“One day,” Piper said.
“One day, mostly naked. An easy $5,000,000.”
“Controlled environment.”
“Completely.”
He picked up the proposal again.I mean what’s the worst thing that could happen?He was reading the photography concept, which involved the two of them in close proximity under studio lights for twenty-four hours.
“I’ll need final image approval, and it looks like they are filming behind-the-scenes footage,” he said.
“Already in the rider.”
He set it down. “Okay, let’s do this.”
He understood she had known he would say yes before he walked through the door. Irritating and accurate.
He signed where she indicated. His pen moved steadily.
He thought about the fact that Jayson had reviewed the agreement and made it a point to call out Piper’s image.Joan,this fucker treats me like a child, but what would I do without him?
***
Carmen slid the proposal across the table at exactly the moment Noah reached for his Celsius. He grabbed the contract with his free hand. He read it quickly as he chugged his energy drink.
“Piper Ashton,” he said.
“He’s confirmed,” Carmen replied.
Noah set the proposal down. “When?”
“This morning.”
He looked at Carmen. She was watching him with the expression she used when she already knew what he was going to say and was waiting for him to catch up.
“When’s the shoot?” he said.
“One day. Studio in Culver City. Full campaign, print, digital, billboards.”
“And the concept?”
“Rivals,” Carmen said. “The brand wants the contrast. You and Ashton, same product, opposing philosophies.”
Noah looked at the photography breakdown and mood-board. The lighting concepts. The wardrobe notes, which were minimal.The taxidermy lions were an odd choice, he thought.
He turned a page. Studied the layout. Turned another.
“He said yes,” Noah confirmed.
“Signed this morning.”
Noah closed the folder. He thought about Piper at the hash marks after the game, hand still extended, the look on his facethat said something had shifted and he had already classified it as a problem to be solved. Piper Ashton was going to spend a day in close proximity under hot lights in animal print boxer briefs hugging his perfect ass. Noah did not have to think long and already knew his answer.
“Okay,” Noah said.
Carmen blinked. “That’s it?”
“What else do you need?” Noah stood. “Send me the call time.”
