Page 37 of Flare

“How long are you going to keep this up, Rhys?”

I groaned. “Forever. Also, it’s none of your damn business,” I snapped, then winced. “Shit,I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. This show is starting to get to me. I can’t screw this up. Which only proves whyanythingwith Beckett Northcott would be a very bad idea. Plus, he has his nephew to consider. Neither of us need the added stress.” I turned back to find Beck staring at us.Fuck.

“Or, on the other hand, it could be a verygoodidea,” Hunter insisted. “You deserve better than a half-life, Rhys.”

I stared at him, incredulous. “A half-life? In case you haven’t noticed, I’m running my own label in my own damn store, and I’m about to showcase my new season’s look in the New Zealand fashion calendar event of the year. What about that particular scenario screams a half-life to you?”

He stared at me like you would a toddler throwing a tantrum. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. Imeantthat you deserve someone at your back. Someone to hold you and tell you everything’s going to be great. Someone to make you smile. To...destressyou, on tap.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes and tried not to show just how much his words stung. Not because they weren’t accurate, but because they were. I wanted exactly that. But I’d pinned my hopes on someone before, only to have them turn their back. “I don’t need someone for that.” My voice rose. “I can do it for myself. And I can get all the destress I can handle... if I want it.” Which was only a half-truth and we both knew it.

“And I can see just how well that’s working for you,” he deadpanned.

I levelled another glare his way.

“My, oh my, who’sthatmountain of deliciousness?” A familiar voice slid over my shoulder. Shayne.

Just what I needed. I should’ve known the nosy fuck would get wind of today’s shoot.

“Butwhatis he wearing?” Shayne moved alongside, staring at Beck with a mix of horror and undisguised interest. “Mind you, if you wanted a man who could hold you against a wall for hours—”

“Shut up,” I snapped. “He’s Jack’s uncle and he’s a nice guy. Hands off.”

Shayne’s keen gaze studied me for a second and I quickly added, “And what areyoudoing here anyway?”

“I heard you were having a big day, so I thought I’d drop by to show my support. But if I’d known it was lumbersexual day, I’d have come earlier and more appropriately dressed.” He raked his gaze over Beck once again. “Mind you, he is rather tasty, in that rough-and-ready kind of way. If you’re into that.” He cocked his head at me in amusement. “Which I wasn’t awareyouwere, Rhys.”

“Is there something you want, Shayne? I need to get back to work.”

He sighed dramatically. “Nothing in particular. But since I’m here, I might introduce myself to this new model I’ve been hearing about.” He flicked a glance to Alec, who was chatting with the other models. “Not sure I understand all the hype, to be honest.”

Hunter narrowed his gaze in that way I knew trouble was brewing, and I elbowed him in the ribs.

“Wait until you see him on the catwalk,” I countered. “He isn’t signed yet, but once Fashion Week is done, he’ll have his pick.”

Shayne stared a little longer, assessing the handsome young man with a critical eye. Alec must’ve felt the heat of the attention, because he turned and then frowned at the plastic smile Shayne sent his way.

Fucking models.

Shayne leaned toward me and a haze of Tom Ford Extreme settled between us. “There’s a big difference between dressing up in a store for a static shoot and walking a runway, Rhys. You and I both know that.”

“He’ll be fine.” I had no interest in what Shayne thought.

“He’s fucking amazing, is what he is,” Hunter blurted indignantly.

I shot Hunter a surprised look since he rarely got fired up about his models or…anything, to be honest, other than photography itself. He caught my look and if I didn’t know better, I’d have sworn there was the hint of a blush above that thick stubble.Very interesting.

But he apparently wasn’t done and continued, “I haven’t had such an easy test shoot with a new face since I can’t remember. I even did it TFP, my time for some of the prints. And since my folio’s bulging with a stack of great models, you can bet he had to be good for me to make some room. Which reminds me. Guys.” He called to the group of models and they looked up. “Make sure I have your model release forms before you leave.”

They nodded as one and went back to chatting, but Hunter’s gaze lingered on Alec. I nudged him and he blushed, again.

“Have you picked up a gig for the show?” I asked Shayne, changing the subject.

He nodded. “Gloria’s booked me.”

I tensed and shot a look to Hunter who rolled his eyes.

Shayne’s gaze drifted back to Alec. “I think it’s time I introduced myself to this so-called amazing discovery of yours, Rhys.” He air kissed my cheek. “Catch you later.”

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