“Hmm? Oh, yeah.” I nod to Evan before turning away as we prepare to shoot outside.
Skylar and Mackie are already there, with Skylar putting Mackie in a headlock as they yell at each other. My eyebrows rise, and Evan sighs. “It’s normal, don’t worry. They act like idiot brothers.” He claps his hands, and Skylar’s and Mackie’s heads swing around to us. “No messing up hair and makeup.”
“Sorry, old man.” Mackie winks as he gut punches Skylar, making him let go, then he runs his hand through his hair and pushes it backinto position with a charming smile that has me staring much longer than I should.
He’s way too young for me and filled with life, but as his bright eyes land on me, I forget everything else.
“Where do you want me?”
Would it be inappropriate to say my bed? Probably.
“Mr. Astor?” Mackie repeats when I just stare, his smile dimming a little as he looks around awkwardly.
“Conan,” I blurt before I clear my throat. “You can call me Conan. Nobody calls me Mr. Astor.”
“Okay, Conan.” Mackie’s smile grows once more, and I swear something inside me breathes back to life. “Tell us where you want us.”
Nodding, I look away, giving myself a moment to gather my thoughts, and I hear Skylar whispering, “‘Oh, call me Conan.’ The photographer is hitting on you. You should sleep with him.”
“Sky!” Mackie hisses. “He’s here to work. Don’t make him feel awkward.”
“What? He isn’t my type, but I know you prefer older gentlemen,” he teases, and my ears perk up.
Is it true? Does Mackie like older men?
Shit, why is that all I’m thinking about now when I should be focusing these photos? “Here,” I murmur as I turn back. “Let’s start over here.”
“Sure thing, Conan,” Skylar says as he strides past me, turning so he’s walking backwards, “or is that reserved for Mack? Should I call you Mr. Astor?”
I raise my eyebrows, and Mackie sighs as he reaches my side. He places his hand on my arm gripping my camera. “Ignore him. I’m sorry. Sky’s way of showing he likes someone is to bully them relentlessly.”
My eyes meet his bright ones, and the next words slip out on accident. “What is your way of showing you like someone?”
His head tilts to the side, and his hand lingers on my arm. The warmth from his touch invades every cold part of me that hasn’t feltcomfort in years. “I like to take care of them. I show up every day, even if they don’t want me to.” He grins as he drops his hand. “If you need me to hit Skylar at all, just let me know.” He winks as he turns away.
I watch him follow Skylar, who is still calling my name in a suggestive manner as Evan stops beside me, gear in tow. “Sorry, I should have mentioned these race boys are a lot.”
I don’t look away from Mackie as he kicks Skylar, knocking him to the ground before stepping over his body as he continues to shout my name. “Hmm,” I say, and then I look at Evan, my mouth opening and closing.
“Ask.” Evan smiles.
“Are they single?” I ask awkwardly.
I really only care about Mackie, but it feels weird to highlight that.
“Well, Skylar is practically a nun since he’s determined to marry his boyfriend, but that wasn’t who you meant, was it?” My eyes widen as he chuckles. “Yes, Mackie is single.” He leans in, dropping his voice. “But you better get in line or work fast.” He smacks my side. “Good to know you feel human emotions, boss man.”
“I was just curious because of their job,” I defend.
“Sure, sure.” He purses his lips as if he doesn’t believe me. “Shall we shoot, or do you want to stand here all day talking about how you’re definitely not interested in Mackie?”
“He photographs well,” I grumble, feeling like a teenager caught checking out their crush.
“He does. You should offer him a one-on-one shoot.” The wiggle of his eyebrows implies he means something naughty, and my mouth drops open. He laughs and walks after Skylar and Mackie, leaving me shocked.
Do people . . . do that?
Would he?
