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“I want pictures of her before and after. Make sure you schedule something with her husband after the baby is born so we can show off the happy family. ”
“No problem. Is that it?”
“Go pick out a damn picture already. ”
“Fine. But if it sucks and loses, it’s your fault. ” I shot Nora a grin as I pushed out of my chair and headed toward the door.
Back at my desk, I was no closer to choosing a photo than I was an hour ago. Glancing up, I spotted one of our interns walking through the elevator doors, balancing two cardboard trays filled with coffee cups.
“Becca,” I shouted and she glanced up, trying not to spill the drinks. “When you get a minute, can you come over here, please?”
She nodded her head as a small smile appeared. Becca was young and still in college, but she had a good eye. And I liked her style.
“Hi, Cassie. You needed me?” Becca sounded nervous and I breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Yes! Thank God you’re here. You have a great eye and I love the way you see things. I need to pick a photo to submit for something, but I can’t choose. I’m too close to the subject matter. Which one do you like best?”
A giant, toothy grin spread across Becca’s youthful face. “I’m honored. Thank you,” she said before hovering over the pictures splayed across my desktop.
It took her all of two seconds to grab a photo and declare it was the one. And I trusted her eye because it meant something in that particular picture stood out above all the others.
“Thank you, Becca. You’re a lifesaver!”
After work, I stepped through the revolving door and onto the crowded sidewalk. Sidestepping the pedestrian traffic, I weaved my way toward the idling black car at the curb. Matteo stood patiently waiting for me next to the car, just like he did every evening. His handsome face broke out into a wide grin as I neared and he held open the passenger door.
“Why are you so smiley?” I asked and he shrugged.
He hopped into the driver’s seat and pulled into traffic. “Life’s good, Cassie. Life is good,” he said in an annoying singsong voice. Matteo’s attitude had been like this ever since he and Trina had hooked up.
“You’re so annoying. Go home to your hot wife. ”
“I will. Right after I drop you off at your hot husband’s office,” he said playfully with a wink.
“Ew,” I said with a shudder. “Don’t say Jack’s hot and then wink. It’s weird. ”
Unable to respond, he broke out into a huge belly laugh. He was still chortling a little over it as he navigated his way to the field while I scrolled through my personal e-mails on my phone.
A few minutes later, he straightened up and said over his shoulder, “Trina told me about the photo shoot,” which got my attention.
I glanced up to meet his eyes in the rearview mirror. “Yeah. It should be great. You’re in it too, you know?”
Matteo’s posture changed as he shifted nervously in his seat. “I am?”
“Yes. But not until after the baby is born. I’m going to shoot Trina now while she’s showing and then all three of you after. ”
“Just make sure you take the most pictures of her. She’s the one who sells magazines, not me,” he offered humbly.
I rolled my eyes. “Oh yeah, ‘cause being forced to look at your mug is really hard on the ladies,” I said with a laugh.
“I knew you wanted me,” he teased and I almost choked.
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head and gave a little snort. “Not this again. ”
Since Jack forgave Matteo, acknowledging his hotness no longer made me feel completely awkward. Granted, I wouldn’t be walking around and announcing it to the world anytime soon, but still. It also didn’t hurt that Matteo eventually realized that his feelings for me weren’t based in reality. He figured out quickly that he had gotten caught up in protecting me and caring about me. It muddled his emotions, but once Trina entered the picture, any romantic feelings he thought he had for me were out the window. Thank God for Trina.
The car slowed to a stop as I gathered my things. Matteo reached for the driver’s side handle and I stopped him. “You don’t have to let me out. I got it. ” I opened my own door and scooted out before leaning into the open passenger window, “See you later, future cougar prey. ”
“Cassie!” Matteo called out in mock indignation as I turned away and walked toward the entry gates of the stadium, laughing. I knew Matteo would love every minute of attention he would get once the article was published.
