Page 39 of Strut

“In that case, tonight belongs to us. Any ideas how you want to fill it?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I laughed. “I have a long list.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Very. How much lube do you have?”

He chuckled. “Clearly not enough.”

“Depends on how many times you want me to fuck you.”

Silence roared down the line and I swallowed my laugh. We hadn’t discussed the particulars of sex between us, and I wasn’t sure why, other than our chemistry was enough for me to know we’d be okay, regardless. I wasn’t fussy about who did what, so it was all good in my books.

“I doubt I could put a number on that,” Hunter finally answered with hoarseness to his voice. “But if we run out of time, I’ll take a rain-check.”

I laughed. “Absolutely. But just so you know, I’m easy either way. I love it all, especially if it involves you, naked, and wrapped around me. Bring it on, baby.”

“Oh boy.” Hunter drew a sharp breath. “Thanks for that. I have to work today, arsehole.” He paused and cleared his throat. “This has been the longest week of my life. No more jerk-off moratoriums. I’m writing that into my next boyfriend contract. I’m so backed up I’ll be shooting bricks, so I don’t want any complaints from you.”

I laughed. “Bricks, huh? I can’t wait.”

Tim sauntered back into the lounge looking a little more awake and shot me a glance. “Hunter?” he mouthed the name silently.

I nodded and he rolled his eyes.

Hunter and I finished up with me promising to text him when I was on my way, and I slid the phone back onto the table where it gleamed in a sliver of sunlight breaking through the fog.

“Big day, huh?” Tim crossed the lounge and slipped his arms around my waist from behind. “Excited? Terrified? You look good.” He let go and lifted my T-shirt for a peek. “Big carb meal last night and hold the water?”

I snorted and turned to face him. “I don’t go at it like Marco does for his fitness shoots, but a bit of loading and dehydration to dry out, yeah. Get that shrink-wrap look on the abs, right?”

Tim grinned. “Wouldn’t know. They want me skinny and lean. No abs for me. But you look great.”

“Thanks.” I took a good look at my friend. He was all smiles, but something skittered behind his eyes. “You okay?”

He dropped his arms and I followed him into the kitchen. “Great. Miles’ column comes out tomorrow and I think I’m front and centre.”

My eyebrows popped. “Really?”

“Yep.” A huge grin split his face. “This could be big for me, right?Everyonereads that column. If Miles calls me the next big thing, people will listen. Plus, I’ve got thatEsquirecover next week. It feels like my luck is changing.”

I wasn’t so sure about Miles Broadhurst, but I wasn’t about to ruin the moment for Tim. He’d worked his arse off with little payback for reasons that had nothing to do with how he looked and everything to do with the arsehole family who’d thrown him out at sixteen. He deserved this.

“I’ll make sure to grab a copy tomorrow.” I leaned on the countertop and watched him put bread in the toaster.

He spun to face me. “That’s right. You’re getting hot and heavy for the first time with Mr I Wanna Shoot You from That Angle, right?”

I snorted and shoved him playfully. “You’re such a dork.”

He smirked. “But oh-so adorable.”

I laughed. “Unfortunately, also true.”

“Well, I’m heading out for another round of dodgem in the Big Apple. Five castings and counting. Text me how things go.” Tim pressed a kiss to my cheek and headed for the bathroom, coffee in hand and a slice of toast dangling between his teeth. He waved over his shoulder. “Good luck.”

I watched him go and wondered if there was enough luck in the world for what I wanted from today. Then I remembered what Hunter said on the phone.

Iwasperfect for the Berlini label. I’d seen all their commercial work and I fit the brand like a glove. If Berlini didn’t see it, I just had to make sure it wasn’t because I’d screwed up.

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