Picture Perfect by Deena Remiel Read Free Book Online Page A

glee, and lowered to one of sensual pleasure. “How about some treats now, and some later?”
    Jamie stopped and considered for the briefest of moments. “Mmm, I can live with that.”

 
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    Photo shoots can be frenetic and frenzied, but Jamie’s kept his calm, relaxed, and comfortable. He’d taken them to a resort that had rolling hills and an expansive suite. Hope’s mind filled with ideas for where she would want to set up and the kinds of shots she would want to take. She enjoyed the positive creative energy buzzing around her. She wouldn’t dream of sharing her thoughts about placement and poses, but she wrote them down in a notebook so she could share later.
    Jamie had shown his professionalism and feelings for her from the start, introducing her to today’s model as his girlfriend and fellow artist. He seemed a bit awkward at first, but finally got into a groove when he stopped looking over at her every few minutes. A gloriously old weeping willow, with lots of gnarled roots, served as a backdrop for the historical romance pictures. It worked perfectly for sitting upon and cuddling. The dappled sunlight under the tree’s canopy played deliciously in the couple’s eyes. It also warmed up the air something fierce, and she could tell Jamie and his model were parched.
    “I bet you all could use some cold water,” she called out. “Why don’t I go get some? I bet someone can fix me up a nice little ice chest in a backpack.”
    “Sounds like a great idea, but you’re on crutches, babe. I don’t want you stumbling and getting hurt.”
    “I need to stretch my legs. You folks have been moving around. I’ve been sitting still and I’m cramping up. No worries. I’ll be right back.” She smiled, waved off any further discussion, and tottered over to the glass doors of the resort.
    Once inside, the cool air absorbed the moisture that had collected behind her neck and down the valley of her breasts. She took a deep breath and made her way over to the bar. She caught the eye of one of the bartenders. “Excuse me. Hi, is it possible to get some water bottles and ice in a container? My friends are working hard out there doing a photo shoot and need to hydrate themselves.”
    “Well, I can get you the ice and water, ma’am, but I don’t have a container for you.” He poured a Bud Light Lime into a cup.
    “Hmm, you know what? I have a backpack in my room. If I get it and bring it to you, would you fill it for me?” She batted her eyelashes at him and smiled sweetly.
    “Sure thing.” He smiled back and poured a glass of merlot.
    “Super. I’ll be right back.” She flicked her thick, wavy hair behind her shoulders, set her crutches under her arms, and started her journey to the room they had rented for the day. “Oh! Could you hold that elevator, please!”
    Quickening her stilted steps, she made it just in time to see a hand reach out and hold the doors from closing. Bright red nail polish adorned claw-like nails “Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”
    “No problem.” A petite woman smiled sweetly and mussed her long golden-honey curls while looking in the mirrored wall of the elevator. “Ooh, that can’t be pleasant, having to walk around with crutches, in this heat. Um, what floor do you need?”
    “Three, please. No, it’s a real drag actually.” She looked at herself in the mirror. I’m a bedraggled mess! And this one looks like she walked out of a magazine two seconds ago.
    “Oh my God, I’m going to that floor, too. That’s so funny.” Oh my God, have I landed in Valley Girl Land? “So are you here for business or pleasure?” She gave Hope one of those vacuous looks that meant she asked the question but didn’t intend on listening to the answer.
    “A bit of both I guess. My boyfriend is involved in a photo shoot on the grounds here and we’re staying for a bit of relaxation.”
    The vacant look dissolved for a fleeting moment into a cold glare and rapidly