Page 10 of Unscripted Love
“Not at all, Katie. Josh will be delayed a few minutes, so I have time now.”
“Well, it’s a big favor,” she said hesitantly. “Remember how I mentioned a fundraiser to you?”
“Sure, and I’ll help out however I can,” I told her.
“I’m so glad you feel that way because you play abigpart in what I have in mind.” She clapped her hands and bounced on her feet. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner,” she said to herself.
“How big?” I asked, narrowing my eyes as an uneasy feeling came over me.
That feeling only increased when she broke eye contact and looked down at her feet. “We’d like to do a calendar with the animals at the shelter. One of my staff is an amateur photographer and is willing to donate the time to take and edit the photos.”
“So you’re looking for donations to cover the cost of producing the calendars? I’ll gladly help out with that,” I told her. Katie didn’t meet my offer with as much enthusiasm as I expected.
“Not exactly the kind of help I was looking for from you,” she said.
“No? How else can I be of service to you?” I asked, clearly confused. I already provided free veterinarian services and offered to…
“She wants you to pose for the calendar,” Chaz said, interrupting my thoughts.
I looked over at him and rolled my eyes. “No, she doesn’t.”
“Oh, I think that’s exactly what she’s working her courage up to ask,” Chaz told me. “Isn’t that right, Katie?”
I looked at Katie, expecting her to brush off his idea, but all I saw was a hopeful gleam in her green eyes. “Me?” I asked in disbelief.
“Why not you?” Katie asked, seemingly emboldened when I didn’t refuse the idea outright. “You’re gorgeous, built like a brick house, and adore animals. Who else would I ask?”
“I don’t know, Katie,” I said hesitantly. “I’m not very photogenic.”
“Stop being so modest,” Katie told me. “You’re exactly what we need. I can see it now…” Her voice trailed off while she envisioned something in her mind. “Cute poses with kitties, or you wearing a cowboy hat and boots while standing beside a horse…”
“I’d be wearing more than just a pair of boots and a hat, right?” I asked, needing clarification before the conversation went any further.
“Dr. Vaughn!” Katie said in shock. “Why, I’d never suggest such a thing.” Then she covered her mouth with both hands and giggled nervously. “Oh my,” she answered, fanning herself. “That’s not what I meant at all. Dear me, I meant my offer as a compliment, Dr. Vaughn. I thought your love for animals combined with your hunky looks would make a great fundraiser.”
“It would probably sell a lot of calendars,” Chaz said, chiming in.
I looked over at him and caught him staring at me speculatively. “But wouldyoubuy a calendar?” I asked.
“Duh,” Chaz said, then added, “it’s for charity.”
I wanted him to have ulterior motives for wanting the calendar. I wanted him to look at the photo and wish I was petting him instead of a horse. Was he picturing me wearing nothing but boots, a hat, and a smile for him? I could make that happen if that’s what it took.
“Well, I’m not convinced this calendar will turn out good or sell many copies, but I can volunteer my time and face if it’s something you want to do,” I told Katie.
“Thank you!” Katie said before she threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly. “You’re a lifesaver, Dr. Vaughn. I’ll call you in a few days when I have all the details sorted out.”
“Sounds good. I’ll be sure to answer your call or return your message at my earliest convenience,” I said to Katie while looking into Chaz’s blue eyes.
“Okay, talk to you soon,” she said as she exited the salon.
Chaz pinned me with a heated look and opened his mouth as if he was going to say something. He must’ve changed his mind because he closed his mouth, shook his head, and walked away. I would’ve turned to follow him, but Josh was standing behind me watching the byplay between Chaz and me.
Josh offered me a sympathetic smile and said, “Ready?”
“Yep,” I replied, following him to the shampoo room. I stopped in once a month for a shampoo and haircut. “How are things going with the renovations and wedding plans?” I asked, making small talk.
“You’d know if you showed up for dinner,” Josh scolded lightly. “We miss you.”