Page 84 of His Mansion

Melanie carried in the package she’d found on the front porch when she got back from her run. The parcel was well wrapped, and she brought it into the living room, excitement rushing her as she spotted the return address.

“What’s up?” He wandered down the stairs, wearing nothing but his jeans and total distraction hit. Reaching with one hand, she touched his chest and let him draw her in for a long, slow kiss that made her toes curl.

She was the luckiest woman in the world. Melanie released him, sighing with sadness as he pulled on his shirt and covered up all that wide expanse of firm male chest. She couldn’t get enough of him. Even having moved in together didn’t give her enough time to fully appreciate not only his body, but his presence.

How he made her feel inside and out.

The leaves on the trees had completely changed colour in the past week, and they were well on their way into fall. Outdoor climbing was over for the season, but she’d been working hard in the gym whenever Derrick was scarce, getting ready to share her surprise with him.

She shook the box. “This was on the top of the steps. Look who it’s from.”

Derrick swore lightly. “Nathan. Bugger it. Go on, open it up. Let’s see what he sent us.”

He tugged her toward the couch, and they sat, sunshine falling over their shoulders as she worked the edges of the paper open.

The wrapping fell away to reveal a fabric-covered hardcover rectangle. Melanie grabbed the handwritten note taped to the front and leaned against Derrick to read it with him.

Hey, Monkey.

You’ve probably been wondering what the hell is up with the article, etc. When I got back and went digging I found a few things I didn’t like. Kane wasn’t far off in his accusations, and Rave did have an agenda. It wasn’t mine, so I didn’t deliver the pictures I took. That kind of put me in breach of contract, making it simpler to quit, and that’s about all I have to say about that.

She’d have felt guiltier if they hadn’t already discussed the likelihood. “Oh my God, he quit.”

Derrick squeezed her shoulders for a moment. “It was always a possibility. He’s a big boy. Trust him, he knew what he was doing.”

Melanie nodded, but she still felt remorse for having been a part of Nathan losing a prime position.

My private project, on the other hand, rocks. As promised, final decision is up to you. I’ve made a mockup—done in private, so no one but me has seen it. No one will see it unless you and Derrick give me the go-ahead.

If you approve, I’ll work toward publication. If not, this book is for you to enjoy, my gift to you both in celebration of your courage.

I’m shooting freelance now and doing okay. I’ll drop in when I’m in the neighbourhood. You’re special people. Thanks for sharing your lives with me.

Derrick picked up the book and laid it across his knees, opening the front cover to reveal a full-page black-and-white photograph of Melanie. Shadow-draped, her naked body was silhouetted against a pale background. The strongest point of illumination highlighted her face and her eyes. Her attention was riveted on something before her, and the camera angle made it appear she looked directly at the viewer, demanding they see her absolute determination.

The title in plain font, black on white—Rising, Freestyle.

The dedication—To Melanie, who ascended from darkness into the light never losing the beauty in her soul.

Page after page of the most gorgeous and sensual pictures followed, tastefully done, but all downright erotic. Close-ups defining the detail of her neck, the curve of her buttock, the contrast of Derrick’s heavy thigh muscle against Melanie’s leaner limb. A loop of rope draped over her breast, the faintest shadow of the climbing wall with a marked route disappearing skyward in the background.

Derrick turned to each new offering with deliberate care. Reverence. Not only pictures, but simple one-line text accompanied the occasional shot, echoing the words Melanie had shared over the weekend away. Each one revealed a moment of pain, her struggles.

The need for time to bring healing.

The necessity of devoted friends.

The rediscovery of love—for herself and for another.

“This is incredible.” Melanie ran a finger over a close-up image of Derrick kissing her back. Firelight glowed, the hints of reds and yellows creating a mystic world. His darkness was somehow made deeper, her body ethereal and angelic in comparison.

And in spite of her scars, stunning.

Derrick pressed his lips to her temple. “Because you are, and always have been, beautiful.”

By the time they finished the book, tears threatened to fall as she appreciated Nathan’s sublime skill with photography. Understood what a gift he’d given to her, not only when he was there, but now through his art.

She looked up to see Derrick ignoring the photo book and instead staring at her.

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