Page 40 of Stolen

“Says the guy who’s happily in love.”

“Love is one thing. Being trapped with celebrities is another. And with digs like that?” Parker groaned again. “Next time, the lodge needs people to help them navigate Roanoke, tell them they can always call me, okay?”

“I don’t think Bradley would appreciate us cutting into his business.” I smirked. “The only reason he let me help this time is because his usual partner was on vacation. Hawaii, last I heard.”

“Stop. Talking about warm places fills me with rage. Especially dealing with this kind of weather.” Parker paused for a moment before he went on. “Okay. Crazy idea time.”

“Crazy idea time?”

“Are the guys doing another photoshoot today?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Can you sneak me in?” Parker beamed at the camera. “Give me a VIP pass?”

“You want me to video chat with you while on set?”

“Exactly.”

“I don’t know about that, Parker. I mean?—”

“Did they make you sign an NDA or something?”

“No, but still?—”

“But still, what? If you didn’t sign an NDA, you’re not even breaking any rules!” Parker pressed. “Okay, fine. If you can’t get me a VIP view, can you at least give me a glance at everything? I’m just trying to live vicariously through you for like, five minutes. That’s all.”

“Parker—”

“Please? Pretty please? Please!”

“Fine,” I relented, as I shook my head. “But you’re going to owe me one after this.”

“I will literally do whatever you want.”

“Welcome to the Splash Zone!”It was the first thing Tommy said to me, as I stepped onto the roof. I looked around, now realizing that all the athletes were in various types of swimwear. Diego and Chris were in brightly colored speedos that left little to the imagination, Andrew was wearing what looked like a surfer suit, with tight, black fabric clinging to his skin. And Keith was wearing a crop top with swimming shorts, his general vibe reminiscent of a rockstar in the 70’s.

I then noticed the huge buckets of sports drink spread out across the photoshoot area.

“Are we throwing liquid at people? In very cold weather?” I quirked an eyebrow in confusion.

“Throw the drinks. Get the shot. Wipe them off and heat them up before the next round of photos,” Tommy explained, as he messed around with his camera lens. “It’s supposed to be a branding thing. These drink companies aren’t looking for logic, just eyeballs on their product.”

Tommy nodded toward where the athletes were standing. “And nothing gets eyeballs on something faster than hot people drenched in something. Sweat. Water. Energy drinks. Whatever.”

“Got it.” I nodded back at him. “Have you seen Leo?”

“He’s around here somewhere.” Tommy shrugged. “Probably putting final touches on his plans for how everything’s going to come together—Oh shit. Speak of the devil.”

I turned my head, just enough to see Leo making his way onto the roof. He looked serious and determined, with a clipboard in his grip, like nothing was ever going to stand in his way.

Fuck.

It was kind of hot seeing him in boss mode, especially since I knew when he was with me, he had very little interest in being in control.

“Places people! Places!” Leo shouted, while cupping either side of his mouth with his hands. Tommy was soon by his side, setting up one of the main cameras. “We’re going to need everybody fully focused if we’re going to get through this without someone having a slip-and-fall incident! Or freezing to death!”

“If I freeze to death, cremate me, and send my remains to Tati,” Diego said, with a grin. “She knows exactly where I want my ashes to be spread.”

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