location of the studio. I was greeted by Bart, who was busy setting up his equipment, in the small intimate setting. The space was made up of one room with a smaller dressing room off the side. This setup would mean that Bart would be close, but so would everyone watching too. Seeing Gina put me instantly at ease as she had been wonderful with hair and makeup in the Bahamas.

  Will showed up and looked astounded to see me. “Haylee?”

  “Catherine didn’t tell you I was your partner, I take it.”

  He shook his head and hugged me tightly. “No, but she said that someone recommended me. How are you?”

  We caught up, and I was delighted to hear he was leaving in the morning to go home to Australia for the holidays to spend them with his family. Gina came over, assessing my face and nails, obviously ready to get to work. When Will asked about my plans, I hesitated slightly but then proceeded to explain that I was going out to California to visit with a friend.

  I watched Brian and Josh come in with Sasha. All of them had the same expression on their faces once they took a look at Will. Yeah, he was hot, and even though I didn’t seek to make Josh jealous, I could tell by his narrowed eyes that he wasn’t happy about my male counterpart.

  Will chatted on with me until Bart came over to show us the photos from the Bahamas shoot.

  I had mentioned the post-Thanksgiving modeling opportunity to Josh, but I hadn’t gotten into a lot of details, namely Will. Judging by the expression on his face he was none too happy to see the photos of the two of us from the Bahamas.

  I realized I was being rude by not introducing Will to everyone. “Sorry, Will, this is Sasha Brooks, Brian Carpenter and Josh Singer. They are all with Gamble Advertising and represent Delayne Diamonds.” Will shook each of their hands and I felt the growing unease at the way Josh was looking at him.

  Will didn’t help matters when he put his arm around me.

  “So you two know one another?” Brian questioned, looking amused.

  Will jumped in before I could form an answer. “Yeah, we met on the Atlantis shoot last month. We had a lot of fun that day and luckily we get to work together again, right Haylee girl?”

  Nodding, I mentally cringed at his term of endearment for me and stole a look at Josh. His lips were now in a firm line. I was saved from any more awkwardness when Gina took my hand and led me to my chair to get started on my hair and makeup.

  First up was the purple trapeze dress with my hair half up and half down and black platform shoes.

  Sasha approached, introducing Lucy, with the rep from Delayne Diamonds, and a man who looked like he was a bodybuilder, evidently hired to ensure the safety of the jewelry.

  Lucy draped me in the first set of diamonds after I had donned the dress and was ready for the shot. I was the girl standing against the wall at a party with a drink in my hand.

  “Great Haylee, give me a touch of lonely and insecurity as you scan the room,” Bart instructed.

  I scanned and swallowed hard when I saw Josh’s eyes on me. They didn’t give away a single thing.

  A few more pictures and poses with Will coming in to meet me, and then I was swooped off to get ready for the next shot.

  The date scene was a simple one with my cute floral print YSL dress. Will and I pretended to be at a small intimate coffee shop table and leaned into one another emulating the body language of a successful date. He made me laugh with his disaster story of a first date and before I knew it Bart called a wrap. Turned out just chatting with Will made it feel natural instead of like work.

  Next up was the black Givenchy gown. The scene was a romantic dinner for two at a fancy restaurant. My hair was mostly up and I was positioned so that the slit in the dress exposed my left leg, where I wore a diamond anklet and black stilettos.

  “Now that’s hot.” The voice had to be Brian’s.

  My face heated. Nothing like posing with an entire peanut gallery of comments mere feet away.

  The props people were still busy fussing with the table setup, so I opened the ring box to take a peek. “It’s absolutely gorgeous, isn’t it?” I said to no one in particular.

  Will glimpsed at it and kind of shrugged.

  Admiring rings must be more of a girl thing. Confirming that thought, Sasha and Catherine came over to take a look.

  “I have to get a peep, too. God, it is even better in person. Exquisite,” Catherine said, and Sasha nodded.

  Both Brian and Josh appeared uncomfortable when I glanced over.

  Bart called for the scene to start, and we were back to work.

  “Great body language, you two. Haylee, do you think you can give him a kiss? Make sure the ring is visible on the side of his face,” Bart requested.

  It was no a hardship to kiss Will, but it was certainly awkward with Josh looking on.

  Josh stepped aw
ay the moment the shot was over.

  The final scene before we broke for lunch was the bridal shower. For this I wore the pink Jean Desses dress that I’d met Catherine in. It was perfect for a fancy bridal shower. Lucy came in and changed out the diamonds while Gina put my hair back in a twist, making the look subtle with nude lips and pastels.

  “Okay, Haylee, make sure we see the ring. Play with the bow and look like you’re excited about what is in the box.”

  I did a few more shots while sipping on a mimosa and others while holding up a lacy garment.

  “Good, fantastic. That dress shows up well with that background,” Bart remarked. “All right, that’s a wrap on this one.”

  By lunchtime I was grateful we only had three scenes remaining. The lingerie scene was the first up, so I took my water and my fruit and regretfully stayed away from the sandwich and chips.

  “Man, Haylee, is that all you’re going to eat?” Brian asked.

  “You would stick to fruit and water, too, if they were going to put you in underwear for the next shot,” Sasha quipped.

  He took it good-naturedly and gave me a wink.

  I kept the robe on as long as possible before the next shot, but I had to remove it partially when the ring of diamonds was placed around my neck, all thirty-two carats of them. This was the most expensive piece and would set off the ice-blue ensemble in the scene for which I hoped Josh would not show up. I was not in luck, as everyone was already standing around mere feet from the bed.

  When Will took off his shirt and Gina gave him oil to set off his abs, I swear both Sasha and Catherine audibly gasped. I might have appreciated them myself if my secret boyfriend hadn’t been watching me watch Will.

  “All right, Will, sit up against the headboard and Haylee, you’re going to lie across his lap on your side. Light the candles. Let’s do this,” Bart said, instructing everyone to take their places.

  I swallowed hard at the intimate shot we were about to do and dropped the robe, refusing to look at anyone in the room aside from Will. The problem was that his appreciative look made me blush two shades anyhow. “Stop,” I whispered, embarrassed.