CHAPTEREIGHT
Felix
“I knew she’d be able to help with more than sorting through the photos,” Lola says on the phone, her tone bright.
I’m leaning back in my office chair. My cell phone gripped tightly in my hand.
But that’s not saying much.
Lately, I’m gripping everything tightly. I almost busted my blender earlier. Everything’s so tense, so on-edge, working so close to Faye.
It’s been three days.
And somehow – for Lola – I’ve been able to resist.
But I’m not sure how much longer I can do this.
Especially today…
“She found the models herself,” Lola goes on, pretty much bursting with pride. “She’s arranged the test shoots. I think you’ll agree, Dad, that she’s one hell of an asset?”
“Thank you for recommending her,” I say with a smirk.
Even if thanking her is the opposite of what I should be doing. I should be pissed at her for putting me in this position, trying to do the impossible – resist an irresistible woman, be good and noble when everything in me is roaring to be bad.
To do things to her….
“You’re welcome,” Lola says, interrupting my thoughts.
It’s probably a good thing. I can’t think about Faye without my mind going to steamy places every single time. I can’t help it. It’s a pattern I don’t even want to break because that means letting her go.
Letting her go.
As if I have her to begin with.
“Are you excited about the shoot?” Lola asks.
I swallow, nerves making my throat feel raw. My instincts try to drive me to my feet, down into the warehouse, to angrily tell Faye she’s living in a dreamland if she thinks I’d take photos of half-naked women with her right there.
And even if she wasn’t, the idea still feels wrong to me.
“Yes,” I say, forcing the word out. “The start of a project is always exciting.”
I leave unsaid, not as exciting as the start of my and Faye’s life together.
Over the past few days, I’ve tried to imagine a scenario where Lola gives us her blessing.
I can’t.
“Let me know how Faye gets on,” she says. “Actually, what am I saying? I know she’s going to do great.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” I say, not wanting to compliment her too fiercely.
If I allow those words to burst out of me, telling Lola just how incredible Faye is – with a great eye for detail, always on time, always willing to put the extra work in – I won’t be able to stop.
I’ll talk about what a great mother she’s going to make, and how we will always be together for the rest of our lives.
“Anyway, see you later,” I say. “Love you, Lola.”