Model Misbehavior

Model Misbehavior An erotic novella by

Stephanie Williams and LaVerne Thompson

This is an explicit and erotic novel intended for the enjoyment of adult readers. Please keep out of the hands of children.

www.Phaze.com

Model Misbehavior Copyright © 2011 by Stephanie Williams and LaVerne Thompson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Edited by Zena Gainer Cover Art © 2011 by Niki Browning

First Edition August 2011 ISBN-13: 978-1-60659-627-2

Published by: Phaze Books An imprint of Mundania Press LLC 6457 Glenway Ave., #109 Cincinnati, OH 45211 All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, Mundania Press LLC, 6457 Glenway Avenue, #109, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211, [email protected]. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without permission from Mundania Press LLC. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author‟s rights and livelihood is appreciated.

Chapter One “You have to the count of ten to get the fuck out of my bed and out of my house!” TJ ignored the couple scrambling to grab the covers as he rounded his King size bed—his roommate‟s tiny ass bed matched his tiny ass dick—to the night table. He yanked open the drawer and took out the red velvet box holding what represented, until a minute ago, a new life with the woman he loved. Not anymore. TJ ripped the box open and pulled out the six-carat diamond engagement ring, holding it up. “This isn‟t worth shit now.” Kelly gasped. TJ almost shoved it down her throat. He‟d wanted to surprise her. Instead, he stood there with egg on his face. TJ threw it against the wall, hoping against hope it would shatter, just like his dreams. “And you...” He glared down at his personal Brutus. Bad enough the woman he thought understood him, his profession — his soul mate, the one he laughed with — had cheated on him, but with his best friend, roommate, and PR man? Damn! He and Lawrence grew up together. “Hey TJ, it‟s not what it...” Before Lawrence could form the rest of the words, TJ grabbed him by the throat, yanked him out the bed, and held him against the wall with one hand. “Don‟t...even...go there,” he barked out before shoving him to the middle of the room. “You both have five minutes, and the only thing I want to see is the back of your asses heading out the door.” TJ got the hell out of the bedroom and made his way to the living room, frantically searching the drawer of his coffee table for a pack of cigarettes. He slammed it shut when he remembered he quit smoking four months ago. All for her, wanting to be healthy for Kelly and whatever children they might eventually have. He wanted to be the sensitive, considerate guy, for her. The perfect lover, the provider, everything—for her. Not anymore. She proved women were not to be trusted. He decided right then and there to go back to being the old TJ. The one that did what he wanted, answered to no one, and was happy.

He whirled around when he heard someone coming up behind him. “Look, TJ...” “Don‟t Lawrence. I don‟t want to hear it. There‟s nothing you can say. I‟ll send your things to your office in the morning—if I want to touch them. Find another place to stay. And find yourself another client. You‟re fired!” Like a whipped dog, Lawrence held his head down as he walked toward the door. Then Kelly made her appearance. She stood there staring at him. TJ could barely stand to look at her. Her clothes looked like she‟d jammed them on and her long red hair hung in messy crimson curls about her head. She looked sexy as sin, like she‟d been doing exactly what he caught her doing. It pissed him off all over again. “I know you‟re not looking for forgiveness,” TJ stated bitterly. “No, I was just wondering if you knew how it felt?” TJ cocked his head. “What?” “Don‟t act dumb.” She had the nerve to stand there, hand on her hip, acting indignant. “What the hell are you talking about?” He was getting more aggravated by the minute. Kelly standing there was not helping the situation and now she wanted to get into some deep discussion with him? Her nostrils flared and she narrowed her eyes. “All those women you‟ve had and still having. I just happen to be a keeper, for now. Oh, and nice touch with the ring.” “What the...?” Kelly walked past, almost bumping into him. “Come on Larry.” She took Larry‟s arm and they left. What the hell just happened? She turned the argument back on him. Ain‟t that a bitch! He had a right to kick out the people he loved most who betrayed him. It still hurt. With their leaving, the wind got knocked out of his sails. And what the hell was Kelly talking about? What other women? He never looked at another female, even during a session. He would be the first to admit being the number one male cover model in the United States, and perhaps the world, featured on no less than fourteen hundred covers, countless calendars and websites, gave him his choice of women. But not once had he ever slept with one of the models he‟d worked with. Even though he had scores of beautiful women at his disposal, the

professional in him had never allowed him to take advantage of the situation. Everyone slept around. It was one of those “known” secrets in the industry. Some even hooked up on a more permanent basis. TJ wouldn‟t cross that line. He‟d seen too many relationships turn ugly and ultimately compromise a lot of photos. How can you look lovingly into someone‟s eyes after having a huge brawl the night before? He personally took a stand against that type of behavior, until he met Kelly. She appeared to be different from the rest. So different, he broke his number one rule. Kelly seemed smart, together, possessing a twisted sense of humor like him. Falling for her came naturally. She didn‟t get caught up in the whole model thing. Just another day at the office, and the men she worked with were her co-workers. The lines some of those guys used to get her attention didn‟t seem to impress her. He‟d liked that about her. So what the hell happened? Lawrence. TJ didn‟t think he could ever wrap his head around that betrayal. The bastard knew he was about to pop the question in a few days. Damn! Lawrence went with him to pick out the ring! TJ threw himself in his favorite chair and leaned his head back, staring into space. This didn‟t make sense. Or did it? He should have stuck with his principles. He broke his golden rule—don‟t hunt in the place you work in—and look what happened. Never again. He wanted to get Lawrence‟s crap out of his house as soon as possible. As he got up to go into his bedroom, the phone rang. TJ changed direction to grab the cordless on the coffee table. “What?” he barked into the receiver. “Whoa! We get out on the wrong side of the bed today?” TJ winced at the mere mention of the word bed. “Hello, Jameson.” His agent. Even though it seemed like an inappropriate time to talk shop, he welcomed the call. “What‟s up?” “Got a plum assignment for you. You know Heather Bare?” “Know her? She‟s the number one erotica author. I‟ve been trying to get on her covers for years. Don‟t tell me...” “Pack your bags. You‟re going to do a three-cover shoot and possibly a trailer. She‟s doing a series with the same characters. She personally asked for you and Gina Jonston.” “I love working with her. This is great man. You don‟t know how much this means, especially now.”

“Hey, I told you. I have your back. Now hurry and get your ass here. Heather hates to wait.” “I‟m already on the plane.” TJ hung up, ran to the bedroom, grabbed his suitcase, and started throwing in clothes. He would sort them out once he got to New York. Lawrence could take care of his own shit. Heather Bare. Her stuff burned the bookshelves. Given a choice, he wasn‟t into reading romance novels, but he did it because it helped him get into character and made his covers more realistic. He secretly read Heather‟s work, hoping and wishing he could represent one of her heroes. Her books scorched his hands at times, and he‟d read every porno mag out there. But her writing took erotica to a different level. While her critics accused her of writing porn with a thread of a plot, they were actually character driven stories. She had kick ass heroines and alpha males beyond any woman‟s dreams. He wanted to represent those heroes. He‟d finally got his chance. **** “Tina, where are the strawberries?” Gina‟s voice was muffled like she‟d stuck her head in the refrigerator. “Why?” Tina came in the kitchen and she was right. Half her sister‟s body was in the fridge. “I want them with my coconut ice cream.” Gina stood and turned to face her mirror image. “You know that combo is no good for you,” Tina chastised. “Ah, I got medication for that now. It‟s on my dresser,” she said smugly. “Man, what you‟ll do for some junk food.” “Strawberries and coconuts are fruit,” Gina protested. “Yeah, okay.” Tina shook her head, smirking. Gina looked back inside the fridge. “Ah, pay dirt.” “So what do you have planned for the rest of the month?” Tina asked, watching her sister rummage. “Want to take a cruise? I‟m dying to be at sea for some reason.” She took a seat on the couch in the living room and grabbed the remote for the television. “This month? Don‟t you have a runway show?” Gina hollered from the kitchen. Tina Bradley—model de jour. Hot on the runways and talk of the town. She was tall, elegant and exotic. Not just a face and a body to hang

clothes on. Her walk and style told a story as she strutted the catwalks of the world. Same could be said for Gina, the number one female cover model. Quite a feat for an African-American. But no matter what sub-genre in the romance industry—historical, regency, contemporary, sci-fi even—they all called Gina. She fit the bill: caramel colored skin, wavy shoulder length brown hair with red highlights, statuesque, and curvy. The same height as her runway model sister, they looked almost identical, with Gina being slightly fuller. The differences in their features were minimal, and only those very close to them could tell them apart. Their personality, however, made the task easier. Gina bragged about being a social butterfly, able to fit in and be comfortable in any situation. Five minutes with a bartender and she knew his life‟s story. Gina became everyone‟s good friend. Tina, for all her bravado on the runways, took the shy and reserved route. She sat back, watched, and listened instead of asking the questions. She allowed few people to get close to her. Go figure. Gina joined her on the couch with her bowl of strawberries and coconut ice cream. “Yummy. Now, what‟s this about cruising?” “I thought I told you. I have a whole month off. Whoo-Hoo!” Tina pumped her fist in the air. “Great. Let me check my calendar and see if I have anything planned.” Gina reached for her Day-Timer and her cell rang. She quickly took it out of her pocket. “Hello.” She put the cell down on the couch and turned on the speaker so she could have her hands free to eat and listen at the same time. “Hello, darling.” “Hey, Sherri.” Gina turned to Tina and shrugged her shoulders. Which meant the cruise thing might be on hold. “What‟s going on?” “Got something for you, but I‟m not sure if you want it.” “Go ahead. Shoot.” Gina got her pen and Day Timer ready to write. “Well, it‟s a cover, a three series...Nah! You wouldn‟t be interested.” “Sherri!” Gina shrieked. “Are you messing with me? What cover model in her right mind wouldn‟t be interested in a multi-book deal?” Sherri confirmed it with a little impish giggle. “Okay, you know Heather Bare, right?” “Are you kidding? I have all her books, just for research purposes of course.”

Tina spotted the latest book Gina had of Heathers, cover up on the floor. Her books were not for the faint of heart. “Yeah right. Well, she asked about you. Wanted to know if you‟re...” “I‟ll do it!” Tina had to laugh at her sister‟s enthusiasm. Sherri broke out in laughter, too. “Please, take your time and think about it.” “Don‟t think so, this is fantastic. Do you know how long I‟ve been waiting to be on one of her covers?” “Forever and a day, like every other cover model. Well, you got it. Be at the studio apartment tomorrow at seven in the morning. After the covers, they might do a trailer, too. Unclear about that now but you should be busy for the rest of this week and into the next. Good thing you live here in New York. Saves the packing and flying.” “Amen. See you then and thanks.” “Don‟t mention it.” Gina disconnected and jumped up, doing a little dance. “Yippie!” “Good news I take it,” Tina smiled. “You heard. Yeah. Three cover deal with a major romance writer,” Gina said, slapping Tina on the knees for emphasis. “Congrats. You‟ve been wanting those series covers.” “Yep. Let me call Jillian. We were supposed to go out tonight, but I need to be at the shoot early tomorrow morning. I‟m sorry sis, but this might take a while. Sherri said about two weeks, so cruising is probably out.” “No apologies. I‟ll figure out something to occupy my time.” “Maybe we can do a few days toward the end of your month off,” Gina offered. “We‟ll see.” While Gina made her call, Tina went to the kitchen. “I think I‟ll celebrate with you and splurge on some strawberries and coconut ice cream.” “Cool.‟ Tina rejoined her on the couch with her bowl as Gina got off the telephone. They both scooped a nice size portion of ice cream. “To your series covers,” Tina said and they clinked spoons. “Thanks, sis.”

Chapter Two “Aarrgh! Tina! Come here, quick!” Her sister‟s scream had Tina rushing into Gina‟s bedroom, almost tripping over her own feet. “What? What? Yikes!” Tina stopped dead in her tracks. “Girl, you look like you have marbles under your skin. My goodness, what happened?” “The strawberries and coconuts!” “But you had medi— Wait! Did you take it before you ate?” Tina stared at the bumps on her sister‟s face. Sometimes people exaggerated about having a bump here and there, but these were massive and angry looking. Gina stood there looking in the mirror. She glanced down at the bottle sitting next to her jewelry box. “Oh no, I totally forgot. I got so excited about the shoot today, I forgot. My big chance.” She put her hands to her face and began to cry. Tina walked over to her and put her arms around Gina. “It‟s okay. There‟ll be other covers. You‟re the best. Right now we need to worry about this.” “I don‟t want to disappoint Sherri or—” “Shhh. I‟ll call Sherri for you and let her know what happened. I‟m sure she‟ll understand.” Tina searched for Gina‟s cell phone. “I so don‟t want to disappoint her. And the author, she requested me and...” “Gina, one thing at a time.” Tina sat Gina down on the edge of the bed. “Can you take those pills after your breakout?” “Yeah, but it will take at least two days before it clears up.” “Don‟t worry about that. Maybe they can postpone the shoot for a couple of days.” Tina left the room and went to the kitchen for water. When she came back, she found Gina in tears again. “We‟ll get through this. Here.” Tina handed her the glass and grabbed her medicine. “It says take two every six hours for three days or until skin condition is clear.” “They can‟t postpone the shoot. They‟d just use someone else.” Gina threw up her hands. She took the pills and drank the water. Tina couldn‟t

see her bumps now. She focused on the distressed look on Gina‟s face. That‟s when she got an idea. “Gina.” “Yeah.” She sniffed. “Um, I‟m not doing anything for a month, and we‟ve helped each other before. So I‟m thinking maybe I could substitute, at least for the first shoot. Maybe by then your face would have cleared up. That way they wouldn‟t have to get anyone else.” A spark came to Gina‟s eyes. “That‟s a great idea! I might be able to finish the last cover, at least do the trailer. I should be cured by then.” “Cool.” “But let me call Sherri to give her a heads up. You need to get going. Here‟s the address.” Gina reached in her purse and handed her a card. “That‟s where it‟s taking place.” Tina took the card and read the information. “Oh la la. The Waldorf.” “Hurry up. You know how late you can be.” “Okay, I‟m as good as there.” **** Of course Tina had to stop at her favorite coffee shop and get a fluffy, vanilla, fat-free, soy ice coffee. One of Tina‟s favorite splurges. The barista took forever and a day, but always worth the wait. Drink in hand, she trotted down the street to the hotel. She found the room and knocked. The door flew open, almost startling her. A tall, thin blonde woman greeted her. “Thank God!” Before Tina could formally introduce herself, a tinier man took over. He took her free hand and rushed her through the main sitting room into another room. The suite was huge with multiple rooms done in beautiful shades of green and beige with furniture you didn‟t want to sit on for fear you might break something. She barely registered the stage with a shower and bathroom set up. “Hi, I‟m—” “Yeah, we know,” he said hurriedly. “Look, we‟ve assigned this first bedroom as a dressing room for you. The lighting in here is good for you to put on your makeup. There‟s a bathroom right across the hall if you need it. Take off your clothes, put on the robe behind the door, and come back out to the main room. Your partner is waiting there. We‟re all set to go. Come on hurry up!” The gnome gave her a little shove into the dressing room. Tina turned to frown back at him. Boy, this must be a big deal shoot or something, or the people forgot to take their meds.

The room was larger than she needed. There was a beautiful mirrored vanity against the wall with a padded bench. She placed her makeup bag on the bench, quickly finished her drink, and began undressing, looking around for her costume as she did. Then she saw a white silk robe behind the door. The guy did say robe. Maybe this is the costume for the shoot. She frowned. This flimsy thing couldn‟t be it. Still in her underwear, she peaked her head out the door, holding the robe in her hand. “Excuse me, somebody.” The gnome appeared. “What is it?” he asked in an annoyed tone. She had the sudden urge to step on him. “Where‟s my costume?” He peeked his head in the room, which proved very unnerving, considering her state of undress; his head just came up to her crotch. “There it is,” he huffed as he pointed to the robe. “Now hurry and take everything off. TJ and Heather are waiting.” She took the robe and looked at it like some foreign object. Maybe they had something else for her to wear on the set. Taking off her underwear and putting the robe on, Tina wrapped it tightly around her, making sure it covered the interesting parts and it didn‟t open as she moved. The nearer she got to the set, the more nervous she became. She had a bad feeling about this. “Well, it‟s about time. I hope we didn‟t inconvenience you.” Tina froze as the deep sexy voice snaked through her soul. She pivoted slowly on the balls of her feet and almost passed out. Were there any other words to describe handsome, gorgeous, beautiful, or just damn fine! She‟d modeled with some of the most attractive men in the world, but she‟d never seen anyone like him. He wore a matching robe, except his wasn‟t as see-through. At sixthree to her six feet even, his robe reached above his knees. He feathered a hand through dark wavy hair, hanging just past his shoulders. Steel gray hypnotic eyes penetrated through her calm veneer. He wasn‟t cleanshaven, but the five o‟clock shadow couldn‟t hide an amazingly chiseled face. And that mouth! Drawn to it, for a split second she found herself leaning forward and... “Can‟t speak?” he asked before he took a gulp of bottled water. “I...I...I‟m Tina.” Great introduction, she thought wearily, but that‟s all her brain cells could come up with. “Yeah, they told me. Give Gina my best. I‟m very sorry for her incident.”

“Uh-huh.” She gathered the material of her robe even tighter. The look he gave her bordered on perverted. If anyone could conceive by a look, she would be having triplets. “False modesty?” he asked raising one dark eyebrow. His question irritated her and she immediately released her grip on the robe, regaining normalcy. “Excuse me?” “Aren‟t you used to having very little on?” The jerk had the nerve to smirk. “Come people,” the tall woman said, “Places, let‟s get going. We‟re already an hour behind schedule.” Before she could respond to his remark, she found herself gently pushed toward the glass shower set. They‟d created a shower made of all glass, running almost to the top of the eight-foot ceiling, in the middle of the room. A hose attached to the showerhead so it would run water. These people were really hands-on. “Ladies first. By the way, my name is Tim Jaxon. My friends call me TJ.” “Oh, I see. Nice meeting you—Tim.” She raised her eyebrow at him. Without blinking, he waved his hand again to the open shower. “Our audience awaits.” Someone must have done something because all of a sudden water began to gush from the showerhead. Alarm bells began to go off. She froze. “Um, what kind of cover are we shooting?” she asked nervously. He stood at her back, his cologne and pure maleness wreaking havoc with her hormones. “Didn‟t they tell you?” “Tell me what?” Tina really went into panic mode. “Oh God, is this a porno shoot?” He laughed in her ear. “I guess they didn‟t. These covers are for Miss Heather Bare‟s trilogy.” She spun around. “Hea...Heather Bare. The Heather Bare? Her books are the most provocative stuff out there. You could say her stuff is...” Oh my God! She‟d been so focused on TJ she‟d forgotten this was the shoot Gina had been so excited about. The one for her favorite author, and the models on the covers were usually naked! She‟d have to pose with him naked! A woman came out of the kitchen area, a woman whose face had graced the back of said covers. Oh my God! “Okay, drop the robes!” yelled the Napoleon clone.

Tina turned to say something, but instead stared into the gray smoldering eyes of her modeling partner. The flutter of his robe pooling around his feet drew her gaze downward. A big mistake. My goodness! “Cat got your tongue,” TJ all but purred. “I...uh...look, I can‟t do this.” Tina turned away from the shower and ran back to the dressing room area. She heard someone call for her, but didn‟t turn around to acknowledge them. She slammed the door and sat on the bench. Tina didn‟t know which made her more nervous. Posing nude in front of a bunch of strangers, or the fact her modeling partner looked like he descended from the heavens. The sound of a sharp rap on the door had her jumping and instinctively tightening the belt around her robe. “Yes.” “Come out here,” TJ said softly, coaxing her out with his voice. “I...I‟ve changed my mind. I‟ll make sure Gina shows up—” “I don‟t want Gina. I want you.” Tina stared at the door. The way he said it suggested more than simply wanting her to model with him. She slowly rose, opened the door, and held her head high in a real effort to look him straight in the eyes. TJ had his robe back on. That made her happy—well, somewhat happy. “Okay, I‟m out.” She still fidgeted a bit, but remained halfway in the dressing room. “I thought you were pulling my leg back there, acting shy and modest.” TJ looked her up and down. The intensity of his stare let her know he undressed her with his eyes. Not hard to do considering what she had on. She felt naked anyway in spite of the robe she kept a death grip on. His words made no sense. “What do you mean, you thought I was pulling your leg?” She almost put her hands on her hips, but remembered she was holding the robe together. “Well, you being a supermodel, I know you‟ve seen and been with your share of naked men.” He shrugged. “And maybe some women.” Before she could form a coherent thought, instinct took over. Tina slapped him across his face. The sheer force made his head snap to the side. “Jerk!” She slammed the door in his face, then sat and put her head in her hands, hoping she wouldn‟t regret what she had just done. How dare he assume something like that? Pompous ass! What kind of person did he take her for?

Tina straightened, crossing her legs and arms in righteous indignation. She didn‟t care what went down. No one insulted her like that and got away with it. Not even someone as fine and delicious looking as TJ. **** TJ flexed his jaw, making sure it wasn‟t dislocated. Man, she had a great right slap. He shook his head and raised his hand to knock on the door again. Why, he didn‟t know. He wasn‟t a masochist. Just then Heather Bare came over to him. “Is there something wrong?” TJ heard nothing but concern in her voice. She should have been pissed, having a model walk off the set, but he‟d heard she was a really nice, reasonable person. “No, no. I just think she‟s not feeling well. I, uh, think she didn‟t have anything to eat before the shoot.” “Oh dear. I don‟t know why these models starve themselves so. It‟s not worth it.” She shook her head. “Tell you what, we‟ll take a break and you take her to breakfast. The shoot can be delayed a bit. Trust me. I‟ll tell everyone.” She patted his arm reassuringly and turned away. TJ let out a sigh of relief. Now he had to regroup mentally before he approached the skittish virgin. He smiled to himself. Her act of modesty rang true. This really must have been her first time posing nude, which meant he‟d mistakenly lumped her in with the party crowd. He‟d been wrong before. Okay, he screwed up royally. He needed to apologize and make amends. Besides, he looked forward to getting to know Tina better and making her feel more comfortable. Usually before he worked with a model for the first time, he spent a little time talking to her by phone or meeting for coffee so they could become comfortable around each other. In this case he wanted to make Tina feel real comfortable around him naked, because that‟s the only state he wanted to be in around her, and he hoped the feeling would be mutual. He‟d seen a flash of interest along with the shock. TJ knew her sister Gina real well. They‟d worked together a few times, although not in the nude like this, but he knew there‟d be nothing awkward with her. They were both professionals. Gina possessed the same kind of beauty, but Tina had something different. Both were tall, alluring, and had a confidence that knocked you over, yet Gina had never stirred in him a desire to be anything other than

friends. Even though some people would find the twins identical, he could see the slight differences. Differences that had her sister Tina, stirring up a lot of things. Tina couldn‟t be called the typical runway supermodel. She didn‟t give the image of a walking hanger that clothes just hung off of as she sashayed down the runway. Tall, curvy, and with an expressive face, unlike some of the drones he saw walking the runways, she was simply stunning. A hint of innocence surrounded her—how refreshing. Aside from the face slapping, she seemed like a sweet girl. Something he noticed almost non-existent in this industry. Still, he thought that bitch Kelley had been different too and that hadn‟t turned out so well. However, commitment was the furthest thing from his mind. Tina sparked other interesting prospects, her seeming difference from the others a powerful attraction. Enough for him to make an exception and sleep with her. Oh yeah. TJ straightened his robe and made sure the attention-grabbing parts were covered before he knocked on the door again. “Tina, please come out. I‟m sorry, really. I honestly didn‟t realize...” The door slowly opened. “I‟m sorry I slapped you, but you assumed—” “I was an idiot and a jerk as you so colorfully pointed out.” Rubbing his chin, he noticed her blush. That natural response made her so much more attractive to him. Tina‟s face appeared a bit slenderer than her twin‟s and her lips a lot more succulent. Her cheek bones a bit higher and deeper, and those eyes... The eyes of an innocent doe. TJ got hard again. He wanted her. Damn! Now was not the time. He shifted his stance to try to ease the pressure in his groin. “Um, Miss Bare said it would be all right if we took a break. I told her you hadn‟t eaten this morning and wasn‟t feeling well.” “Oh. Thank you, but...” “Please, I‟m sorry. May I take you to breakfast? I hear the crow omelet is pretty good. Thought I‟d try it.” He tried to kick up the sincerity volume in his smile. She giggled and it gave him a warm feeling inside. “Okay, I accept your apology. Let me get dressed. I need to call Gina anyway, so she can fin...”

“No please. I want you...as the model. Something tells me you‟ll be fabulous on the covers.” And probably fabulous in bed, too, given the chance. “But I‟ve never done anything like this before. I mean, where I‟m naked and you‟ll be naked, too, and pressed against me and—” “Shhh!” He placed his fingers against her lips. One, to stop her from babbling and two, to stop her from describing a scenario he didn‟t need to hear. Tina treaded on dangerous territory and didn‟t know it. “Get dressed. I‟ll do the same and meet you back here.” “Okay.” TJ went back to his room to put on his clothes. He glanced in the direction of the bathroom, remembering the shower in there. He wondered if he could use it to take a quick cold one. He opened his robe and looked down. A quick one wouldn‟t to do it.

Chapter Three Ten minutes later, Tina still stood in the now empty studio. Everyone had cleared out five minutes ago as she continued to wait on TJ. He wasn‟t at all what she‟d expected. Then again, she wasn‟t exactly sure what to expect. Tall? Yes. Handsome? Most definitely. Built? Yes and in all the right places to take a roller coaster ride while you touched and licked said places. His was the kind of handsome that made her want to forget the mattress. She‟d take the hard floor. Who knew the man existed that would make her think that way. Hell, dirt floor, cement wall, wooden table. Didn‟t matter the where, only the who—TJ. When he dropped the robe she damned near dropped to the floor. He was semi-hard and still damned impressive. She heard a sound and spun around to the hallway leading to the changing rooms. TJ, now covered in street clothes, was striking. Black stonewashed jeans practically painted on him and a gray long-sleeved t-shirt to match those eyes. Damn, even dressed he looked good, but naked was still better. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I decided to take a shower.” Take a shower? What Tina would give to see that. His hair slicked back, his muscles wet and ...she shook he head. She needed to stop and concentrate on this assignment. “No problem. Shall we go? Everyone‟s already left.” He glanced around. “So I see. You know, I just had a thought. Usually I have a chance to get to know the models I work with a little before we do a session. We didn‟t have that chance, but since you also have never done a cover shoot and in the nude of all things, maybe it would be better if we stayed here and talked a little. I can order breakfast from the restaurant downstairs and we can practice some poses in the shower without an audience first.” “With our clothes on?” Tina got that nervous feeling again, but this was ridiculous. She was a grown woman. She‟d seen men naked, including her boyfriends, but they never looked like this. Mercy! “For starters. But eventually you know they‟ll come off.” “I know. I just don‟t...” “Would it help if you understood you won‟t actually appear naked on the cover itself?”

She frowned trying to remember some of the covers she‟d seen for the author. He was right. Even though the women were naked, an arm, leg, or other props always conveniently covered certain parts. It just gave the illusion of nudity. But she would still be naked and touching his naked body during the whole shoot. “I remember once seeing a paranormal cover where the couple was in the moonlight and the shadows covered the really interesting parts,” she said. “Yes. This cover will also be something like that. The photographer will use steam in the shower to create a similar effect.” “But I still have to get naked.” She wanted to at least voice her concerns. “Come on, don‟t tell me you‟ve never had to get naked in a room full of people? Cause I know during fashion shows models have to change fast to get back out on the runway and sometimes they have to strip right in the hallway. Don‟t matter who‟s standing around.” He had a point and he knew it. “Fair enough,” she said. “Let‟s order food and practice first. I promise I won‟t bite.” She stared at him, knowing damn well he would if she wanted him to. She took a deep breath. “I‟ll take a bowl of grits with Gouda cheese and a cup of green tea.” She‟d need the tea to help calm her nerves. She couldn‟t believe she was actually going to pose naked with this man who already had her feeling a little flushed. What would happen when he actually touched her? And wait! They were alone now. Her body temperature climbed. TJ ordered the same thing she did, saying it sounded rib-sticking good. After he placed the order, they sat at the small table in the room. They talked about trivial things. Interesting places they‟d both been to for shoots. Ridiculous costumes they‟d had to wear. They found out they‟d even been in Italy at the same time once, staying just a block away from each other. By the time the food came, Tina felt more comfortable around him. She was about halfway through her meal—he‟d pretty much scarfed his food down—before he spoke again. “So I‟m assuming you‟ve read Heather‟s work?” “Yes.” And I can think of several scenes I would like to act out with you. “Good. Well this is a three book series about the same two characters who have a love/hate relationship. They‟re both government-sanctioned assassins. In the first book, they meet and sparks fly. Neither knows the

other is an assassin and they‟ve both been ordered to target the same person. Eventually they figure it out and work together but they part, neither believing a relationship would work. The second book they have to work together and they take up their relationship right where they left off. Both in and out of the sheets they‟re smokin,‟ but there‟s a traitor in their mist, and he gets shot believing she had something to do with it. She comes to hate him because he believes she‟s a traitor and that she would harm him, so she leaves.” “It‟s a fine line between love and hate.” She took a sip of tea, all the while watching TJ‟s mouth move. It was something she could learn to love. He grinned, showing a dimple in the center of his chin. She bit her tongue so she wouldn‟t groan. “Exactly. In the last book they have orders to kill each other, but he finds out she‟s been set up all along. Meanwhile she‟s trying to kill him. She follows orders. He doesn‟t want to kill her, but has to get close enough to her to convince her of his remorse, and that he knows she was set up.” “And of course they have hot sex and make up in the end.” Damn! If the shower scene was the tamest of the covers, what‟s the last one going to be like? Tina sweated at the thought. “Yep. This is erotica after all. And this shower scene is important. It‟s the first time they come together in the book. They‟d already met and she was attracted and suspicious of him. She snuck into his room while he was in the shower. After she searched it and figured out who he might be, she joins him in the shower.” “Wow. Not shy at all is she?” “No.” He smiled a wicked grin. “Well, I have a better idea now of the characters she wants portrayed. You have a very good grasp of the storyline, so I‟m assuming you‟ve read the books.” “I try to. I believe that‟s one way to get a real feel for the character that I can bring to the cover shoot.” “I like that.” She imagined him in a black leather outfit, with an AK47 in one hand and titanium blade in the other. Lordy! “Are you ready to try staging some poses?” “Yes. I think so.” Her body was certainly ready. Just thinking about the sex and the crazy adventures those two characters were on had her thinking of the two of them. She simply replaced them with her and TJ.

She really needed to focus. “How much time do we have before company returns?” He glanced at his smart phone. “Steve. That‟s the short guy and the director, said an hour, but the restaurant they‟re going to is slow, so it‟s more likely two. So we have about an hour left.” He got up and offered her his hand. “Shall we?” Tina placed her hand in his and felt the current racing back and forth between them. She looked into his eyes and had to blink, otherwise she‟d be pulled into those storm pools. TJ led her to the shower stall. The water was turned off now. He stepped in first and turned toward her. Still holding one hand, he raised the other to place around her waist, drawing her closer to him. Not even a thread could be squeezed between them. She hadn‟t realized until he stood in there with her how small the shower actually was. He was a big man. All she had to do was inhale and her chest brushed up against his. **** Those soft, luscious curves were pressed against him and all he could think about was getting her out of those clothes. He wanted her against him, this time skin to skin. This had nothing to do with the shoot. Tina. Only Tina. He must be out of his mind. Reluctantly, TJ released her to pull his t-shirt over his head and toss it through the still open door. He held his breath to see what she would do. Hoping, praying she wouldn‟t run. When Tina raised her hands to pull off the shirt she wore, he almost went down on his knees in thanks because he was getting naked, and because of the way her bra cupped those full, succulent breast. TJ licked his lips, almost salivating. He couldn‟t help it. He wanted a taste. Following instinct, he lowered his face until he was close enough to inhale her scent. “Mmm, you smell so good.” Tina didn‟t say a word. He reached around her and unhooked the bra. It didn‟t drop. Those delicious breasts kept it up. He grabbed the straps and pulled them down her arms, letting it fall at their feet. TJ raised one hand and gently, ever so gently and reverently, cupped one. Her body twitched, and he shot his gaze to hers. Tina‟s eyes were wide open, her pupils fully dilated. She was aroused. The feeling was more than mutual. “Unzip me,” he groaned out.

Without taking his gaze from hers, TJ flicked his thumb back and forth over her nipple. Tina reached down to unbutton his fly, but he stopped her hand before it reached the zipper. He was too aroused and needed to do this with care. First TJ stuck his hand inside the flap before allowing Tina to pull the zipper. When she realized he was going commando, the sound she made sucking air into her lungs was loud. TJ grinned. “Does...does that always happen?” Her gaze was riveted to his sex. “Depends.” With every second of her stare, he was getting harder. “On what?” “What do you think?” Tina‟s gaze rose to meet his. “Oh.” “Oh yeah.” In truth it was rare for him to be this aroused during a shoot. Frankly, even what they were doing wasn‟t normal. Usually the poses were specifically crafted. Not this time. He tugged his pants down and stepped back as much as he could in the confined space to finish pulling them off. He silently watched as she, too, got rid of her jeans. The only thing between them now was a little wisp of zebra stripped underwear. He‟d let her keep that on—for now. “Touch me.” He didn‟t recognize the huskiness in his own voice.

Chapter Four What the hell was she doing? Common sense seemed to have gone down the drain. This was crazy. She‟d just met the guy, yet here they were naked and touching each other. But, oh my, the feel of all that hard muscle was an experience Tina couldn‟t live without. She was getting wet, but no water was running. This couldn‟t go on, could it? Tina grabbed his arms and pulled him toward her while he rubbed his nose in her hair. Then abruptly he stopped, but she raised her hand to his chest, that fabulous chest and stroked it as it rose up and down, like his lungs just couldn‟t get enough air. TJ‟s hands covered hers. “Okay. Okay. See how well we work together.” “What?” She blinked. Work. This was all about work. Oh God! What must he think of her? She tugged her hands out of his and grabbed her clothes off the floor. She wanted to run back to the dressing room change and walk out of the place. But she wouldn‟t. She couldn‟t. Tina was a professional and she would act like one. She could do this. Even if it damned near killed her. Taking her time she straightened up and placed her hand on the lever to open the shower stall, the sound of his voice calling her name froze her. “What!” she said without turning around. “The only reason I stopped is because the rest of them will be back any minute. But this is damn sure not over between us.” His tone of his voice left no room for argument. “Yes, of course, you mean the shoot. I‟ll be fine. Like you said, I just needed to become accustomed to you. Well, I am.” Tina hurried back to the bedroom she was using as a changing room, hearing the shower door close. She wasn‟t fast enough. He came up behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping her as she reached the door. “No. This is not about the shoot and you know it.” She glanced at his hand, ready to react to his comment, but heard the suite door open and voices. “You‟re right she said. It‟s not over. I‟ll be out in a moment and we can continue the shoot.” Without waiting for a reply, Tina walked into the room and slammed the door in his face. Sitting on the bench, she buried her face in her hands. “Oh shit, what have I done?”

Nothing. She‟d done nothing. She would pull herself together, go out there, and face them all. Somehow she‟d do it. One thing Tina knew for certain, the shots would be good. Without analyzing it any longer, she took off her underwear and grabbed the robe from behind the door, putting it on. By the time she walked back into the main studio, TJ was already there. The shower was going and artificial steam was being blown into the shower area. An average height woman with steel gray hair approached her. She‟d know that face anywhere. “Ms. Bare, I‟m so sorry about earlier. I‟m ready now.” “Good, good. I‟m sorry about your sister, but you look enough alike that it will work. Besides, I saw the way TJ looked at you earlier, and I can see natural sparks flying. That will show up great on a cover.” The little gnome came over and took her hand. “Come on, come on, break‟s over.” How rude. “Okay, TJ, get in the shower first.” Without batting an eyelash or looking her way, he dropped the robe and stepped right under the water, getting his hair wet. Because of the steam, she couldn‟t really see his body, only that he was nude with one hell of a tight ass. “Okay, Ms. Thang,” the little man said. “Your turn.” Taking a deep breath for courage, she turned her back to the room of people, dropped her robe, and joined him. For the next six hours, Tina wasn‟t sure she was human any more, feeling more like a prune, but she knew the photographer had gotten some fantastic shots. The chemistry between TJ and her was so strong. The currents connecting them were palpable. The camera sure as hell could pick that up. Someone called, “It‟s a wrap!” and the water shut off for the last time. They‟d turn it off every now and then so they didn‟t prune and just use the steam. Tina exited the shower first and someone handed her a big fluffy towel. She wrapped herself in it and someone wrapped her hair in another one. She turned to thank them only to find TJ standing behind her. “Thank you,” she managed to get out. “You‟re welcome,” he said. The click of a camera had them turning toward the photographer. “Can I get dressed now?” she asked. “Yes, I think I‟ve got some pretty good shots today,” the photographer said looking into his camera.

Tina changed and went back into the main room, only to find everyone huddled over a laptop. TJ wasn‟t with them. Heather looked up and saw her. She moved aside and called over to her. “Take a look.” As the photographs flashed across the screen there was no doubt in her mind that the camera picked up the attraction between them. The erotic pictures leaped out at you. The passion, the desire, it was all there for everyone to see. They were the best work she‟d ever done in her career. “I think this will be the cover shot though,” said the photographer pointing at the picture he‟d just enlarged. “I agree,” Heather said. The little man said, “Too bad, we didn‟t even need the water scene.” The shot they all stared at was the one where they‟d stepped out of the shower. Tina had the towel wrapped around her body, and TJ had just wrapped the towel around her head. He wore a towel draped low on his hips. Tina gazed up at him over her shoulder. There was such want in his expression and an answering desire in her eyes. It was raw, electrifying. Her neurons were firing off to her pleasure centers just looking at them. “We‟re smoking.” TJ‟s voice came from behind her. “Yes, you are, but don‟t you always.” The photographer winked at TJ and laughed. Obviously they knew each other well. Tina felt something unwelcome curl in her stomach. Did he look at all the models he posed with like that? Was it all just an act for him? After looking at those photographs, she wasn‟t so sure what it had been for her. “If we‟re done,” she managed to get out. “I‟m heading out and will see you all tomorrow.” “That‟s fine,” Heather said. “We‟re taking a few shots in Central Park tomorrow.” “Not nude I hope?” she asked half jokingly. The photographer laughed. “Unfortunately, I won‟t be able to get away with that again.” “What do you mean, again?” Tina asked. These people were not into clothes. She almost laughed at the irony of that, considering that was her profession. TJ came behind her and placed his hand on the small of her back. “He tried to do it once and almost got us all arrested.” It took everything in her not to lean back into his touch. Instead she leaned away from him and paid attention to when the photographer spoke.

“It‟s a long boring story. TJ can tell you about it. We won‟t start shooting tomorrow as early so get some beauty sleep and be there around noon. Sami here will call you with the exact location where we‟ll set up.” “Okay. I‟ll see you all tomorrow then.” A chorus of byes rang out. It wasn‟t until she opened the door and was pulling it closed that she realized TJ was right behind her again. “Are you leaving now, too?” “I told you this wasn‟t over between us.” “It is as far as I‟m concerned.” Did he have to stand so damn close? Her senses could only handle so much stimulation. “Listen, this business can be grueling. Let me take you to dinner. We can get to know each other more.” She hesitated to respond to his invitation and he continued to follow her to the elevator. Tina pushed the button while he waited for her answer. TJ was just trying to be thoughtful. She shouldn‟t be angry with him because she misread the signs and her hormones acted as if they had a mind of their own. “Thanks, but I thought I would go home and get some rest. This was a bit tiring. I never realized what Gina went through on a shoot.” “Yeah. A lot of people just see the glamorous side of it and the finished product. They don‟t realize what goes on behind the scene. I bet it‟s the same for you.” The elevator arrived and they got on. TJ stepped a little closer to her. Tina‟s nose caught a whiff of shower water, cologne and male. A wonderful combination if you were ready to rip ones clothes off, which was something she was trying to avoid at the moment. “Uh, yeah. People think I just put on expensive clothes and walk down a runway. They also think we get everything we model free.” The elevator stopped and they started toward the exit. “You don‟t get those fancy gowns free?” TJ seemed genuinely shocked. “No, we don‟t. Now don‟t get me wrong, there are some models that have favor with a particular designer, but he or she usually models his or her clothing line and only their clothing line.” “Ah, I see.” TJ opened the door for her and they stepped outside. “You said you were going to go home. So you live here, in New York?” “Yep. I can just trot down the street a few blocks and I‟m home.” A part of her hoped he wouldn‟t get any ideas. “Really?” TJ grinned like he was getting an idea and she had a feeling she knew

the subject matter. “Yes, really. I live with my sister.” Nipped that in the bud. “Well, in that case, come on, keep me company. Have dinner with me. Don‟t let me go back to my hotel and eat alone.” Relentless rascal. “I don‟t think that‟s such a good idea,” she said still trying to resist. TJ took her gently by the elbow and began walking with her down the street. “What‟s wrong with a harmless dinner with a co-worker. It‟s early still. I know you said you were a bit tired. We can go someplace where we can both unwind.” He had a point and she was hungry. With all that posing, she burned off breakfast and they only had tuna salad during a quick lunch break. Besides, they would be in a public place. What could possibly happen? “Okay,” she finally agreed. “How about The Parisian?” “Oh, a French cuisine connoisseur?” “Something I picked up on my many travels.” TJ lowered his long lashes about halfway closed. “So you like a French pastry?” “Yes, we models do eat pastries,” she laughed. Once at the restaurant, Tina was able to relax a bit. They talked more about their professions and the misconceptions people had of them. Of course they also talked about the latest gossip. A lot of cover models and runway models crossed over in careers, so someone knew somebody somewhere. A lot of the stuff was juicy and pretty soon they were both grinning from ear to ear. “So what do you think about the shoot?” TJ asked, as he took a sip of Champagne. “It was interesting, to say the least.” What woman wouldn‟t love standing naked with a hot looking guy with a crowd of people looking at you and taking pictures? “I meant to ask, how do you feel about modeling in the buff, now that we‟ve practiced and got to know each other at least a little better?” Tina knew what he meant. He wasn‟t fishing for what she thought about it professionally. She could tell by the way he looked at her and the tone of his voice. How did she feel posing with him in the buff? Horny! How else? Although she was paying close attention to the instructions the cameraman and the gnome directed at them, she was highly aware of the man she posed with. His skin felt like silk against hers—wet, slippery, and sensuous. The more he rubbed up against her, or pushed up against her, the wetter she

got—and it wasn‟t from the shower. She kept saying a silent prayer that TJ didn‟t look down or touch the inside of her thighs. Her arousal was coming down faster than the beads of water. A time or two she felt his reciprocating hardness at her back. But that was just pure male instinct, close proximity to a female. Surely he didn‟t really mean anything by it. How did the other women do it? She didn‟t care how much he talked to the models before a shoot, or how well they knew each other. There was no way in hell anyone could walk away from a modeling session with him and not be hornier than a rabbit on Viagra. “I admit it was something different,” she finally said. “If someone told me I would be doing nude modeling, I would have looked at them as though they‟d grown an extra head.” TJ laughed. Damn it was sexy. He reached over, took a cracker and put some goose liver pate on it. His hand slowly stretched across the table toward her mouth. “Open wide,” he said huskily. Instead of opening her mouth, she instinctively closed her legs tighter. “What‟s the matter? Don‟t you like pate?” “Huh? Oh yeah, yeah.” She opened her mouth slightly and he slid the cracker in. As he removed his fingers, she could taste him more than the pate, and there was no contest of what tasted better. “You know, I could feed you all night long,” he cooed. Dear Lord.

Chapter Five

TJ had her. It was just a matter of a little more prodding. He read the desire in her gaze. As cool as she was trying to be, she couldn‟t hide her arousal. He spotted it when she fidgeted. If he touched between her legs he‟d bet his pay from this shoot she‟d be wet. He stifled a groan at the thought. Still he wanted to touch her, perhaps not that way—yet. He raised his hand again and wiped the side of her mouth. “You had a little pate there.” When he removed his hand and her tongue snaked out to lick the spot he‟d just touched, he did groan. She grinned, the little minx. Tina knew she was also getting to him. Good. He wasn‟t in this alone. When their food came, they fed each other. She took no bite that he didn‟t put in her mouth, and she did the same for him. They never made it through the entire meal. He ended up calling for the check. After signing for it, they stood, and together they walked out of the restaurant. Standing on the curb, he stared, unable to take his eyes off her to see who else might have been around. He framed her face with his hands and kissed her. Gently. He didn‟t want to overwhelm her with the way he felt. So much for his golden rule. Pulling away, he whispered. “I want you.” **** Without another word, he took her hand and flagged down a cab. The touch of his lips still vibrated in every part of her body. The cab pulled to a stop in front of them and she had no choice other than to get in. He hustled in behind her. “Where to?” the cab driver asked. Tina folded her arms and just stared at him, unable to believe what she was about to do. TJ gave the driver the address for the W nearby and sat back looking at her. He took her hand. Neither said a word, knowing if words were exchanged the magic might be broken. She‟d come to her senses and change her mind once they arrive at the hotel. TJ must have sensed her anxiety because he raised her hand and kissed it. At his brief kiss, the blood flowed through her body, and her heart beat a steady rhythm in anticipation of what would happen next. When the cab pulled up in front of the hotel, the lights were on outside the

entrance. Evening had fully settled over the city. He got out first and held the door open for her, offering her his hand. Now Tina had a choice. She could say good night and give the driver her address. Instead, she chose to place her hand in his; to trust in herself and in him. What was she, nuts? Yet, she still got out of that cab and followed him through the purple and red modern styled lobby. They weren‟t the only couple on the elevator. They still hadn‟t spoken but he continued to hold her hand. The elevator stopped on the seventh floor and they stepped off before the other couple. Again in silence, he led her down the hall and to his hotel room. He used his key card to open the door and she walked across the threshold. “Nice,” she managed to say, glancing around the room. It was a oneroom suite with a sitting area. A large flat screen television separated the two areas. She stopped in front of the TV and turned to face him. Before Tina could say another word, TJ had his arm around her waist and pulled her body flush against his. The familiarity of it all had her aching for more. His mouth descended to cover hers and she raised her face to meet him. Rational thought flew out of her head. Who could think when your body was infused with such heat? He pushed the blouse she wore up to just below her breasts, and pulled back to whisper against her lips. “Stop me now.” His need blazed from his gaze, and she felt the heat in every cell. In answer, Tina released the hold she had on his shoulders and raised her hands so he could pull her top off, leaving her in a dainty zebra push-up bra. She wasn‟t as quite endowed as her sister, but she had enough there because TJ had certainly appreciated them earlier and he licked his lips indicating he still did. Her breathing stopped until he touched the crest of her left breast. It rose at his touch when her lungs expanded with much needed air. Tina reached for his shirt and took it off, letting it drop at their feet, finally able to privately, and freely admire his expanse of chest. Her body had actually been pressed against all that earlier today— for most of the day. Raising her hands, she placed both palms on him. The warmth of him flooded straight to her center, and the vibration of his heart beating against her palms matched the rhythm of her own. “I don‟t know what‟s going on here,” Tina said. “What have you done to me?” “Nothing. Yet.” TJ unsnapped her bra while bending his head down to suckle her chin.

“Really, I don‟t do things like this.” The statement was a poor attempt to make him understand. “Oh, but you will. With me.” TJ stopped to stare directly at her. Tina saw the burning need in him. His pupils were dilated, and his nostrils flared like he was having trouble breathing. “Only with me,” he whispered before he covered her mouth with his again. But this time his tongue sought entrance and she let him in. Powerless to stop, she wrapped her arms around him. The descent of her body was inevitable. TJ took her down with him to the bed. Tina wrapped her legs around his waist, aching, straining against the rock hard bulge between his thighs. “Off,” she rasped. “I need these damn clothes off.” Their movements weren‟t as choreographed as during the shoot. They were clumsy, rawer, more primal, but hotter. He pulled his boots off, she toed her shoes off, and both their pants ended up on the floor. Yeah, they were on fire. A damn inferno. His mouth was all over her. There wasn‟t a part of his body she didn‟t want to touch or to taste. They were frenzied in their need. After a day of touching and teasing, Tina wasn‟t in the mood to do more. But still he made his way over her stomach, parted her legs and gazed at her core. His chest seemed to rise and fall with difficulty, and she could see the full long thick length of him pulsing toward her. Tina felt a river of need flowing out of her and trembled, wanting him to fill her, possess her. She‟d never been more exposed in her life and all she could think of doing was opening herself even wider for him— beckoning, inviting him in. Her entire frame quivered in anticipation of his first thrust into her. “Beautiful,” he groaned before leaning down and laying the flat of his tongue against her throbbing clit. Tina‟s hips left the bed and her eyes shut as the eruption spewed into his waiting mouth, but before the last tremor left her body, TJ crawled over her and filled her with his thick flesh. Every nerve ending fired again. Somehow she managed to open her eyes, but everything was hazy. He‟d placed her legs over his shoulders. Tina gazed at the place where their bodies joined as his sleek, wet flesh pumped slowly in and out of her. He watched her watching them together. Then their gazes held. But his pacing increased. The tendons on his arms and neck stood out against his skin, and he moved even deeper and harder inside her. ****

TJ had never felt anything more pleasurable in his life, and all he wanted to do was continue to move in and out of her beautiful haven. A haven that cradled him perfectly. One specially made for him and only him. And he‟d be damned if he let anyone else inside his home. Cause that‟s what being inside her felt like—coming home. “I‟m coming, baby,” he managed to moan. “But I can‟t come in you.” When her inner walls clamped around his shaft and squeezed him, he didn‟t know where he found the strength, but pulled out, coming on her navel like an undammed river. His body continued to jerk even after there was nothing left in him to give. And still he wanted more. “I‟m sorry,” he said kissing her before rolling to his side and putting one arm across his face. “I don‟t normally do that, but no condom. Hell that‟s not true. I have never done that.” He turned his head to look at her. “I have never lost myself like that with a woman. Just so you know, I do always use a condom. But...there‟s just something about you. It was so spontaneous and natural.” “Well, just for the record, I‟m on the pill, but I always have my partner use condoms. This is a first for me, too.” “So we‟re both okay?” She smiled and he smiled back. “I think so.” “Hang on a sec.” He jumped off the bed and headed for the bathroom to wet a washcloth. TJ cleaned up first. He was beginning to get hard again. Damn. He went back to the bed with another washcloth and wiped Tina off. “There, better?” he asked, sitting beside her. “Much,” she said and reached for him again. TJ wasn‟t going to deny her, and wanted her again. So when Tina put her head in his lap and took him into her mouth, he was already hard and getting harder with each suckle. Carefully he shifted them until they both lay on their sides. TJ hovered above her sex with her legs spread around his face. He tasted her juices with his tongue, and damn if she wasn‟t sweet down there. When her fingers grabbed his balls while her mouth moved up and down his shaft, he almost came. Instead, he groaned against her nether lips. Using his fingers, he spread her hood wider and began to suck and lick until he had her lifting her mound to meet each thrust of his tongue into her sweetness and she was moaning his name. Tina released him from her mouth and TJ rose up and over her, shifting their bodies once again so that she‟d be on top. “Play with me, baby. Play.”

She held his glistening shaft in her hand, holding him steady. Without taking her eyes off him, Tina moved her hips and lowered herself onto him. As soon as she did, he grabbed her waist and held her to him. “I just want to feel you like this for a moment. God, Tina, you feel so damn good. I don‟t ever want to leave you.” “Then don‟t,” she said and began to move. He helped her, lifting her up and down on him. Letting her take her pleasure from him and enjoying every second of it. But finally, TJ needed to give her the ultimate bliss. He needed to get her to peak. For him. Still inside her, he rolled them over until he was on top. He‟d let her go slow on him, now it was his turn. He wanted it fast and he wanted deep. So deep that she‟d never be able to get him out of her system. His first thrust went far inside her and had them both groaning. “Deep, baby,” she said. “Take it to the core. Let me feel you up inside all of me.” He withdrew until he was almost all the way out and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “Now, TJ,” she gasped, now.” He rammed himself into her and damn near erupted out of his skin. Hot searing heat surrounded him, and somewhere in the vicinity of his heart something flared. He knew life would never be the same for him again. TJ kissed the woman who lay in his arms, knowing at last he held the one. **** Tina heard TJ leave the hotel room. She‟d been awake the entire time he‟d gotten up and dressed. Even when he‟d leaned over and kissed her cheek, she hadn‟t moved. She didn‟t know what to do. Damn, did she just jump into bed with someone she‟d just met? So not like her, not at all. She always took things slow, got to know the men she went to bed with first. Not that there‟d been that many of them, but she‟d always been discerning. But one look at TJ and she was ready and willing to lie down and spread for him, and she‟d do it again. In fact, she had, at least five times last night. What must he think of her? She rolled and buried her face in the pillow. That she was a slut, what else could he think. Did he do this kind of thing all the time? Stupid question. Of course he did. But she didn‟t. What was it about him that drew her like a moth to a lighted candle in the middle of the night? Dare she find out?

She glanced around the room. Where did he go anyway? The clock on the nightstand showed ten. Hopefully he went to get them some breakfast. Besides, they needed to talk. She had to make him understand this meant something to her, but what did it mean to him? Just then there was a knock on the door. Tina ran to the bathroom and grabbed the robe she thought would be there. “Coming! Did you forget your key?” Tina opened the door to stare into the green emerald eyes of a stunning red head. “Yes, may I help you?” The woman pushed past her and walked into the suite, calling out as she walked. “TJ! TJ!” “Ah, excuse me.” Tina frowned at the woman. The woman swung around on her booted heels and looked Tina up and down. “Where is my fiancé?” Tina‟s stomach muscles clenched. She got a horrible feeling she wasn‟t going to like the answer to her next question. “And who is your fiancé?” “Tim Jaxon, TJ.” The woman raised her left hand, waving her finger with one of the biggest rocks Tina had ever seen on it. “What?” Sourness started to erupt in her stomach. “Yes, unfortunately we had a little fight. Just a misunderstanding, but I‟m here to make it all up to him.” She tossed her flaming red hair, looking as if she owned the place. “I see. Well, he‟ll be right back,” Tina said. “Excuse me.” Tina walked back to the bedroom area, picked up her clothes, and went into the bathroom where she quickly washed her face. Her one thought was to get the hell out of there. She would call Gina and tell her, red dots or no red dots, she‟d have to finish the damn shoot because there was no way Tina was posing with that son-of-a-cheating-bitch. After dressing, she was about to open the bathroom door and step out when the sound of TJ‟s voice could be heard loud and clear. The muscle of her heart clenched in pain. Taking a deep breath, she yanked the door open to face her mistake. What she saw almost brought her to her knees. The red head was wrapped around TJ like a pretzel and his hands were on her waist. When she tried to move past them to the door, he finally noticed her. “Tina. Wait!” “Darling,” the woman drooled. “Let her go. I understand and so does she.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” TJ released his hold on the red head and pushed her away. Tina kept moving toward the door. “Tina, let me explain,” TJ said, trying to grab for her arm. She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Nothing to explain, she‟s your fiancée.” She opened the door and shut it behind her, running down the hall toward the elevator. She heard a sound behind her but she‟d turned the corner and the elevator was already open with someone getting off. Tina stepped on and it shut as she fought to hold back the tears until she could reach home.

Chapter Six Tina made sure she stayed out of Gina‟s way the rest of morning, only hanging around long enough to see how she fared with her rash and to tell her about the shoot. Just the shoot, nothing else that happened before, during, and definitely not after. Gina hadn‟t even realized she hadn‟t come home last night ‟cause her medicine conked her out. Tina let her think she‟d gotten home late. She stayed in her room staring at the television and fighting back tears every fifteen minutes until it was time to leave for the shoot. The fiasco of a few hours ago weighed heavily on her mind. Such a fool! She should have known TJ probably had a string of women, fiancée notwithstanding. How did she allow herself to become another notch on his belt? Well, she learned her lesson. Tina wanted to go in and call off the shoot. But now Gina had dark spots where her rash used to be. It wasn‟t a big problem that makeup couldn‟t cover. But Gina had nothing less than flawless skin without the use of foundation, and she‟d be damn if she showed up on a shoot looking like “Pizza Face,” as she put it. So Tina was stuck. No matter. She would finish the shoot and be professional about it. She wasn‟t going to let TJ and the situation get to her. In fact, she would make it a point to ignore him, except when they posed together. The production crew and Ms. Bare would never know the difference. Easier said than done. **** Tina made it to Central Park and the location of the shoot. There was one problem, however. It started raining like cats and dogs. Steve called her earlier to make sure she wouldn‟t be late. He actually paid her a compliment, telling Tina she was a pleasure to work with and he‟d never seen cover shots look so natural right out the box from a newbie. Maybe he wasn‟t such a gnome after all. Apparently he looked at the photos again last night, which gave him more ideas to put in Miss Bare‟s and the photographers ear.

But now it was pouring, so those shots would just have to wait. Oh well. Grateful, Tina gathered her things. That‟s when she saw TJ approach the camera crew. She could make it back home without him noticing she was even there. “Okay, people, looks like the outdoor shots are shot,” Steve said with a chuckle at his own joke. Tina was heading toward the sidewalk when she felt a grip strong as death on her arm. “We need to talk.” Why did his voice have to sound so damn sexy? Tina turned quickly, staring at his hand on her arm but he didn‟t budge. She shifted her gaze to his face. “There is nothing to say. Your fiancée said it all. Nice ring by the way. I‟m sure she was pleasantly surprised. Or was she? Do you have other fiancées out there? You sure have enough women.” “Now that‟s not fair Tina.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “You need to give me a chance to explain.” “What‟s going on here?” asked Ms. Bare. Tina tried not to look too annoyed, but she wanted to leave and go home. Ms. Bare frowned at them, concerned. “You two were so into your conversation, you didn‟t hear Steve call you.” “Oh?” Tina managed to shake TJ‟s hand off her arm. She made it a point to do it in an angry manner, too, just for his benefit. “Yes. Oh dear!” Ms. Bare grabbed the edge of her umbrella. The wind was starting to kick up. “We‟re going to take the bedroom shots. It‟s the third cover of the trilogy. The second one, as you know, was supposed to be on the grass with you two frolicking like two long lost lovers. But this third cover is going to be the hottest off them all.” She smiled at them, her eyes flicking from TJ to Tina. “I see,” was all Tina could say. “We‟ll be right up. We‟re both getting drenched as well, and we wouldn‟t want this beauty to catch cold,” TJ said, looking at her. Tina wanted to throw up. Instead, she rolled her eyes and huffed. “See you in a sec.” Ms. Bare carefully trotted toward the hotel. “Come on, we will discuss this later.” TJ took Tina by the arm again and led her to the entrance of the hotel. “I told you, there is nothing—” “Yes, there is. But we can‟t get into it now, obviously.” “I bet. It takes time to think up new lies.”

Her words stopped TJ cold. His grip loosened as he looked at her, stunned, but she didn‟t care. She only wanted to get away from him and made a quick beeline to the room set up as a studio. Tina wanted to get this over with and get away from him. Tina entered the room and was floored. The set changed. No longer was a shower in the middle of the room, but a huge bed all done in gold satin sheets. She walked over to Steve. “Um, what does this shot entail? “Oh, you‟re gonna love this. You see—” “Steve, could you check this, please,” the main photographer called. Steve shook his head and threw up his hands. “Lord, what would they do without me. Be back sweetie.” He ran over to them. Tina took the time to look over the set. The last place she wanted to be was in a bed with TJ. Again. No, that was lie. She did want to be in bed with him again. But he messed that up. Damn, why do men have to be such liars? “You‟re digging the set, right?” Tina turned to a tall, redheaded man. “It‟s beautiful.” It was romantic, sensual and sexy. What woman wouldn‟t dig it, especially knowing whom her bed partner would be? Liar or not. “Thanks. Believe it or not, this was the hardest to do.” “Why is that?” “Well, even though the bed is supposed to be sensuous, the real star on the cover is what you and TJ will be doing on it.” He smiled so hard, he looked like a shark. “I—” “Okay, everyone, gather around. Let me tell ya‟ll what this shot is going to be.” Steve stood in the middle of the room in front of the bed, as everyone gathered around. Blatant curiosity got the best of her. “Okay, this is the shot. TJ and Tina...” He paused. “Isn‟t that cute? They even sound like a couple,” he smirked. Everyone in the room giggled. The urge to throw up emerged again. Better get some Alka-Seltzer, soon. “Now, now, we don‟t want to make them blush. Anyway, the shot will go like this. The two of you,” he pointed to Tina and TJ, who stood way too close for her comfort level. “You‟ll be on the bed, nude sitting up on your knees. Tina‟s back will be pressed against TJ‟s front. “You, TJ, will have one arm pressed against her breast, covering them and your other hand will be down below, giving the illusion of you

stimulating her. The covers on the bed will be bunched up covering your hand so it will look super hot!” Tina wanted to run back home. **** TJ looked over at Tina. Her arms were crossed over her chest. Her stance was defiant and her jaw was tight. She was not having it. He needed some time alone with her, at least ten minutes so he could explain the whole mess. He also needed to get to Kelly, who had left right after Tina, saying she had errands to run. TJ was so mad he was seeing red and spitting nails. How dare Kelly even show her face? What was she hoping for? He sure as hell knew she couldn‟t be asking for forgiveness. Get back together? Please. He‟d rather go to Afghanistan and look for Al-Qaeda. “Let‟s get ready people. I hope we can do this in half a day. Now everyone clear the set, except Bob,” Steve said, walking over to the photographer. TJ walked over to Tina. He dared not touch her, but he had to get a feel on his chances with Tina. Oh, God. This was the main reason he kept business and pleasure separate. Look at how he got screwed over with Kelly. But Tina wasn‟t like Kelly. One night, one night was all it took. Now everything was compromised: the shoot, and his friendship and budding relationship with Tina. TJ wanted more with Tina. He knew the first time he touched her, the first time he talked with her, she was different from the rest. Tina had an innocence about her that drew him to her. She had an innocence that is. After what happened back at the hotel with Kelly, she probably felt like shit and that‟s why he needed to talk to her. He had to fix this. TJ didn‟t know how many days they had left to shoot theses covers. With the surprise storm, that was surely going to set them back at least a couple of days—if it stopped. Which meant he‟d have a little time to set things right. He did know this. He told Tina from the very beginning that this wasn‟t finished between them and he meant it.

Chapter Seven Tina was in the dressing room, listening to the chatter outside. Everyone remaining seemed excited about this session. Everyone except her. Given the kind of scene Steven wanted, she was glad he‟d dismissed most of the crew, leaving only the main photographer, Ms. Bare and her secretary. She had a really good image in her mind about what this shot was going to require. Part of her was looking forward to it. Feeling those large hands once again on her body, making her go up in flames all over again. Tina had to control herself if she was to get through this with her sanity intact. She knew the more mistakes she made, the longer they would have to be on the set—and the longer she had to be near TJ. Tina put on the flesh tone G-string she found in the dressing room and threw on her robe. When she walked onto the set, TJ was already on the bed. He was having what looked like an intense conversation with Ms. Bare. When she got closer, they abruptly ended their talk, and Ms. Bare left to sit behind the photographer. “Are you ready for this?” TJ asked looking at her, while running his hand through his hair. Tina didn‟t know if he was asking because he was trying to get to her or what, but she wasn‟t going to give him the satisfaction. “I‟m ready. Let‟s go,” she said sharply. Turning her back to the small audience in the room, she took off her robe and dropped it to the floor. She hopped on the bed and waited for instructions from the photographer. Tina felt the mattress dip as TJ moved up behind her, reaching for her. “We need to talk,” he whispered in her ear.” “We have nothing to talk about, remember?” Tina fidgeted on the bed, trying not to let the closeness of him get to her senses. But as she shifted, she could tell it was already too late. She felt her dampness between her thighs. “And remember, I said that it‟s not over between us.” “Okay, you two, let‟s get this shot. Take of your G-strings.” Tina‟s eyes grew wide. “Wait. I thought we kept them on.”

“Oh, no. They‟re for us,” the photographer said pointing to himself, Steve and Ms. Bare, “and for your modesty before getting under the covers.” Damn! Fate was playing a cruel game with her. “Looks like we can‟t stay away from each other naked.” TJ all but purred the words in her ear. “Just do the shoot right the first time. I have things to do today,” Tina sneered. TJ took his underwear off under the covers and Tina watched as it dropped to the floor. She moved under the covers and turned to face him as she removed hers. She wanted to make sure he was looking into her eyes and no place else. Once she threw her G-string on the floor, she turned back around, bunching up the bed sheets to cover her lower half. “That‟s it,” Steve said. “Keep those up, covering just enough, but not too much. Now TJ, put your arm across her breast and slide your other hand across her hip toward her crotch so it gives the illusion of your hand actually being down there.” Steve stood back and stared at them. When it looked like he was satisfied with the pose, he went over to the photographer. “Okay, let‟s see what we can get,” he hollered. Tina sat there, feeling the warm strong hand of TJ‟s near her now wet pussy. It wasn‟t so much his hand being near. It was the other things happening—his arm pressed over her breasts and him leaning his head into her neck. She felt his hot breath and warm wet tongue as it swiped across her damp skin. Tina knew no one saw it and she tried not to jump or squirm. “What are you doing?” she whispered. “Trying to make the shot look as natural and real as possible.” He moved on to her hair and stuck his face into her mass of curls, breathing in deeply. “Mmm, smells so nice.” “That‟s it, TJ,” Steve yelled. “Tina, lift your arms over your head and reach back to embrace TJ. Try putting your hands on the sides of his head and running your fingers through his hair.” “That‟s perfect, Steve. I was just about to suggest that,” TJ said. “You can‟t tell the director and photographer what to do,” Tina protested in a whisper, making sure the crew didn‟t hear her. “I have a lot to say about my shoots. More than you realize, my dear. Now do what Steve says.” The smirk in his voice had her wanting to slap him. She huffed and got into position.

“Fantastic! Okay, hold it,” the photographer said. Tina moved her hands over TJ‟s scalp, feeling the familiar softness of his thick, wavy mane. She heard him moan and quickly stopped. But TJ didn‟t. Before she could let out a yelp in protest, TJ‟s hand slipped lower, over her pelvic area and right to the edge of her opening. Tina grabbed the sheet, making sure it didn‟t slip any lower. “Don‟t move or say anything.” His words were soft, yet possessive, and they were for her ears only. Tina wanted to scream. She wanted to alert the others to what he was doing, but she was transfixed on that strong hand. Unable to utter a sound, she held her breath and gripped the sheet tighter. Her gaze lifted to look over at their audience. She wanted to see if they noticed anything other than what they should. They didn‟t seem too concerned. The photographer was adjusting the lens and positioning a few lights. TJ‟s fingers reached the magic spot and began making circles around her now swollen bud. She threw back her head and let out an inaudible gasp. “Great! That‟s a perfect shot. You two are naturals,” the photographer said, clicking off pictures. “Stop it,” Tina said, as she turned her head to face the wall. “Not until you agree to hear me out. After the shoot, we‟ll go somewhere and talk.” “How many times do I have to—Oh!” He had two fingers in her, going slowly in and out. So slow, no one in the room noticed. All Tina heard was the soft controlled breathing between her and TJ and the clicking of the camera shutter. “Please stop before something happens,” she whispered in a panicked tone. “Happens? Like what? You having the orgasm of your life, here on the set in front of everyone? Don‟t worry. I won‟t let you get that far.” His strokes became faster, yet she could barely see the sheets covering his hand move. Tina‟s body spiraled out of her control into a tailspin. She was going to come, and in front of all these people. Unable to bring herself to care, she threw her head back against his chest and moaned. The shutters of the cameras went off at a frantic pace. Tina couldn‟t believe what was happening. She couldn‟t believe she allowed it. But there was no getting around how good TJ felt against her body, or how his hands performed pure magic.

“That‟s it, baby. Come for me and everyone else. Show them how I can pleasure you. Show them how you really feel about me.” Tina‟s body was about to obey, when all of a sudden, TJ stopped. He pulled his hand away and back to where it was supposed to be. Noooooo! She screamed in her head. “Okay, those were great shots, you two. You can go change now.” TJ reached over the side of the bed and grabbed their G-strings and robes. He held on to hers a moment before offering them to her. She snatched them from him. “I‟ve never seen anything like it,” the photographer said. “I think this will be my hottest cover yet, and they‟re all pretty hot,” Ms. Bare chuckled, and Steve laughed, too. “You thought those were good?” TJ asked. “If you think you need some more we can—” “Nope, these were perfect,” the photographer said. Tina let out both a sigh of relief and frustration. He‟d left her hanging. She was hot and bothered and he showed her no mercy. He was going to let her suffer, let her cool down as if nothing happened, and he‟d done it on purpose. TJ turned to face her, a smirk on his face, as he tied the belt to his robe. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. Tina closed her robe tightly making sure nothing could be seen. Her nipples were pebbled and hard, and the G-string wasn‟t coving anything! She looked down at TJ‟s sex. His erection tented his robe and he obviously didn‟t care. He thanked the crew and marched off to his dressing room. “If one didn‟t know any better, one would think you two were really lovers,” Ms. Bare said. Tina jumped, not realizing someone was right behind her. “Oh, yes, well, you know us professionals. We can make it look like the real thing.” She laughed nervously and ran to her dressing room. When she glanced at the clock in there, she was shocked to see the shoot had lasted a few hours. She needed to get out of there fast.

Chapter Eight TJ wanted to take Tina right then and there. As much as it pained him, he needed to teach her a lesson and get her attention. Tina would come to him and they would have that talk, but first he wanted to finish where he left off. It was now her move. Tina wasn‟t the only one frustrated. He had wanted to make her come. He wanted her flat on her back on the bed, and them tangled in-between the sheets, having wild sweaty sex, preferably without an audience. But they had a lot to straighten out before they could get back to that point. He just wanted to show her what more there could be. They‟d had each other, tasted each other, and enjoyed each other, but now thanks to a certain ex, that could all be erased. Damn that Kelly. He had to find Kelly and straighten a few things out with her, too. For one, he wanted his ring back. She must have returned to the apartment—that bastard Lawrence must have let her in—found it on the floor, and taken it. He‟d been so pissed, and in such a rush to leave, he‟d forgotten all about it. When TJ returned to the main room, everyone was looking over the pictures. Steve waved him and Tina over. He looked at Tina, whose body was facing toward the door like she was about to leave. “Don‟t you want to see what beautiful covers we made?” he asked. Her eyes narrowed as she walked quickly passed him to Steve. TJ stuck close behind her. “Look at this shot,” Steve said, pointing to one of the frames. It was the shot where his finger had just entered that hot pussy of hers. Damn! Just looking at it was like reliving the whole experience. He already had a painful hard-on that wouldn‟t go away, no matter how much he tried thinking of something else. “Look at that one,” Ms. Bare pointed to the shot where Tina had her head thrown back. Damn, she looked so sexy, like a woman being well loved. Her eyes were partially closed, and her mouth open like she couldn‟t get enough air. There was no mistaking; she was turned on by his touch. No matter how much she had protested while on the bed, her facial

expressions said it all. And it was all on film, or rather digitalized, in living color. And speaking of color, he glanced over at her while she looked at the pictures, and noticed the blush on her face. Why was she being so stubborn? One thing was for sure, he needed to find Kelly and straighten her ass out for good as well as bring things back to the way he wanted them with Tina. TJ had already broken one of his rules by dating Kelly and now wanting Tina, but he found himself breaking another one of his concrete rules. He‟d talked about his personal business with someone, but he‟d been upset. Before the shoot, he had a conversation with Ms. Bare. She‟d caught him at a vulnerable moment and seemed to sense he needed to talk. He told her what had happened last night. “I think I screwed up, Ms. Bare.” “Don‟t tell me, you‟re really falling for Tina.” “How did you know?” “First of all, call me Heather. Second, it‟s one thing to be able to turn on a look for the camera, but you two don‟t seem to be able to turn off that look for each other even after the camera stops shooting.” TJ grinned but then sobered and told her the rest of the problem. She wasn‟t surprised, but she was very upset on his behalf about what happened with Kelly and Tina‟s reaction. Although she told him any woman in the same situation would have reacted that way, Tina should at least hear him out and then decide whether to believe him or not. He could only hope. But when Heather put her arm around Tina, then called him over and put her arm around him, TJ thought she might just be giving him the opportunity to try to straighten things out between them. “Tina,” Heather began, “I think you and TJ look great together on camera. But I‟d like you two to spend a little time together this evening.” “But...” But Heather wouldn‟t let Tina get a word in. “Yes. I think that‟s a fine idea. I think there‟s chemistry there. But get to know each other a little better and I‟m sure the shoot tomorrow, if the rain stops, will be even better.” “What...what did you have in mind?” Tina asked. “Well, since we‟ve finished a little earlier than we‟d planned, you two can start with drinks or coffee and at least have dinner together. Get comfortable with each other‟s personalities. While the bedroom scene is very important, the park scene is just as important. It‟s easy to portray lust when you‟re already naked. The cover also needs to show that kind of

passion and raw desire when you‟re both clothed and outside. It has to be there on your faces. I think it would help if you two had a little more verbal exchanges to help the scenes look more natural. Like you really do know each other.” “Oh, okay, I see.” TJ didn‟t say a word. He let Heather do all the talking but had to hide a smile. “Sounds good to me. Are you ready?” he asked Tina. “Ah, wait, what about your fiancée?” Tina asked. “I‟m sure she‟ll be expecting you soon.” TJ almost gritted his teeth. He knew what she was trying to do, but Heather once again stepped in to help him. He was glad he had confided in her. She laughed when Tina mentioned a fiancée. “Oh, has that tramp been bugging you again?” she said to TJ before turning to face Tina. “TJ isn‟t engaged, Tina, as much as some people would say so. But take it from me, he isn‟t. Well, you two run along. Steve will give you a call if we‟re able to shoot tomorrow.” “Ladies first,” TJ said holding his hand out toward the door. Tina wore a confused expression on her face as she moved passed him. He took a moment to hug Heather and kiss her cheek. “I owe you one,” he whispered. She grinned at him making a shooing motion with her hands.

Chapter Nine Tina didn‟t know what to think. She had questions but allowed TJ to walk her to the elevator as she remained silent, deep in thought until they reached the sidewalk. “Where are we going?” she asked, standing under the overhang of the entrance so she wouldn‟t get wet. “To a little piano bar I know. We can get a great cup of coffee there or something stronger.” “Coffee‟s good.” She sighed. As much as she didn‟t want to spend more time with TJ than necessary, what Ms. Bare said had her thinking. Made her hope. She had to talk to him to know for sure. Allow him to explain. But she‟d seen the ring and he didn‟t deny giving it to that Kelly person. Plus she knew where he was staying. She‟d go with him for coffee and let him talk, like Ms. Bare wanted, then go home. The fates were really trying her. The cab pulled up in front of a place she‟d never been. Not surprising. Even though NY was an island, there were still plenty of places she‟d never been. Places that came and went. They entered the club. The muted lighting atmosphere cast everything in sensual shadows. They found a table in the corner, giving them privacy. A man sat at the piano playing soft and sultry musical notes. The kind of music you could dance, fall asleep, or make love to. Her gaze quickly shifted to TJ and found his already on her. The waitress came over and took their orders of lattes. “Thank you for coming,” TJ said. “I don‟t think I had much of a choice.” Tina fiddled with the napkin on the table. “Yeah, you did. You could‟ve said no.” She scoffed. “Somehow I doubt Ms. Bare was going to take no for an answer.” “True, but I‟m still glad you came. I‟m sorry that Kelly upset you, but before she showed up, we shared something pretty special to me. Something I‟d never really experienced with another woman.” “Are you kidding me! You have a fiancée, for Christ sake.” TJ turned his head in frustration, then, “Once and for all, Kelly is not my fiancée! I never asked her to marry me.”

“Well, then, why is she wearing your ring? Don‟t tell me she bought it herself.” He sighed. “In a moment of insanity, I thought she was the one. I was so wrong. I did buy that ring to give her, but I never did. I was going to surprise Kelly and got home early from an out of town shoot, and found her in bed with my roommate and former PR person.” “What!” “Yeah. I kicked them both out. I trusted when I shouldn‟t have. That is my only fault. I wanted to believe in love. But the truth is I‟m glad Kelly slept with Lawrence. It showed me I didn‟t really love her, never did, and never can. I think I was in love with the idea of her.” “If you didn‟t give her the ring, how could she have been wearing it and knew how to find you here in New York?” He shrugged. The only thing I can figure is Lawrence let her back into the apartment when he came to get the rest of his stuff. He left me a voicemail letting me know he got his things out. She probably found it on the dresser where I left it. As far as where I‟d be staying, my agent always knows and Kelly could have easily gotten the information from him, since he‟s her agent, too.” It all sounded so plausible. Could she trust him? He took one of Tina‟s hands resting on the tabletop and raised it to his lips. “It took meeting you to show me what I really needed in my life.” He placed a gentle kiss in the center of her palm then closed her fingers around it. “I know I can trust you with my heart. And damn it, you can trust me.” When Tina tried to pull her hand away, he wouldn‟t let go. “You know you can.” “I would have thought you‟d be short on entering into another relationship after being burnt like that.” “In truth, I was feeling that way, up until I met you. Then everything changed.” Tina didn‟t know what to say. TJ held her gaze as surely as he held her hand. Her heart beat against her chest from the intensity she saw within the depths of his stare. Trust. She wanted to let go and trust him so badly, but the thought of him with Kelly, with anyone else for that matter, had her struggling for air. Maybe that was her answer. “How...how can I trust you? How can I trust my feelings for you? Just like you trusted Kelly at first and she betrayed you, how do I know you won‟t do the same thing to me?” She couldn‟t hide the plea in her voice, but she needed the truth from him. “Because I will never betray you. I know what that‟s like.”

She nodded, maybe he did. “But what about Kelly? She‟s still running around New York wearing your ring and proclaiming to the world she‟s engaged to you.” “She‟s going to look mighty stupid when people find out she‟s been lying.” “How are you going to prove that? I bet she pretty much got a lot of people convinced.” TJ finally relaxed allowing Tina to remove her hand from his and take a sip of her coffee. “Are you one of those people?” he asked. Tina put her cup down and sighed. “I...I don‟t know what to think at this point. I know I rushed into things when I slept with you.” “We made love, and I‟m hoping you have no regrets, ‟cause we‟re going to make love again. Trust me, Tina, I‟m going to make this right.” TJ placed his hand on the table, waiting for Tina to rest hers in his open palm. Giving her the choice this time. From the look on his face, he seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for her response. She heard his sigh of relief when she placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers. “Besides,” he continued, “I want those cover pictures to look as genuine as possible. I want people to look at them and believe we are lovers, and are in love. Somehow, I don‟t believe that will be much of a stretch.” “I‟ll give you till the finish of the last cover,” Tina said emphatically. She believed they could have something between them, but TJ had unfinished business he had to take care of first. “An ultimatum?” “My heart is something I don‟t play with. If what you say is true, then this can be cleared up easily.” He nodded, glancing into his cup of coffee before looking at her. “All right, you got it.” He squeezed her hand before letting her go. “By the time Ms. Bare‟s last book is released, you and I will be the ones walking down the aisle.” He winked. Taken aback by his comment, Tina wanted to smile and jump for joy, but she remained calm. She couldn‟t take him seriously. They weren‟t quite there yet, but it was his move now. They ordered dinner and tried talking about other things, things that didn‟t include work or exes or fake fiancées. Tina found out a lot about TJ. A master in the martial arts, he had several belts and won numerous competitions. When not modeling, he traveled the globe, engaging in all sorts of dangerous activities: bungee

jumping, motor biking, formula car racing. When he vacationed at home in Dallas, TJ taught kids how to horseback ride. He had several horses on his ranch. “I love kids,” he said. “I plan on having a few. At least a couple with your eyes.” For a moment, a vision of him placing his head on her very pregnant stomach had her frozen. The arrival of the waiter with their food finally broke the vision, but not the spell of having TJ in her life. After dinner, they walked back to his hotel, sat in the lobby, and continued their conversation. **** Tina‟s agreement to hear him out gave him hope. The fact she agreed to come back to his hotel, made him glad, even if only to stay at the piano bar in the lobby and talk. He listened, too, and learned a lot about her. From the day he met Tina, something set her apart from any other woman he knew in the industry. Even Kelly, who he now realized faked her values. Tina had real integrity. She proved that with her ultimatum. Surprisingly, her reaction to Kelly is what cemented the deal for him. This woman cared and cared strongly. Tina played for keeps because she was worth keeping. Now if he could get her to care about him. TJ thought she did. Tina would have never slept with him if she didn‟t. A very refreshing woman indeed. “Believe it or not, Gina and I grew up in a very conservative home,” she said. “Really?” he asked. This shouldn‟t have surprised him, now thinking about it. “Oh, yeah. Church every Sunday, meals at the dinner table with family, and family trips during the summer.” “The picture book American family, huh?” he said and smiled, picturing her as a cute kid and again wondering what a kid with their combined coloring would look like. Beautiful like her mother. Tina nodded. “Yep. That was us. It wasn‟t until Gina and I left home for college that we broke out and spread our wings.” He grinned. “How did these conservative parents handle you two deciding to become models?” “At first, they were disappointed. They wanted us to be a doctor or lawyer. Something more typical.”

“And instead you both choose to become models,” he commented. “Actually,” Tina continued, “It sort of chose us. We were both sitting at the University center studying one day, and someone approached us. He said he was in the modeling industry. Naturally we didn‟t believe him. Thought it was line. He gave us his card and we almost threw it away. But afterwards, we saw one of his pictures in a fashion magazine. So we decided to take a chance...just to see if we got anywhere.” He smiled. “Well, you got damn far.” She returned his smile. “Yeah. We did. Gina decided she liked posing for book covers. I‟m a little taller and had more the body type for fashion. And I love beautiful clothes.” “Hmm, and you look damn good in and out of them.” She blushed at the compliment. TJ didn‟t know any women who blushed anymore. He wanted to lean across the small table between them and kiss her, so he did. Just touched his lips to her cheek and pulled back. It seemed to him, the one thing remaining a constant for both sisters were their values. Tina‟s innate goodness attracted TJ to her and was what he loved most about her. He really was already in love with her. Her drop dead gorgeous looks only made for icing on the cake. This business didn‟t make her jaded. Her values remained intact. And Kelly had almost ruined everything. After they talked, TJ hailed her a cab. As it pulled up, he took her hand and kissed it. “I‟m not going to lie to you. I want you to come up to my room. I want to wake up in the morning with you in my arms. But I have to fix this first and I will.” “I know you will.” He walked her to the vehicle, holding his jacket over her head. It started to rain again and the wind kicked up. He put her in and shut the door. “What precious gem do you like?” TJ screamed into the cab. “What?” She rolled the window down and stuck out her head, looking a bit puzzled. “I asked, what kind of precious gem do you like. You know ruby, emerald...” “I love tanzanite.” “Great. Now I know what kind of engagement ring to get you.” The cab drove off before she could respond. Tina smiled at the thought she could be wearing his ring and it would be before the covers hit the shelves. They were both crazy.

Chapter Ten TJ dialed Kelly‟s number for the umpteenth time. The rain had been unrelenting for the last couple days so he and Tina couldn‟t finish the last cover in the park. Tina wouldn‟t see him until after he‟d spoken to Kelly, who seemed to have become unavailable all of a sudden. He missed seeing Tina, but they spent a lot of time just talking on the phone. And the more hours they spent talking, the more he fell deeper under her spell. It sickened him, knowing that when Kelly finally answered, he‟d actually have to talk to her. But he didn‟t want this floozy going around town and around the industry claiming they were engaged. What TJ didn‟t understand was why she perpetrated a lie like that. What was in it for her? He wasn‟t coming back to her; he‟d made that perfectly clear. The phone rang three times before she answered. “Hello?” At last. “Kelly—” “TJ, it‟s so wonderful to hear from you. I was just telling—” “Stop telling anybody anything. We need to talk. Where can we meet?” For a moment she didn‟t say a word, then, “Um, we can meet at my place.” “No deal, someplace neutral. Let‟s go to the Conga Room.” “What? Don‟t trust yourself?” she giggled. The sound disgusted him. TJ twisted his hands tightly around a piece of paper. Either that or cuss her out from here till next Sunday. Kelly tested his nerves. “Get real. The only way I‟ll touch you again is under extreme duress, and under protest. The Conga Room at eight.” He disconnected before she had a chance to say anything else. Now he had to figure out what to say to her. TJ wanted to make sure Kelly never darkened his doorstep again. He needed to stop her from spreading false rumors—short of strangling her. He needed to find a way to be polite. At the moment, nothing came to mind. Why had he taken a chance with that woman? If he lost Tina because of this witch, he would kick himself for the rest of his life.

No point in dwelling on the past. What‟s done is done. He had to keep the main objective in mind. Straighten Kelly out and make Tina his forever. Before he went to the Conga Room, TJ needed to make one important stop—Tiffany‟s. He had to get a look at a tanzanite diamond engagement ring since he had no idea what the hell that was. After a couple of hours looking over ring after ring, he made the perfect choice. He hadn‟t even made a conscious decision to get one, but as soon as he saw them it felt right. Maybe the way his heart rate sped up, and a vision of Tina wearing his ring on her finger, also had something to do with it. The one finally catching him in that vision was a platinum ring with four carats of diamonds and five carats of tanzanite. In all honesty, he‟d never seen tanzanite before, but the jeweler explained the gem to him and how it should look. He purchased the darkest blue ring he‟d ever seen. No flaws and clear as glass. He understood why Tina favored it. TJ arrived at the Conga Room early, and sat in the booth in the back, looking at the ring again. Mesmerized by it, the most beautiful thing he‟s ever seen. Tina was going to flip. TJ never even considered she‟d refuse him. Sometimes when you met the right person, you just knew. He‟d heard it could be like that. Of course, he always thought that was just bull, yet here he was. TJ put the ring back in the little black box, returned it to his jacket, and leaned back in his seat, smiling to himself. He was confident Tina would accept his proposal of marriage, but sobered quickly as he thought of reasons why she wouldn‟t. They‟d met under less than platonic circumstances, and started out pretty rocky. Then they slept together right off the bat, but not a one-night stand for either of them. Just when he thought everything would be okay, Kelly showed up claiming they were engaged... The list went on and on. Yet one reason gave him hope she would say yes. He would tell Tina he‟d fallen in love with her, and that he knew she loved him, too. She had to. He just hoped to God she believed him. Of course, words are never enough. His actions had to speak louder and not just in-between the sheets. At least she‟d given him the chance to clear things up and prove himself to her. The main reason for this meeting with Kelly was to set the record straight and clear things up with her, and to stop Kelly from going around the industry lying to everyone. That he could handle. Anyone seeing him with Kelly in a casual or work situation would see he was no longer

interested in her. Other photographs with her wouldn‟t have any real passion, at least on his part. They would never be seen out together, especially since he‟d always have Tina at his side, so Kelly‟s lies would eventually catch up with her. TJ wanted to make it clear to Kelly he didn‟t love her, and he wanted to show Tina he meant what he‟d said, that he would straighten things out and make it right. Tina held first place on his priority list now. Leaning back in his seat, he sighed. TJ hoped he hadn‟t just wasted his money on yet another ring. After about twenty minutes, TJ checked his watch. Kelly was late. He was about to call her when he saw her at the front door, chatting it up with the doorman. She was always the social butterfly. Kelly looked up, saw him glaring at her, and walked toward his booth. “Hi, darling.” “Don‟t „darling‟ me. Have a seat.” She tried to sit next to him, but TJ pointed to the seat across from him. “So what was the emergency? I was telling my girlfri—” “I told you not to tell anyone anything. Especially a lie like what you‟ve been spilling around town. We are not engaged. We never got engaged and we never will.” “But I have the ring.” She waved her hand in front of him. The biggest mistake he made in his life was staring at him. He wanted to puke. “And might I add, it has your inscription. To Eternal Love, TJ and Kelly.” She smiled a sickening smile. “Hand it over. I can always have it melted down for scrap. That‟s all it‟s worth anyway.” “Why are you like this? It‟s not like you‟re the paragon of faithful relationships. Remember, you met me on a shoot, just like this other chick you‟re with. Isn‟t that the M.O. for our people in the industry?” TJ shook his head. Had she always been this shallow? Yeah. “Not decent people. And I don‟t know where you got your facts from that I‟ve been cheating on you anyway. I wasn‟t caught in bed with your best friend. By the way, how is Lawrence? I notice you‟re not going around bragging that you‟re marrying him.” Kelly looked down at her hands. “Well?” “We broke up, okay!” “Really? That was short lived.”

“He said he was sorry for what happened and he was too ashamed to come to you to apologize. He‟s asked you to forgive him.” TJ thought a moment. Lawrence actually did him a favor. He showed him Kelly‟s true colors. Forgive? It would take a very long time, but the anger he once had toward his friend had subsided. “Anyway, I told him I loved you, that I made a mistake and we were going to get married.” “You got one out of three correct. You never loved me, and we‟re not getting married.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “It‟s just a matter of time. But that‟s okay. We‟ve seen people in “committed” relationships before, and you know they have someone on the side.” “That‟s true. And I don‟t think much of those people. Present company included.” Kelly sighed in what seemed like exasperation, which irritated him to no end. What she said made no damn sense. True, other people fooled around, but they didn‟t. At least he‟d thought so. Once he made a commitment, that‟s what it was, a commitment to one person. He‟d thought she‟d felt the same. It dawned on him that he really didn‟t know Kelly at all. The woman who he thought different from the rest in the industry had the same mind frame as everybody else. She just hid it better than most, and was seriously misinformed about him. A far cry from Tina. Tina wanted the same kind of commitment TJ did. She‟d give him her all as he would her. TJ could and would be everything to her, and he knew in his soul that‟s what she‟d be to him. “Give me the ring, Kelly. It‟s over between us. And to make sure you don‟t cause any more mischief or spread rumors, I will tell every agent, photographer, author—hell, I‟ll post it on the fucking internet—that we are not engaged and you‟re a crazy assed liar. No one‟s going to want to work with a nutcase.” Her mouth opened in shock. “This can‟t be because of that bimbo I saw you with the other night. All I have to do is show up at one of your—” “Don‟t...you...ever...refer to my future wife as a bimbo. If the threat of losing what little reputation you have in the industry isn‟t enough for you, I‟ll file a Restraining Order against you, too. And remember, I could call you a few choice words, and I have evidence.” TJ wanted to leap over the table and throttle her. He mentally counted to ten and took a deep breath. This must have been a test from above.

“You can‟t be in love with her!” she screamed. “You said you loved me, that I was special, and that we understood each other!” Kelly started getting louder and waving her arms frantically. People in the next booths looked over at them. “Stop it!” TJ grabbed one of her hands. “I thought you were different, but you showed me that you‟re like all the rest. You know the one‟s you said put on an act for the public.” He released her hand. The ring fell on the table and he grabbed it before she had a chance. “This is going to be melted down. I wouldn‟t even think of pawning it, since our names are engraved in it. It might be a bad omen for the next couple.” TJ got up and left her sitting there. “You‟ll be back. Watch and see. She‟s just like all the rest. She‟ll find someone else...” TJ left the Conga Room, hearing Kelly‟s voice fade in the background. The only time he wanted to see Kelly was on a cover of a book—one dimensional, and no emotions. How ironic. He‟d refuse to pose on any covers with her again. TJ was a hot enough commodity he could choose and refuse his co-models. If anyone wanted them both on a cover, they‟d have to superimpose his image with Kelly‟s. Problem solved. TJ meant what he‟d said about melting the ring down. He went to the local jewelry mart and talked with the owner about having it melted down and receiving the proceeds. A few hours later, it was done and he got the nice tidy sum of seventeen hundred dollars. He grinned and pocketed the money. When he checked his, watch TJ saw he had just enough time to do a little shopping. While he and Tina were at the shoots, TJ managed to sneak in her dressing room and check out her clothing. He got her clothing, shoe, and underwear sizes. Knowing her bra and panty size should score him brownie points. He wanted to surprise her and went into one of the most exclusive clothing boutiques on Fifth Avenue. At first, he felt a bit awkward, never having really shopped for women‟s clothes before. Maybe an occasional hat and purse, but the woman usually accompanied him. She picked the item and he bought it. This time TJ flew solo, but the knowledge he had gave him confidence. Now, TJ had to make sure whatever he bought Tina fit her taste. Finding clothing for women resembled a science project. You had to take your time and gather the pieces together. He took his time and made all the right choices.

Once he left the register with his purchases, TJ made a beeline back to his hotel. It was very late and he had to be at the shoot bright and early. The rain finally stopped and the weather channel was reporting sun for tomorrow. After reaching his hotel room, he took a shower and settled down for the rest of the night. TJ called Tina to just tell her goodnight, and that he‟d spoken to Kelly in person. After they got off the phone, excitement kept him awake. Tina would soon be Mrs. Jaxon.

Chapter Eleven After the monsoon rains from the days before, the skies were clear and the air was fresh. Fresh for New York that is, Tina mused. A beautiful day. With her favorite latte in hand, she walked over to the crew already set up in Central Park. Today‟s shoot seemed tame compared to what they‟d been doing. In other words, they‟d be mostly clothed. She smiled about that. Still, Tina couldn‟t be at ease about TJ. After all their talks, things were moving fast, maybe too fast. This Kelly incident didn‟t help matters. But maybe that could be a good thing and would slow things down between them. TJ seemed convinced he would and could straighten things out and they would be a couple. Actually, if she understood his last statement, more than a couple. Was she even ready for more? Marriage? She‟d dated a few good men, but never considered marriage to any of them. So why make allowances for TJ? Why could she see herself with him for the next forty years? What made him so special? In this industry, good-looking men like TJ came a dime a dozen, even though those darkly handsome looks of his made you stop dead in your tracks. A true Bad Boy, with those brooding eyes. A natural look for him, whether on camera or in person. A no nonsense guy, pretty straightforward. In spite of what she thought his true intentions were, instinct told her he didn‟t play games. TJ didn‟t beat around the bush when he told her he wanted her. Every night for the last couple of days before she went to sleep he let her know that. Not only did he verbalize his intentions, he showed it—no apologies. Boy, did he show it. If Tina were honest with herself, she wanted him to show her again, which explained why she thought it best to stay away from him for a while to allow things to cool. But it didn‟t, she just missed him more. And Lord have mercy, he mentioned engagement ring, the last time she‟d seen him. He had to have been teasing, and yet, the thought wouldn‟t leave her. Tina thought someone called her name and she turned, but no one had, at least not verbally. TJ stood a few feet from her near a tree. She felt

the caress of his gaze. Her skin immediately flushed, every cell prepared for him. How could she have forgotten the impact he had on her? Even without touching her. Someone took her cup just as TJ approached and took her hand. She didn‟t even hear Steve‟s directions. TJ took all her attention. Naked he took her breath away, but clothed in a lightweight buttoned down shirt which was completely opened, giving hints to that well-defined chest and rippled abs, the man exuded sex. He wore white linen slacks to match the white halter-top dress she wore. They matched perfectly, in more ways than one. TJ raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “You look beautiful,” he whispered. Tina heard the click of a camera, which seemed odd to her because she knew they weren‟t in position. They were supposed to take pictures near the big tree a few feet behind him. She could see the picnic blanket with the props laid out for them. Ms. Bare had explained earlier that this was a picnic scene in the park and it was a beautiful day for it. She let him lead her over to the tree and lean her against it. All the while some part of her registered the camera crew following their every step and the camera documenting their every move. But she really didn‟t care anymore. TJ spun her so his back rested against the tree. He placed one foot against the bark and pulled her to him, so she rode his knee. Did she really fool herself into thinking because they were clothed it would make a difference? Her panties were soaked and he knew it. When his head leaned down toward her she knew this was not going to be a mock kiss. His lips covered hers and Tina opened to him, circling her arms around his neck, oblivious to everything and everyone. Steve‟s voice eventually penetrated the haze TJ‟s kiss had put her in. TJ responded to the instruction by stopping the kiss. He took her hand and guided her over to the picnic blanket. Good thing one of them remembered what to do. She took a deep breath intending to focus, but Steve yelled out, “Hang on a second guys, take five.” He walked away from them with Ms. Bare to take a look at the monitors with the photographer. TJ took her hand and captured her attention. She looked down at their entwined fingers and smiled before looking up into his face. “I need you to know something,” he said. “I spoke to Kelly last night and set her straight. It‟s over. It‟s just you and me now.” He kissed her palm. “Are you sure?” she asked wanting, hoping to believe him.

“Yes, I‟m sure. You are for me and I am for you. Believe it! Believe me.” Tina raised her free hand and caressed the side of his face. He‟d shaved, because his skin was smooth. In the other pictures, he had that five o‟clock shadow. The I-just-rolled-out-of-bed sexy look going. This scene projected a more clean cut picture but just as sexy. He leaned into her palm and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked right at her and mouthed the words, “I love you,” just as the photographer came back and got off a shot. Her heart beat against her chest in joy. Elation infused every facet of her being. He loved her. He loved her. And she loved him. Had from the first time she set eyes on him. Sometimes you just know. All of a sudden she began to laugh. TJ leaned forward and kissed her, and the photographer caught it all on film. “Let‟s see what‟s in the basket,” TJ said, lifting the lid on the basket sitting between them. He took out two glasses and a bottle of wine. TJ opened the cork and poured them each a glass before handing her one. “To us,” he said, raising his glass to lightly click against hers. Tina noticed there was something dangling from the stem of her wine glass. “What...?” She raised it to eye level, her brain unable to process the information her eyes were sending. A ring hung from a white ribbon attached around the stem of the glass. TJ put his glass down and pulled the ribbon loose, freeing the ring. He took her glass and set it to the side, and took her hand. “I meant what I said. Believe in me. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I told you I‟d prove to you I could be trusted. Be my cover model forever. Marry me.” Tears pooled in her eyes, but when she raised her gaze to his they were clear, full of assurance convention, and love. Yeah, there was love there. She didn‟t trust her voice. Instead shook her head, hoping he‟d understand as he placed the ring on her finger. “There, that belongs there,” he said in a husky voice. “Yes. Oh, yes.” She threw her arms around him and began to cry while he kissed away her tears. Then she heard the cheers. She pulled away from him and looked around. The camera crew and passersby who‟d stopped to watch the photo shoot surrounded them. Everyone cheered and clapped. “That‟s a wrap,” Steve said with a big grin on his face.

“I think this is going to be my most beautiful cover,” Ms. Bare said, smiling. TJ pulled her to her feet. “If you‟ll excuse us, we‟ve got some celebrating to do.” “Where are we going?” she asked still unable to believe what had just happened. “Don‟t you want to see the shots?” “We‟ll see them. Right now, we have more important things to take care of.” He waved down a taxi, and as soon as it pulled to the curb they jumped in. “I have a surprise for you. I hope you like it.” He kissed the inside of her neck then her cheek. Then he held her face by the hand and covered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately, almost forgetting they were in a cab. “Hey, buddy, get a room.” “I plan to.” He laughed. They arrived in front of a building with an ivy-covered façade. Expensive cars were pulling up and out of the entrance. “What‟s this?” “Our Private Oasis.” “Oh, TJ, how wonderful.” “Thanks, but that‟s the name of the place.” He pointed to the door. On it fancy lettering in gold calligraphy proclaimed it, Our Private Oasis. They laughed. Once they checked in, they went to their room. Neither had any luggage. TJ opened the door with his cardkey and allowed her to enter first. The room was spectacular and very romantic. It was done in a Valentine‟s theme, pink and white all over with fluffy carpet, plush furniture and a huge bed, all done in pink and cream satin. “TJ...I‟m speechless.” “We have to take care of that.” TJ said. “Here, go put these on.” He picked up several decorative boxes already placed on the bed and handed them to her. He‟d ordered the things from the hotel store and made arrangements to have them placed in the room he‟d reserved. “You bought these?” “Yes, I hope you like everything and it all fits.” He smiled even harder. Tina couldn‟t ask for a more attentive man.

“Hurry now. I‟m having room service sent up. I have more surprises in store.” “Okay.” She ran into the bathroom, feeling like a giddy schoolgirl. If this was just a spur of the moment plan, she could only imagine what their honeymoon would be like.

Chapter Twelve Tina opened the first box and took out a gown as soft as a butterfly‟s wing and so sheer it left little to the imagination. She opened the second box and pulled out matching lace underwear even more translucent than the gown. Each piece represented an exquisite work of art, and as a model, she‟d seen many beautiful articles of clothing. She held up the cream colored pieces and looked in the mirror. The lace was so delicate she hesitated to put it on for fear of tearing it. A knock at the door of their room had her pausing. She heard TJ letting room service in. Quickly, she put on the bra and panties then slipped on the gown. Facing the mirror, she gazed admiringly at herself. The cream colored fabric of the gown clung to every curve. Tina could hear TJ telling the bellboy where to put the food, then sending him on his way. That was her cue to re-enter the room. As she walked through the door, a bare-chested TJ stood up and smiled approvingly at her. She did a little pose for him, twisting and turning, before beginning her classic catwalk a few feet toward the bed where he stood beside the cart. “It‟s a wonder all the men don‟t jump on the catwalk and try to get to you,” TJ said, bending to grab the hem of her gown. He cocked his head a bit to glance at her as he straightened. “What‟s the matter?” she asked. “This gown was a good idea at first, but now... I dunno.” With the ends of her gown still in his hands, he lifted it up over her breast until it was past her head and off her body. TJ tossed it to the floor. “That‟s better. Love the underwear on you, too.” “I take it that‟s coming off, too.” “Oh yeah!” “You bought all this nice stuff for me, only to take it off?” “There‟s going to be a lot of that.” He chuckled. But his mirth didn‟t last long as his thumbs hooked into the hip straps of her panties and pulled them down to her ankles. She lifted her left foot up and through her underwear, careful not to topple over. “It‟s hard to stand like a flamingo.” They chucked. She repeated the same with the right leg.

He stood up quickly, and with hunger in his gaze and a need she‟d never experienced, he grabbed her ass, kneading it as he pulled her tightly against him. Tina cleared her throat and reached for his belt buckle, which was uncomfortably pressed against her stomach. “Now I want you naked,” she said. “I, too, think clothes are highly overrated.” She slipped the belt out of the hooks, and he took it from her. He bent the belt into a loop and reached around her to playfully spank her with it before tossing it aside. “You‟re into that?” It looked like Tina was going to be learning a lot of new things about her future husband. “Not normally, but you bring out a lot in me I didn‟t know I was interested in. Maybe that‟s something we can explore later.” He winked at her. Holding her wrist, TJ sat on the edge of the bed in front of the room service cart and pulled her onto his lap. She turned and pressed her back against his chest. Taking a deep breath, Tina rubbed her shoulder blades against him, enjoying the feel of the varying textures of their naked skin. TJ held her at the waist with his left arm. Caressing her right shoulder with his lips, he reached over and removed the cover off the dish, revealing a slice of a seven layer dark chocolate cake covered in rich frosting. The sight of the thick topping had her gasping. TJ dipped a finger into the frosting and brought a thick gob toward her lips. “Taste.” She sucked hard on his finger, greedily licking it clean. A combination of TJ‟s unique masculine scent and dark chocolate sent waves of pleasure through her taste buds and the rest of her system. Tina started to slip off his lap, but he quickly reached between her legs, grabbed her sex and hoisted her back up. Her legs were spread open and draped over his thighs. TJ spanked her pussy playfully a few times and her thighs reflectively grasped the outside of his legs in delight. “I‟m running out of hands,” TJ said, making her laugh. She never knew being intimate with a man could be fun as well as pleasurable. But TJ had already taught her, with him, anything was possible. He squeezed and massaged the soft padding above her clitoris as he brought a fork full of cake to her mouth. Tina sucked it off the fork. As she swallowed, his middle finger tickled her clit, gently first and then harder and faster, again turning the rush of the chocolate into torturous pleasure below and above. As her thighs began to quiver, he slowed the motion of his fingers and reached for another forkful of cake, this time leaning past her and taking a

forkful himself. TJ put the fork down and reached for her breast, squeezing and massaging it as his other hand continued to hold her by her pussy, both hands keeping her body firmly pressed against his. She arched forward, tilting her hips back and she could feel the tip of his cock tickling her clit. It drove her insane. She tried to reach for him to guide him inside, but he grabbed her arms and dragged her to the center of the bed. “Looks like you‟re impatient my dear.” TJ smiled as he positioned her. Breathing heavily she managed to say, “You get me that way.” She wanted him inside her now, but he went at his own pace. He straddled her, pinning her arms with one hand to her breast while running his cock up and down her pussy with his other, teasing her. Her heels dug into the mattress and her hips bucked against him, begging him to take her. Just as she was about to lose control, he stopped, sat back on his feet, leaned over and kissed her. “Patience, baby.” Tina licked her lips and stared into his eyes, wanting TJ to see the desire she felt for him reflected in her own. Making the decision to take things into her own hands and gain control, she took him by surprise by quickly breaking free of his hold and getting up, turning around. She pushed at his chest until he shifted to lie flat on his back and getting on all fours, she straddled him backwards. “Hey!” “Let‟s see if you like being teased,” she giggled. “You‟ll be sorry,” he growled. She leaned down and began sucking on his cock. TJ adjusted both of their bodies until she felt his tongue licking on her pussy. Her tongue mimicked his, lashing the tip of his cock, tickling it rapidly and then sucking hard. She ran her tongue down his shaft once again. “Oh, looks like I missed a spot,” TJ said, and he continued to thrust his tongue in her sex. She tried to focus, but the more she sucked on him, the deeper his tongue went into her, hitting that G-spot. “Oooh! TJ!” “Toldja, you‟ll be sorry.” “Oh God! No more. Can‟t take more. Let me turn around, please,” she begged unashamedly. “Yeah, oh yes,” he hoarsely agreed, before giving her soaking wet pussy one last lick.

She turned around, sat on him and without pause he thrust his cock inside her. Holding onto her waist, TJ raised her up and slammed her down on top of him again and again. Her legs shook as their bodies dripped with sweat from their exertions. He pulled her tightly down and rolled her over onto her back, staying inside her the whole time. “This is the position I love you in,” he purred in her ear. Tina threw her legs onto his shoulders. TJ rammed into her harder and harder, his balls slapping against her. Tina‟s entire body shoved forward into the pillows as her hips arched up to meet every thrust. The headboard was making a lot of noise as it slammed against the wall. Primal groans emitted from deep within their throats. TJ‟s body became rigid, frozen for just a moment before he began to spasm as he came inside her. The feeling of his body quaking sent her over the edge and into an uncontrollable orgasm. He collapsed on top of her quivering body and they kissed passionately as if preparing for another round. Instead, arms and legs tangled together, their breathing slowed and they drifted off to sleep. **** Tina and TJ were called to the photographer‟s studio the next day. Apparently the cover photos turned out so well, the photographer and Ms. Bare were excited to show them. “I can‟t wait to see the finished products. Maybe I might moonlight as a cover model,” Tina said getting dressed. “I‟ll put in a good word for you, but I don‟t think you need any recommendations. Just seeing the prints, your work speaks for itself.” TJ helped her with her necklace. After he clasped it, he buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. “Is that your shampoo or just something you spray in your hair?” Tina giggled. “It‟s a leave-in spray conditioner. It‟s gingerbread.” “Wow. Food for hair. Love it.” She turned out of his embrace to show off her outfit. “You like?” she asked, doing a slow spin. TJ let out a long low whistle. “I love. And speaking of love, did I tell you that I love you?” He took her by the waist and pulled her toward him, kissing her neck. “I think before I got up to brush my teeth.” “Eons ago.” He continued kissing her. “I love you.”

She placed her hands on the sides of his face; his five o‟clock shadow tickled her palms. Leaning forward, she kissed him full on the lips, long and hard. After she came up for air, she rested her forehead on his. “Do we have to go?” TJ chuckled. “Yes, besides, I‟m curious.” “Me too.” Tina grabbed her purse then TJ‟s arm and he led them out the door. Just as they got off the elevator, they spotted Ms. Bare. She stopped to wait for them. “Hello you two.” She reached over and hugged both of them. “Let me see the ring. I didn‟t get a chance to the other day. You all ran out of the park so fast.” TJ grinned, hugging Tina to him. “You know how it is. I wanted her all to myself.” Tina smiled and held up her hand. Ms. Bare oohed and ahhed over the ring. “It‟s beautiful. He truly has good taste.” “Thank you,” Tina said. “I think so, too. Which is why I‟ve decided to keep him.” “We understand the covers are in,” TJ said. “Yes, this is the fastest I ever got them back, but Steve informed me this morning that the photographer stayed up all night working on them. He said these have to be the best shots he‟s ever seen.” “Now I‟m really curious,” TJ said. “Well, let‟s go, they‟re waiting.” Ms. Bare gently pushed them toward the entrance of the photography studio. Once inside, Tina noticed the entire crew for all the shoots was there, standing or sitting in the large room. “Hi,” they said in unison. “Hello.” She waved. “Great ring, man,” one of the lighting photographers said. “You don‟t waste time do you,” the man said, looking over at TJ. “Yes, congrats to you both,” Steve said. “Hey you guys, could you do us a favor and not mention anything until we let our families know?” “Oh sure. Will do,” everyone said, nodding in agreement. Tina and TJ took seats in front of a large flat screen television hanging on the wall. They were going watch a slide show of all the photos, then show the covers the photographer and Ms. Bare picked. Sitting down together, not once did they let go of each other‟s hands. As the slide show began, all could be heard were “oohs” and “ahhs”.

“These are beautiful, you guys,” Ms. Bare said, leaning forward to stare at them from her seat. “The passion is so genuine, but then it was already there, wasn‟t it?” She winked at them. “You got that right,” TJ said, lifting Tina‟s hand and kissing it. **** There were scores of people from the industry at Ms. Bare‟s office. They were there to celebrate Tina and TJ‟s engagement, including the bride to be‟s model sister, Gina. Announcements were made in every fashion and romance magazine, including some gossip mags. They were to marry later in the summer and they chose Central Park to have the ceremony. The first book of Ms. Bare‟s erotica/adventure trilogy hit the shelves, jumped to number one immediately, and stayed there for three weeks! When readers wrote in to Ms. Bare to talk about her book, they said besides her wonderful writing, it was the cover this time that really made them buy the book. Her email nearly blew up when her fans learned this couple was truly a couple and getting married. Tina rejoined TJ, who was talking to Gina. “Ironic, huh?” Gina took a sip of wine, then gave Tina a hug. “What‟s that?” “The one time I have a chance to work for Ms. Bare, I break out, you sub for me and get married. Talk about fate and the stars.” “I‟ll say it was fate,” TJ agreed. “I had a fight with my ex, never thought I could love and trust again and here comes Tina, to show me I can.” He put his arms around Tina‟s waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Hold that pose, don‟t move!” hollered one of the photographers. Tina twisted in his arms and looked at TJ, who just shrugged. The photographer returned and began snapping pictures at a rapid pace. “Don‟t you ever put the camera down man,” TJ asked, covering his eyes from the flash. “I said you can be the photographer at the wedding. No need to audition.” He laughed. “He‟s not auditioning,” Ms. Bare said approaching them. “It was my idea. I was standing in the corner and saw you two embracing. It inspired me. Not only for a new cover but a new book.” “Really?” Tina said, elbowing TJ. “How about that.” “How about this?” Ms. Bare took a seat in front of them. “The last book was a happily ever after, but it just showed them taking a trip

together to the Riviera. I‟ll open book four, with my hero and heroine as a husband and wife assassin team. That embrace will be the cover.” Everyone in the room was abuzz. TJ turned to Tina and took her by the waist. “I told you, you didn‟t need my recommendation. You‟re truly an inspiration and I don‟t just mean to Ms. Bare.” Tina kissed him on the cheek. “It helps having a partner like you. I love you.”

About the Authors Stephanie Williams is a native of Los Angeles, born 45 years ago. She‟s a full-time home business owner in the export/import trade business. She enjoys opera, classical music and is a huge history buff. Her true passion however is writing, and creating worlds that she would like to escape to (or escape from). She writes of all things Interracial, including erotica, romance, mysteries and anything in-between, all hot, sexy and steamy.

LaVerne Thompson is the mother of two teenage girls; a wife; a former intellectual property attorney; a multi-published, bestselling, award winning author; an avid reader and a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi romances. She also writes under the pen name Ursula Sinclair. She is currently working on several projects and can usually be found on online on Facebook at House of Isis. Visit her website at http://lavernethompson.com to read excerpts of her books or to see excerpts of some of the stories she‟s currently working on.