Page 28 of Overtime

“But when you first moved in, it was a maze, wasn’t it? You got lost in your own house.”

“Not lost. Just turned around when they were still finishing it and all the walls weren’t up. Once.”

“Uh-huh. House so big you got lost in it.” I smirk at him, as I hitch my camera bag higher on my shoulder.

“Do you want to put that in my room?”

“Is that where we’re shooting?”

“I think so. We can take a tour and see what you prefer but the master is probably the best. Especially for the photos I want.”

“Oh yeah?” I ask, suddenly curious about what kind of photos he thinks I’m willing to do for him.

“They’ll be tasteful. You’ll just need the room.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Listen, I’m going after you so you know anything I ask for will be couched in the idea that you could ask for the same or worse.”

“I’m only asking for tasteful shots that could go in a coffee table book. All the most important parts of you will be covered. So keep that in mind with what you’re dreaming up there, Farm Boy.”

“Will it be topless though?”

“Mine or yours?”

“Yours. Obviously, mine will be.” He gives me half an eye roll.

“I guess it could be. Depends on what you’re planning to do with it.”

“Put it up on the bedroom wall.” He throws his bag down and turns on the light when we reach his massive bedroom. “Right over there.” He points to a massive blank spot between two windows.

“Oh yeah? Life-size?” I laugh at the idea of being naked up on this man’s bedroom wall.

“Hadn’t thought about what size yet exactly. I wasn’t sure if it would be one photo, or maybe a series that we could put up four or five of them in a row there.” His tone is deadpan and after I sit down my camera bag, I look at him quizzically.

“You’re serious.”

“Yeah.” His brow furrows.

“Colt you can’t put naked photos of me up on your bedroom wall.”

“Why not? No one but me will see them.”

“Yeah, you and whatever women you bring back here. And God forbid your future wife sees them.”

“Women don’t come back here.” He’s terse when he answers.

“Oh god. Please don’t tell me you’re one of those guys who only fucks women in hotels. I mean… it’s kind of hot. The high thread counts and the room service. The big bathtubs are a plus too, but it’s so heartless. You’re treating her like she’s not good enough to see your house or something. I taught you better than that.”

He’s frowning hard until the last thing I say and then he looks up with a grin on his face. “You taught me a lot of things. Some I remember better than others, especially when we practiced them. So maybe we’ll try here once and a hotel another time. Then maybe I’ll learn.”

Just like he wants I’m immediately imagining those playing out, and I glare at him.

“That is just poor sportsmanship. I expect better from you than that Mr. Quarterback of the Year.”

He grins for a moment but then his frown returns. “How do you know that?”

“The QB of the year thing? I do spend a lot of time in airports. Which have lots of newsstands. With magazines that have your face plastered on them. Plus your besties are my besties if you remember right.”