"Yeah, yeah. I know the drill," she says. Considering I've asked her to help with nearly every launch I’ve done, she’s a pro.
"This is your first one," I tell Archer, directing him to the employee bathrooms.
While they're changing, I put fresh batteries and a memory card in my camera. As soon as I'm set, they return.
"Wow! Absolutely perfect." I can't stop smiling at how good they look. Archer looks better than I imagined. “Outside we go.”
I want to take full advantage of the sunlight splashing against the brick wall so I lead them to the back of the building. Gemma moves into place, wearing a baggy maroon sweater and winter leggings. She accessorized the scarf with her hooped earrings flawlessly.
"Gorgeous."
Since she doesn't need much guidance, I move around her, getting different angles. "Make love to the camera."
Her head falls back with laughter, and I snap the shot. After I've gotten plenty of that outfit, she changes into the next one.
"Yes, girl! That turtleneck dress is so going home with you today. Lord!” I adjust the long gold necklace making sure the layers are seen, and then we get started again.
I make Archer pose with Gemma some too. Eventually, she makes it through all of her outfits.
"Ready for your solo debut?" I ask Archer, nodding my head toward the brick wall.
"I dunno. Gemma’s a hard act to follow." He grins.
She shrugs. "I think I was a model in my past life."
"Pfft. You're a model in this life. Do you have any idea how many people ask for your contact info after I post your pics on Instagram? I mean, I proudly tell them that you're currently in a modeling contract and are unavailable.”
"A contract, huh?”
“Yes, with me, for life.” I laugh. “I’m not sharing your beauty with any of these other boutiques. I found you first, and you’re mine. Plus, you married my brother, so you’re legally committed to me.”
“Ha ha, okay, deal.” She wraps her arms around me and squeezes.
"Okay, okay, now I gotta get to work!”
Archer stands against the wall like a statue. Before I take any pictures, I lower the camera and stare at him. "You look like you're plotting a bank robbery or doing calculus in your head. So which is it?”
A small smile plays on his beautiful lips, and it’s exactly what I wanted. While I continue coaching him, I can't help but be mesmerized by his soft brown eyes.
He turns his body, and the sleeve of the jacket wrinkles, so I move forward to fix it. At one point, we’re so close, his warm breath brushes against my skin, causing butterflies to swarm.
"Those jeans look great on you, Archer," Gemma compliments. They're acid wash and fit him like a glove. I stand back and take more pictures.
"You should take off the jacket," I instruct. He's wearing a black collared shirt with silver buttons that shine in the sunlight. Needing to style it a little better, I adjust it.
Carefully, I roll the sleeves up to his forearm and ask him to do the other one but keep his hand there for the shot. Once I’m back in place, I can’t press the button fast enough. "Bite your bottom lip a little."
He laughs, but I’m not kidding. These clothes are going to fly off the shelf because these pictures are hot as hell.
"Okay, go ahead and take off the shirt."
His eyes widen. “And change?”
“No, no, no. Just take it off and show me those muscles you’re hidin’,” I say confidently.
Hesitantly, he reaches for the top button, and I'm so damn anxious watching the shirt slide off his shoulders.
As I stare at him, I’m tempted as fuck to lick his abs. Gemma walks over and grabs the shirt, and even I see the way her eyes linger for a beat.
"Now that's gonna sell some jeans," I blurt out at seeing his tattoos on full display.
Gemma’s phone rings, and she walks off to answer it, which gives me time to compose myself.
"Did you put on the boxers?" I ask.
Archer's brow cocks up. "Yes."
"How about you pop that top button then and show off the band."
Archer licks his lips, his voice as smooth as velvet. "You didn't tell me I'd be half-naked."
“You’ll be half-naked,” I deadpan. His gaze pierces through me, nearly pinning me in place. If he only knew the things I’d do to him if he’d let me.
Gemma returns and breaks the trance I was in. "Everleigh likes to leave out important details like that. Don't worry, you'll get used to it and learn to ask the right questions next time."
“Next time?” Archer arches a brow, then undoes the top button and slowly unzips the jeans. I wait with bated breath as he reveals the black band of the boxers. My mouth goes dry as I study his happy trail that goes beneath his clothes. I take so many pictures, I lose count.