Page 80

“Your turn to join them.”
I take the scenic route past Staci and her camera to join the others.
After getting into my first position, I give Staci a wink and watch as she smiles and forgets what she was doing as if she was remembering our encounter this morning against the wall.
She shakes her head and gets back into work mode.
With a quick, gentle twist of the camera lens, she makes a few adjustments before proceeding.
Several poses, expressions, and minutes later, she finishes with the three of us.
“Ben and Luke, you're all good. If you write down your email addresses, I can send you some shots for your portfolios later.”
Ben looks as happy as a dog playing fetch. “Really?”
She lets out a chuckle that makes Ben smile wider. “Yes, really. I enjoy being able to help in any way that I can.”
Luke claps Ben on his back. “Are we the two luckiest guys or what?”
Ben raises an eyebrow, causing Luke to have to explain.
“We got the nicest photographer for our first time, who not only is quick as shit, but is also going to help us further our career.”
Ben's eyes widen as he turns to glance at Staci. “Oh, yeah, man.”
Without another word, Ben walks towards the back of the studio to change.
Luke follows Ben into the other changing room.
When Staci turns her sultry gaze on me from behind the camera, I ask, “Do you still need me?”
Not letting the double meaning go over her head, she whispers, “Always.”
Time has no relevance as we gaze into each other's eyes.
We are at an impasse. Neither one of us is willing to look away.
There’s so many things I want to do and say, but I am reminded of where I am and what is expected of us as Kat’s makeup case slams closed.
Staci glances at Kat before turning back towards me. “I’ll snap a few different poses and then you can call it a day.”
I nod before getting into my first pose. After a few moments, I change my pose and unbutton the suit jacket.
After a few more moments, I stick my hand in the trouser’s pocket and get into a more casual pose.
I smirk as she snaps a few more.
“Great! I think I have more than enough to work with.”
She brings her camera to her desk as I head towards the changing rooms.
Luke is the first one out of the changing room. After handing his suit to Kat, he walks towards Staci as I take the now empty changing room.
Carefully, I take off the suit and change into my casual clothing before hanging the suit back on the rack.
Staci is staring at her computer screen as I walk closer to her. She’s making minor adjustments to the lighting before saving the pictures.
She doesn’t seem to notice me.