my heart on my sleeve here. Metaphorically speaking since I’m naked. Speaking of nudity,” he glances down at me. “You didn’t use any of the actual nudes.”
There are a few shirtless photos from the first day when we did the test shots and of course, in the final image he’s only wearing a towel. But for the most part the focus is on his eyes and face. So far the response has been extremely positive. Mr. Hartwell mentioned that one of the reporters called it a “visual romantic journey” so he’s positive we’ll get some good press as well as a lot of sales.
Since the show was billed as an erotic exhibit, I’ve been thrilled that people aren’t disappointed with the relative tameness of the photos.
“I couldn’t do it. You’re perfect but I decided that I didn’t want anyone else seeing you like that. That’s just for me.”
He gives me that private smile that never fails to make me want him. “Yeah it is. It’s all for you. Whenever you want it.”
“I’ll want you always, Zack. And I’ll love you even longer than that.”
chapter fifteen
†
ZACK
Josie and I walk hand in hand from the gallery. The valet brings the car around and as we drive off, she rests her head against the window. I can tell she’s still on a high.
The owner of the gallery came to her toward the end buzzing with excitement. The show sold out again and he received a lot of inquiries about private commissions. Even though she’s playing it cool, I can tell how excited she is. Her eyes are shining and there’s a bright flush to her cheeks.
It thrills me there are more surprises in store for her tonight.
At the next stoplight, I reach into my pocket and pull out a handkerchief.
Josie lifts her head and eyes it skeptically. “I’m a little tired for kinky games right now.”
“Now you’re making me wish I’d thought of that.” I laugh at her chastising look. “Settle down, sweetheart. I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise? Where is it?” She looks around excitedly.
“You have to wear the blindfold if you want it.”
“Ok, fine. But it had better be good.” She snatches the handkerchief from my hand and ties it loosely behind her head.
“You’re a demanding little brat sometimes.”
“You love it,” she replies breathlessly.
She knows I do.
I take the next turn and then navigate the route I’ve only been on a few times. The house at the end of the lane is lit up from within so I’m confident that it’s been prepared to my wishes. It’s two stories with the same sort of old-fashioned Victorian charm she loves about Izzie’s place. It also sits parallel with the same river that runs right behind Gabe’s house. That was one of the things I knew she’d love as much as I do. We’re close to our families.
I park in the drive and then rush around to open her door. I put one hand behind her head so she won’t bump it while getting out of the car.
“Zack? Are we there yet?”
“Yes, we are. Damn you’re impatient, woman!”
She giggles and bounces up and down right where she stands, her breasts bouncing against my chest. I bite my lip. We need to get this unveiling underway because if she keeps rubbing up against me, I’ll have to throw her over my shoulder and take her inside before she even sees where we are.
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes!”
I pull the blindfold off gently. Josie blinks rapidly as her eyes adjust. When she sees the house, her mouth falls into an adorable little oh of surprise.
“This is gorgeous. Is this one of those cute little bed and breakfast places that we were looking at the other day?”
“No, it’s not.”
When I don’t say anything else she wrinkles her nose at me. God, I love this woman. She makes everything fun.
“Ok then. Where are we?” she asks finally.
“Home.”
I watch her face to see the moment it sinks in. It’s worth the wait. Her eyes go soft and her mouth curls up into a little smile. “This is ours?”
“It’s ours. Welcome home, sweetheart.”
She stands on tiptoe and our lips meet in a soft, sweet kiss. Her fingers curl into my jacket as she pulls me closer.
After a moment, she glances over at all the lights on in the house. “Is someone here?”
I pull out the keys I got from the realtor earlier today. Finn’s fiancée, Rissa, owns a full-service cleaning company so after all the requisite paperwork