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“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because wealthy men like you are used to luxury. It’s hot and humid out, so you’re going to get sweaty. It’s going to get uncomfortable.”

Did she assume I lived in some ignorant bubble? What kind of person did she think I was?

I stepped closer and tucked an errant strand behind her ear. “I’m comfortable being uncomfortable. Just part of life. Heat and humidity do nothing to me compared to a particular person.”

Her lips opened slightly.

I pushed on, trying to confirm my hypothesis. “Do I make you uncomfortable, Kiera?”

Her pulse throbbed on the side of her neck. It made me want to lean in and kiss it.

I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my lips. “You don’t need to answer. I already know.”

“How?” She narrowed her eyes.

Before I knew it, my lips landed on her pulse, and I licked it. God, the taste of her skin ignited the desire that was already on a tight leash.

I nibbled on her skin. “Your throbbing vein is showing your increased heart rate.” I drew back and brushed a finger across her cheeks. “This blush proves I make you nervous. We have some unfinished business to discuss, Kiera.”

She licked her lips, and my dick twitched.

“Not right now,” she breathed. “I have work to do.”

I took her response as a win, considering how we’d been avoiding this topic for months. It surprised me I let it go on for as long as I did. A man who had vision, understood process, and valued action didn’t like to wait around for things to happen. But my patience became flexible for her. Perhaps it was because I had faced nothing like this.

It was about time I got answers.

She was right though—this was her job. I wanted her to complete her assignment. I had signed up to model for FitFlex under the specification that the company double my fees, which were more than the other models. My time was precious, and given the short notice, I deserved whatever I wanted because I had to shift my schedule around to squeeze them in.

I hadn’t expected this minor detour during my visit. But to see her here was a bonus that I couldn’t give up.I clasped the handle of the wagon, dragging it down a wide dirt trail. The wagon bumped along the pebbled path. In the shade, the air cooled, but not by much.

“You don’t need an assistant to help during these outdoor shoots?”

“No,” she said, but didn’t look at me.

“What about in the studio?”

“I can Photoshop out anything that doesn’t work.”

“Then there shouldn’t be a problem with my photos at all. It’ll be a breeze for you.”

She turned to me.Good.Let me see your beautiful face.

“Save the arrogance and charm for your girlfriend.” She walked faster, then whirled around. “Why did you agree to the shoot anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be busy treating patients or something?”

“Iambusy. But you seemed desperate for a model, and I like to help when necessary.”

“When necessary?” She rolled her eyes. “What does that even mean?”

“When I get something out of it.”

“And what is that? I’m sure you don’t need the money.”

“What I’m after has no price.” I stared at her. “Since you’re a friend in need, I figured I’d help you out.”

She snorted. “Thanks for yourfriendlygesture.”