by Wendi Zwaduk
“I’ve expected a lot out of him in the last twenty-four hours. I’m moving at breakneck speed like I always tell you not to do.” She blew out a long breath. “If whatever happened with Austin is meant to happen again then it will. If not, I’m not out much. Until then, I’m not moving on assumption. If he wants to be with me then he’ll decide when he’s ready.” Although saying those words out loud didn’t reassure her. She knew Austin. He could talk a great game and fuck with the best of them but being honest with his feelings, he sucked.
The blond model opened the door between the parts of the suites. “Ready for us?”
Molly pasted on her best smile. She didn’t have much choice. She’d been given the opportunity of a lifetime and refused to screw it up because she was too wrapped up in her nearly non-existent love life.
“Sure am,” she replied. “Get the others and get dressed.”
Chapter Nine
Austin marveled at Molly’s ability to get the models to work with her. He’d just finished listening to them all complain about having to work with a new photographer, but when she’d told them what to do and how to pose, they’d cooperated. If he wasn’t mistaken, the blond kept undressing her with his eyes. Austin’s possessive streak reared its ugly head. He wanted to step between Molly and the blond specimen. But what in the hell was he going to say? She’s mine. Not hardly. He’d fucked that up before the relationship had had a chance to start.
“Okay.” Molly motioned for Austin. “You’re up.”
He clasped his hands in front of his cock. She had no idea how right she was. The thin boxer briefs weren’t going to hide much of anything and if she kept grinning and waving her ass, he’d lose his shit.
“Austin?” Iris strolled into the room. “I see it’s your turn.”
“Yes.” Molly nodded. Tension filled the space and she winced. “Did you have suggestions? I saw the list.”
“I do.” Iris shrugged out of her robe. She stood before them in nothing but a pair of skimpy panties. “I was thinking some couple photos would enhance the overall feel of the shoot.”
He nearly choked. Jesus. Iris wasn’t lacking in the looks department. She could walk the runway with ease and fancy clothing worked on her lithe frame, but her attitude was the killer. She knew she had the goods and wasn’t afraid to show off. Then there was her belief everything and everyone belonged to her. He wasn’t her toy.
Who was he kidding? He’d treated the women in his past like playthings. Once he got bored, he moved on. Except with Molly. She’d been the one to hold his attention and how had he treated her? If he managed to get her to tell him she loved him again, he’d never leave her side. Talk about a big if.
“Of course.” Molly’s smile faltered for a split second before she regained her composure. “We’ll do those first.”
Austin shuddered. Fucking hell. He didn’t want to pose with Iris. He wanted to be with Molly. Modeling wasn’t his best idea. He belonged in the damn office with Molly, working on jingles and how to best sell sliced bread and peaches, not whatever he was about to do with Iris.
“Austin.” Iris snapped her fingers. “You stand here.” She tugged him over to the bed and eased up behind him. She wrapped her arms around him and gazed over his shoulder. “Snap this. It’s sexy.”
“Yes.” Molly nodded, but her smile never wavered. She crouched behind her camera. “Looks good.”
God, she was skilled at lying. He tried to appear as if he enjoyed Iris’ hands on his body, but the emotion wasn’t there. Iris had too much makeup on, too much perfume and her touch didn’t draw out the bone-deep need within him like when he was with Molly.
“Is this good?” Iris wrapped her leg around Austin’s and ground her crotch against his ass. “I love it.”
Austin wished he could’ve seen Molly’s expression, but she hid behind the camera.
“Well?” Iris growled. “Don’t you talk?”
“Iris.” Austin glanced back at her. “She’s concentrating. If you want these to be right, then you’ve got to let her do her job.” Christ. How in the hell this woman remained the head of her company and a force in the business world blew his mind. She demanded everything and thanked no one.
“We need to get this done. I’ve got other things to do before I can relax tonight.” Iris swatted his butt. “Like you.”
“I’ve got a slew of that pose and have room on the memory card for a few more,” Molly said, interrupting Iris. “Did you have any others you wanted to do?”
“That’s better and yes.” She shoved Austin onto the bed. “Turn around and sit up, darling. This’ll be the coup de grâce photo. Ultimate sexy and great for selling panties. Now shoot it from the side and make sure you get me in the best light.”
“Sure.” Molly ducked behind her camera as Iris arranged herself on Austin’s lap.
Iris draped her arms around Austin’s shoulders and straddled him. The bones in her butt dug into his thighs. He bit back a groan. Iris did nothing for him, but when he caught sight of Molly his dick reacted. She licked her lips then tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He wanted to trade Iris out for Molly. Hell, those pictures would be sexy because he’d have the woman in his heart in his arms.
“Ooh, you’re hard for me.” Iris leaned forward, a whisper away from his lips. “So hot.”
“Iris?” Molly touched Iris’ arm. “May I rearrange you a bit? Just to fix the composition.”
Iris narrowed her eyes. “How?”
“Well, you want sexy, but you’re not permitted to have nudity in your catalog—not as much nudity as you’re willing to show. Melinda let me know in no uncertain terms in the email.” Molly moved Iris’ arm. “So, if you move just a little, the viewer still knows you’re topless and about to have sex with him. We just won’t see your breasts.” Her voice cracked on the word ‘sex’. “It’s tasteful but steamy.”
Austin met her gaze. He wanted to apologize and beg her to forgive him. Molly slipped behind the camera again. He had no idea how she managed to get through the shoot, especially when he wanted to scream and get the hell out of there. She maintained her composure so well.
“Jesus, she’s demanding,” Iris hissed. “These had better be the best fucking pictures or I will so fire her.”
He ground his teeth to keep from replying. If he did, he’d say something he’d regret and he wouldn’t do anyone any favors.
“That’s better,” Molly said. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” Iris rubbed against his crotch. Something burned in her eyes—passion? Desire? The need to fuck? He wasn’t sure and didn’t want to find out.
Austin held still until Molly snapped the last shot. She’d used harsher lighting than the last time and his shirt stuck to his back. He needed to move and strip out of the shirt, but not with Iris in the room.
Melinda opened the door a crack. “Iris? You’ve got a call. The California office has some questions I can’t answer.”
Iris crooked one eyebrow. “Fine. Send the boys back in, but don’t let Austin leave.” She climbed off his lap. “I’ll be right back, baby.”
‘Baby’. Fucking hell.
“I’m almost done,” Molly said. “A few solo images with Austin and we’ll be out of your hair.”
“Fine.” She waved her hand and snorted. “Clean up and get the hell out, then.” Iris sashayed out of the room and disappeared into the adjacent suite.
Austin fell backward on the bed and groaned. When in the hell would the day end?
“That was interesting,” Remy said. “And one of the most awkward things I’ve ever witnessed. Would you like me to start cleaning up? Or what?”
“I have to do some solo work with Austin.” Molly sighed and shook her head. “I just want to get this over.”
“The magic isn’t there.” Austin stood and crossed the room to her. “Rem? Can I have a minute? Maybe lock the door to the other suites and check out the balcony. It’s a nice balcony.” Austin fought the urge to reach
for Molly. “Please?”
“Sure.” Remy flicked the lock to the adjacent suites then broke out in a fit of laughter. “I don’t care what you do, just don’t get caught.” He disappeared onto the balcony and tugged the door shut.
“You didn’t have to kick him out.” Molly twiddled with the camera. “He’s harmless.”
“I’m not worried about him,” Austin said. He toyed with a lock of her hair. “But the magic only happened when it was you and me.”
“True.”
“I don’t want to do this alone.” He slid his hand into her back pocket. Just touching her helped to right his world on its axis. “We need to talk.”
“We need to get this done.” Molly eased away and turned her back to him. “Over and done.”
“Molls.” Her curt tone cut him deep. “I’m sorry.” He deserved a tongue lashing from her but still. He wanted things to get better, not worse.
“You’re following your dream.” She scratched her forehead then nodded to the clothing on the table. “I believe she wanted you in the black shirt and gray shorts. You’re supposed to look like you’re spending a lazy afternoon with a book. Did you bring your glasses and a book?”
“No.” He’d had enough. “I’m not doing it.”
“That’s helpful.” She rolled her eyes. “Iris could come back at any moment. We need to do what she wants, so I can leave.”
“Don’t.” He wasn’t ready to give up on the special connection they shared. “Where’s your phone?”
“In my bag,” she replied. “Why?”
Austin whipped his shirt over his head then retrieved the phone from her shoulder bag. “If we’re going to do this, I know what images should be captured.” He tucked Molly to his chest. “The theme should be a lazy afternoon with the woman he’s seeing.” He couldn’t say the word love and not out loud just yet. He sat on the edge of the bed and dragged her onto his lap. “Straddle me.”
“Austin—she could walk in at any time.” Molly collapsed onto his thighs and faced him. “What are you doing?”
“She won’t. If Remy locked the door then she’s stuck over there.” He brushed her hair from her face and cupped the back of her head. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I will.” He breathed in her scent. She was his drug and he needed a fix. “Take this off.” He toyed with the hem of her shirt. “Please? She won’t walk in on us and Remy isn’t watching.”
Molly hesitated then yanked the tunic over her head. Her hair fell around her shoulders and her skin flushed. She covered her chest with her arms.
“You have no idea how much you turn me on.” He curled his fingers under her chin and angled the phone to take a photo.
“Austin.” She tensed again. “What are you doing?”
“Taking the photos that were meant to be in this campaign. Pictures for later.” He dropped the phone long enough to arrange her arms around his neck. “Better.”
“I don’t know how these are better.” Goosebumps rose on her skin. She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times but didn’t say anything.
“Babe, your idea for this campaign never involved a ton of models or an overzealous owner sticking her nose in. It was always meant to be intimate—two people or maybe one—but very everyday and casual.” He brushed his nose against hers. “I get it.”
She tugged the hairs at the base of his skull. When she met his gaze, his heart shattered all over again. She was holding on to her restraint with the thinnest thread. One more pull and she’d come apart. He refused to do that to her.
“I want these pictures of us because you’re very important to me. I don’t care if no one else sees them. What matters is that you know how I feel.” He kept his gaze fixed on hers and tugged her closer. He pressed the button to capture the moment over and over. Molly didn’t fight him. She bowed her head and closed her eyes.
“Show me the innocence, babe.” He’d use up the memory card in her phone before he quit taking pictures of her. “Let me see your sweetness and the sexiness you want to hide.”
“Austin.” Her lips parted and her voice cracked. “I meant what I said. I love you.”
Hell yeah. He mashed his mouth on hers and pushed between her lips. He needed to taste her. She made him complete. He splayed his hands on her back and held her closer. His life wouldn’t be the same without her.
“Oh fuck,” Remy shouted.
Startled, Molly broke the kiss. Her eyes widened and the color drained from her face. “We’ve been caught.”
“No, but you’re about to be.” Remy locked the balcony door then ran to the main suite door. “Get dressed,” he growled.
Molly scurried off Austin’s lap and yanked her shirt back over her head. “Stretch out on the bed and hide that.” She nodded to Austin’s erection. “Please?”
“This isn’t over.” He crawled onto the bed and rested on his belly. He didn’t have his glasses but he grabbed the newspaper anyway. “Go for it.”
Molly shoved her phone into her back pocket then grabbed her camera. She moved around him, clicking away. She gripped the camera tightly. The worry lines etched around her eyes.
Fuck. He’d added to her stress.
“Three, two, one…” Remy darted out of the way as the door to the suite opened.
Iris gripped the front of her robe and notched her chin in the air. “Time to vacate.” She strode up to Austin. “I’m sorry, baby, but you’re going to have to go, too.” She patted his ass. “But you’ll be going with me tonight to California. I want to show you off at the movie premiere.”
“What premiere?” He knew nothing about a trip, or being her arm candy. “I can’t. I have to go to work tomorrow.”
“Correction. You’re accompanying me. As far as CDL is concerned, you’re no longer an employee. Ms. Neff? According to your boss, you’ve got tomorrow to finish my photo spread.” Iris narrowed her eyes. “Say your goodbyes to Austin. After tonight, he’s not coming back to Ohio for a long time.”
Iris sashayed out of the suite, leaving Remy, Molly and Austin alone. Austin stared at the door for a long moment. What the fuck had just happened? Say your goodbyes? He wasn’t going anywhere and certainly wasn’t leaving Ohio for a long time. Who did she think she was to order him around? He didn’t want to go anywhere, especially not with her.
Remy hefted the light bag onto his shoulder and ducked out of the room.
Molly tucked her camera into her bag then shut down her laptop. Although she appeared calm, her cheeks paled and a muscle in her jaw tensed. One more word from just about anyone and she’d blow her top. She didn’t deserve to be treated like shit. He had to do something to keep her there and to fix the situation. He couldn’t stand to see her upset. Beyond that, he couldn’t handle knowing he’d cut her so deeply.
“Molly, hold up.” Austin eased up behind her and massaged her shoulders. “Just…give me a second.”
“What for?” She placed the laptop into her messenger bag. “You got your wish.”
“No, I didn’t.” He slipped her phone from her back pocket and scrolled through her messages. He sent the photos he’d taken of them together to his phone. He wanted something to remember her by until he got everything straightened out.
“I have things to do and a life to lead. You’ve chosen your path.” She took the phone from him. “I don’t blame you. Ever since college, you wanted more than Ohio had to offer.”
“I didn’t have you.” He clasped her hands in his. “Babe, I messed up.”
“You went after what you wanted.”
“Molly?”
“I’m never going to be Iris—I don’t want to be, but if you need me, I’m always a phone call away.” She paused. The smile on her lips didn’t quite shine in her eyes. “Just don’t forget about me. Mistake or not, you’re my favorite.” Molly wriggled free of him and hurried out of the suite.
When she left, his heart went with her. Being with her wasn’t wrong, but letting
her stroll out of his life was and he’d never be the same. He shouldn’t let her go so easily but he’d done too much damage. If he kept pushing, she’d never give him another chance. Then again, she’d given in pretty quickly, too. Why? Because he’d hurt her so many times. He’d teased her in the past into thinking they had a chance at a relationship. Now that he knew who he wanted, he was in a tight spot with Iris. Christ. Was the world out to get him?
Austin raked his fingers through his hair and headed into the other suite. Two of the models had gone, but one lingered behind. Austin snatched his clothes from the bed and glanced at the guy.
“Did you enjoy the shoot?” Austin asked. He wasn’t sure what else to say to him but the silence was deafening.
“I did. I’m Clint, by the way.” Clint offered his hand. “I’ve seen more than my share of these circuses. I’ve posed for book covers, print campaigns, underwear campaigns for online venues and nothing was like this.”
“Oh?” Austin narrowed his eyes. Just try to tell me Molly did a bad job. You’ll regret it. “How?” He shrugged into his shirt and ditched the underwear in favor of his original boxer shorts. “I enjoyed it.”
“It was good. The photographer knew how to get the best out of us. Some can’t do that. She’s a natural. She’s also hot as fuck,” Clint said. “I heard you know her. Think you could snag me her number?”
“For professional reasons?” He stepped into his jeans and straightened to his full height.
Clint shrugged. “She could do my next set of headshots, sure, but I was thinking more along the lines of dinner and dancing. Somewhere hip, happening and with a throbbing base.”
“Unless you’re taking her to a metal concert, she’s not into throbbing base.” Austin yanked his socks then shoes on and stood. “She’s also not single.” Fuck you, asshole. She’s mine…once I get things sorted out.
“Huh. I didn’t get the in-a-relationship vibe from her. More the lonely, single and hoping to mingle one.” Clint waggled his eyebrows then frowned. “I thought you and Sommerville were a thing. God knows you suck ass when it comes to posing.”