changes the lens. Glancing in my direction, he smirks. “Not ready to kick me to the curb yet, huh? I knew you’d have a hard time letting me go.”
I lean back on my arms, letting the sun warm my face. The park is practically bare since the cold weather has arrived. A few kids bundled in big coats with hats and mittens on run around, but there aren’t nearly as many people as there are during the warmer months.
“What can I say? I like to punish myself.”
He takes a few pictures before he breaks the distance, leaning over me until his lips are almost touching mine. “Deal.”
My heart feels buoyant. I’m happy that’s out of the way since the thought of this ending was looming over me like a dark cloud before a thunderstorm. “Just like that, huh? I’m thinking maybe you don’t want to kick me to the curb yet.”
“What can I say? You’ve got a great set of—” He motions to my breasts since there are kids around, and I pick up a small pebble and throw it at him. He laughs. “It’s a compliment.”
I’ve figured out when Seth is joking, even though more times than not, it’s always a joke coming out of his mouth. But at first, I would’ve taken that comment to mean he only wants me around for sex. And even if he might think that’s what he means, I know he doesn’t. It’s in his constant glances to gauge my reaction after he says something that’s supposed to come off as casual. He checks my facial expressions because he wants to know what I’m thinking.
“I know.” I turn my head back toward the sky. “Did you make up with Trevor?”
“Not really. Mom made him apologize and I apologized back. It’s the same as always. Nothing new.”
“That sucks. I’m sorry.”
“Stop apologizing for my relationship with my brother. It’s not your fault.” He sits on the rock with me, cracking his neck. He knocks his knee to mine. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“You’re welcome.” I knock my knee to his. “I enjoy seeing you so focused. It’s kind of hot.”
“Hot like at the studio a few weeks ago?” His hand slides up my thigh.
I place my hand over his. “Hot like we’re in public though I wish we weren’t. Speaking of, I haven’t seen any of those photos yet.” I raise my eyebrows.
He chuckles. “They’re in good hands. Promise. I just haven’t had a ton of time to edit all of them.”
“Edit? As in correcting?”
He lays his forehead to mine. “As in touch-ups. Lighting and shit. Don’t worry, you look delicious in them. I’ve beaten off to one already. It’s taking me a little longer because they get me all hot and bothered.”
I giggle and push him back with my hand on his chest. He grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. I jump off the rock and allow him to lead me wherever he wants. As we walk through the city, Seth stops us every once in a while and takes a picture.
We find me a dress that costs way too much for a fake engagement party. Seth does sneak into the dressing room once before the saleswoman knocks on the door.
We end up in Central Park for the rest of Seth’s pictures. Although I’ve sat most of the day, I’ve never enjoyed myself so much. Watching him do something he clearly loves is addicting. It makes me want to do some soul-searching and find my own desire.
My phone dings with a text and I pull it out since Seth has ventured farther away to get a new angle for a shot.
Nick Klein: Great news. Round up your parents because you’ve got a deal in the works.
Me: This is going to be a hard sell.
Nick Klein: Just wait until you hear the news. Cliff had to head back to his office but he’s coming back next weekend with his wife. He wants to meet at two pm Friday at Porterhouse.
Me: Can you tell me anything else?
Nick Klein: I don’t have final numbers or anything. He’s talking to his business associates this week, but he’ll be presenting a contract on Friday. So you need to work on your parents.
Me: I think I’m going to be sick.
Nick Klein: Relax Evan, this is all good news. I promised we’d get you out of there.
I’ve heard that same thing from Seth, but our route was much more complicated than Nick’s.
“Evan!” Seth yells.
I look up to see