Page 8 of Legally Yours

I face the back wall and look over my shoulder, I even take a shot of a cherry knot on my tongue. Someone whistles from the set next to me, then a girl yells out. “Gorge!”

Being here feels like I never left. I look over at some girls wearing fluffy, feathery angel wings in a red, strappy lingerie set that looks way too hard to put on as they talk with one another. For a second, I feel self-conscious, until I hear what one of them says. “The queen of modeling is back.”

I look around the room for the first time since I got in front of the camera. So many eyes stare at me, so many people have their mouths gaping open. I even see Liam leaning against a wall with his arms crossed over his large, broad chest, his lips slightly parted and wet. Even in his business suit looking professional, he looks like he’s caught in headlights when I catch him staring. Then slowly, his gaze darkens, and he looks up at me through his brows. His eyes bore into mine, and he gives his head a small tilt.

My cheeks heat, and I let my gaze fall onto the floor, which is suddenly so interesting.

While the photographer switches the SD card he converses with me. “You have to easily be the most photogenic girl. You’re a natural, you don’t even need my direction.”

I feel my cheeks hurt from a smile. Taking compliments has always been hard to do, but I try to be confident in my ability. The snap of the camera and the abrupt flash of lights bring me back to attention. The photographer slips the strap of his camera over his neck and beckons me back to the chaise.

I bring my hands to my hips and smile as I stand before the lounge chair. “Push out that back, queen!” The director hollers, “Yes just like that! You are such a beautiful icon.” This makes me genuinely giggle, and I toss my head back in laughter.

“These shots are perfect!” the photographer says. “Someone pull the fan in closer. I want her hair billowing in the wind.”

Someone does as he asks, and I lay back on the chair, letting the fan blow in my face. My eyes water, but my hair will look like I got a fresh blowout.

I look up, and through watery eyes I see David slide Emma into a hug. My jaw tightens, and my neck heats up. What is Emma doing here, anyway? I thought she was sick.

David presses a kiss to her lips. Well, apparently, she is not sick. My blood boils just seeing them make a display of things. I take a shaky breath in and let the air puff up my chest.

“Yes, so serious and so hot,” the photographer says. “Add a little brow furrow.”

I shake my head, forgetting momentarily I’m right in front of the camera.

“Those cheekbones can cut diamonds,” the girl on the next set over says.

“The jawline can cut me, and I would apologize to her,” the guy on the set says.

I hear the compliments, but I’m too mad to react.

“So angry, yes! The range of emotions is perfect!” the director says.

I narrow my gaze one last time before I turn back to what matters right now.

8

CASSANDRA

Despite my anger, I haven’t felt a rush modeling like that in ages! We went through all sorts of categories with our lingerie shoot. From modeling their line of gloves, to ‘Sweetheart’ wear, and even a catwoman-inspired collab.

As I walk back off set for the last time, Leslie, a new model, follows me. “That was exhilarating!” I turn my head, and she nods excitedly. She hands me my robe, and I shrug it on as we walk into the dressing room.

By the time my butt hits the chair, I’m exhausted.I wonder if Liam saw all of that?He was probably bored. I can’t imagine he would find much interest in clothes, regardless of what kind of modeling it was.

Although, I did see him far in the back. I couldn’t look directly at him, but he was sitting behind the photographer, so he was clear in my peripherals. Behind all the flashing lights and random crap they throw onto the set to make it more exotic, I could have sworn he was watching.

I don’t really know why, but the idea of him watching me makes me excited. Probably because he’s so handsome, and having a Greek god staring would make any girl’s knees a little weak.

Leslie breaks away from my side and heads over to the mini-fridge, returning with a can of sparkling water. I’m still shocked that she’s taken such a liking to me. When she got here, I was already on my way out. Engaged to David, I didn’t have the rush to model anymore. Until now.

“Did you have fun?” I ask as I take the water and pretend to clink it with hers. She nods enthusiastically. I’ve seen her on a lot of the sets, but she’s never the focal point of the shoot. Hopefully one day she gets the recognition she deserves.

“Yes! I love watching you model, Miss Cassandra, you are stunning!” She does a little bounce on her feet as she speaks.

Leslie is a sweetheart. A few times, she’s asked me for modeling advice. I wish I could have given her more than vaguely suggesting you just have to ‘feel’ it.But that’s all I do, when it comes down to it. Feel the rhythm of the music, and really get into the character you’re supposed to be during a gig.

“Thank you, Leslie. I can’t wait to see you in more shoots,” I say enthusiastically, and the younger girl’s face turns a bright red. It stretches all the way to her ears.

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