Page 44 of Infinite

Becca smiles. “Tootles interned at Vogue and has worked for the greatest in the business for years before branching out on his own. You’re looking at one of the hottest and most sought-after creative directors in the business.”

“Oh, stop it,” he says, turning to Becca. He eyes her up and down as if seeing her for the first time. “Hmm. Becca, I’m thinking you’ll have to get naked, too.”

And lose the purr in three . . . two . . . one . . .

“What?” she screeches, scaring the dogs.

I nod thoughtfully. “I like it,” I agree. “Fuck the linen pants.”

Tootles sucks his teeth. “I’m sorry, Hale. We’ll still do linen for Forbes. Becca’s right. You do need a little softening and nothing softens a man like linen and puppies.”

“I’ll bet,” I agree. “Now, getting back to me and Becca naked in bed…”

“This isn’t a good idea,” she says, speaking over me. “I mean, this is a very bad idea.”

“What’s wrong, Becks?” I ask. “Tootles here is a professional. Don’t you trust him?” I throw my hands up. “Don’t tell me you’re doubting a creative visionary with an unmatched reputation like Tootles?”

There was nothing better I could have said. Tootles places a very irate hand on his hip. “Is that what you’re saying, Becca?” he demands. “That you don’t trust me?”

“You know I do,” she answers Tootles, all the while glaring at me. “I just don’t know whyIhave to be in bed, naked withhim.”

Even the dogs look at me when she says it. Another man, a less confident and more self-conscious man might take offense. Me? I can’t stop my grin. “You’re worried you might not be able to keep your hands to yourself or something?” I ask. Her face reddens. “Damn. You are, aren’t you? Hey, Tootles, mind if I get a few digital copies when you’re done? When I’m old and senile, I want to remember this day when you and Becca saved my very naked ass.”

Both ignore me. “Becca, precious, the shot? The one we agreed we loved? That’s the money shot. You yourself said it should be the very last image Vogue readers see when they page through Hale’s journey. He’s pondering his infinite future, remember? Career, life, and yes, marriage and family, too. We don’t need to show your face, but we do need to capture your vulnerability to reflect his. It will cement his strength, his hope, his return, understand?”

“Yeah. Why aren’t you getting this, Becca?” I ask. “It all makes perfect sense to me.”

Becca loves animals.Lovesthem. But I think she might beat me with that dog in her arms before the day is through.

“You’ll lay across his chest,” Tootles continues. He plays with her hair. “We’ll cover your face. No one will know it’s you. But they will know the man holding you close.”

“Realclose,” I agree.

Becca lowers the dog. I half expect her to order it to bite my ankles. She doesn’t, thank God. “I don’t know about this, Tootles,” she says. “It’s not that I doubt your vision. It’s just . . .”

Tootles sighs all dramatic-like. I can’t blame him and almost mirror the sentiment. “I understand. It’s a lot to ask someone to capture and portray another’s vulnerability.”

She places her hand on her chest. “Thank you. That means a great deal.”

“Wait, one damn minute,” I protest. “This is the best idea I’ve heard in days. Don’t I get a say?”

“Oh, we’re still doing it,” Tootles assures me. “Don’t you worry about that. My creativity will not be silenced.”

“Excuse me?” Becca asks. “You just told me you understand.”

“I understand your concerns and fear about participating,” he tells her. “But that’s the shot we need. Hale needs.The world needs.”

“Are you using the dogs for this?” Becca asks, confused.

“Not for something as delicate as this,” Tootles says.

“Then . . .” Becca asks. “Where exactly are you headed with this?”

Tootles chuckles. “You’re not the only one with connections, my dear. Suzi Watertower just finished a week-long shoot with David Gandy. She’s recovering in a luxury spa just a few miles from here. I’ll call her.”

He lifts his sparkly phone, scrolling through his contacts.

“Suzi Watertower?” Becca asks. “The super model?”

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