Текст книги "Uncovering Desire"
Автор книги: Kacey Shea
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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 16 страниц)
FLIP, FLIP, FLOP.
It’s Monday and I’ve totally got a case of the back to work blues. I just don’t feel like being productive today; I’d rather be lying out by the pool, disappearing in a good book. Not that I have a bad life, it’s just that sometimes everyone needs an escape. Instead, I’m filling my last few moments of my lunch hour by laying out my most prized possessions—my photographs.
Ever since Jon found them I feel restless about my art. I’ve always kept that part locked away, a secret for only me. When Jon found them I was a little miffed, sure. Having him see my photographs made me vulnerable and naked, in a way. Nervous about what he thought. But he likes them. And now I feel maybe I don’t want to keep my art locked away in a tower anymore. Maybe it’s time I take a chance. I don’t know. The timing isn’t right. We have so much on our plates with the Three Ugly Guy music video shoot taking place this week. I don’t want to bother Marc by asking for his feedback on my work. I’m also a little scared. What if he doesn’t like them, or worse, thinks they’re average.
I’m methodically stacking the prints back in order when my office door swings open.
“Kate, would you be a dear and confirm the location shoots for this week? Oh…”Marc sidles up to my chair and looks over my shoulder. “What have we here?”
“Um. It’s nothing really, just a little playing around I do in my spare time. You know how much I love a naked man!” I try to laugh away my nerves but the sound falls hollow on my own ears. I watch Marc’s expression but he gives no indication of what he thinks.
“You took all these?” He picks up each photo off the desk one by one before he swipes the entire stack from my hands. “And did the edits?”
“Yeah.”
“Steph! Jason! Kate’s office, pronto!” he calls over his shoulder and continues to study the prints. Steph walks in and Jason saunters in behind her. “You need to see this.” Marc hands Steph the prints he’s already looked through and Jason views the prints still scattered across the desk with a playful smirk.
“Finally coming clean, little grasshopper?” He chuckles before adding, “Please tell me I at least made the final cut.”
“You knew about this?” Marc looks across the desk at Jason. He nods. “And you didn’t say anything?” Marc looks upset and I fear I’ve done something wrong here.
“I promise I never took any of these during work hours, and I used my own camera. I borrowed the editing program, but I swear I worked on that at home. I’m sorry, Marc.” An edge of panic creeps into my voice. I have no apartment. I have no car. I can’t lose my job, too.
“Kate!” Marc turns to face me with a powerful glare. “These are fucking phenomenal. The symmetry between the subject and the space, the organic use of light, the bold and dramatic scenes! I swear I feel like a proud papa right now! I didn’t even know you were messing around with photography, but these aren’t hobby shots. This is art.”
My eyes fill with tears, though I will them not to. His words strike a chord and provide the affirmation I desire but am not sure I deserve. That Marc approves means more to me than any art critic.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Steph grins.
“These need to be in a show.” Jason sends me a wink. “Preferably one with me as the subject.”
“What about the LaRosa Art Gala Charity Event?” Steph suggests.
“That’s perfect! I’ll make a call now!” Marc claps his hands and moves to leave my office.
“Uh. Guys. Not that I’m not flattered, because truly I am. But that event is this weekend.”
“Your point?” Marc asks.
“We have so much to do this week with the Three Ugly Guys video. My photography can wait. We don’t have to push this right now.” Marc marches back to my side and turns my chair, bending forward so we are eye to eye.
“This art. It cannot stay hidden. You have to share it. I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, this is the perfect timing. Besides, we already have a table at the gala and I have connections. The only thing you have to worry about is selecting which prints to use. And we can all help you with that. Oh, and buying a killer dress for the event.” He grins before standing. His words put my fears at ease. He’s right. I can’t put these photos back in the box, or drawer in my case. Besides, I have nothing to fear now that Marc, Steph, and Jason have seen my work. Theirs are the only opinions I truly care about.
“Okay, I’ll make some calls. You invite your best friends. I’ll let you know how many extra seats we’ll have. Oh, and make those confirmation calls for the shoots this week before you forget. I’m proud of you Kate.”
“Thanks, Marc.” Everyone files out of my office and I don’t waste time getting to work. This very busy week just got busier. I’ll need to bring my A game if I want to survive.
“Please tell me I get my car back soon!”
I’m about to leave for the day when a call from Aaron’s Auto flashes across my cell. I’m really hoping my Acura’s ready soon, because my insurance only covers my rental for one more day.
“Hello, Miss Bryant. I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?” This guy is irritating. I don’t want to play a guessing game. I just want my car.
“Just give it to me straight.”
“So, we ordered all the necessary parts to repair the damages and those came in today, except for two. We are still waiting on those and once they come in it will take us less than a day to have your car back on the road.”
“Excellent. So when will those two parts be in?”
“That’s the bad news. One is coming from California so that should be here tomorrow. The other, the closest part we could find is in Detroit. So, you are looking at another seven to ten.”
“Days?” I shout through the phone.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Can’t you just put the other pieces on and find a way to patch it up until it gets in?” I’m practically screeching through the line.
“Uh, no, ma’am. There’s no way to just patch it up with the extreme damage that was caused from your accident. I’m really sorry. I understand it’s an inconvenience, but we are doing the best we can.” I pull the phone away from my ear, cover the mouth speaker and let out a scream. I take a cleansing breath before bringing the phone back to my ear.
“What was your name again?”
“It’s Jared, ma’am.”
“Jared, I need you to do me a favor?”
“Sure thing, what’s that?”
“I need you to not call me back until my car is fixed or until you have good news, okay? Also, please stop calling me ma’am, you’re making me feel fucking ancient. Just Kate, please.” A deep chuckle comes through.
“Yes, m—er—Kate. I will make a note of it in your file.”
“Thank you, Jared. Now, please just fix my car.” He says good-bye and I drop my phone in my bag. I wave to Teagan and Marc, the only two left in the office before I head out to my rental. I’m going to have to return the damn thing. I can’t do another week on my own dime. This sucks. I’m so ready for things to go back to the way they were. When I can go to my own home to my own space after driving my own car.
But then I think of my news about the art show on Saturday. I can’t believe Marc was really able to get me in. I will have ten photographs featured in the New and Noteworthy section and any sales will be split between myself and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the benefactor of this year’s event. I also have six seats at the table to fill. I already texted Evie—Tate and her are two. I’m three and I’m thinking of asking Trent to be my date. We’ll wrap up our work together by the end of the week and I promised to go out with him. I think he’ll like it, schmoozing with all the movers and shakers. Plus, he will look incredible by my side.
I texted Melissa, but she and Drew already had plans to rent a beach house for the week and leave Friday, so they’re out. I wonder if Jon would go? He really liked my work the other day and honestly, if it hadn’t been for his snooping in my office last week I wouldn’t have brought the prints out today. I’m sure it’s not his scene, but it would mean a lot to have him there.
I’m excited to tell him my news, and I hope he’s still home when I get back. He hasn’t broken down once since Friday night and I doubt he will again. At least, not in front of me. He’s strong and independent. I caught him in a weak moment. I like that I was able to be there for him, though. I feel value in that he trusts me enough to share that side of himself.
As I pull into my space I’m pleased to see his truck’s still in the lot. He works so many nights that it’s normal to not see him until my morning yoga sessions in the living room. I traipse down the path to our apartment door, the brutal heat pricking my skin.
The sounds of pans banging and food cooking fill my senses. Yum. I love it when Jon cooks. He prepares simple dishes but they hit the spot. I hope he’s making extra. I throw my bag and close the door.
“Honey, I’m home!” I call out as I kick off my heels and plop down on a barstool. “Smells good.” Jon pauses briefly to flash me a grin.
“I’m making dinner for us. I hope you’re hungry. You have a good day at work?” He continues to chop and dice a slew of veggies. Some kind of meat sizzles in the skillet.
“Work was work, but I have some exciting news to share.” He sets down the knife and leans against the edge of the counter to give me his full attention. He wears an open smile and something inside me warms to know we have this close relationship again. Not the same as when we were teens because we’re different people now, but there are no defensive walls resurrected. I’ve never felt more comfortable around him. He’s someone I consider a best friend. I smile widely with the realization.
“Okay, so you know how you found my secret photography collection last week?”
“Yeah, Pervy McPerverson, how can I forget? The sight of so many penises are permanently burned into my retinas.”
“Hardy har har. Well, I pulled them out during my lunch break. I don’t know why. I just haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since you snooped. And anyway, Marc barged into my office. Long story short, I’m outted. Marc was adamant they be included in a show. So, we have this big charity gala we always support each year, it’s this Saturday night, and they agreed to feature ten of my prints!” I practically squeal the last part. Talking about it outside of work is so much more exciting. I don’t have to hold back or play it cool.
“That’s great news, Kate!” He comes around the bar to wrap me in a hug. “I’m so damn proud of you.” He pulls away and turns to finish dinner. As soon as he releases me from his embrace I miss the warmth. It’s probably the excitement of the day but I wish I could pull him back in for a hug. I watch him toss the veggies in the dish and move them around with the spatula.
“So, I only have a few tickets for the event. It’s black tie formal, which I think is silly because, hello, it’s fucking summer in Arizona, but I was sort of hoping you would want to go.” Jon sets the utensil down and turns the heat off the stove before he lifts his chin to gaze my way. “You want me to go?” His voice is full of question and surprise.
“Well, yeah. I mean, you’re the reason I even felt the need to pull my porn stash out during work hours.” His surprise stretches into a grin and he dishes out plates. “And you can bring a date. It’ll be fun!” I giggle but his expression turns sour.
He doesn’t meet my eyes and studies the food. “Oh, okay. Yeah, I’ll go.” He slides our plates to where I sit and walks around to join me.
“I take it you have a date, then?”
“Yeah, I’m going to ask Trent. But Evie and Tate are going too, so you’ll know them. And everyone from work.” I pick up my fork and take a few bites. I feel as though a gray cloud has settled over our comfortable conversation but I don’t know exactly what’s changed. Jon eats, staring forward between bites, not meeting my eyes, his brooding expression back. I don’t know what to say as I pick at my food, and relief floods when he breaks the silence.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something about your photography. Just something I’ve been wondering since last week.”
“Ask away.”
“So the subjects, your models, they’re guys you find, right?”
“Yeah. Is that your question?” I force a laugh. He’s being weird.
“So, then, have you slept with every guy you photograph?”
“Jon, I’ve photographed at least eighty different guys.” I attempt to keep my smile in place, but I feel it wavering.
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m asking.” Oh, my god. He’s serious. He’s seriously asking me this question. If I’ve casually fucked eighty men. Is this how he sees me? After everything we’ve been through this weekend. After me wishing he wouldn’t stop holding me not five minutes ago. I lose my mind. All I see is red.
“A little advice? The next time you feel the need to call me a slut, maybe you don’t say it to my face?” Crashing my fork onto the plate, I stand.
“Kate, I—”
“No. Save it. I don’t need to hear anything else. You’ve made your thoughts perfectly clear.” I stomp down the hall.
“If you don’t want me to go to the gala, I won’t.” I hear him mutter from where he still sits. I turn to glare in his direction.
“No. You’re an asshole, but you’re the reason my work’s being showcased in the first place. You should come. Bring a date who’s not such a whore. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”
I can’t get to my mat quickly enough. Slamming my door and twisting the lock, I peel off my work ensemble and toss it to the corner. I roll out the spongy foam and ground my sitz bones. Breathe. Anger and disappointment spool inside. Breathe. I’ll sit on this mat all night if that’s what it takes to calm the storm of emotions. Fuck him!
I may be here a while.
“NO, NOPE! I WANT THE belly dancers over there! Keep the private jet clear.”
Things you’ll only hear on the set of a music video. The energy in this hanger is palpable, full of nerves, excitement, all aware we’re on the edge of something huge. Steph’s gone into drill sergeant mode, shouting orders and keeping this spectacle under control.
Teagan follows Steph a half-step behind, clipboard and cell in hand. She’s Steph’s extra pair of hands, ears, eyes, and mouth and taking her responsibility seriously for a girl who’s only twenty.
I check my watch, an oversize costume piece that’s sure to come in handy today. Jason should be here by now. We’re slated to start filming at eight, before it gets too hot. I tap my pumps in a quick rhythm to the beat of my pulse. My nerves on high alert, I busy my hands, smoothing the black and white skirt I’ve paired with a turquoise tank, then straighten my thick black belt.
Having sent the band for wardrobe change and makeup thirty minutes ago, I anticipate them back sooner rather than later. Those musicians are more excited than little boys on Christmas morning. This is their first official music video and so far they’re being perfect students. Far from the divas we’ve worked with in the past.
Marc’s partner Nicholas is a pilot and hooked us up big time for this shoot. We have this hangar in Scottsdale Airpark for the next six hours. Steph’s directing, having hired a few trusted colleagues to work behind the cameras.
Marc’s doing what he does best, dining and wining the band’s agent and entourage in the bar one building over. I’m thankful for that. They’ve had something to say about every-fucking-thing all week and I just want to get this video underway so we can wrap things up. Don’t get me wrong, I like the guys, but I’m tired of playing activity director. I’ll be happy when things go back to normal in the office next week.
“Kate!” Steph barks. “Where are the models?”
“Jason’s bringing them.”
“Seriously? Ugh. Why didn’t Marc assign that to you? We’ll be waiting all morning for Sunshine to roll in.”
“It’s okay. I talked to Jason an hour ago, they were all meeting at his place before heading over.” Steph rolls her eyes. “I know, I know, but I called the housekeeper and they really should be here any moment. Besides, you don’t want me in charge of models, that’s Jase’s crowd, he knows everyone pretty.”
“That’s ’cause he’s one too. Teagan, back the fuck up. You’re in my bubble.”
“Sorry, Steph.”
“God, I could use a smoke right now.” She groans.
“Go. Sneak one right now. It’ll level you out before the shoot.” I wink. “Just do it, Steph, you know once Jason’s here you won’t get a chance. I’ll hold down the fort. Just don’t abandon me.”
“You’re the best.” She lays a kiss on my cheek and jogs out the door.
“Why do you get to be in the bubble but I don’t?” Teagan pouts at her clipboard.
I laugh before I offer a reassuring pat. “Head up, Rookie. Just gotta put in your time.”
“Kate! Check us out! Sexy beasts, are we not?” Twisting on the balls of my feet I blink, then blink some more. Holy fuck! Sending a thank you basket to wardrobe. Trent’s wearing a shit eating grin, ripped denim jeans, and combat boots. Shirtless, I can admire the long lean muscles of his abs and the faint trail of hair that disappears into his pants. Sign me up for hiking. I’ll play explorer. I shake my head, a feeble attempt at clearing my mind.
The entire band is wearing matching outfits… if you can even call them that. The only difference being the shade of denim and the body art and piercings that cover their skin. Austin talks a mile a minute, confident with his six-pack and defined biceps, no piercings and the least amount of ink of the group.
Derek listens, a lazy grin on his face. Almost as tall as Trent, he’s the leanest of the group, with tattoos covering one arm, his chest, and half of the other arm. A dragon snakes down his left ribcage and disappears into the front of his pants, while another peaks out his waistband on the right. Good god. He sticks his tongue at me and his silver stud catches my attention. I wonder where else that boy’s pierced.
Sean’s notably the most uncomfortable. A frown creases his brow and his tattooed fingers tap against his thighs. He’s not as lean as the rest of the band but sexy just the same. Flames cover his left chest, a burning heart at the center. Licking my chapped lips I croak a directive to Teagan who gapes open-mouthed and wide-eyed.
“Water. Teagan.” I clear my throat. “Can you please get me a water, dear?” And maybe a hose so I can spray my heated skin?
“I’d say wardrobe made my day. Week. Month. Year.” I nod my appreciation. “You guys sure clean up like rock gods. Panties are sure to drop, worldwide.”
“The only panties I’m concerned with are yours.” Trent smirks.
“Whatever. I just want to make music.” Sean grumbles. “Where’s my guitar?” He stalks off to the temporary stage our crew erected in front of a sleek, jet-looking plane.
“Don’t mind him. Once a fat kid always a fat kid.” Trent taps his temple.
“What are you talking about? Sean has a great body.” I shake my head, brows knit.
“You hear that, buddy? Kate says she wants you for your bod!” Austin shouts. Sean doesn’t turn, still on a search for his instrument but he flips the bird over his shoulder, giving rise to shouts and laughter from the rest of the band.
“Oh, hell yeah. Now that’s why I learned to play drums.” Our heads follow Derek’s smirk. The models have arrived. Thank God. I strut over to Jason and Steph, who point directions to the dream team of silicone. Jason did good. Every ethnicity, shape, hair color, and height is represented in the dozen bikini clad twentysomethings.
“You’re on time! Did hell freeze over?” I hug Jason and he kisses my cheek before he releases me.
“Don’t hate. I always come through for my girls.” Jason bumps Steph’s hip with his own and she rolls her eyes.
“Okay, lover boy, let’s get to work. Teagan!” Steph shouts. Teagan’s a few steps behind and jolts at her name.
“Right here, Steph.”
“Get the crew on set and ready to shoot in ten.” Teagan scampers off to the audio and visual guys who are sipping coffee at the craft table.
“Okay, this is the kind of day that separates the men from the boys. Let’s do this.” Steph and I glare at Jason, brows raised and hands on hips. “Or women from girls… You know I’m an equal opportunity employer.”
Steph chuckles and slaps him on the back. “Oh, we know. You don’t discriminate. Is that supposed to be private knowledge?” A smile plays at his lips.
“Fair. Let’s make this shoot our bitch, ladies.”
Oh, Jason. The things he gets away with. I follow Steph over to the crew, ready and excited to get this day underway. We may be small potatoes, but right now we’ve got rock star royalty to produce. I’m ecstatic to be a part of history in the making.
“Someone needs to get those girls under control. Especially Nikki Minaj.” Teagan whispers, eyes bulging as bootylicious feigns dropping an earring and bends, directly in front of Austin and Sean, to pick it up. She jiggles her ass cheeks several times before standing. The boys are entranced. Hence the nicknames we’ve bestowed.
“Not my monkey, not my circus.” I sing. A headache pulses behind my eyes. This shoot was taking forever. With time almost up we needed to get a few final shots before we wrapped for the day. However, the band and our models had developed a severe case of ADHD once the newness of being on set wore off.
“Jase!” I call, and pull him from a heated discussion with Steph. “Control your whores.”
“Kate. Play nice, kitty cat.” He releases a frustrated breath and stomps over to Big Booty. Patience thin, I’m over today. Glancing at my wrist, I pray we’re almost done.
“How much longer, Steph? We only have another thirty minutes booked.”
“We’re moving as fast as we can. Get your boys in line. They’re stalling our time between takes.”
“Tell me when and what and I’ll get it done, Steph, but I can’t read minds here.”
“Get pretty boy back on his mic. We’re ready to run another take. And where’s the drummer?”
My eyes flick to Trent. He’s leaning against a large cargo packing crate, arms wrapped around two of our bikini girls. The girl in pink rests a hand over his crotch, stroking her fingers while she whispers something in his ear. The other pulls his head down mere inches from her double Ds, playing with his longish locks. Jealousy flares. It’s an unfamiliar feeling.
Strutting over to the threesome, I stop a few feet away. I’ve caught Trent’s eye. One brow lifts. “Can I help you?” he asks.
“You can start by acting like a fucking grown up and get back on set. They’re ready for another take and you’re more concerned with…” I wave my hand, “Socializing.” My words lace with disgust despite my attempt to remain indifferent.
“Oh fuck! Where’s your man card, Trent?” Austin laughs from behind. I glance over my shoulder. Didn’t realize I’d gained an audience. Placing my hands on my hips, I meet Trent’s glare. I refuse to back down.
“I think Kate’s got it. Didn’t take you for being whipped.” Sean laughs and I can hear them high five. Trent’s blazing eyes don’t leave mine. Thing one and thing two haven’t left his side, ignoring my presence and still exploring his body with their manicured fingers.
“Kate, will you whip me next? I love kinky shit.” Austin chuckles. I roll my eyes. I’m too old to play babysitter.
“And where the fuck is Derek?” I practically shout.
“You rang?” Seemingly out of nowhere Derek rejoins our little soiree, tucking his phone into his back pocket with a grin.
“Enough jacking around, you guys need to get back to work.” A chorus of laughs and oohhhs sound from the band. They think this is funny and I’m providing them with entertainment. Shoot me now.
“Now. I mean it.” I grind.
“Watch out. She means it, guys.” Austin mouths off in a voice that supposedly resembles mine.
“Oh, looks like someone pissed off Queen Bee. I miss all the fun.” Derek jokes.
Channeling my best elementary school teacher, I try once more. “Get your rock and roll asses on set. Now.” Realizing they’ve pushed me too far Derek, Austin, and Sean cease their laughter. Trent brushes off the talons and steps away from the girls.
“What a bitch.” One of them speaks loud enough that we can all hear.
“Let’s go, guys. Enough fun for now, we’ve got a video to make.” Austin steers everyone back to the set like it’s his idea. Ass. Trent lingers before approaching.
“Kate… Babe…”
“No. Don’t babe me. I’m not yours,” I warn, but he steps closer and wraps his hand around one of my arms.
“But maybe you want to be?” He smirks and I shrug off his touch. I’m not sure I do. He steps even closer, invading my space. Even in my heels he’s taller so I straighten my spine and look over his shoulder.
“Because I’m telling you, these fake bitches mean nothing.” He lifts my chin with his finger, eyes blazing with heat. “They only want to fuck me ’cause I might be famous. But you. You’re a wild one, not easily caught or tamed.” His fingers drop, barely skimming the skin of my neck before grazing across my breasts. My nipples harden in response. His lips drop to my ear. “Now, you. You’re what I want.”
He takes two steps back, a cocky smile at his lips. “Saturday night, babe.” He winks before he turns and jogs back to the set. Unease settles in my gut. Two more nights until the gala and I invited that man to be my date. I close my eyes and settle my breathing.
“Kate! We need you!” Steph barks.
Snapping my eyes open, I push my feelings to the side. No use worrying over that right now. I’ll deal later. Head held high, I make my way back to the madness. Just two more days. I can do this.
