Page 96 of And Then Came You

“Like hell I didn’t. But you have to allow me to take one photo, however I choose, or I can’t give it to you.”

“There are prerequisites to the gift? What a gyp.”

“I think you’ll want this, too. Just saying.”

“Bribery at its finest.” Volleying her gaze between the box and her hands, she shrugs, offering a resigned sigh. “Deal.”

My heart leaps at her agreement, a smile splitting my face as I turn over the necklace to its rightful owner.

Her eyes widen when she flips open the lid, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise. “Oh my God, it’s beyond gorgeous.”

I have to hand it to the artisan; it is a beautiful piece. Four flowers form the focal of the piece, crafted from sapphires and diamonds, all interwoven with platinum. “I saw you admiring the one in the store window, so I had them custom design one with your birthstone.”

Tears brim in Lexi’s eyes as she hurls herself into my arms, squeezing me tight. “I never imagined I would own something like this. It’s perfect.”

I swear, I would give this woman the world if she asked. Hell, I’ll give it to her regardless of whether she ever voices the request. “I worried that you might have preferred the other one.”

“Never. You made this one for me. It’s the best one I’ve ever seen.” She clutches the box to her heart, a single tear rolling down her cheek. “Thank you, Sam.”

“And my gift, is the photo of you.”

“I can’t say no, now.”

“I know,” I smirk, sending her a flirtatious wink. I scoop up my camera, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

“I’m hardly dressed for photos, but I can change. Where would you like me, Mr. Bernard?”

I glide my hand along the smooth skin of her jaw and down the column of her neck, feeling her sharp intake of breath. “The bed… and you won’t be wearing anything but that necklace.”

“But—”

“A deal is a deal.”

“I’m not used to flaunting my form. Promise you won’t laugh at me?”

“Lexi, I’ve seen you naked before and that luscious body is no laughing matter. Let me show you how gorgeous you are. It’s about damn time someone did.” Tipping up her chin, I brush my lips against hers, smiling at the coo escaping her mouth. “You get undressed. I’ll set up the shot.”

Chapter Seventeen

Lexi

Itry to calm the frantic beating of my heart as I guzzle down a glass of wine. I’m about to pose—nude, no less—for Samuel Bernard.

Samuel Bernard, one of the world’s top models and most sought-after men, wants me to strip down so he can capture the beauty he claims I can’t see.

I’m not sure how naked photos of me will achieve that objective.

Pivoting in the full-length bathroom mirror, I examine my body from every angle, but all I see are the flaws. The imperfections. The very human parts of my anatomy.

Focus, Lexi. You can do this. He’s photographed all sorts of women. He’s seen all manner of flaws. You’re hardly the first woman with cellulite on her thighs.

Turning again, I suck in a deep breath, as the wine begins to calm my frazzled nerves.

Time to turn this around.

Focus on the good qualities.

What do I like about my body? Sliding my hands up to cup my breasts, I give them a squeeze. I have excellent tits. They’re perky and full and natural, for God’s sake. My waist is narrow, even if my hips are wider than I’d prefer.

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