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“Yeah but…” Sophie sounded seriously concerned.
Ignoring her friend’s odd behavior, Cassie returned to her spot and ripped open the envelope. All the blood drained from her face. Her gaze shot to Ryan standing on the other side of the circle next to the blonde he’d been with all night. Whatever he saw on her face caused him to narrow his eyes. He shifted forward as if to come to her, but the blonde snagged his arm, saying something that caused him to look down at her.
“What is it?” someone called. “You have to let us know in case we want to steal.”
Cassie tried to school her face into a blank expression. “It’s…… it’s a gift certificate for a boudoir photo shoot… with Ryan McLeod.”
Ryan’s head whipped up, his brown eyes wide. Well, that answered her question as to why he’d put this in the exchange. Clearly, someone else had been the benefactor.
A few gasps went up around the group. Because Ryan only did a few boudoir shoots a year, and the spots were coveted. What woman didn’t want to be photographed by one of the most sought-after magazine photographers in the world?Cassie. She had zero desire to have her photograph taken by anyone, especially Ryan.
“Lucky girl,” the woman next to her stage whispered. “I’ve been on his waiting list for a year and a half.”
Cassie nodded noncommittally.A year and a half? Cassie had been waiting for Ryan McLeod nearly all her life.
* * *
Ryan didn’t know who’d had the bright idea to put one of his boudoir sessions in the gift exchange, but he’d like nothing more than to tan their ass when he found out. The last thing he needed to fully drive him insane was to photograph Cassie half-naked. While usually he had no trouble remaining professional during shoots, working with Cassie would be more than his control could bear. From the way her face flamed red, she didn’t want this any more than he did.
“Oh Cassie, that will be so much fun.” Ravi’s sister-in-law, obviously too drunk to realize what a disaster the entire situation would be, cooed. “When is the last time you’ve gotten dolled up and had pictures taken?”
Cassie stared back at the other woman with her mouth gaped open.Speechless.
“Four years ago,” Ryan offered. “She did maternity pictures before Ellie was born.”
Cassie’s gaze swung to him now.Shit. She was mortified, and he’d just focused more attention on her.
“Those were… I just did… I had clothes,” she stammered.
Yes. She’d worn clothes, but she’d also bared her body in shots to show her changing form. Though there’d been nothing blatantly sexual about the shoot, he’d never photographed anything more erotic than the woman he wanted’s body swollen with his child. He’d never survive a sessionmeantto be sexy.
“Don’t stress.” Levi leaned around her, taking the envelope from her hands. “You don’t have to do the shoot. Someone else can pose naked for him.”
Cassie glared at the other man and something akin to jealousy passed over her face, before she turned away. When she again looked Ryan’s way, she’d slipped her usual pleasant, businesswoman façade over her features.
She snatched the envelope back. “Can we just get on with this game? Please.”
Sensing the growing tension, Ravi entered the circle, searching for the next number.
“No worries.” Brooke leaned closer, stretching until her lips brushed against Ryan’s ear. “I’m up soon. I’ll save you from the boudoir session.” She dropped back on her heels, trailing her breasts along his arm as she did.
Dread dropped like a ball of lead into his stomach. The only thing worse than photographing Cassie was having that opportunity ripped away. Remaining silent, he watched Sophie’s brother unwrap a box to reveal a riding crop with purple tassels dangling from one end. Ryan’s gaze slid to Cassie. Although she remained in her spot around the circle, she’d retreated into herself. While everyone else laughed at the latest revelation, Cassie stood with her hands clasped in front of her and her gaze fixed on a spot across the room.
When Ravi called the next number, Brooke bounced into the circle and selected a package. Without opening the box, she sashayed over to Cassie and presented the gift to her. Levi nudged Cassie with his elbow. Blinking, Cassie turned to stare at the box.
Shaking the box to get Cassie’s attention, Brooke informed her, “I’m stealing your gift card.”
“Oh.” Cassie shook her head. Her blue gaze lifted, cutting through the space and hitting Ryan square in the gut. Her lips lifted in a sad smile that seemed to say, “of course you’d rather photograph her.”
Not true at all. Professionally, he couldn’t think of anything worse than taking pictures of Cassie. Personally, he couldn’t imagine anything he’d rather do more. Cassie was a classic beauty. Her smooth, creamy skin topped with lush, dark hair and deep, expressive cobalt eyes would photograph beautifully under natural light.Under him.
And that’s why he had to let Brooke take Cassie’s place. Although attracted to Brooke, he could remain professional. So far, the other woman didn’t threaten his control. Whereas, despite years of practice, Cassie fucked with his control every day.
Slowly, Cassie handed over the envelope and accepted the unwrapped box. As she peeled off the paper, her hands shook. A strained laugh floated from between her parted lips. In her hand, she held a tie-dye vibrator raving of its multi-level power.
“Well, this will certainly be more useful than a bunch of pictures no one will ever see.”
Levi leaned down, whispering something in her ear. A pink blush worked up her neck as she swallowed.
