“Stop making me laugh, ladies. I’m trying to be professional,” Pace said, and as he did, all those delicious muscles up the side of his body and the slice of abs I could see flexed deliciously.
Oh, this is bad.
“You’re doing just fine, honey,” Ruth said seriously.
“Now let’s see that backside,” Gigi added.
“Ladies!” This was Grandma’s attempt to bring it back to a serious art form.
Pace was, quite literally, a serious form of art.
“This isn’t some strip club, and Pace has graciously volunteered his time for class today. If you can’t stop objectifying him, I’ll have to ask you to leave,” Grandma said.
A few throats cleared, and Grandma El softened her chastising with a smile. I was no better than the rest of them.
The music quieted, and after a few more stifled laughs, Pace resumed the position. I saw now that, in addition to the grapes, he had on a little elastic strap that held a palm frond strategically in place over his private area. It did absolutely nothing to cover his perfectly globular ass, however, complete with those strong, supportive muscles of the lower back.
“Sorry, you’re right. I’m better than this.” It was Doc, the new local doctor. “That was unprofessional. Sorry, Pace.”
Muscular shoulders shrugged up and down. “I just have to draw the line at a lap dance.”
“No. No. We appreciate you. This is serious art.”
Heat burned up my face.
I stood for too long, staring. My creepy, staring form lurking in the shadows must have drawn attention.
“Hi, Sophie. Would you care to join us? We’ve got room,” Grandma El called loudly. Clearly. For all to hear.
My mouth shut, glued tight as usual, as all their eyes moved to me in the corner.
“Um. Hi. No, thanks. I just—” Instant pricks of sweat tickled under my arms and on the back of my neck. I held on to the doorframe, aware that I must look like a creep.
Pace turned around slowly, an eager grin in place.
No . . . no. . .
Thankfully, the way he turned in, aside from accenting his core strength, had the leafy green covering the most scandalous bits.
I wouldn’t be able to handle seeing his package. I was sure of it. Once I saw that beast, there was no going back to who I used to be.
“Sophie.” He said my name like an exhale. Like he was relieved to see me.
It sent shivers down my back.
“Hi, Pace,” I said. “What is happening?” I asked, pulling my gaze away with all my power to meet my grandma’s serene face.
“Live model night, darling,” Grandma El said. “Did I forget to mention that?”
“You should join us,” Pace said. He gestured to an empty space with art supplies.
His voice was gentle, but there was a demand there. His eyes were intense and dark as they held me in place.
I swallowed, all too aware that all eyes were on me.
An excuse stuck on my tongue.
But Pace literally stood there almost naked, and so I could do this.
