Page 97 of And Then Came You

That’ll do. I’ll play up my assets and hide away the bits of me I deem unattractive.

Slipping on a robe, I pad into my bedroom, shocked by the transformation. Only ten minutes ago, it was a standard room. Nicely decorated with a comfortable bed, but nothing overly exciting. Now? It’s a den of sensuality, the lights low, candles burning everywhere, and pillows of all colors tossed onto the mattress.

I glance at Sam, who’s in the corner of the room, fiddling with some camera dials. He looks up, shooting me a smile. “Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be. I had to drink wine.”

“You didn’t need the wine.”

“Yes, yes, I did.”

“Where’s the necklace?”

I hold up the box with a laugh. “I’m a bit nervous and couldn’t fasten the clasp.”

Sam strides over, pulling the necklace from its box and slipping it around my neck. I wait for him to step back, but he slides his hands down the front of my body, loosening the ties of the robe. Retracing his path, his fingers glide up my skin, grasping the edges of the robe and letting it fall to the floor.

His breath hitches, but he doesn’t say a word as his hands continue their exploration. Bending close, I feel the smooth lash of his tongue against my neck, his arm tightening around my waist as he holds me close. “You cheated.”

A husky giggle rises from my throat. He’s right. Even though my g-string is barely thicker than dental floss, it still offers some semblance of coverage. “I’m ninety-eight percent naked. That’s close enough.”

Apparently not for Sam, as his thumbs hook my underwear, pulling it down my legs. “I want you a hundred percent naked.”

“But—” My body fires up as his gaze roves the length of me, and the man is anything but subtle in his visual exploration. Sam drinks me in, pausing on every area I had hoped to hide during our impromptu photo shoot.

Why am I surprised? Like everything else in our relationship, Sam won’t let me hide, and it doesn’t matter if it’s due to fear, embarrassment or resignation.

He wants me in the light.

“You’re so beautiful, Lexi,” he murmurs in my ear, his voice a heated whisper, as his hands splay against my back.

Just like that night at the conference, Sam makes me believe his words. His gentle caresses soothe my nerves, and I begin to embrace his vision of me.

If I can’t love myself, flaws included, how do I expect anyone else to stand a chance? Maybe this giant leap out of my comfort zone is just what I need. The proverbial kick in the ass, minus the kicking.

If I’m wrong, then at least I have the funds for copious amounts of therapy. I giggle at the idea, earning a curious look from my photographer. “Sorry. I’m a bit out of my element. Like several thousand miles out of my comfort zone right now. How do you ever get used to people ogling your naked body?”

Sam focuses his gaze on the camera, but I see the sadness wash over him. “You don’t, because most people only see the body. The face. The tattoos. Definitely the flaws.” He draws closer, his fingers running along the side of my face and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “But every once in a while, you find someone who seesyou. It’s rare, but when that happens, it’s the most freeing experience. In that moment, you don’t just feel beautiful. Youarebeauty.”

I swallow some more wine, feeling the last dredges of uncertainty flow from my body. Sam knows me better than anyone. He’s seen me at my worst and loved me, anyway. Even when I appeared on his doorstep, broken and bloodied, he didn’t turn away. Instead, he made it better.

Made me better.

Now, he has a new mission: ensuring that I see myself through a clean lens, not one muddied by verbal and physical abusers.

He knows I’m owed that chance.

More importantly,Iknow I deserve it.

Grabbing my phone, I turn on some music. Hey, I’m on board this crazy train, but I still require some props.

“Good song,” Sam remarks. He’s still fiddling with his camera, but I catch his gaze slipping in my direction every few seconds.

“Glad you approve. This is what I play before I write those spicy as fuck sex scenes. What better way to set the mood?” Flipping onto my stomach, I rest on one elbow, sending him a saucy grin. “You’d better get that machine working soon, buddy, before I lose what little nerve I have.”

Actually, I’m shocked at how at ease I am around Sam, considering I’m clothed in nothing but the necklace and a slight flush.

“I’ve already taken several photos, Lexi.”

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