Page 125 of Elite Connections: an LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology

“Isn’t she stunning, folks?”

Dusty wasn’t nearly as nervous as he thought he would be for this emcee gig. As it turned out, he was kind of a natural. He had a script to introduce the models and the garments, and otherwise he just had to be entertaining. Keep things energetic. Basically, just have fun.

And he was definitely having fun.

“You all know Robin Ashley, I’m sure. She recently walked the runway in Paris, showcasing breathtaking garments by designers Chanel and Balenciaga, but tonight she’s here with us in New York, wearing—of course—Kylie Kitty.

“This stylish, sequin-scattered lace dress is as playful as it is practical. The midnight blue is perfect for a night out, or, worn with a shrug, it would make lovely cocktail party attire. The A-line shape and illusion round neckline are on-trend for this year and flatter nearly every body type. This is Kylie’s signature, folks. Practical and beautiful. Thank you, Robin!”

The applause was difficult to hear over the runway music, but there was no question people were enjoying Kylie’s work. Kylie was backstage fussing over everything, he was sure, but she would be proud when the evening was over.

He slid the card for Robin’s dress into the cubby hole in the podium and skimmed the next card, grinning as Robin left the runway. He could really have fun with this one.

“Friends, next up we have a glorious men’s ensemble and one of Kitty’s personal favorites. The textured jacket is silk sourced from Italy and double-breasted for a classic look, paired here with slim-fit trousers in a matching solid tone. A dapper two-tone braided straw fedora completes the picture for a spring look appropriate for the season.”

He nodded as the model took the hat off and waved to him. “Our model is Cameron Clark. He’s new to the runway and looks equally handsome in and out of a suit.”

That got a nice laugh.

“Look for him on my arm later, folks, he looks good there too.”

Cameron chuckled and dropped the fedora back on his head before throwing in a turn and making his way up the runway again. Dusty was smug about this one—Cameron had said no to this runway stint three times, but Dusty had finally managed to convince him, and Cam was definitely making the best of it.

“One of our silent auction items tonight is a three-course meal for four people prepared in your very own kitchen, at your convenience, menu negotiable. I promise you, it will be worth every penny of whatever the final bid is going to be. Cameron is an incredible chef.”

Cameron was becoming a chef to the stars now. Dusty had originally hooked him up with Lita, who was now expecting, so he could help her with meals and nutrition. Then she told a friend, who then told another friend…and now—barely six months later—Cam was up to his eyeballs in clients, and his waiting list was a thing of beauty.

The grand finale for the show featured Jasper, who had fronted a great deal of the money that made this event happen, flanked by the designers. They walked out, waving to cheers and flowers being thrown onto the runway. They were backed by pyrotechnics, club music, and flashing lights, and no one but Jasper actually looked comfortable onstage, but they all seemed happy and grateful.

It was a successful night.

He handed the mic off to one of the technicians and left the podium. Cam had promised him a kiss and a dance at the after party and he was ready.

“Dusty! You were wonderful!” Ann came bustling over and hugged him. “Very nice work, kiddo.”

“Thank you. It was fun.”

“I spent way too much money at the silent auction. So many good causes.”

“I know, and you’d be surprised how easily we all agreed on them.” Part of him thought this would make a good annual event, the group had worked so well together.

“Is that Dusty Harding, the famous emcee?” Cam slid up next to his side and put an arm around him.

“No, it’s Dusty Harding, the hungry actor.”

“This guy. Who knew you were a model, Cam?” Ann shook her head.

“I’m not. I was terrified.”

“You looked great.”

“Okay, fun-terrified. Fine.” Cam winked at him.

Ann took a step back, smiling ear to ear, and he squinted at her. “What?”

“Well, I have some good news.”

“Did you land me a new role?”

“Oh.” Ann laughed. “Oh, yes. Maybe. Cam can tell you about it.”

“Cam?” He turned his head to find Cameron down on one knee. “Oh, my God.”

“It doesn’t pay well, and the hours are ridiculous. Late nights, early mornings, it’s a round-the-clock thing, but I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you were up to the job.”

“Oh, my God,” he said again. He was blushing from head to toe and his heart was pounding. “Cam…”

Cam pulled a ring box from his pocket. “I’m offering you the role of husband. Will you marry me?”

“Will I—will…wow. What? Yes. Yes! I will. I accept. I do. What am I supposed to say?” He was so flustered that his hands were shaking.

“All of that works.” Cameron slipped the diamond-encrusted gold band on his finger and stood. “And you can kiss me too.”

He threw his arms around Cam and kissed him, vaguely aware of Ann clapping and making happy noises in the background.

“I love you,” Cam whispered in his ear.

He knew the rest of script was still being developed, but at least he was clear on the contract terms. It was going to be the most important role of his career.

“I love you, too.”

That line rang with truth for him.

* * *

Hello readers! Thank you for taking the time to read Spotlight. I hope you enjoyed it. If you don”t know my work, my solo books are mostly highly romantic contemporary MM and FF with urban MCs, and with B.a. Tortuga, I write ”East Meets Westerns” featuring cowboys and city slickers -- all in several subgenres from sweet with heat to western to BDSM.

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