In Bed With The Boss Page 0,11

white hair. So I think we could add some pillows for a bit of color,” Christian thought out loud before looking to the corner. “Maybe we’ll see how it goes,” he added, changing his mind as his vision shifted in his head. “Bring over the black rope and leather, nothing with buckles, just black.” David began to move away, and Christian called him back. “Before you go, stand there. I want to check the lighting.” David slipped off his shoes and stood in the middle of the setting draped all in black. Christian looked through his camera and took a few pictures before activating the remote cameras. David didn’t move or change expression, but Christian was having fun anyway. David’s pouty expression was adorable, and he began losing himself in the moment. It usually took a while for him to really get into a photo session, but with David it was almost instantaneous.

“I’m not one of your models, Christian,” David said, and Christian snapped out of his reverie, setting his camera aside. “Is the lighting okay?” David asked with a raised eyebrow, and without waiting for an answer left the area, walking to the closet where the various props were kept, returning with the things Christian had requested. “If you don’t mind, I would rather not be here for the session. I have things I need to get, including the supplies so I can print the photographs you requested.” David checked his watch before walking toward the door. “I’ll be right back with lunch.” David hurried out, and Christian heard the studio door close behind him.

Christian heard David return a bit later as he was finishing his preparations for the shoot. They ate together at the desk with David barely looking at him. “I need you here during the shoot,” Christian said as he took a bite of the salad David had brought for him. “Can you run the errands afterwards?” David simply nodded his answer and continued eating, but still wasn’t looking at him. “Did I do something to make you angry with me?” Christian had tried to discern the source of David’s petulance, thinking it might have been the fact that he’d gotten drunk.

“No,” David answered, and he glanced up at him. “I have a lot to do, but if you need me, I’ll be here.”

“That’s not what I asked you,” Christian pressed, setting down his fork. “You’ve been short with me all day.” Christian picked up his fork. “By the way, I know I didn’t thank you for taking care of the mess from my little bender last night, but I do appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome,” David replied with a bit of his usual energy, and they continued eating. When they were done, Christian threw away the remains, and they went back to looking at the rest of the photographs from the previous day’s session, now that they were organized in a logical flow. Things seemed easy again, or at least easier, with David, and Christian kept an eye on his assistant, wondering just what he’d done and what he could do to return them to the comfortable working relationship they’d enjoyed. That was something he missed, because he’d never had it with any of his other assistants. As they worked, David became more relaxed, and he even laughed a few times at some of the goofy shots Christian had gotten, but as soon as they heard a knock on the door announcing Christian’s appointment, the walls seemed to go right back up.

Chapter Three

David wasn’t about to say anything—he didn’t have a right and he knew it—but Javier had been correct. David was falling for his boss, and he had to put some distance between them because falling for Christian Coulliet was a recipe for heartbreak and disaster. But what hurt was that he was going to be forced to watch Christian with yet another model. Yesterday he’d been blissfully unaware of his feelings and he’d gone along on the ride with his boss, but Javier had opened his eyes, and he couldn’t look on that behavior the same way.

Answering the door, he greeted the medium-height, fairskinned man with a smile. “I’m Mr. Coulliet’s assistant, David,” he said, holding out his hand.

“Reggie Fontaine,” the blond replied, shaking David’s hand vigorously. “This is really exciting.”

“Excellent. Christian will be ready in a few minutes. He’s doing a last bit of setup. Do you know what’s expected?”

“Sure do. My agent explained the type of photos what will be taken and showed