“Over there.” He flapped a hand in the direction of a man standing by himself with his arms crossed over his chest. He was easily overlooked, wearing a non-descript t-shirt and shorts in a sea of barely dressed models. He could have been an assistant with a sweeping glance. “Let me go talk to him, but I don’t think it will be a problem since they wanted it with two guys and a girl.” He waved off my concern.
Moving in beside me, Ryder watched as I took a couple of pictures of the water for the new angle. “What’s going on?”
Tilting my head toward him, I spoke quietly. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing. From where I was sitting, I could tell.” I shook my head. “I don’t understand why people keep hiring Lana. She only makes shoots more difficult. He wants you to look at her with adoration and love, and I told him it wasn’t going to happen.”
Ryder moved until his back was to the crowd so they couldn’t hear. “She was horrible to Parker this morning, making him feel like a worthless piece of shit. He can barely stop glaring at her between shots, and I…” He clamped his mouth shut, and his eyes got wide.
I let out a breath of frustration. “Let me guess. She’s been relentlessly hitting on you.”
He quirked a perfectly shaped brow. “How did you know?”
“Because that’s who Lana is. She wants to fuck you and be your girlfriend to further her career. I’m sure she’s noticed how popular you’ve become since your last shoot with her.”
Ryder’s forehead pinched together. He stared at me for a moment and then looked over his shoulder toward Lana. The moment she saw he was looking at her, she smiled and batted her eyelashes at him. Did she really think that would work?
“She’s delusional. I wouldn’t have anything to do with her if she wasn’t put right in front of me. What can I do to get her to leave me alone?”
“You’d have to be an asshole, and we both know that’s not you.” One shoulder lifted in an attempt to say, ‘what can you do?’ “I suggest trying your best to ignore her.”
The usual light in his eyes dimmed as he hung his head. “I hope I don’t get any more jobs with her.”
I did too because if I knew she was going to be there, I wasn’t sure I would be making any more trips to see Ryder.
Feeling bad, I stepped into Ryder and wrapped my arms around him to give him a hug. “Me too.” An idea popped into my head. “Hey, do you want to have a little fun while you wait?”
He gave me a half-assed shrug but said sure.
“Good, because this place is beautiful, and I want to capture some pictures of you here. I want you to go out until you can’t touch the bottom, and then I want you to start coming back toward me out of the water slowly. Can you do that?”
“Anything for you.” He dipped down again and brushed a sweet kiss to my lips.
He strode out into the crystal-clear water in only his tiny navy trunks. Looking over his shoulder, he called out. “Are you ready?”
I gave him a thumbs-up as I looked at the LED screen, my finger on the button, ready to take his picture. I could feel that we had everyone’s attention, but I didn’t care. By the time they were done, the lighting would be all wrong for what I wanted. These were for me and me alone. They’d be my spank bank material if they came out the way I thought they would.
Ryder disappeared into the water for only a moment, and when he reappeared, it was like a dream or a sexy commercial. He moved in slow motion; his eyes locked on me as my finger held down the shutter button. If we didn’t have an audience, I would have dropped my camera to the ground and jumped him. Water trickled down his torso, and my eyes were riveted on each drop as they moved down his body.
Snapping out of it, I ordered. “Push your hair out of your face.”
I saw a twinkle in his eye, but other than that, Ryder seemed unfazed as he did as I told him. The crowd moved in closer to watch, their shoot forgotten, and for a split second, I felt bad, until Ryder’s eyes heated and he bit his lower lip. My ovaries let out a sigh, and my sex clenched in need. Dear God, he was otherworldly; he was so gorgeous and perfect.
“Come to me. Large strides,” I commanded. I squatted down to get him from a new angle. I wished I had another camera to get him in at least one other direction.
Ryder walked to me like he was on the catwalk. My body rose, the closer he got to me. His stare was directed at me until he was right in front of me. Taking my camera, a smile danced on his lips, and when those dimples popped out, I was done for. One big hand reached out and grasped my waist, pulling until every inch of skin from my waist up came into contact with his. Dipping down, his soft lips found mine in the single best kiss of my life. It was the perfect mixture of soft and hard, passion and need with a dose of possession. It ended far too soon, and when Ryder’s lips left mine, I let out a soft cry. I wanted to pull him back to me, but when someone cleared their throat, the world that had disappeared suddenly came rushing back.
“That was fucking hot,” Parker whispered none too quietly.
A round of chuckles filled the air, further breaking the spell. Ryder and I pulled apart with his hand still on my hip. He handed me back my camera like the last few minutes hadn’t occurred.
“I’m sorry if that took too long, but I wanted to get Ryder in the water when the lighting was just right.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, young lady. It was perfect. In fact, I’d love to use the shots you took and what Rob got of the two of you for Romadi.”
I blinked back at the man Rob had said was the client. “I’m sorry. You are?”
“Carlos Antonio.” We shook hands as I stood there in a daze. “That was the most natural and insane chemistry I’ve ever witnessed, and we managed to get it all. I’d love to discuss buying your photos and paying you for—”
“You want to use us?” I blurted out, interrupting him.
“If you could have seen your…” Parker bit on his fist, making everyone laugh.
“I think I need to see these pictures before…it was a personal moment.”
“In front of a dozen people.” Lana rolled her dark evil eyes.
“Can we negotiate a price on your photos? Rob told me you’re a famous photographer.”
“I’m not really famous,” I argued.
Rob scoffed. “She’s being modest.”
It didn’t matter what I was; I took those photos for myself, and I didn’t want to share with the world. “I’m not a model and —”
Ryder stepped in, trying to help. “Why don’t you show her the pictures you took?” he looked to Rob. “You don’t have to have all the pictures, do you?”
Carlos’ brows furrowed for only a moment before he was smiling. “I guess that could work. A few great pictures are better than hundreds of subpar ones.” My eyes almost popped out of my head at his dig at Rob. Carlos had hired him for some reason. “If you agree, then I think we can be done.”
Rob turned toward Carlos in a frenzy. “With the entire shoot?”
“I think we got what we need if Lexie’s willing to give us what we want.”
I didn’t like the position they were putting me in. Did I say no, knowing the pictures of Ryder wouldn’t be as good and that he’d have to continue working with Lana? Or did I suck it up?
“Let me talk to Lexie for a few moments, and then we can figure this all out.” Ryder didn’t give them a chance to object. He pulled me over to my stuff on the rock and sat me down with my back to everyone. He sat in front of me with a soft look on his face. “What are you thinking? I can tell you’re not too happy about this.”
“I wish I would have waited until we were alone, but the lighting was perfect, and I got excited.”
Scooting closer until our knees were touching, he wrapped his hand around mine. “You don’t want to sell them your pictures.” It wasn’t a question.
“Those were taken for my private collection, and I’d hate to give any up.” I hadn’t even looked at them, but I knew without a doubt there wasn’t one I wante
d to part with, and I knew Carlos would want the best of them all. “I want this to be a successful job for you, and I know my pictures can make that happen.”
“I have no doubt, but if you don’t want to do it, I understand. How do you feel about them wanting to use pictures you’ll be in?”
A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “It’s no secret I’m not a model. I don’t want to hear the criticism of what others will think about my body or how we look together.” Tears stung my eyes, making me grit my teeth.
Taking my camera, Ryder turned it on and started looking through the pictures I’d taken. After a moment, he moved to sit beside me and angled the screen so we could both see. “These are phenomenal, Lexie.” He said my name with wonder, making my tears dry on my cheeks, and my lips tip up.
Leaning my head on his shoulder, I watched as he went through picture after picture. “You did all the hard work, I just captured it.”
“It was a team effort.” Wrapping his arm around me, Ryder pulled me against his side. “I told you, you should always be the one taking my picture.”
“You know where I am.”
“I know. Why don’t we go see the pictures Rob took? There’s no reason to stew over it until you see the evidence.”
“I guess you’re right. If I’m lucky, Rob’s pictures won’t be any good.”
Standing up, Ryder held his hand out to help me stand. “You’re going to look amazing in them. I know it and fuck what others say. Your body is perfect. I love that your body isn’t model thin.” Placing his hands on my hips, he leaned down and bit my earlobe. “Let’s do this.”
I could feel Lana’s glare the moment I stood up but chose to ignore it. At least this time, I understood the reason for her attitude. I wasn’t sure if she or Parker would be paid if they weren’t in any of the photos. Plus, she knew what being in more photos with Ryder would do to her career.
Rob was looking a little glum as we walked over while Carlos couldn’t stop smiling. It made no sense, but I didn’t have time to think about it. The second we were within reaching distance, Rob handed over his camera. He already had the first picture up and ready for us.
While I didn’t love looking at myself, I had to admit the shots were hot. Rob had taken amazing pictures of us, and our passion shone through as I flipped through each one. The only thing I knew was I didn’t want to give up any of them, but I was going to for Ryder.
“Why don’t you send me your pictures, and I’ll go through them tonight and decide which ones I’m willing to give up out of the bunch. Deal?”
“You can’t decide now?”
I cleared my throat. “Unfortunately not. Can you send me a link to look over them a little better if I give you my email address?”
Carlos let out a frustrated sigh. “We’ll make it happen.” Turning toward the crew, he clapped his hands together. “Alright, pack up. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.”
While they packed up, I went back over to my rock. I wanted to enjoy this magical place a little more. Once everyone was gone, I had plans for my young hottie.
After everything was packed up, Ryder slowly walked over, eyes shining. “You didn’t want to help pack up?” The twitch of his lips had me wanting to lunge for him and bring him down on top of me, but I refrained. It wouldn’t be long before we’d be alone. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” He bit his bottom lip as if he knew exactly what it did to me. “You look like you’re up to something.”
“Oh, it won’t be me who’s up.” My eyebrows rose at his heated stare. “I thought we could enjoy the water once everyone leaves.” Patting the area at my side, I asked, “Why don’t you have a seat?”
“Do you have a thing for me and the water?” He cocked one eyebrow in question.
He had no idea. Especially after earlier today. I was still all hot and bothered by reliving it through the pictures I took.
Rob and Parker made their way over to where we were sitting on the rock. They stopped a foot away and looked up at us. “We’re getting ready to head out.”
“We’re going to hang back and go for a swim before we leave.” Ryder’s palm resting on my knee gave me a little squeeze.
“Okay.” Rob drew out the word. “I look forward to hearing from you later tonight.”
As if he had to remind me. I gave him a tight-lipped smile, afraid that if I opened my mouth, I’d tell him I’d changed my mind.
“Relax,” Ryder whispered in my ear.
Only then did I realize that my body had tensed up.
Parker hung back when Rob returned to the group as they started to leave. A big cheesy smile grew on his face. “Do you need a third?” He wagged his eyebrows comically.
Not knowing Parker, I didn’t know if he was serious or not, but it didn’t matter. Threesomes were not my thing, and even if they were, I wasn’t sharing Ryder with anyone. Male or female.
Ryder threw his head back and laughed. “Get lost, Parker.”
Stepping away, Parker looked over his shoulder. “You two are no fun.”
No fun for him, but I couldn’t wait to be alone with Ryder.
14
Lexie
Ryder’s nimble fingers untied the top strings of my bikini top. Leaning forward, he flicked his skilled tongue across my already hardened nipple. I let out a breathy sigh from being wound up for so long. I was surprised I had lasted until now. My control had nearly slipped as I watched Ryder emerge from the water. I’d pushed it down for as long as possible and now I was ready to strip Ryder down and have my wicked way with him.
One long finger slipped inside my bikini bottoms and glided through my slick folds. “I love how wet you always are for me.” He groaned deep in his throat. “It makes my dick so hard.”
My lips trailed from his neck and over his collarbone before moving down. My fingers fell to the waistband of his board shorts and slipped my hands over his firm ass cheeks before I pushed his shorts down until they fell to his feet. My tongue swirled around his nipple once before I nipped it with my teeth.
He groaned, putting his hand on the back of my head and held me there. “You’re trouble. The best kind of trouble, my sexy Lexie.”
Ryder plucked the strings on the sides of my bottoms, letting them fall away. His fingers dug into my soft flesh as he picked me up. My legs immediately wrapped around his waist. One of my hands slipped into the longer tresses at the top of his head and pulled it to the side. My mouth found the column of his neck and sucked, licked, and kissed my way up. His piney scent infiltrated my nose. How did he still smell so good?
I nipped his ear. “I love the way you smell. The way you taste.”
Warm water hit my most sensitive places. I hadn’t even realized Ryder had started to move toward the water, I’d been so consumed by him. My lips found his, and as if he’d been waiting on me, Ryder took my mouth into a searing kiss. Our kiss deepened the further into the water we went. The water hit my shoulder blades, and we were both panting for breath.
One hand fisted in my hair and pulled my head back. His other palm skated from my neck down to my breastbone, pushing until I was lying back in the water. One hand on my hip and the other cupping my breasts. I’m tethered to Ryder only by his touch.
“Your hair matches the water.” He flashed his dimples at me. “It’s…you’re beautiful all the time, but like this, you’re ethereal.”
I wanted to say something. Do something. The look on his face, the way his eyes glowed down at me, I knew he meant every word he said. Before I could collect myself enough, the pad of Ryder’s thumb pressed down hard on my bundle of nerves and started to circle in rough strokes. My body bucked up out of the water. My inner thighs trembled with need.
My hands clutched his forearms as Ryder brought me to completion. My body jerked in the warm water with my eyes trained on his. Ryder’s eyes matched the water perfectly, and with the way the sun reflected back into them, he glowed like a devilish angel. Once the tremors f
inally settled, I closed my eyes and let the water and Ryder hold me. It was a warm cocoon of safety that I never wanted to leave.
This would forever be my happy place.
“Come here, pretty girl.” Ryder scooped me up out of the water and cradled me to his chest. It was as if he knew I was a boneless mess. As I lay my head on his shoulder, he rubbed one hand up and down my back. He swayed us back and forth in the water, bringing me down from one of my highest highs.
“You’re good at that,” I spoke against his shoulder.
He kissed the top of my head and rested his chin there. “At what? Bringing you to orgasm or soothing you?”
“Both.” My lips brushed his shoulder. “Why are you so perfect?”
His arms tightened around me. “My sexy Lexie, are you falling for me?” His voice was now a choked whisper.
Turning my head, my lips scraped against his neck. “Maybe. It wouldn’t be hard.” Sitting up, I looked at him. His face was soft and dreamy. “How does that make you feel?”
Ryder’s gazed searched mine. “So fucking good.” He chewed on his bottom lip with a moment of hesitation. “You know, there’s nothing wrong with falling for each other.”
Except we’d be apart from each other the vast majority of the time.
Instead of answering him with words, I cupped his face in the palms of my hands. Leaning in, I sucked on his bottom lip. I let my arm fall away from around his broad back. My hand skimmed down his side and reached down between us to brush against the velvety steel of his shaft. I loved the satiny feel of his skin against my fingertips.
Ryder sucked in a shaky breath as his hips bucked into my hand. “I need to be inside of you right now.” I stroked him up and down, squeezing his tip. “I’ll…I’ll pull out.”
Rising up, I placed the tip of his cock at my entrance and slowly sank down. God, I loved his cock and the way it filled and stretched me. We moved in a synchronized erotic dance. Our movements were fluid in the warm water. The more we moved, the closer we got to the waterfall.
The Model: A Workplace Romance Page 11