Page 45 of Christmas Candy

“All right, Sadie. We’re done here. Go ahead and get dressed.” I smiled and gave her a small salute as another assistant hurried to her with a towel.

Turning, I walked to the makeshift tent we’d set up along the shore. Once in the shade, I transferred the images from my camera to my laptop. Some of the images had promise, but I wanted to get to the last set.Yes.Her expression was perfect, an enticing smile to match the rest of her. The very last photo was the right one, the light giving her an effervescence that translated perfectly through my lens.

“Anything noteworthy?” The magazine editor sat beneath the tent, filling his face with random bits of food from the craft table.

“I think you’ll find some keepers in here.” I saved the best shots to my hard drive for editing later in my office at home. I loved working with Jess in my lap or peeking over my shoulder. She always had great input on my photos.

“So, we’re done?” The editor asked and brushed coffee cake crumbs from his shirt.

I closed my laptop. “Yes. I’ll have the best shots to you tomorrow.”

“Good. You coming to Rio next week for that shoot?” He stood, his portly belly bulging over his belt. He was over fifty, but flirted with the models like he was my age.

Forcing a smile, I said, “Sorry. I can’t. I’m getting married in two days, then off to our honeymoon in Thailand.”

He coughed and shook his head. “Why would a young man like you be taking the plunge when you’re constantly surrounded with the choicest pussy?”

I stopped packing my camera and stared at him. “My personal life is none of your business, but I can assure you Jess is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m lucky to have her.”

He ran a hand through his thinning hair and looked at me over his sunglasses. “Son, here’s a bit of advice. There is nothing in this world better than strange, and model strange?” He eyed Layla, one of the models, as she cut across the sand next to the tent and lowered his voice. “That’s the best of all. Don’t go fucking it up by getting married.”

“Thanks for the input.” My hands fisted but I forced my fingers to relax before grabbing my laptop bag and camera. Showing him my revulsion wasn’t an option, especially since I wanted to get more work from the magazine. “I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”

“Okay then.” He grinned. “Think about what I said.”

I walked away, out of the shade from the tent and into the sun. “Will do,” I called behind me.

The sand was warm on my bare feet. It would have been a nice day at the beach if I’d spent it with Jess. Instead, I was beat and ready to get home to her. I checked my watch. She’d be done at her job in half an hour unless her crusty boss made her work late. Maybe I could make her dinner. I smiled just thinking of how surprised she’d be at a home cooked meal.

“Michael?”

I looked over my shoulder. Sadie was running through the sand to catch up. I slowed and glanced behind her where the editor stood, grinning at me from beneath the tent. Sadie wore a tiny pair of shorts and a white tank top, her nipples still as hard as they were when I was taking her picture.

“What is it, Sadie?”

“Oh, I just um, I just wanted to say thanks for the shoot.” She walked to my elbow and we trudged together toward the parking lot along the scenic drive.

“Sure.”

“Any of them seem like contenders?” She hooked her arm through mine.

I stopped. “Sadie.”

“What?” She lowered her sunglasses and flashed her light amber eyes.

I disentangled my arm from hers. “Sadie, you know I’ve got a girl.”

She pouted and stared at the ground. “I know you do. I just wondered if you think any of my photos were good.”

“Oh.” I pulled the laptop bag strap higher on my shoulder. “I think several were, actually. One from that last set has a lot of promise.”

“For the cover?” She looked up at me.

“Yeah, I think for the cover.”

She squealed and launched herself at me. I caught her in my arms as she pressed a big kiss to my cheek. “Thanks, Michael! You’re the best.”

She dropped to the ground and hurried away to her car. I laughed and followed, slipping my sandals on before following her into the gravel parking lot. Sadie waved as she reversed in her little sports car and got on the road, headed back to the city.

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