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“I’d like it if your friend can hold the pins, that way the pins aren't in your mouth. Oh, and can you take your ponytail out?” Carter fumbled with his camera, replacing the SD card.
I glared at him, tilting my head. He didn't even notice the glare. I reached up and pulled my hair tie, allowing my hair to fall on my shoulders. I ran my fingers through it, feeling the curls already coming back.
“I’m pretty sure he said I could keep my hair up,” I mumbled, slipping my hair tie on one of Clay’s fingers.
He chuckled. “You’re gorgeous either way, so I don't see why he’s making you take your hair out.”
Wait, what?
I took a deep breath, shoving any flutters that would be forming down, and went to pose for the camera. Clay hid behind the mannequin, making it easy for me to grab a pin when I needed it, but trying to stay out of the shot. The entire time Carter took pictures, with the faint clicking in the background, the only thing I thought of was Clay Nolan calling me gorgeous.
Chapter Eleven
-Clay-
Iwatched as Ophelia let the photographer get up close and personal as he clicked away on his camera. She would take a pin, pretend as if she were placing it, and then pause, waiting for a click to move again. I stayed out of the picture completely, holding the pin cushion as close to her as possible.
Once Carter was satisfied, he went back to his computer to begin to edit the photos. Ophelia followed, wanting to see what he had worked on so far. I almost followed but stopped. Instead, I went back to the table covered in all the fabrics she was using for Madeline’s dress. I was baffled that all this fabric would be used on one dress, especially when the drawing looked so simple.
I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, pulling my attention from the lace. I set my coffee and pin cushion down and dug for my phone.
Milo: How’s it going?
Clay: I mean, she took the coffee.
Milo: That's a plus.
I shoved my phone back in my pocket, carefully picked up my coffee—having the instant vision of it spilling all over the lace—and turned to leave, making my way ever so slowly to the door.
“Hey, Clay. You’re leaving?” Ophelia’s voice rang through my ears. “We haven't talked about the party yet. I’m done here, so we can talk now if you want.”
“Nah, it’s okay,” I waved a hand.
Ophelia furrowed her eyebrows. “You can stay. I just have to pack up. Madeline drove me on her way to work. Would you be able to take me back to her place? We can chat on the way.”
I inhaled sharply. Normally, I would jump at the chance to take someone for a ride in my Tesla, except I didn’t have my Tesla. I had Milo’s truck.
“Uh, sure.”
Ophelia gave me a slight grin as she began to fumble with everything on the table.
“Do you cart this everywhere?” I asked as she folded the lace and satin up and placed them neatly on the table, scooting the mannequin off to the side.
“Oh, hell no.” She chuckled. “JoAnn is kindly renting this space for me. I leave everything here. Carter, would you mind locking up when you’re done?”
Carter nodded from the computer. “I’ll just use this caption we discussed?” He pointed to the screen.
Ophelia nodded and rolled her eyes slightly. “You bet. See you later.”
I swallowed and waited for her to gather her things, pulling her hair back into another ponytail before flinging her bag over her shoulder and grabbing a portfolio. I raised my eyebrows and took a deep breath.
“Let's go.” Ophelia smiled as she tilted her head toward the exit.
“Bye, Carter.” I waved, following Ophelia out the door. “He’s just going to edit photos and post them?”
Ophelia nodded, entering the busy street. “Yeah, he’ll be fine.” She turned her head from side to side. “Madeline mentioned you traded your Mazda for a Tesla. I’ve never ridden in one.”
“Oh, well, sorry to disappoint but. . .” I dug through my pants pocket to pull out Milo’s key fob. “I have Milo’s truck.” I clicked the button, and Milo’s blue Chevy beeped, the lights flashing as it unlocked.
