Page 26 of Picture Perfect

I could almost see the wheels in Greg’s head turning, grappling with what Shane was offering. “You’re ruining her life, man, and you know it.”

“You’re ruining my business.”

“You know I’m not. There are plenty of people out there willing to pose for you in whatever way you want. Not Ivy, but lots of other women and men.” I could see the reluctance in Greg’s eyes, but I could also see defeat. He knew he was done before it had even started. He’d asked for money first; I only hoped he’d agree to Shane’s terms as I felt my heart lighten in my chest.

“I’ll do one last shoot for you too—for free. A solo shoot, just me. You just have to promise to leave Ivy alone.”

So Shane Sanders wound up being my hero that day…but I knew that didn’t mean we weren’t still over…and I wasn’t willing to let my heart hope.

* * *

“Five. Four. Three. Two. One…Happy New Year!” On the flat screen TV on the wall, the big flashy ball in Times Square stopped moving as the next year began. I had known Shane wanted to be there in person, considering New York was now his new home, but his arms around my waist lifting me up to kiss him told me he was okay watching it on television.

I’d been sure that, having given up such a huge amount of money and then, on top of that, agreeing to pose for free when he was such a hot commodity nowadays and could have named his rate…well, I’d been sure that I’d never see him again. He’d made a huge sacrifice for me and basically made my life livable again. No, actually, more than that. It wasn’t just livable now; I was going to thrive.

But then this morning, after most of the holiday baloney had passed, Shane called. He asked me how I was doing and I reciprocated…but then I expressed my deepest gratitude, assured him that what he’d done was, essentially, save my life as I’d known it, preserved all my hard work, made it really mean something, kept it from going to waste. I’d never be able to repay him.

I expected him to ask why I had been ready to whore myself, but I think he understood. He must have known, because I knew he hadn’t gone to Greg’s with money and willing fist for selfish reasons. But Shane never asked. Maybe he knew something about me I hadn’t known myself.

He’d said, though, that he wanted someone to spend New Year’s Eve with.

So we sat in a crowded night club, dancing and having more fun than I’d had in ages, and we talked a little about our futures. Shane was contemplating the west coast, maybe dipping his toe in the acting waters, and I…well, I wasn’t sure. I had to decide where I wanted to begin my professional life.

Just before we had to start counting the ball drop flashing on the big screens over the bar area, Shane had asked, “Have you ever thought about teaching in California? Lots of schools there…”

I hadn’t been able to respond because we were counting down to January.

But after the entire swarm of people yelled “Happy New Year!” along with us, Shane picked me up and swung me around, kissing me like his life depended on it.

Once he placed my feet on the ground, he asked me again, this time louder as the noise in the place had risen another level. “So what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Moving to L.A. Teaching there? Have you ever considered it?”

I shrugged a little. “I actually hadn’t thought much about it. I mean, sure, I thought of different places across the country where I wouldn’t mind locating and definitely had my eyes on particular schools I was interested in but…since this whole thing with Greg, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” I took a breath and pondered the thought. Without someone like Shane, I didn’t think the big city would appeal to me, prestigious school or not. With him, though, I could imagine myself anywhere. But I wasn’t sure what he was asking—if that was even a possibility—so I said, “I guess maybe.”

And then he blew me away. “What if you were moving in with your new boyfriend?”

My smile was tentative and I didn’t even notice when Shane began whisking me away from the throng. I looked up at him, afraid to hope. “I suppose I would definitely consider it.”

“I told you I’m moving there soon, right?” I nodded. He stopped walking and pulled me close. All I could see then was his face, the sincerity in his eyes; he was the only thing in my world, in spite of the lights and noise surrounding us. “It’s been one of the weirdest times of my life, Ivy, but I want you with me. I know there’s a lot we don’t know about each other still, but I want to discover you. I want to have someone who understands me, someone who respects me and cares about me as more than just a sexy guy.”

I cocked an eyebrow. Shane was more than just a pretty face. After all I’d been through, all the stress, I knew I was willing to take a chance on a guy who was probably a sure thing. Suddenly, I was ready to finish my dissertation and look for a place to settle—now I wanted to find that dream job. Did I already have my dream guy? I was willing to bet it all on Shane. But I felt light and flirty, and so my next words were teasing. I cupped his jaw in my hand. “What makes you think I don’t objectify you? Maybe you are just a sexy guy to me.”

He grinned, letting me know he knew better. He kissed me then, one that consumed me and reminded me of why Shane and I were combustible together. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.” He kissed me again and then glanced around as I felt something swell between us. Mmm. This guy always got my juices flowing, and I was beginning to suspect that feeling was mutual. Shane glanced around. “In fact, I’m ready for you to take complete advantage of me right now.”

Feeling devilish, I snaked my hand between our bodies and rubbed my hand along his swollen shaft. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”

Shane kissed my neck before whispering in my ear. “Lead the way, madame.”

I felt his tongue on my neck and then opened my eyes. Surely, there was some out-of-the-way spot in this place where a couple could get off…I’d just have to find it. But it would have to be a place where no cameras were allowed.

And I knew Shane and I would likely have this kind of chemistry for life. I led him by the hand around the place and knew that the rest of my life was likely to be picture perfect—and hotter than hell.

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