me think that he’s just as nervous as I am. Taking photographs of him is something I’ve been doing for years so I’m confident the shots on display are exceptional. Few people have more knowledge of how to shoot Zack Marshall to best advantage than I do. But the story told by my pictures is one that’s not only erotic but wistful and hopeful, too. As well as intensely private.
Once everyone sees what I’ve done with the show, all my feelings for him will be out there exposed to the world. I can only hope I made the right decision.
Because after this exhibit, Zack won’t be the only one laid bare.
When we arrive, Zack kisses me and wishes me luck. I take a moment to collect myself and then walk to Mr. Hartwell’s office. He asked me to come here before the show. I’ll wait in here while the guests arrive and he greets everyone. Then he’ll introduce me. This is entirely different from last time when I was just one artist among many on display. This time it’s just me.
The whole thing makes me feel like they think I’m a way bigger deal than I actually am.
After only five minutes, my stomach is a mass of knots. My mouth feels like sandpaper and I’m on the verge of dry heaving. Not being able to swallow properly only makes the nausea worse. I’m on the verge of running out of there when the door opens. Gabe enters and hands me a bottled water.
“For your stomach.”
I open the bottle and gulp it down gratefully. Then I narrow my eyes at him. “I hate that you know me so well.”
He leans against the desk and looks around the office curiously. “This is a big deal, Josie. I’m proud of you.”
I slam the water bottle down on the desk next to him. “If you’re proud of me then why couldn’t you believe that I’m smart enough to pick the person I want to spend my life with?”
He runs a hand through his hair, sending the dark strands into disarray. Funny how I never noticed that both he and Zack do that when they’re annoyed.
“When I found out that you were hiring a model, all I could see was all the ways it could go wrong. I was really afraid for you and that’s why I sent Zack to stop it. So to find out that he didn’t stop it but just inserted himself into the process, well, I jumped to a lot of conclusions and made a lot of judgments I shouldn’t have. I’m not proud of that.”
“It really upset me that you assumed I can’t make my own decisions.”
He makes a face. “It’s been pointed out to me that I’m treating you like a doll. Or something. Anyway all the other women in my life have pointed out the error of my ways. Repeatedly.”
“Well good. That really hurt him that you thought he’d take advantage of me. And for the record, Zack didn’t have to trick me into falling for him. I fell a long time ago.”
He picks at the edge of the desk. “I just had to know that he wasn’t hurting you. I promised that I’d never let anyone hurt you again. And that promise I made to you has reminded me of the kind of person I want to be over the years. I owe you for that.”
I shake my head, moved by what he’s said. “You don’t owe me anything. We’re friends. That’s part of the job.”
Because I know he won’t make the first move, I walk over and hug him. “I love you Gabe but the next time you pull that crap I’m going to kick your ass.”
He bursts out laughing. “Duly noted.”
“So did you get a chance to walk the exhibit?”
“The pictures are fantastic, Jo. Really amazing.” He sounds awed.
“Really?” My voice is small and I know he can tell that I need the reassurance.
“Yeah. I told Zack that I was sorry before we came here tonight but I’d have said it anyway after seeing this. You really love him, don’t you?”
“I do. It’s always been him. Even when he had no idea and made my life hell every day.”
He laughs. “You guys did have some arguments for the ages. Hopefully that means you’ve gotten it all out of your systems.”
I recall our passionate lovemaking the night before. Zack usually takes me nice and slow until I feel like I’ll die before I get what I