Page 164 of Plus Size Player

“What?” I walked his way, stopping right in front of him.

He cupped my cheek, bringing his face to mine. “I’m a lucky man.”

“I agree.”

He chuckled before kissing me. “Let’s go.”

“Wait! We can’t go down together!”

“My elevator would’ve had to stop on your floor if we left at the same time.” He untucked his shirt to mask his bulge and then grabbed my suitcase handle. “And I’m not letting you carry all this by yourself unnecessarily.”

I was going to argue, but that luggage was heavy, so I relented.

We better not get caught.

I stuck my head out the door first to make sure no one was around and then the two of us hustled down the hall.

“I feel like we look obvious,” I told him as the elevator opened to the first floor.

The models were standing to the side, waiting. I immediately went to stand with them, so it didn’t look like we were together.

After an enthusiastic greeting, Russ looked around the group and smiled. “This was a very successful weekend and a lot of that is thanks to you. I appreciate the hard work and dedication. You represent RLF well. All of you in your own way, you bring something special to the team and I appreciate that. I just wanted to personally say thank you.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Jacqueline wondered, causing the rest of us to groan.

My eyebrows shot up.You never know what the fuck she’s about to say.

“I was asking a bunch of different designers this question andI realized I didn’t know your answer,” Jacqueline started. “What inspires your creativity right now? First thing that comes to mind.”

“My fantasy,” he answered automatically with a quick glance to me.

My heart thumped in my chest.

Clearing his throat, he pulled his phone out of his pocket.

“And what exactly do you mean by fantasy?” she pried.

“I’ll tell you what I told the press. Your fantasy is where you escape to be your happiest, freest, truest self. It’s where you find your greatest purpose and your deepest love.” He smirked. “At least, that’s proven true for me. Have a safe flight. I’ll see you Wednesday.”

We all said goodbye and before he left, Taisha called out to him.

“I like your shoes!”

As soon as she said it, I realized what shoes he had on. A pit in my stomach developed.

“Thank you. I like yours, too,” he returned.

She grinned, sticking out her attention-grabbing blue sneakers that she’d paired with her white romper. “Thanks!”

“Those are cute,” Gabby told her as we went outside to wait for the rideshare van to pick us up.

As we climbed into the van, Taisha and I went last.

As we waited our turn, she turned to me. “I like your whole outfit. You’re a vibe.” Looking me up and down, her eyes lingered on my shoes and then she met my gaze. “Your airport outfits have been eating.”

“Thank you.”

“Is your man picking you up from the airport this time?” she wondered.

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