CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Charley
“Did I catch you on your lunch break?” I ask as soon as the call connects.
“Yes, but I don’t have long. Bennett and I have a date with a secluded corner in about ten minutes,” Naomi states suggestively. I highly doubt she’s kidding.
“You hussy.”
“Tell me something I don’t know. How’s Hawaii? Have you gotten it on with any locals?”
“Half a dozen, but who’s counting? But seriously, I don’t have long and I need your advice about something.”
“You need my advice about Jude,” she clarifies, seeing straight through my bullshit. “If we don’t have long, you’d better spill.”
“It’s creepy how good you are sometimes, but yes.”
“Have the models been throwing themselves at him?”
I huff out a breath, thinking of the bevy of girls he has to choose from while we’re here.
“Yes, but he doesn’t seem to care at all. In fact, yesterday he told me he wasn’t interested in any of them. He saved me a seat on the plane and then he brought me dinner last night.”
“Of course he did,” she answers flatly. “Damn, he’s good.”
“And then after dinner he stuck around and he made another move on me,” I ramble quickly.
“I’m not seeing the problem here?”
“I’m not ready for this, Naomi. I didn’t want any of this to happen and I still don’t think I do. What happens when we go back home?”
“Charley, slow down. What’s wrong with having a little fun in Hawaii? Jude doesn’t seem like the type to want a long-term thing, so maybe you’re both on the same page.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“Do you want to have a fling with him in Hawaii?”
I think about her question for a moment even though my gut is screaming yes. Her nails click repetitively on her desk and I know she’s trying to hint at her impatience with me.
“Yes! Okay? Yes. I do,” I respond with angst.
I can practically hear her smile through the phone. “Then do it, and don’t worry about what happens after. I’ve got to go, Bennett just got to my office.”
“Okay, yeah I have to go to breakfast. Tell him I said hi, and I’ll try to listen to your advice.”
…
Our photo shoot is taking place right on the beach so the plush Hawaiian landscape will fill the background of each shot. At breakfast I learned that the hotel sent a crew out at the crack of dawn to block off a few yards of beach on either side of the set so that visitors would know to stay away. The setup feels very exclusive. Apparently the moment the barriers were placed, paparazzi and various beach goers started to gather round, clamoring for a good view of the shots. So, if it wasn’t enough to model in front of twenty people, I’ll now be doing it in front of a couple hundred. Lovely.
They hired ten models in total. Half of them are scheduled to shoot before me and half are scheduled for after, so by the time I’m finished with hair and makeup and wrapped in a short pink robe, the shoots already in full swing. My white bikini is strategically placed over the important areas; my hair is styled in big, beachy curls. They used gold and brown tones for my makeup, so I feel natural and glowing. I just pray the effect will last long enough for me to get a few good shots. Already, I feel my nerves starting to seep in.
“It was really easy. Ryan has a good vision for what he wants from each model, so it didn’t take as long as some other shoots I’ve worked on,” Bella assures me as my sandals clap against the concrete steps toward the beach. Bella already finished for the day, so she offered to hangout with me until I have to start. I’m happy for the distraction because after last night, my entire body practically buzzes in anticipation of seeing Jude. I don’t have any idea where his head is today since he was already on set by the time I made it down for breakfast. Hopefully nothing has changed since last night because if I concentrate, I can still feel the lingering presence of his lips on my skin and each time it sends a surge of desire through my veins.
“That’s awesome,” I comment. “He seems like a cool guy. I’ve worked with some interesting directors over the past two years. I hate when we start the day and no one seems to have a clue of how they want the shots to be laid out. It makes the whole process drag,” I add, brushing past a bright pink hydrangea plant that seems to be blooming in every direction.
“Yeah, you don’t have to worry about that with Ryan and Jude. They’re like the dynamic duo.”
I laugh, “I like the sound of that.”
After two more concrete steps, the palm trees and lush island vegetation open up to reveal a white sand beach. Vibrant blue waters with white capped waves roll into view as salt dances in the air, no doubt leaving a thin layer of dew atop my fresh makeup. Definitely not a bad day at the office.
Just as soon as paradise is unveiled before us, the moment is interrupted by the paparazzi’s snapping lenses and jarring camera flashes. I groan inwardly at the vultures peering over that thin line of orange tape. Then as if the entire scene wasn’t ludicrous enough, one overly-ambitious photographer spies Bella and I veering out from behind the line of palm trees and leans so far over the rope that his camera flashes into his face as he plummets to the sand in an awkward somersault. I clasp my hand over my mouth while Bella laughs hysterically. In all, the poor man has taken down nearly half the platoon of paparazzi before everyone’s righted themselves again.
With a sharp tongue, Ryan huffs over to them and casts half of them away, threatening to call security and the local authorities. Thankfully, they’re clapping lenses die down somewhat after that. Having Jude’s lens trained on me in a few minutes will be more than enough.
Bella and I take a seat in collapsible metal chairs near the crew area so that we don’t interrupt the current shots taking place even more. Bella reaches toward the table for a plate of fruit for us to share just as Ryan’s assistant smiles and waves. It’s her job to make sure I’ve arrived on time, and she looks relieved to see me on set a few minutes ahead of schedule. After she’s marked that I’m present, I let my eyes drift past her, toward Jude. I completely ignore the plate of pineapple and strawberries Bella shoves in front of my face because I’ve spied something much more tantalizing.
He’s completely focused on his work, unaware of the calamity that just took place around him. He’s squatting low in the sand, knees bent, every sexy ounce of muscle balancing deftly on the balls of his feet. The elegant muscles in his back stretch beneath his shirt. He has no clue that I’ve arrived and I like it that way. I feel sneaky, watching him work like this.
He moves fluidly as he snaps pictures of the model on set, as if his sole purpose in this life is to capture beauty in the precise moment in which it presents itself. I don’t know who the model is, but she has dirty blonde hair and the biggest boobs I’ve ever seen. I’m not kidding; I think they could potentially have their own time zone. She’s poised in the sand with her arms angled behind her head. Jude’s shooting her from every angle as her breasts practically spill out of her black string bikini, no doubt pulling every pair of male eyes into their gravitational pull.
“Any chance that she’s married too?” I laugh bitterly, recalling Bella’s giant rock from the day before as I pull my gaze away from the set and fidget on my uncomfortable metal seat. Even though the island’s weather is warm and humid, I wrap my arms tightly around my robe trying to quell the unwelcome jealousy leaking from my heart.
“Pfft, no,” Bella snorts, and shakes her head dramatically. “Veronica is probably the craziest girl I know. But she’s hilarious. You’d like her.”
I smile, feeling the tinge of jealously wane slightly as I steal a piece of mango from Bella’s plate and pop the morsel of sweetness into my mouth without smudging my lipstick. “Sounds like my best friend back home.”
Bella sets her finished plate of fruit back on the table in front of us and nods. “Maybe you’ll get to meet her later? I think the models might go out after the shoot wraps for the day.”
Jude’s sexy promises from the night before spring to mind and I don’t even have to think about which I’d rather do. “Oh, yeah we’ll see. I have no clue how tired I’ll be after this.”
Bella smiles, not pushing the subject. “No problem. I’ll just keep you posted.”
Ryan’s voice suddenly booms across the beach, catching our attention. “Alright, Veronica. You’re done! Good job.” He claps encouragingly and the model, Veronica, beams and practically follows after him like a puppy. Ryan doesn’t notice though, he’s already turning toward his assistant, staying focused on the photo shoot. I choose to follow Ryan’s movements for the time being, not yet prepared to stare into the pair of sharp blue eyes just behind him.
“Do we have our next model?” Ryan asks, glancing down at his clipboard while his papers flap wildly in the ocean breeze. He has to keep clapping his hand on top of the errant sheets of paper, and I can’t help a private smile from creeping across my lips.
“Charley?” his assistant asks, waving me over, and I look up and nod with a gentle smile, realizing it’s my time to shine whether I feel like it or not.
“Alright, Bella.” I start to step forward, away from the security of the craft service table. “I’ll try and catch up with you after. You’re not going to stay, right?” I ask, starting to untie the robe. “You should go enjoy your afternoon.”
She smirks, glancing over my shoulder for a moment, no doubt locking onto the sexiest man on the beach. “I think I’ll stay just long enough to see Jude’s reaction to that suit.”
I roll my eyes and then narrow them playfully toward her. “Oh God, thanks for the pep talk.”
“Good luck!” she calls as I laugh and shake my head, walking toward Ryan and Jude. Now that she’s drawn my attention back to my suit, I decide to leave the robe on for the time being. They’ll want to talk to me for a few seconds before we start shooting anyway. I don’t feel like having that conversation in my tiny bikini.
As my toes dip into the warm sand, my gaze finally meets Jude’s and he smiles wide, stealing my full attention like a camera flash. I’m left blinking toward his brightness before regaining my composure. I offer him a timid smile, taking in the sight of him in a thin vintage cotton shirt and long khaki pants that are rolled up at the bottom, out of the sand. The clothes aren’t overtly sexy, but he fills them out so well with his dangerous muscles and trim lines. I can tell he’s already acquired a nice tan from standing out in the tropical sun. His blue eyes seem even more striking in contrast to his newly warm complexion, and I can’t seem to avert my eyes even as Ryan begins to give instructions about the shoots.
I nod. Yes, yes, blah, blah, blah… Jude is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.
“Alright, Charley,” Ryan says, clearing his throat pointedly, and I make an effort to appear as though I’m listening. “I’m not sure how much you saw of Veronica’s shots but yours will be completely different. You’re on the cover. We need a photo that’s going to draw attention and sell magazines. Obviously we won’t display any nudity, but we need these shots to ooze sex appeal…” he pauses, scanning down my legs with such studied intent that I follow his gaze to confirm that my legs are indeed not glowing bright neon or on fire. I fidget awkwardly as he continues. “Although, I don’t think you’ll have any problem with that.”
Is he flirting with me or is that just the way he usually preps models? His assistant’s baffled stare and Jude’s dominant pose point to the first option, but I can’t focus on that right now. He just wants me to feel confident and sexy, that’s all.
“Sounds good,” I nod, trying to relax and get into character even though I know Jude is moments away from forcing Ryan’s gaze away from my legs manually.
His assistant steps forward then and reaches her diminutive hand out. “Let me take your robe for you, Charley,” she offers with a polite smile. She’s so small, maybe five feet on the dot, and I focus on her as I follow her instructions, feeling the hot sun beat down on my newly exposed skin.
The gold necklace slinks across my flesh as I hand over the robe and turn toward Jude. I can’t blame Bella for staying to watch; he’s practically smoldering, and his entire demeanor changes as he glances over my skimpy bathing suit. The Brazilian bottom is composed of a triangle piece that covers the most important real estate and then two thin strings that tie on both sides. They sit right on my hip and I keep fingering the fabric to ensure that they’re tied securely.
The bandeau top is thin; a few measly inches covering my chest with a tight twist in the middle that pulls my boobs up and together. Jude’s eyes nearly sear my flesh as they rake down my body and I instantly want to send a “thank you” card to the designer of this bathing suit. Maybe a fruit basket as well.
“Modest, right?” My lips curl into a private smile as I watch him devour me. Anyone within a ten foot radius could see those blue eyes cloud over in lust. This is more skin than he’s ever seen. That, combined with the realization that he knows what my breasts look like beneath the swimsuit top, makes my cheeks flush and my eyes scan down toward the white sand.
“Very,” Jude mocks dryly. My head snaps up just in time to see him start to turn and lead us over to the set.
The other photo shoot I did with him was closed, but since we’re outside, on-location, all of the crew is standing off to the side, either working with lighting and diffusers or running around looking for accessories and swimsuits. I can feel their eyes studying my movements, adding onto the growing mass of fans and paparazzi staring from the other side of the barriers. I know they aren’t staring because I’m famous, they’re merely curious about what all the fuss is about. If I could, I would will them all away. As it is, I’ll need to block them out completely or I’ll freeze up for every shot.
“Let’s start with some poses in the sand,” Ryan instructs. “And then we’ll move into the water. I think that might be where we get the best shots.”
I nod, turning toward the camera and taking a deep breath. I shift around in the sand, getting a feel for the way the bikini highlights certain parts of my figure. I lengthen my neck and then my side and before I know it, Jude's clicking away and the shoot is in full swing. The island breeze blows back my soft curls and the sand feels warm and inviting beneath my feet, but I can’t seem to get the crowds out of my head. I’m posing for the camera, but my body feels stiff. Even though I try to keep my gaze over the ocean, I can’t seem to move past everyone’s judgments. Are they wondering why I was picked over everyone else to be on the cover while I’m standing here like a limp noodle?
“More, Charley! Those arms look dead,” Ryan instructs, trying to liven me up. His critiques don’t help though, they make me even more self-conscious and I have to fight the urge to clam up further. Relax and move.
Another few shots pass and I know I still haven’t given them anything that’ll sell magazines.
“No, too robotic. Loosen up,” Ryan huffs, clearly annoyed.
I smile tightly and shake out my limbs, trying to free my mind, but Ryan’s commands don’t feel right. They make me tense up even more. I roll my neck over my shoulders and take another deep breath, willing the island scenery to calm my nerves. But the bright flowers, palm trees, and vibrant water aren’t enough to distract me.
“Hey, Charley, look at me.” Jude’s dark voice croons over the waves, and I comply immediately, sweeping my gaze up to him. Looking at him then was like watching my desire unfold. He’s dropped the camera away from his eyes and he’s wearing one of his dimpled smiles across his handsome features. The moment I focus solely on him, my pulse picks up and I start to lose myself in his magnetism. He’s all that matters.
“You look beautiful. Look at the camera and move for me.” His eyes implore me to follow his commands, and suddenly, the rest of the crew fades away and it’s just him and me. He steps forward, strengthening our connection, until my body softens beneath his gaze.
My limbs start to move as if he has them wrapped around his finger like a puppeteer. The weight of his intoxicating masculinity melts away my fear as I press my arms together down my side. I know the pose will push my breasts together in an alluring gesture for the camera. Then, I slowly slide my hands down my thighs, staring right at Jude as my fingertips graze the skin below my bikini bottom. He nods and I can just barely make out his devilish grin beneath the camera lens. I keep moving, experimenting with different poses, arching my back, stretching my arms above my head, and angling toward the camera. I rise up onto the balls of my feet so that my legs stretch out gracefully. My back arches sharply and my butt sticks out as I drag my hands through my hair.
“Much better, Charley!” Ryan yells, but his shallow voice sounds like it’s coming through a tunnel. I’m moving for Jude, no one else.
The tropical sun pours over us and a bead of sweat runs down my neck, along the valley of my breasts. Jude pauses, pulls the camera away, and eyes me dangerously. It’s the kind of look he’d have before flooring a car down a long dirt road: impulsive and alive.
“Let’s move to the water,” Jude commands. My cheeks flush under his gaze, and I wonder what he thinks of the photos so far.
As we step closer to the slow-rolling shore, I shake out my hair and let it fall alluring around my face.
“Stay facing me,” Jude directs, “and walk slowly back into the water, like you’re inviting me in with you.” I keep my gaze on Jude and do as he says, letting the tropical waters lap up around my feet. With a seductive little wag, I draw him and the camera toward me and he keeps clicking away, stepping closer and closer. Once my ankles hit the water, I drop down onto my knees and part my thighs alluringly, trying to show off the bikini bottom. I’m hardly an inch or two into the water, but it feels so refreshing against my skin. I sigh happily and dig my toes into the sand.
“Good, Angel,” he whispers so that only I can hear.
I love moving for him, and I blossom under his positive appraisal, wanting to please him even more. I want him to remember this image when he’s alone tonight.
Playing off his confidence in me, I twine one hand through my hair and pull my head back gently while my other hand finds the strings on my bikini bottom. I tug down so that the bottom exposes another inch of my lower hip. The action should look sexy on camera, like I’m right in the moment of seduction— pulling the tiny string on my bikini and revealing everything. For Jude. He licks his bottom lip and I smile seductively into the lens before pulling another inch down.
“Charley,” he warns quietly, but his husky voice turns me on even more.
“Good!” Ryan yells from a few feet away, oblivious to Jude’s behavior.
But I don’t need Ryan’s encouragement anymore. I’m a woman trying to seduce a man and my body knows what to do. I lean back, letting the salty water drench my hair and bathing suit so that the material clings to my skin even more.
“Stay down like that, Charley,” Jude orders, stepping over my ankles and coming to stand above me. His foot hits my leg beneath the water and the touch electrifies my skin. I follow his instructions, letting my legs fall open a few inches so that he can see the thin material between my legs. I reach back and prop my hands into the sand, supporting my upper body. My back twists and I arch up until I see the muscles tighten in his jaw. I love affecting him like this, especially after how he left things last night. I’m exacting my revenge and driving us both insane. My eyes narrow seductively and my lips part, pleading with Jude to push me back into the sand and take me right here.
“Damn, Charley,” Ryan huffs.
I want to push the limits; I want to see how far Jude will let me go. It feels like a high-stakes poker game. Who’s going to fold first? With one hand still stuck in the sand, I reach up with the other and tug down the middle of my bandeau top ever so gently. I wouldn’t have revealed anything, just another millimeter of my skin, but Jude doesn’t let me.
“Enough,” he snaps, dropping the camera away from his face and revealing his losing hand.
“What! Are you insane?” Ryan huffs with wide eyes.
I drop down into the sand and sit frozen, volleying my eyes between the two men.
“We’ve got everything,” Jude responds sharply.
Ryan’s arm shoots out to gesture toward me. “She was completely working the camera!” he protests. Jude doesn’t look at him; he’s staring down at me with fire behind his blue eyes. He’s pissed and he’s not even trying to hide it from me.
“Fine. But there better be some damn good photos on that camera,” Ryan relents, resting his hands on his hips.
“There are,” Jude snaps roughly, glancing at him and then turning back toward me with frigid ferocity. “Can I talk to you for a second before you head in, Charley?”
I nod because my body is already conditioned to respond to this man. Not to mention, his tone wouldn’t have allowed any other response. I haven’t even fully processed the situation, and as I glance toward Ryan, his furrowed brows reveal that he’s trying to catch up as well.
Sinking my fingers into the sand, I push up to stand on shaky legs. I try to brush some of the sand off the back of my thighs. Out of the corner of my lashes, I watch Ryan walk away from us to prepare for the next model, but I still can’t look at Jude. I keep my eyes focused on the grains of white sand spread across my feet like glassy constellations. He’s standing a few inches in front of me. Is he angry with me?
“Charley, look at me,” he demands.
My eyes stay focused on a speck of sand stuck to the side of my ankle, at least I know it won’t burn me with its gaze.
“Please.” His voice is impossible to resist, like licking chocolate off the spoon before you clean the bowl.
With a deep breath, I raise my eyes until I’m glancing at him from underneath my lashes. The moment I find his ocean blue eyes, I cross my arms over my chest, feeling vulnerable in front of him and suddenly wishing I had my small robe again. His chuckle is pure sin, reminding me that a moment ago I was revealing every ounce of myself for him, but at least he holds his tongue.
“Is everything okay?” I ask with an unsteady voice, trying to gage his mood.
He presses his eyelids closed for a moment, and I can tell he’s trying to reel in his emotions.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he answers simply as his eyes flutter open, revealing stormy blue irises.
“Some of the models are getting together after the shoot…” I trail off, not sure why I’m even announcing those plans to him— maybe so he won’t have to feel bad if he wants to cancel on me now?
His jaw clenches. “Is that what you’d like to do?”
“Um, I’d rather go swimming,” I offer, toeing the line of honesty.
“You can go swimming with them,” he answers pointedly, and I can tell he’s annoyed.
Damn him. Damn him for always making me reveal my cards when I just want to hide behind the veil of his desires. I like when he demands and orders. Being near him makes me feel vulnerable, like I’m playing on empty train tracks, but telling him my true feelings is like leaping off a platform toward an oncoming engine.
“I’d like to go to where you were exploring yesterday, if you’re still up for it?” That’s the best I can do; I can give him the truth, but I have to give him an out to cover my bases.
He eyes me as if he can see through the cracks in my facade and then unpeels a knowing smile. “I’ll come find you after the shoot wraps.”
My face lights up, publishing my excitement to the world, but I don’t care. “I’ll grab some food for us since it’ll probably be close to dinner time.”
“Sounds good. I’ll eat anything you’d like, just make sure you keep that suit on, Charley,” he commands, fleetingly sweeping his gaze down my body. His blue eyes gleam in the Hawaiian sun.
“I’ll see what I can do,” I quip, winking playfully, glad that the old Jude finally revealed himself once again.