by Candace Shaw
A ringing startled them both as their heads turned toward the kitchen. Frowning, Brooklyn tried to remember who she’d assigned the unfamiliar ringtone.
“That’s my cell phone,” Chase said. “That’s why I’m here. I realized I’d left it when I was in the car.”
“Oh,” she chuckled, sliding out of his arms in embarrassment.
“I’ll go retrieve it.” Wearing a half grin, he trekked to the kitchen.
“Right.” She nervously ran her hands through her hair, which was somewhat tangled from Chase’s fingers rummaging through it. Now she was mortified for assuming he was back to finish what they’d started earlier not to retrieve his cellphone. Had she jumped too soon? She honestly didn’t feel that way, but at the same time where could a relationship with him go? He lived in Memphis, and she had no intentions on moving back home.
“Got it,” he said, sliding the phone into his pants.
“Okay. Um … sooooo …” She was back to the awkward stammering and not sure why. She didn’t feel as if she’d made a mistake, but at the same time perhaps it was too soon. “You have your mixer thingy.”
“I do, but should we talk?” he asked, crunching his forehead and stepping toward her.
“It was a great kiss, and we haven’t even been on a date yet.”
“True, but considering you don’t live here perhaps going on a date would be out of the question.”
A mischievous grin spread across his face. “So are you saying skip the dating part and have fun with each other? Like friends with benefits?”
“No. I’m a grown woman. I don’t play those kinds of games with my heart. I’m saying let’s take it slow and …”
“Forget about the kiss right now and continue getting to know each other?”
Geez, this reading my thoughts is kinda creepy. “Something like that, but I don’t regret what happened,” she replied sincerely.
“Neither do I,” he stated, kissing her tenderly on the forehead. “That’s for the agreement.”
“No problem,” she replied, opening the door before she changed her mind.
“I’m glad I forgot my phone.”
“Me too.” She paused, not wanting him to leave. “Drive safe.”
“I will,” Chase answered, his eyes lingering on her face. He ran a caressing finger down her cheek before turning on his heel and heading to his car.
After he left, Brooklyn raced back to her studio and plopped down in the chair at the work table. Her eyes were immediately drawn to Chase’s picture in the middle of her photo collage. For years she’d fantasized about her dream man in general, and it always ended with her thoughts on Chase. She could now add mind-blowing kisser and strong enough to hold her up to the list. She looked forward to finally learning about the man in the picture after all this time, but her heart cringed at the fact that in a few months, he would be back in Memphis.
And she missed him already.
Chapter Four
“Wow. These are fascinating pieces,” Brooklyn commented as her eyes scanned over Kameryn Monroe’s latest glass art collection which was being featured at Now That’s Art Gallery in downtown Brunswick. “Thank you so much for inviting me for a private showing.”
“Anytime. Besides, I want you to photograph them for my interview with Art Gazette Magazine. I know they have their own photographer, but mine is better.” Kameryn winked as they continued to stroll the marble floor of the mezzanine level of the gallery used for special collections.
“I appreciate it. These glass art animals are gorgeous. I’m still intrigued at the process you and your team undertake. Heck, I could barely make the balloon animals for my nephew’s birthday party.” Brooklyn studied a glass cheetah hanging from the ceiling with support cables. His piercing green eyes and attack position were almost too real, causing a shiver to run down her back. “They’re so life-like.”
“They’re all the same exact size as the real thing. I wanted them to be as authentic as possible, so my team and I did a plethora of research on how the animals move, their habitats, personalities, etc. We went on a safari tour in Africa to witness the animals up close and personal … well, from a safe distance of course. It was a thrilling experience. It’s a part of a documentary we shot that will be on repeat when the exhibit opens.”
“You never cease to amaze me.”
“Thank you.” Lifting her braids up, Kameryn secured them in a ponytail with the scrunchie from her wrist. “I can’t wait until next week’s public viewing even though I’m freaking out.”
Brooklyn lightly chuckled for it was the fourth time Kameryn had taken down her hair in the past ten minutes. Her nerves were indeed showing. “Girl, why? Your work is known all over the world for the past decade. You got this, my friend.”
“I know, but I have jitters before any new collection.”
“That’s to be expected, but trust me, everyone is going to love these,” Brooklyn stated, eyeing two baby elephants with their trunks hooked into a heart. “I can’t wait for tomorrow’s shoot.”
“Me either. The other reason I invited you here is because I have a business proposition for you.”
“Another one?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to do a book with my glass art creations. My manager thinks it’s a great idea and I agree. I would love for you to be the principal photographer for the upcoming collections.”
“Oh, wow. When do you need me to start?” Brooklyn asked, racking her brain of what she already had on her schedule for the rest of the year.
“Well, the Animals of Africa and Animals of the Rainforest collections will be featured in museums and botanical gardens for the next year as well as some other collections starting soon that be will scattered around in various places. Some of them I will attend the preview or private showings, so I’d definitely want you at those with me if possible. I’ll provide travel and lodging so you don’t have to worry, and of course I’ll pay you nicely. I’m hoping you could perhaps weave it into your schedule throughout the year. I know you have your duties at Precious Moments, and I understand that comes first so I’m willing to work around your schedule because I want you to say yes. At the most, you’d probably be gone for a few days out of the month. I’d need everything complete by the summer for a November release according to the publisher. You don’t have to let me know now. Think about it, but please say yes.”
Brooklyn let the words soak in, realizing this was the type of opportunity she’d been searching for. She’d grown tired of photographing weddings and other events, but always looked forward to photographing outside of the box. Helping to create a book of Kameryn’s glass art creations was a start in the direction she wanted to veer toward in her career.
“My schedule is somewhat lax with Precious Moments right now because it’s not wedding season so that won’t be an issue. And I don’t need to think about it. I’d love to photograph the book for you.”
Kameryn clapped. “Perfect. I’ll have my assistant contact you so you two can set up a travel schedule, and she has some of the dates for the showings starting after Christmas. My manager is working on a contract for you as we speak.”
Brooklyn cracked a smile. “So you knew I would say yes?”
“As a matter of fact I did … or at least prayed you would. The last few times we’ve spoken, you expressed needing a change. And here it is. When the idea was brought to me for the book, you were the first person I thought of. Besides, you’ve shot photos of my in-the-making documentaries and they’re exquisite. I want to include some of those as well.”
“Thank you, but that’s because of your creations. I honestly can’t believe this is happening.”
“No problem, Brooklyn. That’s what friends are for. I’ll have my assistant send you the contract. If there’s something you need to change or aren’t sure about, feel free to let me or her know. I want my photographer happy.”
“Well, I’m happy with even being considered. I know you work with quite a few photographers.�
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“True, but I think this would be ideal for you. Oh, and you’ll be ecstatic to know one of the places I would like to do a shoot is the Botanical Gardens in Memphis. I have a glass art flower collection that has been there since this spring, but it’s being donated to a cancer treatment center in the next few months.”
“Well, you know I love anything Memphis.”
“You can visit your family at the same time.” Kameryn glanced in her assistant’s direction who’d tapped her watch. “I hate to run, but I have a fitting for tomorrow’s interview. I’ll text you pictures of the outfit choices so you’ll know in advance even though I’d be happy in jeans and a T-shirt,” she said, glancing down at her current attire. “I hope you enjoy viewing the rest of the collection.”
“I’m sure I will.” The ladies hugged before Kameryn scurried off with her assistant down the spiral stairs of the museum.
For the next few minutes, Brooklyn toured the glass art animals in amazement while taking note of the angles and lighting of the museum to verify if she needed to bring in more lights for certain areas. Of course Kameryn would be in some of the shots, and Brooklyn knew her casual yet chic style would blend nicely with the collection.
Later on that afternoon, Brooklyn perused the pictures of the outfit selections for tomorrow’s interview and museum shoot. She wasn’t surprised at the chambray flowy dress, the sleeveless leopard-print dress that would showcase Kameryn’s toned arms from years of glassblowing, and ripped black jeans with a T-shirt and a pink blazer to top it off.
A tap at the door of her studio jerked her head from the pictures and onto the handsome face of Chase Arrington who leaned casually on the door jam. He wore a crisp pair of jeans, a tweed, blue sports jacket, and a gray scarf wrapped around his neck. She’d called him moments before to inform him the backdoor was unlocked and to meet her upstairs in the studio when he was ready.
“Hey there, my friend.” He said it with a knowing gleam in his eyes.
Trying to keep her voice steady and her eyes from roaming over his fine physique, Brooklyn pretended to play with her camera which was already set for the shoot. She had to remind herself she couldn’t jump him like she wanted to and kiss him until it drove them both insane. “You’re in time for your photo session, my friend,” she said in the same manner as him.
Sliding the scarf from around his neck, Chase slung it over the chair next to the door and continued to stroll into the room.
“Catching a cold?” she asked, nodding toward the scarf.
“Addi said it went with my outfit and slid it around my neck this morning stating I needed to be dapper for my first day.”
“How was your day, Professor Arrington?”
“It was good overall. My first class started at eight so they were half asleep but they woke up when I mentioned the timed pop quiz.”
“Geez, already?” she asked with a slight wrinkle of her nose.
“Just wanted to see what they know. It’s their first law class. The grade won’t count, but they’ll have the same exact quiz again at the end of the semester.”
“I do not miss pop quizzes or early morning classes. I tried to schedule all of my classes after nine and never on a Friday.”
“Makes sense. Three day weekend.”
“You know what?” She tapped her chin, glancing at the scarf. “We could use the scarf.”
His eyebrows rose into a wicked pause and a sinful smile graced his face. “Oh really?” Chase approached her workstation table where she stood on the opposite side and leaned over it toward her until his lips were seconds from hers. “What did you have in mind?” he asked in a low, seductive voice.
Everything that I tossed and turned over last night. “Nothing in the gutter, that’s for sure.” Okay, I’m lying. “I meant we could snap a few pictures with it on. Gives you a charismatic look.”
“Too bad because that’s not what I was thinking.”
Ignoring his statement as her cheeks filled with heat of possibly being tied up, Brooklyn swiped her camera and motioned for Chase to follow her to the gray backdrop. “Have a seat on the stool and we’ll begin.” She placed the camera on the tripod and turned to find out why he’d stopped.
“I see you have a photo collage.” He strolled over to the wall and immediately pointed to the picture from his twin brother’s wedding. “With my picture in the middle. Nice to be the focal point.”
Brooklyn silently chastised herself for forgetting to remove it or at least move it to another spot. “Don’t flatter yourself. Your picture isn’t there on purpose. That’s where it ended up.”
Chase flashed a sarcastic smirk and proceeded to sit on the stool as Brooklyn snapped the picture. “If you say so, but I know otherwise, and I am flattered.”
She turned the camera around to show him the photo. “Perfect. We’re done. You can leave now,” she stated sarcastically. “I’ll send you the bill.”
“My eyes are closed.”
“I can photoshop them on,” she teased. If they continued with the flirting she was sure enough going to end up with her lips right back on his.
“All right, I’ll stop. Let’s get serious.” Chase placed his hand under his chin, then on his lap. “What position do you want me in?”
A sinful smirk spread across his face, and what was left of Brooklyn’s willpower continued to fizzle away.
She glanced at the picture on the camera screen and realized the indoor background wouldn’t work for the vision in her head. It may be a bio photo for a college website, but she wanted it to have some pizzazz. Plus, being in close proximity with him and the subtle innuendos were wreaking havoc on her concentration. “You know what? It’s a lovely day on the island, and I think a picture with an outdoor background would be better.”
Walking to her workstation, she slipped the camera in its bag and grabbed her olive green blazer from the back of the chair. After slinging the bag and the jacket over her shoulder, she headed to the door. Turning toward Chase, who wore a curious grin etched on his face, she opened the door. “Let’s jet out of here. We’ll take my golf cart to the Village Pier. We can take pics by the water and the brick background of the lighthouse would be nice. I’ve done some wedding photos there.”
“Sounds good to me,” he said, joining her at the door. “You don’t trust yourself, huh?”
“Nope,” she answered honestly.
“Me either.”
“Don’t forget the scarf.” She winked, tossing it to him.
“And yet we keep flirting with each other. I don’t think where we are matters, but I do agree with the change of scenery for the picture.”
“I guess we’ll go with your ‘what happens will happen naturally’.”
“I believe it already is.”
*****
“That’s right. Show me what you’re working with,” Brooklyn sang in a joking manner while Chase switched poses under the lighthouse in the Village Pier. “You’re a natural. The camera loves you.”
“Nah, I think that’s you,” Chase answered, winking and chuckling as she shook her head in the negative.
“In your dreams,” she quipped, snapping a few more shots.
“You’ve been there. You don’t remember?”
“Boy, bye,” she answered, smacking her lips and clicking another picture.
Brooklyn had indeed been a woman he’d always admired from a far, but now that he was finally getting to know her, Chase was kicking himself for not asking her out eons ago when she lived in Memphis. Though at the time he was younger, and the thought of a serious relationship wasn’t something he wanted as he focused on his career. He knew he shouldn’t become attached to her because he would be returning home at the end of the year. However, he couldn’t help it, and now that he’d finally had a chance to kiss her, he wanted nothing more for the opportunity to do so again and again. He did agree with taking it slow considering it could be a case of infatuation; however, the way her eyes brightened when she stared at hi
m lit up his heart in a way it never had.
Chase had stayed up half the night imagining her warm lips kissing him with the same vigor she’d bestowed upon him in real life. Kissing her luscious lips and hearing her beautiful moans of ecstasy on his mouth stirred an ardent emotion in his spirit he couldn’t shake. He was pleasantly surprised when she grabbed him by the collar and placed the unexpected, sensual kiss on him before he could do so. While he’d returned for his cell phone, when she opened the door and stared up at him with hazy eyes, his first thought was to snatch her to him and sample her pouty lips.
“Tilt your head up a bit.”
Chase snapped out of his daze of staring at her lips, and followed the instructions … or so he thought, but her face scrunched into a frown.
“No, place your chin down a tad and look at me.”
“Like this?” he asked, placing his chin down and staring straight ahead.
Brooklyn strode to him and placed her hand gently on his jaw. She was in his personal space and her subtle touch along with her sweet scent aroused him. The way she turned his head slightly toward her, Chase thought for sure she was going to ravage him again with her succulent lips which were perfectly parted in a kissable pout. He certainly wouldn’t hold back even though the area was full of people walking the sidewalk along the water. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold in the restraint he’d promised himself. Brooklyn was the kind of woman he would want a long term, possibly more relationship with. However, he knew she was happy with her life and career on the little Georgia island.
“Just like that, and give me a smize.”
“A smize?” he questioned, wrinkling his forehead. “That’s a word?”
“Yes. It means smile with your eyes. Tyra Banks coined it on America’s Next Top Model.”
“Ah … I see.” Pausing, he eyed her thoughtfully while his mind captured them in an intimate position. “Okay, so am I smizing?”
“Perfect,” she whispered, drifting her eyes over his face while a provoking smile of her own emerged as if she had a hunch of what he was thinking. “Stay posed like that.” She slid her hand away from his jaw and straightened the scarf before returning to the camera resting on the tripod.