Is he one of them?I think to myself.
“Thank you for allowing me to shoot on your property. It’s absolutely stunning out here, especially this time of day,” Sadie continues.
“It’s my pleasure. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of it,” I answer sincerely.
When Sadie had called asking permission to use Four Seasons Farm as her location, she described the project with full transparency about its intended purpose. Of course, as a gay man, I loved the idea of bringing queer strangers together to capture connection, friendship, and unexpected intimacy.
But it wasn’t until we got off the phone that I found the application online and filled it out for myself. I’d been in a relationship back in New York with a man I loved and trusted, but he never shared my desire to relocate. Burnout wasn’t a concept he understood, but he respected that I did. I’d been sad about our breakup, of course, but not devastated. We wished each other the best and amicably went our separate ways eighteen months ago.
The timing, as well as the nature of this photoshoot, seemed like a great way to put myself out there again while also potentially meeting someone in the LGBTQ+ community in a place where not many rainbow flags fly.
“I won’t bore you with the details of my process, but just know it involves a bottle of wine and lengthy conversations with my fiancée. Her matchmaking sense is almost as strong as mine, and we were in agreement that your profile and his are sure to create sparks my camera wants to catch.”
Sadie’s joy and positivity are radiant, and they instantly make me glad I’m doing this.
“Well, let’s hope you’re right,” I tease gently. “Where do you want me?”
Sadie motions me forward toward the barn. Each section of the farm has one that contains the specific equipment needed for that particular quadrant’s needs.
When we get to the corner, she positions me with my back against the barn, about two feet from the edge.
“Perfect. Just look straight out from the corner. When I come back into view, just keep your eyes on me!” she says cheerfully as she moves to the western side of the wooden structure. As soon as I hear her talking, I know my shoot-mate is close and sweat beads on the nape of my neck. “Okay, yep. Just like that. Now, I want you both to reach for each other’s hands,” Sadie instructs as she brings her camera to her eye and starts walking backwards.
He and I are at a ninety-degree angle from one another. My left arm is extended, and my gaze is to the left, which means his right hand is extended and his neck is turned toward the right.
As soon as his fingers connect with mine, it feels like I’ve been hit with a live wire. It’s the same feeling that hit me when we shook hands earlier, only this time it’smewho shudders.
My eyes dart to the hand now holding mine. Tanned skin, short, non-bitten nails with grease along his cuticles, veins popping. I’m positive I saw this hand earlier today as it worked its way around my tractor engine.
“Mason?” I whisper, careful to keep my lips still so I don’t ruin Sadie’s pictures.
“Casey?”he returns, his shock just as evident as mine.
“Mhm. Let’s not tell her just yet,” I suggest, knowing he knows I mean Sadie. Technically, Mason and I are still strangers, andtechnically, Sadie’s still right in assuming we’d be a great match, since her choosing us for this shoot is how we crossed paths forty-five minutes ago anyway.
“Okay,” he agrees.
My smile widens, and I squeeze his hand, wanting to do a whole helluva lot more now that I know it’s him behind this wall.
“Guys, this is great! The sun is really hitting! Is everyone comfortable so far?” Sadie asks, checking in.
“Couldn’t be better, ma’am,” Mason calls, melting me with his southern twang.
“Okay, now I want a silhouette shot, so I want each of you to take a step forward, then lean back with your boot kicked against the side of the barn. Use your foot closest to the corner. Oh, and keep a hold of each other’s hands.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about us letting go anytime soon,” I tell Sadie with a smile.
“Just wait,” she taunts. “It’s about to get a lot better. I know it isn’t possible that you two coordinated for this shoot, but it feels like you did, and that’s how I know I nailed this,” she giggles.
She takes her pictures and then moves back to Mason’s side of the barn. “Do you mind taking this off?”
I assume she’s talking about his ball cap, and my mouth waters, wanting to see him without it. Except this time, when Sadie moves away from the barn with her camera held high, Mason’s gray button-down is slung over her shoulder.
So, what the fuck is he wearing?
Oh, God. If he’s shirtless, I’m going to lose my fucking mind.
My breathing grows heavy, and I don’t even realize my thumb is moving up and down his index finger until he mutters, “This might be TMI, but it’s been a while for me, and that’s turning me the hell on.”
