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I stand with the phone in my hand.

Ayla

B and I need to work on our presentation for English. Can I go home with her, and you can pick me up from there?

I fire back a quick response.

Me

I’ll check to see if it’s okay with her parents.

I send a text to Cam, explaining and asking if that is okay. His reply is immediate.

Cam

Of course it is. Love having her over. Adri is picking them up. Hey, you at Lux’s? How is she doing in her first shoot?

Your sister looks sexy and fuckable, and she’s like light in a dark room. I want to bend her over on that desk and knock Mimi’s tea mug on the floor. That’s what I want to say. Instead, I text back.

Me

She’s doing great and is a natural at this.

All true things—just not my truth.

He replies.

Cam

Good to know. This is a big step for her.

When they wrap up, they take photos of her. She plays up for the camera with different kinds of smile. There’s a shy one, then she switches up to surprise, like she didn’t know anyone was in the room. Then she hits them with my favorite: that extra-wide one that begs me to taste her lips and eat her up.

“God, these promotional shots are going to be such a hit,” Mimi says. “We’ll also choose one for the video thumbnail. Once the graphic department has done their magic, we’ll pass it on for your approval.”

“Thanks for coming, Mimi. Having you here was really good.”

It’s the right thing to say, because Mimi preens. “Bah. You are a pro, Luxxy. You would have nailed this all on your own.”

“I loved having your support.”

Mimi hugs her. “I’ll take the whole team to dinner tonight to celebrate. I’m sending a limo for you.”

No one seems to notice the cloud that ghosts over her face, but she blinks it away. “That will be fun. See you all tonight.” Lux excuses herself to go downstairs.

Everyone goes around the room, picking up everything and putting it away. I tape the tarp to protect the finished side of the room and slide the doors to close off the section.

Mimi grabs her purse and comes to shake my hand. “It was great to meet you. You’re doing a great job with her studio. I can’t wait to see the finished version. If it’s as good as this side, we’ll have to hire you for more stuff.”

“Thank you,” I stammer because that could be huge for me too.

“I’m so glad she insisted on having you as part of her package deal.”

My face must be as blank as my thoughts, because Mimi laughs. “Oh. She didn’t tell you that she demanded we keep you as her contractor. It’s written into the contract and everything, but let’s keep it our secret, then.” She winks, adding, “Do you have a business card? We have other projects you may be able to help with.”

I nod and fish one out of my wallet.

“Bye, Oliver,” she says and walks away.