Page 20 of Strut

“And you’re not big on security?” Hunter held my gaze, his eyes dark-brown pools of curiosity.

“I’m here, aren’t I? Can’t get more insecure than this.” I chuckled. “But sure, I’d like to marry and have a family at some point.” I watched the dip between his brows deepen. “But I want to enjoy whatever job I do, not simply take home a paycheque.”

“And modelling does that for you?” he asked, looking genuinely interested. “Reality doesn’t always meet expectations, and this business is hard, right?”

I nodded. “Like I never imagined. I was so pumped to come here, but the reality has been harsh. Between work and casting calls and having no disposable income, I haven’t seen nearly enough of the city. And if it has an entrance fee, then that counts me out for a start. I try to keep something in reserve for unexpected agency debt. But I love the unusual and the wacky, and New York is full of both, a lot of it free on the streets.”

He laughed. “Amen to that.”

“But I am having fun. I love the rush of landing a booking, even if the more frequent rejections suck big time. The rollercoaster is a bit of a drug in itself, and I like it, something else I’ve learned about myself. The lows make me more determined, and the highs draw me back. I can’t decide whether that just says I need the ego strokes, or whether I just like living on the edge. Like putting money in a slot machine.”

“Most models I know are a bit of both,” Hunter commented. “But the successful ones have the addition of a keen mind. And it’s that business head that’ll save you, so maybe you should thank your parents for that.”

I laughed. “Damn, but that’s actually true, isn’t it? At the beginning I didn’t always look out for my interests, but I learned fast. Now, I look over everything before I sign, especially photog release forms. But to be honest, there’s not a lot I can demand differently with those. They’re pretty standard. Same with the agency contracts. When I resigned with Cage after the first year, there wasn’t much I could change. If I’m too picky, no one will work with me. But I try and keep control whenever I can.”

Hunter winced. “Yeah, I’ve heard about some of the release forms my peers use. It’s like promising them your left kidney ten years from now.”

I snorted. “Yeah. It didn’t take me long to realise you’re one of the good guys in this business. Rare as hen’s teeth.”

Hunter flushed but looked pleased. “I apologise on behalf of my entire industry.”

I chuckled. “No need. But there are lots of models who just sign anything they’re given to land the job, especially the younger ones—being in debt will do that to you. I’ve been lucky enough to keep on top of my debt but that’s not the norm at this level.” I paused and then thought,fuck it.“Can I ask you a question?”

Hunter wriggled to a sit, resting his back against the wooden platform behind. “Sounds ominous.”

I mirrored his posture until we were sitting shoulder to shoulder, his lean body tantalisingly close, the fresh scent of his cologne doing my head in. A quick glance down at his sinewed forearms had my fingers itching to run through the dense, dark hair that peeked out the bottom of his sleeves. He went still and my gaze shot up to find him watching me with an amused curl to those sinful lips.

“Shut up,” I growled and looked away.

He laughed. “Come on, what is it you want to ask?” He shook out his leather jacket and set about putting it on.

I scooted around to face him. “Is what happened with your parents the reason why you don’t date?”

Hunter froze, one arm in his jacket. His mouth opened and closed, then opened again. Then he grinned and shook his head. “Wow, you don’t hold back, do you?”

I shrugged. “I never saw the point. Obviously, you don’t have to answer.”

He finished with his jacket and leaned back to study me. “Is this you trying to psychoanalyse me?” He gave a flicker of a smile.

“Maybe a little,” I admitted. “Is this you trying to evade the question?”

“Absolutely.” He chuckled. “But I’m also not ignorant about myself. So yes, my experience with my parents might’ve made me a little... gun-shy. But my lifestyle and travelling don’t exactly gel with having a relationship either. And let’s face it, the people you meet in this industry aren’t generally life’s little homemakers, right?”

I couldn’t argue with him there.

“I find it easier to keep things simple. No strings. Safer for everyone concerned. And I’ve never wanted more.”

“Of course.” I looked away. It was nothing I hadn’t expected, even if it still stung a little to hear, and it was a reminder what an idiot I’d been.

“That’s not to say I haven’t had a boyfriend.”

Wait, what?“You? Had a boyfriend?”

His gaze narrowed but there was a twinkle of mischief there. “I think I was just insulted. But yes. I’ve had a couple, actually. One even lasted a whole year. How about that?”

I tried to ignore the sting at knowing a couple of guys had actually made it through Hunter’s thick wall when I’d so patently failed. “Well, it shows you’re at least capable of commitment.”

“Ouch.” Hunter’s quick grin flattened into a thin line. “Steven was a London-based model. Because of all the travel, we had an open relationship and eventually we drifted apart. Simple as that.” He shrugged. “Like I said, this business is hell on relationships.”

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