“You’re relentless then?”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, that’s a long time for a not for profit project. What makes it so special to you?” Her dark eyes beam at me. I want to take her in my arms and devour that pretty mouth of hers. My length twitches in my pants. It’s been far too long since I’ve thought about a woman like this.
“I had some trouble with the law a while back, and my parents thought it would be a good idea to cut me off from my…funds.”
“I see.” Her eyes widen. Through her polite smile, I smell her judgment.
“It’s not like that.”
“Like what, Dorian?”
“Like you think. That I’m some rich kid who got cut off, and then when he ran out of money I came crawling back to my mom and dad full of apologies and they took care of everything.”
“Well then, whatwasit like?”
I wasn’t planning on getting this deep, but I’m here now and there’s something about her, reporter or not, that makes me want to tell her everything. “I lived on the streets of New York City for three years.”
Her mouth drops, and a wave of self-consciousness washes over me. “You?”
“That’s why it’s so important to me. I’ve experienced homelessness first hand. I’ve walked amongst their communities, been one of them. It’s a hell of a life.”
“But you’re…filthy rich.”
My head snaps at her, fists balled at my sides. “My family is filthy rich. I have lived a very different life.”
“Tell me about it.” She slides the iPhone recorder closer to me.
“All I’ll say.” I take a deep breath, attempting to steady my voice. “Is that I’m making amends for my past, by bettering the future of Burly Creek.”
Thea narrows her eyes at me. “I’m going to need a little more than that.”
“Well,” I slap my thighs. “You’re not going to get it. Now, where do you want me for the photo?” I start to stand, but Thea stays put. How could I put my foot in my mouth like that? I’ve already said too much, but something about her makes me vulnerable. I’m not sure I like it.
3
Thea
When Dorian tellsme he wants me to photograph him in his guest bedroom, my heart beats so fast it nearly explodes. Alone with him in a bedroom? Pinch me!
It’s only after I’ve entered the small room and taken in the oversized leather armchair and bookshelves filled with books organized by height that I breathe a sigh of relief. Not that I would’ve minded a sexy shoot in Dorian Strong’s guest room, but I am a lady and I do expect dinner. Okay, fine, a drink at the very least.
“Is the lighting in here okay?” He asks, brushing his wet hair away from his face. Professional models would kill for this man’s bone structure. His bright eyes are hypnotizing and for a moment I find myself lost in them before I realize I haven’t answered his question.
“Right here is fine.” I shake off the feeling that his gaze reaches so deep inside of me that my core positively aches with need. “Why don’t you lean against your desk?”
“Like this?” He crosses his burly arms over his broad, muscular chest. My mind races back to seeing him chopping wood, causing my breath to catch in my throat.
“That’s good.” I hide behind the viewfinder clicking away as Dorian remains stiff, unmoving. “You seem a little formal.” My tongue taps the side of my mouth. “I think it’d be nice to show you in a more casual way.”
“Casual like how?” With his furrowed brow and monotone voice, I have to laugh.
“For starters, you could try smiling.” Bravely, I take a step toward him and rest my hand against his rock hard forearm. “Maybe uncross your arms. It’ll make you seem more approachable.”
“This is how I stand.”
I take a deep breath. “You want to bring this issue to everyone’s attention, right? If you look guarded.” I wrap one arm across my chest and slouch my shoulders, performing a crude imitation of him. “People may find that a little off-putting.”