Page 57 of Playing it Country

I thought sharingmy concerns with my brother would help, but it did absolutely nothing to assuage the dread I’ve felt in the days leading up to this Zoom meeting. It’s another hoop to jump through for a job that is less and less desirable with every passing day.

No amount of orgasms from my very talented roommate has been able to help, so after a few cups of coffee I embrace the mantra—fake it till you make it. Channeling my inner Isla, I pick a high-neck navy blue blouse with tiny white polka dots, my favorite leggings—because they’re never going to see them anyway—and a white blazer. It’s a lot of white, but it’s Tennessee and it feels like a fresh start.

Maybe.

This opportunity is incredible—the kind of chance that people dream about. I just have no idea when it stopped being my dream—or if it ever was. It’s also the reason I haven’t told anyone about this meeting. The pressure to leave or stay is palpable, and even though Case hasn’t dropped any hints that he wants us to bemore, I kind of wish he would and that scares the hell out of me.

In the bathroom, I style my hair in a sleek bun and then apply the least amount of makeup required to hide the bags under my eyes. Satisfied, I grab my laptop and head to the kitchen island and check the clock above the stove before turning it on and taking a deep breath.

The invitation is in my email, and as soon as I accept, I’m met with three smiling faces. They’re happy.

Too happy.

But I paste on a smile and greet each of them in turn—Dirk, Willa, and Brad. They’re all dressed casually, and while I normally would be thrilled about that, something about it grates on me. They’re very on-brand, but even through a computer screen they lack authenticity.

“Hannah,” Dirk says, drawing out my name, “we’re, like, so happy you could join us today. Your portfolio is impressive.”

“Thank you so much. I’ve been blessed with being able to travel most of my life.”

Willa peppers me with questions about certain photos and places I’ve been. Brad is silent for the majority of the meeting, only adding a few comments here and there. Dirk is enthusiastic, and I try and mirror his energy the best I can. Even if this isn’t for me, I still want to make a good impression.

Dirk is halfway through a story about snorkeling in Hanauma Bay on O’ahu when the front door opens and Case walks in and then freezes when he sees me.

My eyes flick to his momentarily and then back to the screen where they’re all awaiting my response.

“I loved my time on O’ahu as well. The marine life was breathtaking, and you couldn’t beat the sunrise over the ocean in Waikiki.”

They nod enthusiastically, and I see Case back slowly out of the house from the corner of my eye. I can’t read his expression as the door closes with a barely audiblesnick,and it’s all I can do to keep the smile plastered on my face to survive the rest of this meeting.

24

HANNAH

“Ican’t believe y’all talked me into this,” Rhea grumbles as the makeup artist adds another coat of mascara to her already long lashes.

“Quit whining,” Isla sasses while sipping sparkling apple juice from a plastic flute. “I can think of a hunky baseball player who wouldn’t mind getting a peek at your pictures.”

“Not if my brother has anything to say about it,” Marlee mumbles and then blinks innocently when everyone turns to look at her—Rhea included.

“Sorren and I are just friends.”

Fallon covers her snort with a cough and then busies herself with topping off everyone’s glass.

“Okay ladies, who is going first?” I glance around the room before my eyes land on Isla. She smiles and shrugs before grabbing her glass of sparkling apple juice and following me into the back.

“Let’s do this.”

In the short time available, I managed to transform part of Cheyenne’s studio at Velvet Threads into a luxurious and sexy space. The existing antique sofa with the cream fabric and brass embellishments wasn’t ideal, but with my makeshift backdrops and creative lighting, I’m confident I can give each of the girls the experience they never knew they needed.

“All right, boss, where do you want me?” Isla asks as she walks in and loosens the tie on her robe.

“What are the odds you’re the least shy of all the girls today?”

She grins. “The odds are pretty good.”

We talk for a few minutes and then I turn on my sexy music playlist and get started. Isla is a natural and an absolute dream to photograph. She’s bold and elegant and seductive and flirty and I can guarantee she’s going to go home and fuck the hell out of her husband after this.

Hell, Case is definitely getting laid after today.

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