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“I want to make more money.” There was Hunter’s college to think about. I longed for financial stability, a big savings account for emergencies, paying off the credit card debt from opening the business. Was it finally within reach?
“Have you thought about selling your other photographs. The nature ones? I saw there are sites online where you could post your prints. They ship and frame them for you.”
“I haven’t looked into it. I’ve been focusing on the weddings.”
“If you enjoy taking the nature photos, it would allow you to monetize it.”
“I like that idea.” For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful about the business instead of worried and stressed. The business could provide for us, support us. I could work less and earn more.
“It’s another source of income. A passive one. You don’t need to meet with clients or attend events. You post it on the site, and it sells itself. Or you can create your own shop on your website and sell directly. There are printing places you can partner with that will handle the printing and shipping, so you don’t have to.”
“I love the idea of selling things without my direct involvement.”
“If you go the direct sales route, you’ll need to hire someone to create the shop for your site. But after it’s set up, it works for you. You can sell prints in your sleep all over the world.”
I loved the idea of people mounting my framed prints on the wall. And not just wedding pictures, the nature ones. I loved that even more.
“Down the road, you could create a coffee table book of your photographs.”
“Now you’re getting ridiculous.”
“Why not? If you focused on local birds and Annapolis scenery, you could sell it locally to tourists. I’m sure the shop owners would want to support a local business owner.”
The businesses were supportive of each other. They even had a group that met monthly to discuss business and goings-on around town.
“It’s not a bad idea.”
Nick smiled, his expression teasing. “You’ll find I’m full of good ones.”
“Thank you for doing this.” I traced a circle pattern on his chest with my finger. I loved the feel of his skin.
I sensed he wanted to say something, but he kissed me instead. What was he holding back? Did he want more? My heart soared at the possibility even as my brain reminded me it was a bad idea.
He rolled me so that he was on top. He was already hard as he sucked my nipple into his mouth. He worked me up all over again before sliding inside. He braced himself on his forearms on either side of my head so that his body was close to mine.
It was intimate. My heart felt like it was pulled open and vulnerable. He kissed me as we crested together. It was the closest I’d ever felt to another person. Tears pricked my eyes as I squeezed them tightly shut. I couldn’t let him see how he affected me.
I didn’t feel right changing the rules of the game in the middle of it. It wouldn’t be fair to him. Plus, I still wasn’t sure anything more was a good idea. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t get involved with anyone. And I couldn’t ignore that Nick might only be in town temporarily. It would be foolish to fall any deeper with him.
He kissed me. “You okay?”
I opened my eyes, hoping none of my thoughts were outlined on my face. “Better than okay. I’m happy.”
I hoped it was okay to admit that. He supported me. He made me feel good. He looked out for me. And I suspected he’d do more if I asked him to. He was a great guy. One I probably didn’t deserve.
But I felt like he was holding back.
He raised a brow. “Yeah?”
I nodded, my heart twinging a little that he didn’t say anything back. Did he not feel the thing between us? I’d started out wanting only something physical, but despite my best efforts, I was falling for him. What if he didn’t feel the same?
He moved to take care of the condom.
I watched him go, admiring his naked form. If he’d didn’t see it as anything more than sex, I got exactly what I’d asked for. I couldn’t be upset with him. But I should be more careful.
I drew in a breath. I needed to get it together. It was sex. Not a relationship. We wouldn’t tell the boys about us or move in together. We had people we cared about to protect.
Nick came back into the room. “I should head out. The boys will be home soon.”
