“You’re a photographer, correct? I’d like to hire you. Hailey was singing your praises, and I trust her. Have you ever done… boudoir photography?” Her voice dropped at the end, like she was sharing a secret. “I’ve always wanted to have some shots made, you know, while I still have the body for it. And if I like your work, I’ll be sure to whisper your praises in the right ears to make sure you have plenty more jobs headed your way.”

“Why me?” I asked, cocking my head to the side.

She laughed. “Partly because I don’t know you well. Somehow, stripping down seems easier in front of a stranger than with a friend, yes? You’re a photographer, you must understand that. And, like I said, I want to do this now, while I’m young. While I still have the body and haven’t lost my nerve. I’ll pay you three grand. Is that enough?”

My eyes widened at that number, and I looked her over more objectively as a possible subject. There was no denying she was beautiful. Her skin was flawless, her curves lush without being trashy. She would photograph well, as I’m sure she already knew. And, as coordinator of that gala thing Hailey was talking about, she was no doubt telling the truth about her connections and pull. Not a good enemy to make by refusing. Plus, three thousand dollars? Yeah, I could use the money.

I ground my teeth before forcing a smile. “When would be a good time for you?”

“Are you free tomorrow? Just after lunch? I’ll text you the address.”

I recited my number, and she programmed it into her phone, which was covered with pink crystals. “Well, I’m sure you want to get home and get… cleaned up.” Her eyes raked over me with frank disapproval. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Can’t wait,” I muttered under my breath to her retreating back.

* * *

I was almost done loading the Jeep when West snuck up behind me and boxed me against the driver’s door with his arms. “Do you have plans for tonight? Have dinner with me.”

I turned and found myself only inches away from him. He smelled slightly of sweat from whatever he’d been doing for his grandma, and he was short of breath, like he’d run to get to me. I liked it.

I put one finger over his chest. “I can’t. I’m going out with Rue and Theo tonight.” I drew my hand down, letting my finger trace over his abs. His shirt was damp and sticking to his skin, and his muscles tightened with my touch.

He growled. “Skip it.”

“No.” He stared at me like he couldn’t believe I’d turned him down. “Look, you want to go out with me, give me some notice.”

“I just did.”

“Five hours is not notice.”

“Fine. Where are you going?”

“Why?” I teased. “Planning on crashing?” His checks turned a bit red, and I laughed, a real laugh. “I don’t know. It’s Theo’s turn to pick. Better luck next time.” I patted him on the cheek and slipped out of his loose hold, opening the car door.

His hand grabbed the frame as I went to shut it. His eyes flashed as he looked at me, and he opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but then he shook his head.

Neither of us moved. Neither of us spoke. The air around us felt charged with heat and anticipation. Finally, he closed my door and backed away, watching me the whole time.

As much as I felt drawn to him, a part of it scared me. It felt like too much too soon, like a firework, all bright and shiny and exciting, but with no staying power. If I was smart, I’d remember it wasn’t safe to play with matches.

CHAPTER 8

Dinner was awesome. We’d driven over to this tiny pin dot on the map called Frogmore and eaten at The Foolish Frog. We sat outside, listening to live music and catching up with each other in between stuffing our faces. I was tired of red meat, and they had chicken piccata, my favorite, so I ordered that, but I was also stealing bites from Rue’s shrimp and grits and Theo’s Frogmore stew, a delicious mix of sausage, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and spices.

And I was drinking. Theo was DD for the night, so Rue and I were indulging. A lot. In fact, I may have already been partially drunk when we piled out of the restaurant and into Theo’s old beater.

“Ugh, take me home,” I said, moaning. It had been a long day, and the thought of dealing with Aubrey tomorrow was so depressing that I hadn’t even mentioned the whole episode at dinner.

“Nuh-uh,” Rue said, shaking her hair and making the pink tips swirl. “We are going out!”

Theo looked over his shoulder at her as she sprawled in the backseat. I had shotgun. “Where are we going?”

“To get laid!” Rue cried, throwing her arms up in the air. Theo and I laughed. Rue always wanted to get laid. “Let’s hit up Anchor for some tourist booty!” She pulled out her phone and started texting furiously. “And I may have told Boone we were headed there. You can thank me later, Sadie.”