by Love Journey
“Can I grab a sandwich with you, then? Maybe I can look at some of your shots?” he said and shrugged casually. A grey and white button down flannel now covered his bare chest.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, unsure if he was up to something devious or not.
“I’m eating the chicken salad lunch box if you want one too? I’m sure you don’t want anything too heavy before the next naked session.” Feeling surprisingly comfortable in his presence, she wagged her eyebrows and laughed.
Daniel laughed out loud. “Oh, you’ve got jokes. Be careful, I like a woman with a wicked sense of humor.” He joined her at the buffet table, grabbed a box, and motioned for her to follow him. “I have a private room upstairs, let’s enjoy a little peace and quiet while I look over your shots.”
She quietly followed Daniel up the staircase, and they entered a cozy little green room on the second floor. It was comfortably set up with a small kitchenette, couches, a table, and a small shower room in the corner. After closing the door, he plopped down on one of the black couches, exhaling in comfort as he laid back and swung his feet onto the cushions. “Man oh man, I needed a minute off my feet. Whew.”
She hadn’t had many contracts where the celebrities ate with the help, so she was operating in new territory. Knowing that they didn’t have much time before they were expected at the new site, she sat their lunch boxes on the table and walked over to hand Daniel her camera.
He was still lying back, so she bent over to flick through a few pictures on the small review screen. She was talking and pointing to a picture she thought would be a good social media header when she noticed that he was not responding. She looked down and caught him staring at her closely. The faces were so close she could feel the breath from his lips against her cheek. They both were frozen in each other’s gaze. His lips parted, and he slowly searched her face. She could feel his stare like a caress against her flushed amber skin. In an effort to break the trance she cleared her throat and pushed the camera into his hands. Their fingers accidentally brushed in the exchange causing her breath to catch in her throat. She jerked away, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
Nervously, she pointed to the camera. “Just hit the back button and tell me what you like.”
His attention was focused on the review screen. “Sounds easy enough. Feel free to grab a drink from the mini-fridge if you’re thirsty.”
“Thank you. Do you want something?”
“Water please. These look good,” He clicked the button and turned the camera sideways. “I especially like the close-ups. Your camera makes me look good.”
Nope. I’m not touching that one with a ten-foot pole. “Mmm. The chicken salad is good. I love this deli because they put grapes in the recipe.” She slid his box over to him. “You should try it.”
He sat up and opened the box. Reaching inside he said, “Oh yeah? You better be right, because if not you owe me dinner.”
She peered at him and froze with her sandwich halfway to her lips. Thinking it over, she knew she couldn’t lose. “You’re on!” With a huge grin on her face, she took another bite and vigorously shook her head up and down. “Yum yum.”
He chuckled before bringing the flaky croissant sandwich to his lips and closed his eye as he slowly chewed the first bite. She waited for his analysis.
“Nice.” he nodded his head. “Damn I really wanted that dinner. I guess I’ll have to try a different way because I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t good.”
Her entire face lit up with laughter as she rolled her eyes, “You’re a mess!”
They finished their lunches and huddled over her camera for the next thirty minutes. They both relaxed laughed, talked, and enjoyed each other’s company until it was time to leave.
Once they reached Serras Street, they heard Bryson giving the crew instructions. The setting was ideal, and the sky was clear, revealing a warm, bright sun that would give good lighting to the scene. They were photographing him next to a small bridge, giving him a more serious and raw edge. The goal was to show a street side of Daniel to his public and give him a depth people might not have expected.
“Everyone in position! Let’s shoot!” Bryson yelled.
She focused her camera on Daniel as he positioned himself against the railing. Through the lens, she watched him search the crowd until his eyes landed on her. In a gesture far too personal for the photo shoot, his gaze looked past the camera and into her soul.
She snapped several photos of him deliberately pulling his lower lip between his teeth.
Gulp. I might be in trouble.
DANIEL
The photoshoot was a full day event, and everyone was hungry when it was finally over.
He had twisted and held his body in several positions he didn’t think were possible before today. And though his body hurt in places he didn’t even know existed, he had enjoyed the experience.
Diamond was a joy to work with and be around. She was professional and understood the demands of his career. At lunch, they had talked with such ease that he found himself sad when the hour ended. So when the production manager paid a visit to the set, he asked if he could speak to her privately.
Daniel had an idea to help his efforts of getting to know the cute little photographer a little better, so he pulled Denim to side for a private meeting about the schedule.
“A private island?”
“Yes, a private island would be the perfect spot for a video shoot and a little rest and relaxation. I need a break and want to look my best for the cameras.” He flashed that 200-watt smile he was known for. “A buddy of mine owns a 22-acre private island resort south of Key West. I’ve never had the opportunity to shoot a video there, and I think this would be a perfect time.”
“Hmm…opportune time huh? Don’t you mean an opportune place to seduce a pretty little photographer who shall remain nameless?”
His mouth fell open as he faked a look of surprise and placed his hand on his chest, “Who me? Seduce? I would never use a tropical island resort to win the affections of a stubborn woman. Can you believe she said that, Jose?” He elbowed his assistant, who was standing next to him. “I was merely making a business suggestion to a budget-minded production manager who I’m sure would appreciate the idea of a discounted use of an island location.”
She looked at him skeptically at first, and then her eyes lifted to the ceiling as she started calculating the savings in her head.
Seeing her interest, he continued, “Privacy, space for everyone, beautiful beaches…” he leaned forward, “and minimal rent.”
Her head dropped and pursed her lips. “Okay, but under one condition.”
“And what condition is that?”
“Don’t hurt her, Daniel.”
He started to say something, but Denim raised her hand in the air to silence his protest. Looking at him with concern in her eyes, she spoke softly. “I’m speaking as her friend and not your PR person right now, okay? Diamond is one of my dearest friends, and I would never set her up to be used by anybody, not even you. She is the real deal - genuine, kind, and sweet. She has been hurt before, and it took her a long time to recover, so I’m going to ask you to think twice about trying to sleep with her if you can’t commit. She deserves more than a one night stand.” After speaking her peace, she stood and extended her hand in his direction. “Deal?”
He stood, shook her hand, and looked her directly in the eye, “Deal.”
“Okay, get me the details, and I will send a scout to look at the location ASAP.”
“Done. And Denim? I’m not out to hurt her and will consider everything you just said. I appreciate the honesty.” He turned to leave the room after handing her the island portfolio packet that he had prepared in advance.
CHAPTER 8
DIAMOND
Later that evening, the entire team gathered for dinner in the hotel conference room and the nightly wrap-up news.
The hotel laid out a beautiful spread of mixed grilled kabobs with shrimp
, sirloin, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, scallops, and pasta.
After everyone was served and settled in their seats, Denim stood and tapped her fork against her empty wine glass. “Attention everyone. Congratulations, on a successful photo shoot today.” Everyone clapped and smiled at one another. “I have a special announcement. There has been a change of plans for our next adventure.” The room fell silent in anticipation of the unexpected news. “Our next event is changing locations. We’re going to Iris Key Island!” the production manager announced with excitement.
The room erupted in cheers as everyone reveled in the exciting news.
Denim continued, “To be more specific, we’re combining the video shoot with a little rest and relaxation. Everyone had been working so hard, and Daniel has put in twice the number of hours as the rest of his team. So the managers have decided to mix a little business with pleasure on the island of fun. We leave the day after tomorrow for three days total. Please make the necessary arrangements and enjoy your meal.”
More excitement rippled across the room. Diamond felt someone watching her and looked up to see Daniel staring at her. He sat quietly with his fingers intertwined in his lap, and somehow she knew this was all in his plan.
Nice move, Daniel. You think trapping me on an island will get you into my pants. Nope. Never. Not going to happen. Gulp…
DIAMOND
Daniel’s squad and the production team had flown into the Key West International Airport at 10:00am. Afterward, they chartered a small yacht to carry everyone and all the equipment to Iris Key Island. When they stepped off the ship, they were greeted with a beautiful tropical paradise. The sky was blue, almost turquoise, and so vivid that it seemed to be glowing. The palm trees swayed in the breeze, doing their own hula dance.
Paradise.
The flowers, exotic plants she didn’t know the name of, were the color of fire; red, oranges with splashes of golds and yellow. She could almost taste the salty ocean air.
Diamond took a deep breath of island air and smiled. The island’s owner had hired a friendly staff to help unload and escort everyone to their sleeping quarters. As they disembarked, the staff greeted everyone with a wave and bright smiles with the occasional “Welcome to Iris Island.”
She and her luggage were loaded onto a stylish golf cart and whisked off down a path circling the island. She was given a brief tour before being dropped off at her sleeping quarters. The island was shaped like a large teardrop, round at one end and narrowing to a point on the other. Sprinkled with large palm trees and tropical flowers, the landscaping was meticulously manicured. Wide sugar sand beaches circled the entire rim of the island. There was a long walking path down the center that led from one end of the island to the other, with smaller paths that branched off and led to each of the small private villas.
The brightly painted villas were strategically scattered along the shoreline, each with its own unobstructed view of the beautiful blue ocean. In the center of a lush garden was an open-air great hall beautifully decorated with white wicker lounge furniture and whirling ceiling fans. It too offered a 210-degree view of the sparkling ocean waters. The intricate kitchen bar displayed bowls of colorful fruits and vegetables.
This was truly an island paradise.
The golf cart pulled to a stop in front of a buttercup yellow villa with a white wooden wraparound porch. “The villa on the right is yours,” the gentleman driver said.
“The right?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s a double. Two connected villas. Another guest will be staying on the other side. Please allow me to help you take your things inside,” he said.
Before she could respond a male voice called out. “That’s okay. I got it.” Daniel walked out of the adjoining villa and down the steps in her direction. “Hey, neighbor.” He smiled from ear to ear.
Her mouth fell open as she watched him reach into the back of the cart and lift out her largest bag. She finally got her feet moving, exited the vehicle, and unloaded her other suitcases. “Thank you for helping me. So, you’re staying next door? I wonder how that happened.” Her eyes sparkled with laughter.
“Have a nice stay, Miss,” the driver said before pulling away.
She waved a goodbye and lifted her camera equipment case up the stairs toward her quarters.
Daniel returned. “I got it,” he said as he grabbed it from her hands and motioned for her to precede him inside the elegantly carved door. When she walked inside the view took her breath away. The cozy room held a magnificent ornate four-poster bed. The white bedding looked wonderfully soft and fluffy. But beyond the downy bed was an awe-inspiring view of an endless stretch of ocean blue.
She couldn’t look away from the view. “It’s so pretty,” she whispered walking towards the covered outdoor veranda. As she stood leaning over the wooden rail looking out across the water, Daniel came up behind her.
“Almost as beautiful as you.”
There was a certain hesitation in her eyes, and no matter what she felt, she couldn’t help the butterflies dancing her stomach. It wasn’t helping that they were in such a romantic setting. The sound of the ocean waves washed against the beach, and the sunlight sparkled around them creating a hypnotizing atmosphere. She felt a quiver of vulnerability.
“Daniel, I honestly don’t know what you see in me.” She whispered one of the many threads of doubt in her head.
He didn’t respond, only took a step closer and seized the rare opportunity. His hands rose to her cheeks, lightly touching them. There was an unasked question in his eyes. Maybe she really wanted this deep down, but the weight of her professional conscience was hard to ignore.
He closed the distance between them and swept her into his arms.
He pressed his lips upon her temple, then upon the dark arch of her brow. Each cheek received their share, but Daniel didn’t grace her lips with a kiss.
She opened her mouth to speak. He silenced her protest with a kiss. His sensual lips felt soft, like a promise that had long been waiting to be fulfilled.
“Beautiful,” he whispered against her lips, warm palms pressed against her cheeks.
Her puckered lips parted when she felt his tongue tracing their outline. A shiver traveled down her spine in anticipation of him breaching the opening. But he moved slowly and savored the mounting desire. Her eyes flew open when he sucked at her top lip, sending a bolt of electricity between her legs. A soft moan escaped her throat as her eyes fluttered closed in ecstasy.
She melted into his embrace, and he lost himself in her kiss. Slender arms wrapped around his neck while he pulled her body tighter against his own. They were closer than they could ever be, trapped in the allure that was their kiss.
Her body ignited with an internal heat as their tongues danced, explored, and teased each other. Their breathing came harder and faster with every nibble, suck, and plunge until she shook in his arms.
Bam, bam, bam. “Daniel! Are you in there?” Somewhere in the distance, someone was knocking on a door.
In surprise, she jumped out of his arms, not wanting to be caught in such a precarious position by their colleagues. What have I done? Her hand flew to her mouth, and a look of guilt crossed her face before she raced back inside her villa. Why didn’t she see that coming? She really hadn’t expected him to do that. She was flattered, out of breath, flustered and angry because she felt like she should have seen it coming or at least stopped him.
DANIEL
Left behind, Daniel stood still on the veranda and drew his bottom lip into his mouth - savoring the lingering flavor of Diamond on his lips.
“Daniel! Are you back here?” his assistant, Jose, called as he rounded the corner to the back of the villa. “There you are. We need to run through the choreography for tomorrow’s shoot.”
He rolled his eyes and took a deep breath to help steady his racing pulse. “Your timing is horrible, man. Damn!”
Jose looked around, saw no one, and shrugged his shoulders. “You don’t lo
ok busy to me.”
“Sometimes, looks can be deceiving,” he said as he descended the porch steps.
Kissing Diamond felt like coming home. She may not know it yet, but I hope that is the last first kiss I ever have.
CHAPTER 9
DIAMOND
Taking advantage of the free time and beautiful weather, Diamond decided to spend time on one of the island’s pristine beaches. So, she slipped her feet into a pair of flip-flops and grabbed her camera.
Everyone was busy, so she had the area all to herself. Diamond wiggled her toes in the sand as she overlooked the bluish-green ocean water surrounding the island.
Picture perfect.
She decided to take a few beach photos. She was finalizing the last touches with her zoom when she saw Daniel mysteriously appear through the lens.
What the… A surprised gasp escaped her. She gave him a dirty look and felt like throwing something at him for scaring her so badly. Fortunately, she didn’t have anything, or he would have been in deep trouble.
“Don’t scare me like that!” Diamond snapped, one hand grabbing her chest.
“What, now you think I’m scary?”
He took a step forward and closed the distance between them. Again, his eyes felt predatory on her and Diamond had to suppress the shiver that rushed down her spine. Why did he have to look so good? His Colgate-worthy smile and the little dimples in his cheeks were far too cute to resist.
DANIEL
Diamond looked like a cool glass of water on a hot summer day. She was standing on a small pristine beach in a coral sundress the stopped at her knees. The way she looked against the backdrop of the ocean took his breath away, so he couldn’t resist going to her.
It was early evening, and the sun dipped low in the sky. The soft, warm light, the caressing breeze, all worked together to create an air of romance.
“Let’s start back over, okay? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Do you mind if I join you? It’s peaceful here.” Daniel asked.