Page 50 of Hate To Be Mine

His body was a work of art. Broad shoulders that tapered to a narrow waist. Defined chest and abs that looked carved from marble. Arms that were muscular without being bulky. It was all about careful maintenance rather than excessive gym time. His skin had that perfect golden tan that made him look like he was born on a beach somewhere.

And those shorts. They hung low on his hips, showing off the V-cut of muscle that disappeared beneath the waistband. His Adonis belt. That’s what it’s called. Further evidence he truly was descended from some Greek lineage. The shorts fit him perfectly—not too tight, not too loose, just enough to make you wonder what was underneath.

I was staring. I knew I was staring. I couldn’t stop staring.

I quickly wiped my mouth because I was certain I was drooling.

Trouble was not the right word for the deep doo-doo I was in with that man.

19

SEBASTIAN

The early afternoon sun was brutal. Everyone was congratulating me on a good session. I had every intention of stepping in front of the camera for a few shots only, but a few turned into a whole damn session. But I wasn’t going to deny Elizabeth, and after I checked the monitors, I agreed with her. The shots were really good.

The next location was already being set up. My guys knew what to do, but of course, Little Miss Safety was right up in their business. Not in a bad way and no one seemed all that bothered. She was just doing what she did.

I watched her for approximately three seconds, checking out her ass when she bent over and stared at her exposed neck while imagining my tongue on it before I made an executive decision.

I needed a break.

From her.

I couldn’t be in her vicinity. I was still sporting a semi and it would not be okay if that semi became the real deal. The shorts weren’t loose enough to hide that situation.

I left the area and walked toward the craft services tent. I needed a minute to cool the libido. And my body because shit, it was hot. I felt like I was coated in a layer of sweat.

The tent was blessedly cool, shaded from the relentless sun. Cookie was there, and so was Elizabeth, who was sitting at one of the small tables watching Cookie work at the portable grill.

“Grilled cheese and pickles,” Cookie was saying, flipping the sandwich in a way that said she done the same move a million times. “Coming right up.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” Elizabeth said, then looked up and saw me. “Hey! Thank you so much for the shots. I hope I didn’t put you on the spot.”

I waved a hand. “It’s fine. It’s fun when I’m not technically working.”

“The pictures are going to look good. I think we got several good ones that will be perfect for the billboards.”

I smiled because she was right but I also hoped the marketing team didn’t put the ones of me on the billboard. I wanted to pull back from that side of things. Not completely, but not billboards, at least.

“Is it time for second lunch already?” Cookie asked.

“Just taking a break while they set up,” I said.

Elizabeth laughed. “You’re a terrible liar.”

“What?”

“Are you going to tell me you’re not avoiding a certain insurance robot?”

Cookie’s head snapped up. “Say what now?”

“Annika told me what you’ve been getting up to.”

I groaned and dropped into a chair. “You all gossip worse than children. Worse than the models. Worse than old ladies that share a fence line.”

“He was tongue wrestling with Bernadette,” Elizabeth announced to Cookie.

Cookie’s expression shifted from surprise to something almost protective. “I knew I shouldn’t have given her water. That girl is trouble.”