Page 67 of Faking It

With those thoughts sobering me a bit, I focus on work. When I’m done with the editing, I upload the photos to my website, then check my email.

And my jaw slackens.

The hell?

I stare at the screen, willing my eyes to make sense of what I’m seeing. Ten booked jobs in one day? Usually, I’d be lucky if I got one in a week. This is weird. Good weird, but I’m still cautious. Something happened to cause this sudden incline. For some reason, I doubt it’s a coincidence. Did someone recognize me somehow?

When I first launchedGideon Cain Photography, I decided on the anonymous route. Nepotism had been following me all my life, and I wanted to reap success off my own merit. Discovering that fine print, however, made me realize how important this is. If he finds out I’m running a company (as small as it is right now), he’s going to take it, too.

It’s terrible enough that this precious home is at stake. I can’t afford to lose my company. I’m just getting traction. Just feeling a slight sense of accomplishment.

I hope to God it’s not what I fear. Fingers crossed, my low budget Ads actually paid for once, and I’ve hit my target market. Or, a former client has a very influential word of mouth. Or I’m finally getting a reward for being a good boy.

When filming began, I’d arranged the photography calendar to avoid any clashes with the movie schedule, but even so, I didn’t imagine it would be this full. I’ll be working every day for the next month. Hardly any time left to scratch my head, but what the heck. I’m getting paid. One step closer to my goals.

Goal one: clear my debt and get Dad off my back.

Goal two: get my company off the ground, hire a small team and lease that studio downtown.

There’s a third goal in mind; one I’ll keep tucked in a hidden folder for now. When the time is right, I’ll work on ticking it off my list, too—

“Hey. You got a minute?”

The chair spins on its wheels as I whip around, startled by Ana’s sudden voice behind me. Her calm voice clashes with the agony on her face.

“For you? Of course,” I hear myself saying. “Are you okay?”

Stupid question. She’s definitely not okay. Moving closer, I see the redness in her eyes and the slight quiver of her lower lip. Her arms snake around her waist as she hugs herself. A faint sniffle flies through her nose.

“You mentioned burdens earlier, when we were heading over to my place,” she begins. “And I saw that lightness on your face when you opened up to me. I know it wasn’t easy, and I haven’t been the nicest person to you, yet you trusted me enough with that information.”

Staring, I wait for her to go on.

She lifts her head, staring directly at me. “There’s something I need to confess.”

Chapter 25

Ana

Throughout my shower, I battle with the decision, knowing it could ruin what I’ve been working hard to build, wondering if it’s worth telling. Gideon baring his soul was a trigger, yet should I follow in his footsteps? Can I trust that my secret will be safe with him, too?

For seven years, I’d carried this burden. Seven years of watching my back, wondering if my past would catch up with me, fearful that I’d face chastisement if someone found out what happened on that god-awful night. Seven years of worry piled up, weighing on my shoulders. I need to shed it. Right now, Gideon is my only option.

It’s weird how we’ve come full circle, from me being afraid of what I thought he knew to being wary of him finding out what he didn’t know to now, where I’m actually getting ready to tell him myself. I’d laugh about it if only the memories of seven years ago weren’t back to haunt me.

They follow me out of the shower, linger around me as I dry off and slip into an oversized shirt that I’d bought with me. I dry my wet hair as much as I can, yet it hangs damp over my shoulders as I step into a pair of cotton panties. The memories trail behind me as I search for Gideon, hoping he’s not asleep.

It doesn’t take long to find him. Soft music coming from a half-opened door pinpoints his exact location. I gently ease the door forward, taking in his powerful shoulders and the muscles in his broad back. His head leans slightly forward as if he’s concentrating on whatever’s on that screen.

A slight step forward erupts a flood of emotions inside me. My body quivers from the onslaught of fear, panic and worry. I could turn back right now and forget what I’m about to do. Save myself from being judged, or worse.

No, I can’t.

It’s time.

I clear my throat, but Gideon doesn’t budge. “Hey, you got a minute?” I call out, surprised that my voice sounds so calm. Gideon whips around, his startled expression settling when he sees me.

“For you? Of course,” he replies at once, triggering flutters in my stomach that battles with the terror coursing through me. “Are you okay?”

---