for a massage class today. I might go back, maybe join.” That wasn’t true, either, but her mom took it as a sign of encouragement. They talked about Haley’s brothers, she had an update on how adorable her nieces and nephew were, and she was warned that there might be a wedding in the spring.
“If there’s a wedding, I’ll come home for it,” she said. “Someone has to fill Tiffany’s luggage with confetti.”
“And think about bringing a date,” her mom added.
Haley rolled her eyes. “It’s not like I can just order one online.”
“Maybe it would be easier if you could.” They joked together about online dating—her older brother Brad had tried a lot of services with bad results, then had met Katie at the grocery store—her mom demanded that she send pictures of the cat, then they ended the call. Haley smiled at the phone, then opened her browser.
She needed to find a cat, STAT.
“You’re evil,” Shannyn muttered as she did yet another batch of push-ups at Cassie’s instruction.
“Hold it longer,” Cassie said. “And keep your back straight.”
“Diabolical, maybe.”
Cassie smiled. “Don’t you want to look your best when you’re twenty stories high?”
“You’re completely merciless,” Shannyn said, sitting up and wiping the perspiration from her face. She was flushed, but her muscles were perfectly pumped. Since she and Tyler had agreed to pose for one of the billboards, she’d been working out a lot. She was stronger and more sleek. “Good enough?”
“You look great,” Cassie said and meant it. She spun her finger and Shannyn turned around to be assessed. “I think you’re ready for the shoot. Quick shower, then that black leotard, please.”
“That’s not really a leotard,” Shannyn said. “It’s a little skinny bit of fabric. A belt.”
“And you look awesome in it.”
“With no secrets left.” Shannyn rolled her eyes, then hurried to the women’s showers.
Cassie went to the room they were using for the photography and checked that everything was set up and ready. The make-up artist was there and the stylist, as well as the photographer Shannyn had couched to take her place. Ty was there already, of course, since he was always prompt.
The man could tempt a saint. He was pumped up from his work-out and naked above the waist. Cassie tried to keep from staring or drooling.
He ran a hand over his sleek chest and gave her an intent look. “I hope this is worth it,” he said, showing almost as much reluctance to participate in their advertising program as he had from the outset.
Cassie smiled. “You even waxed for us.”
“Don’t remind me.” Ty grimaced. “It’s going to itch.”
“Then think of the bottom line, Mr. Money. The ad is perfect for Valentine’s Day and you know it. We’ll be overwhelmed with new applicants.”
“When exactly is it going to be your turn to be on an F5F billboard?” Ty asked.
“When I think of a good slogan. It could be a while.” Cassie reached up and tousled Ty’s hair a little bit, smiling when he glowered at her. “The idea is that your high-finance friends won’t recognize you, remember?”
“I remember.”
The photographer positioned him and began to check the lighting. Shannyn returned and Ty’s eyes lit. He smiled, such a sensual and hungry expression that Cassie had to turn away. She was more than ready to have a guy look at her like that—especially a guy like Tyler McKay.
Her new tattoo itched a little. Was it possible that Chynna’s so-called magic would work? She hoped it would hurry up and do whatever it was going to do. She had another itch that she was tired of tending herself.
Shannyn checked the lighting herself and chatted with the photographer, adjusting Ty’s pose.
Cassie beckoned to the styling team. “We want a really sexy sultry look. Make the most of Shannyn’s eyes and lips.”
In moments, Shannyn had rock-star hair and come-hither lips. Her eyes looked smoky and mysterious. She could have been another person, more sultry and sexy than she’d ever appear in real life.
Cassie got out the mock-up sketch and reviewed the pose with her. Shannyn stepped into Ty’s embrace and put her left hand on his chest with her wedding ring visible. Ty’s left arm was wrapped around Shannyn’s waist, his wedding ring glinting in the shadows. He stared out at the camera, looking imposing and protective and sexy as hell, while Shannyn leaned against him, touching her lips to his skin. They both looked perfect, toned and sleek and tanned, and the pose was both tender and romantic.
The photographer took