Page 34 of Colors and Curves

She pushes her hair away from her face and takes a deep breath. “I didn’t like how the other night ended. The last few days, I’ve been in a funk, trying to see both sides of the story. Not that I know much of your story or anything, but you know what I mean. Why I was annoyed; why you need to be secretive. I’ll admit it, I have major trust issues when it comes to men and that’s why I got pissed. I’m always the last one to know something. I refuse to be that woman again.

“Then you came along and… and you have trust issues too. But I didn’t understand why Daisy being your sister was such a big deal. Why not just tell me that from the second you knew who I was? Especially since I work with both of you. And your last name? Yes, we’re kind of strangers too, but we have a connection. And then, when we… well, you know…” She stops, her frustration obvious. “You know what I mean, don’t you?”Yes.She pulls on her hair. “Ugh. Why is this so damn hard?”

Help her out!“Because we’re both kind of clueless as to what’s going on between us? I’ve been doing a lot of thinking too, mostly about you. Hoping that we weren’t over when we’d only just begun. When I think too much, I buy more equipment that I probably don’t need. Incidentally, did I show you my new camera? I’m blaming it and this rug on you,” I tease.

“Haha.” She inches even closer. “Did you come to a conclusion about me? About us?”

I nod. “I don’t want to walk away and go back to living in my hole. I’ve felt more alive during the short amount of time I’ve spent with you than I ever have before. Regardless of my success in my career. This is a completely different feeling. You have to understand, this is totally new for me.” I rake my hands through my hair. “Yeah, I’ve been on dates, but I’ve never been in a serious relationship before. Those women didn’t mean anything to me compared to how I feel about you. As you can guess, expressing myself isn’t my specialty.”

“Hmm. You could’ve fooled me. I love the way you talk about us. But I know another way for you to express yourself.” She places her hands on my chest, reminding me again that I’m shirtless. She doesn’t seem to mind… her soft fingers trace my skin, releasing waves of heat in their wake. “You said you wanted me in front of your camera, and I’d love to see you in action. Photograph me. Not just my face. Show me how you see me through your eyes.”

What?!That’s not what I expected to hear.

I wrap my hands around hers and press my lips to them. “Are you sure? There’s no pressure. We have time. It doesn’t have to be tonight.”

She squeezes my hands in return. “I’m positive. But let’s do this quick, before I chicken out.”

“I’d be honored.” I look at her, then glance at the rug behind her. “I have an idea.” Her eyes flash, and I worry that she’ll change her mind. I try to reassure her. “Hear me out first, then let me know if it’s okay.”

“Sure. Tell me. I trust you.”

Music to my ears.

But why does it scare the shit out of me?

Chapter 17

Skylar

When I arrived and he opened the front door, I knew I was his. My heart fluttered like butterfly wings, and everything inside me lit up. And all that just from seeing his heart-stopping smile. He was dressed exactly the way I’d envisioned him in that fantasy the other day. His chiseled abs, hard pecs, and solid biceps made it almost impossible for me not to touch him. I’m proud of myself—I don’t think he noticed how tempted I was. Well, I did have to force my gaze to stay up top… Thankfully, Chance was there, as usual, to distract me.

Julius’s tattoo is magical. Who would think to put a huge tree tattoo on their back? I like that it’s black. I don’t like colorful tattoos on men anyway, but his explanation of why he chose the tree gave me a glimpse of his past. And the broken branch is so full of underlying meaning. Death of a relationship. He made it sound like his mom died. Does it represent her? Or did they have a bad relationship and he walked away… But then there was the story about that first camera.

Trees represent a fresh start and positivity. He seems to have taken advantage with his success, but he’s still fighting demons. I haven’t seen any real positivity. What’s holding him back? Daisy gives off more of an optimistic vibe. Man, he’s hard to understand.

And then he explained his idea… and here I am.

Julius returns to the studio and hands me a fluffy white robe. “Here you go,” he says. I brush my hand over it and can’t wait to snuggle up in it. It’s soft like kitten fur. I wonder if I can take it home. “Let me show you where the bathroom is.”

He leads the way, and I’m happy because I can admire his tattoo even more. His back is broad at the top and gradually tapers down to a slick V.

Squeak.

I glance back to see Chance following us, the toy I brought in his mouth. I swear, I love this dog. You can’t not be happy with him around. I certainly know why Julius loves him so much.

“Here you go.” Julius opens a door near the waiting area. I walk in and turn around to face him. He puts his hands on my shoulders. “Only down to what you’re comfortable with. I’ll be waiting in the studio.” His warm lips brush my forehead, and my pulse quickens with pleasure. I close my eyes and revel in his earthy, male scent.

“Gotcha. Just give me a few minutes. Are you sure you want me to wash my face? I don’t need any makeup?”

“Nope. Even though you don’t wear a lot, I want you as natural as possible. Keep the toe ring and any other jewelry.” He touches the diamond stud in my nose lightly.

I eye him curiously. “Hmm. Things have just gotten more interesting.”

“Hey! Who’s the photographer here?”

“You. Blah, blah, blah…”

He laughs. “Just do as I say. I promise you won’t regret it. There are fresh towels under the sink.”

---