Page 98 of And Then Came You

“I wasn’t ready,” I argue, my jaw slackening in horror. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”

“Exactly what you’re doing. Listen to the music and go with it. I won’t pose you. I want your natural sensuality to jump out of these photos. Believe you’re beautiful, Lexi, because you are.”

And just like that, I fall under his spell. I’m not sure if it’s the wine, his appreciative stares or the sultry music, but for the next several minutes, I embody the sex kitten seductress that I’ve penned so many times in my novels.

It’s the most fun I’ve had in years. Existing solely in the moment, all my inhibitions fall away, and for the first time, I truly feel sexy.

This time, I’m not just the woman writing the scene. Iamthe scene.

I pause to take another sip of wine, startling when the mattress sinks next to me.

Sam is as comfortable behind the lens as in front. Not that I’m surprised. The man accomplishes anything he sets his mind to and makes it look effortless.

“You never cease to amaze me. You’re a natural, Lexi. The camera loves you.”

“I don’t know about all that, but it was fun. Can I see the photos?”

“I’m not done yet.”

“The deal was for one picture and you’ve taken far more than that.” I settle onto a pillow, sending him a coy wink. Yes, the wine has caught up with me, upping the ante in the flirtation department.

“Lexi, I’ll fill up this entire card with photos of you.” He reaches out his hand, letting his fingers drift down the length of my body, before curling around my hip. “You’re my muse.”

“How is that? You’ve photographed some of the most beautiful women in the world.”

“You are not most women, Lexi. You proved that today. You shine far brighter than any woman I’ve ever known.” Those talented fingers dust along my stomach, and I release a purr of satisfaction.

“Is this how you end every photo session? By sleeping with the model?” I tease, tracing the line of his chiseled jaw. Truth is, I’m fairly certain it’s how he ends many of them, and who can blame the model? Samuel Bernard is sex personified, and if he looked at them the way he’s looking at me, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

I know I don’t.

“Why? Are you interested?” His eyes dance with mischief, his hand cupping my ass.

For a brief instant, my heart creeps into the moment, reminding me I’m in love with this man and if I continue down this path, I’ll wind up with a broken heart.

Again.

Thankfully, my head gets in on the action, chiding my heart for its romantic ideals and intimating that after so many lousy lays, I deserve an earth-shattering one. I’m pretty damn certain Samuel Bernard will deliver on that promise.

And that’s the only promise I’m looking for from him, with the exception that we always stay friends.

After everything, I finally understand how that’s possible.

“I might be convinced,” I offer.

“Don’t sound too excited.”

“Can’t show all my cards, Sam.”

He drifts closer, flicking his tongue across my nipple in a most unexpected tingle fest. “Lexi, you have yet to show me any cards, even if I have a pretty good idea what you’re holding. But I guarantee sleeping with you will be spectacular, even if it hasn’t happened.Yet.”

I roll onto my back, sending him a teasing smile. “Aren’t we confident? Who says you will?”

Sam settles his muscled frame over me, and I struggle to maintain my cool as those dark green eyes flicker with desire. “A man can dream.”

I stroke along his arms, tracing the outline of one of his many tattoos. “So can a woman.”

Our gazes hold for a moment before Sam claims my mouth with his own. This time, it’s neither aggressive nor searching. It’s possessive, owning every inch of me as his tongue slides against mine in perfect rhythm.

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