Page 100 of Plus Size Player

“Don’t nobody want to see that shit,” Jonah complained.

We all laughed.

It was our denim day. We all wore RLF jeans and various RLF T-shirts. The good time we were having was the only thing keeping me distracted from Russ’s sexy ass, standing just on the periphery of the area we were working in. Our eyes met a couple of times over the course of the shoot. Each time twisted my gut a little, but we didn’t hold each other’s gaze long enough to trigger anything else.

I had to admit I was slightly disappointed.

I wasn’t surprised though.

He didn’t really speak to me on Monday either, so I couldn’t say he was acting funny. But it was clear that he was keeping his distance. And every time I looked at him, he got under my skin. So when Jonah would flirt with me, I’d indulge a bit. Anything to stop the tingle down my spine I felt when Russ watched me.

When we were posed for our final looks, Russ moved right next to the photographer. They spoke in low tones and then directions were given to everyone but me.

I stared at him, but he deliberately avoided eye contact with me. Inhaling deeply, I let out a shaky breath. He wasn’t ignoringme per se. He didn’t talk to any of the models. He interacted with the other executives and with the photographer. Anything he wanted changed with our wardrobe, he directed the changes to the stylist. And he looked at us to make sure those changes were implemented.

But now he’s actively not looking at me.

He made another comment to the photographer and then he pulled out his phone and left.

I could breathe easier when he wasn’t standing right in front of me.

Fortunately, Russ wasn’t there for Wednesday’s photoshoot. But every time the door opened, I looked for him. Anytime Remedy took a call, I assumed it was him. But about halfway through the shoot, I relaxed and forced him out of my mind.

Thursday’s photoshoot took place in a studio on the southside of town. From the low buzz of conversation and the lack of music and joy, I could tell there was a different vibe from the moment I walked into the place.

It was gorgeous—maybe the most beautiful studio I’d ever visited. The pristine space had a foliage-covered wall, with props situated to give it a jungle theme. The photographer didn’t smile or introduce himself like the others had. He stalked around the room with two young people on his heels, assisting him. Everything seemed less fun, but more structured, with that photographer.

There were only five RLF employees, as opposed to the twelve upper management and execs who showed up every other day. They stayed on the perimeter of the room, taking notes on their tablets and laptops. Instead of three outfits, we had five different wardrobe changes. We didn’t laugh or joke like we had at the beginning of the week. We got in front of the camera and did what we were instructed to do. It was always work, but for the first time, it felt like it. When a brief break was called to change lenses and adjust the lights, we patiently waited for direction.

“I don’t mean no disrespect,” Jonah whispered as the photographer took some test shots. “But you were made for those pants.”

I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Are you flirting with me?”

“Only if you’re into it.”

The photographer interrupted the conversation by saying, “I want to try something with Jonah and Nina.”

“Okay,” I mumbled, taking my place in front of the camera.

Taisha, Jacqueline, and Matias walked to the other side of the camera.

“Line up on those dots,” he demanded. “I want you two to face each other and look like you want each other. While keeping the distance between you, convey desire. Be mindful of the camera, but stare at one another.”

With a foot of space between us, I stood on my mark and looked at Jonah. It was funny at first. We smiled at each other, and the only reason I didn’t laugh was because the photographer didn’t seem like the type to take too kindly to that. But as we were guided through the poses, we were told to wrap an arm around one another. Our bodies faced the camera, and our heads were turned toward each other. And then I was instructed to look directly at the camera while Jonah was directed to look down at me.

“Yes, Jonah,” the photographer encouraged. “You want her. I want to feel the chemistry. Yes! Yes!”

“Tilt your head up, Nina. Yes, like that!”

“Turn your body toward Nina, Jonah.”

“Nina, the chemistry and tension are there. Look at the camera. Now look beyond the camera. Now…”

I didn’t hear anything else the photographer had said, because beyond the camera stood Russell fucking Long.

My stomach flipped at the unexpected sight.

Russ’s handsome face, which I came on a week and a half ago, was hardened. His full lips, which I kissed passionately ten days ago, were pulled into a tight line. His beautiful brown eyes, which used to roam my body every time he’d see me, were narrowed.

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