Page 32 of Camera Shy

Maura is flawless. I bet her skin has never overstretched a day in her life.

I am marked. I am—

“Goddamn,” Finn says, interrupting my silently spoken assault. Watching his eyes through the mirror, I see they’re bouncing between my breasts. “Your tits are unbelievable.”

“You’re just—”

“Ah, ah. Hush.” He clasps his large hands around my shoulders. “Your breasts are perfection. They are full in all the right places and your nipples are my favorite shade of brown. So sexy. Thank God you’re not a client, Avery. These tits would make me act unprofessional in the studio. We wouldn’t want that, would we?”

I meet his eyes in the mirror. “Finn, did you just ask me another question I’m not allowed to answer?”

“Smart-ass.” He smirks.

“I really like your smile,” I say. The words fall out before I can stop them. He smiles wider, his perfect teeth and deep dimples on display in the mirror. The nerves begin to settle and I suddenly have the urge to reach behind me and feel his stubble. It’s clear Finn shaved this morning, but by nine at night, his five o’clock shadow is tempting. I bet it feels like ultra-fine sandpaper. Not enough to scratch me, but just enough to agitate my skin until it’s sensitive. It’d heighten my senses and make my skin so tender to his touch. I wonder how his cheek would feel against my thigh.

I wonder if Finn does that. Maybe he likes what Mason hates. He’s certainly looking at me in a way Mason never did.

“I really like your smile too,” he replies. He winks into the mirror. “And your tits.” Reaching around my body again, Finn trails his thumbnail between my breasts and down my stomach before he sinks his thumb into my belly button. My knees buckle, but I don’t fall because he immediately wraps his other arm around my ribs, securing me. “Whoops, you’re really ticklish. Sorry. Couldn’t help myself. I’m a sucker for innies.”

I would laugh at his playfulness, but at the moment nothing is funny. By some miracle, I am standing in just my underwear in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The lighting is wildly unflattering. The man behind me may be the best-looking human being on the planet and somehow…

I’m okay.

More than okay.

I am so turned on.

I suck in a deep breath, watching my chest expand and rise. I find my courage and say as firmly as I can, “Finn—”

“Hush, Avery.” His eyes snap to mine as he raises one brow.

“This is the last thing I’ll say, I promise.”

“Fine.”

“I’m nervous but don’t let me stop. Undress me all the way. I can handle it.”

As he slowly wets his lips, I’m certain my body catches on fire. “I was going to leave your underwear on. Your period and all.”

I allow my cheeks to flush crimson red. Ah, who the fuck cares? We’ve made it this far. “You’re just looking, not touching. Does it bother you?”

“Not at all. I just didn’t want you to be too uncomfortable.”

I scowl at him. Uncomfortable? We’re so far past uncomfortable. We’re at throw caution to the wind and let’s see what the hell happens.

I blow out a shaky breath, feeling bolder by the second. I ride the wave of my bravery before it’s too late. “Take off my underwear. Tell me what else you see that you like.” Lie if you have to.

Finn nods and squeezes my hip bone. His fingers tease the waistline of my black cotton panties. He has a sexy Midas touch apparently. There’s nothing impressive about this pair of plain bikini-style underwear. But now that he’s touching it, it’s the sexiest article of clothing I own.

Finn traces my panty line back and forth, teasing me as he talks directly into my ear. “Avery, listen to me. You’re beautiful. You’re worthy. Don’t you dare let any man treat you like garbage. Don’t let any man tell you you’re lacking. If he doesn’t see you as sexy, he’s not using his eyes.” He hooks his finger around my chin and guides my view so I’m looking into my own eyes. “But confidence starts with you. A man is going to treat you how you treat yourself. So please, for the love of God, act like a fucking queen.”

Everything is wet.

I’m turned on. I’m teary-eyed. This is the most intimate I’ve been with another human being in my life. I want him. Stupid fucking period…ruining everything. Maybe he doesn’t mind—

“I have to stop here.” He drops his hand, leaving my panties securely around my hips, and steps backward. Suddenly, my wall of support is gone and I’m holding my own weight.

I spin around in a huff to face him. “What?” My wide eyes must look accusing because he raises his hands in surrender like he’s trying to calm a wild animal he provoked.

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