Page 19 of Obsessed

Tossing away his towel and pulling on new sleep pants, he grabbed the Pentax he kept on his nightstand and started shooting, getting the shine of the bedsheet over Rain’s form, the splay of his hand, and the strands of chaotic hair. Even with the clicking of the shutter and Mason jostling the bed with his movements, Rain didn’t stir at all, softly snoring into the mattress.

Once his lids grew heavy, Mason put the camera down, stretching out beside Rain and taking this time to study him, to drink his fill without anyone around. He’d never slept with a subject before, but Rain wasn’t a subject or a client. He was Mason’s inspiration.

His muse.

Flipping onto his back, he glared at the ceiling. He had so many questions, the biggest one being,what now?

Now? You get some sleep, Cricket.

Yawning, Mason wondered if he could sleep next to Rain, who currently hogged the bedding, but spinning through the ideas in his head eventually spun him into dreams. Hours later, Mason’s lizard brain broke through, reminding him that there was someone else in his bed, and he snapped awake. The light that came through the long thin windows told him that it was early morning, and he turned to the side to find Rain completely bundled up in the blanket, swaddled like a baby.

Rising, Mason made a pot of coffee and went into his studio where he transferred everything from the sunset photo shoot into his computer. Although he was rarely happy with his work, Rain’s photos were brilliant and Mason’s eyebrows quirked along with his dick as he selected his favorites, enhancing and printing a few for the collage once Rain left.

Stopping, Mason stared hard at the wall. The thought of Rain walking out the front door to live secretly at The Pointe gave him stomach pangs, and his phone added a few more stabs as it buzzed, skittering across the desk. It could be a client but it could also be his family. Gritting his teeth, he unlocked the screen, reading the text.

Hart, it’s Dolores. Call me about a project.

His jaw stayed tight with confusion and a little curiosity. Owner of the mall’s trusted photography store, Dolores had worked in portraits for over forty years and had a taciturn personality that rivaled Mason’s; however, she wasn’t an introvert and seemed to enjoy working with the public. The two of them communicated through a series of grunts and nods, but when she did speak her words were short and to the point, and Mason always listened.

Calling back, he waited, his heart pounding. What kind of project did she have in mind? Would he have to collaborate with others?

The line clicked. “Hart.”

He made a sound that told her he was there.

“My friend is doing a portrait exhibition, eleven photographers. You should be part of it. Are you interested?”

Mason’s eyes went wide. An exhibition? This was his dream or the beginning of it. “When.”

“Starts early December. Runs for a month.”

His hands shook; he had to force the word out.

“Yes.” His Gran’s lessons kicked in and he remembered his manners. “Thank you.”

She let out a short breath, which was her version of a laugh. “I’ll email the details and contact information.”

The phone beeped as she hung up without a goodbye and Mason didn’t know how long he stared at it, his mind pulling up themes and discarding them, continuously circling back to Rain. With that legendary beauty and its subsequent inspiration, Mason would be stupid not to use Rain as his subject. But would Rain be willing to model over the next few months? And could Mason even ask?

Doesn’t that poor young man need a place to stay, Cricket?

Flopping back in his chair, Mason looked up at the ceiling, rubbing his chin. Hecouldoffer Rain a room as payment for modeling. If he did, then he’d need to rip down the shrine immediately.

But he shouldn’t get ahead of himself. First, he needed a yes.

Taking a few minutes, he gathered whatever bravery and motivation he had and then went to his room, finding Rain out of the cocoon and sitting up with the blanket pooled in his lap, combing fingers through his hair. As Mason approached he dropped his arms, setting wide gray eyes on him.

“Where did you learn to fuck like that?” he asked with a stunned expression.

“Do you want a room here?” Mason blurted in response.

“Wait,what?” Rain’s eyes stayed wide. “That’syour answer? You ask me to move in?”

“I’m not asking you to move in with me.” Mason could feel his brow wrinkling. “I’m asking you if you want a room.”

“Here?” Looking away, Rain twisted a lock of his hair. “I can’t afford it.”

Even with his stormy gaze, Rain usually had an easy confidence, so seeing him a little defeated made Mason bold. “Be my model. As payment.”

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