Page 9 of Strut

Hunter took a moment to answer and I used the time to lock down my body’s response to his obvious appreciation while trying not to dwell too much on exactly how fucking good he looked.

“Yeah. I flew in a couple of days ago,” he finally answered. “I was in a meeting with theJojomag editor downstairs when they mentioned Kelvin was shooting up here today. We’ve known each other a while so I dropped in to say hi. I had no idea you’d be here. How’s that for luck?”

Yeah, howisthat?Still stunned, I stumbled to put a sentence together in front of the guy who’d haunted my shower jerk-off sessions way too regularly to be comfortable. “I, um, no, you wouldn’t put money on it, right?” I may as well have added gee whiz and punched him on the shoulder. “You shooting anything interesting while you’re here?”

If Hunter noticed my awkwardness, he didn’t let it show, although Kelvin was paying close attention to the exchange with curious eyes.

“I’ve got an editorial shoot for Hermès,a couple of prospective client meetings, and an ad campaign shoot I landed withHarpers.But enough about me.” He ran his eye over me again and I was pretty sure my face glowed beetroot. “Jesus, you look... great. Have you lost a bit of weight?” The crease between his brows and the slight edge to his tone told me he didn’t approve, and I bristled. I wasn’tthatguy.

“Just the craziness of settling in. It’s coming back on, slowly.” I folded my arms, which only served to drag my T-shirt back up, and so I dropped them again. Good god, could I be any more awkward? But when I caught his smile as I resituated the T-shirt back over my dick, I decided yes, yes I could.

For fuck’s sake. Hunter had regularly seen me half-naked as I changed in the shoots we’d done for Rhys, but that was... before. Before we’d hooked up, kind of. And before I’d developed this stupid little crush that was burying my common sense along with most of my mental faculties, it seemed.

Hunter’s attention shifted back to Kelvin like he’d suddenly remembered his friend was still standing there, and they embraced. It was obvious by the warmth of their greeting that they were more than just casual acquaintances, and I almost rolled my eyes at the lick of jealousy that soured my stomach as I wondered justhowmuchmore.

Not that it was any of my business. Regardless of his reputation, Hunter was a genuine guy, and totally upfront about his love ’em and leave ’em lifestyle. Anything he offered would be a one-time thing and I’d learned my lesson. Me and one-night stands didn’t mix very well, especially one-night stands where I secretly wanted a lot more. See above note re abysmal sex life.

So sue me. Ilikeddating. I liked connection. And I liked to know the guy I was fucking wouldn’t be gone in a hot second the next day, or worse, ten minutes after we were done, or I was done. I was nothing special in Hunter Donovan’s world.Thisworld.

Hunter worked with beautiful men and women every day, and I wasn’t about to make the same mistake again, even to quench the thirst I had to finally see him naked, which I didn’t think about at all. Nope. Not me. And a continent and a big-arse ocean had been doing a spectacular job of ensuring I didn’t get the chance to fuck things up until two minutes ago.

“You two know each other?” Kelvin looked between us, then snorted as it finally clicked in his brain. “Of course. You’re both Kiwis. Five million people, right? It’s like living on the same street.”

Hunter huffed. “Not quite. Although sometimes it feels that way.”

“Well, you’ll be pleased to know your young protégé has certainly got the goods. Take a look at these.” Kelvin pulled Hunter to his laptop and flicked through some of the shots.

I was about to take the opportunity to slip away and get dressed when Hunter gave a low whistle and turned back to me, practically beaming. “Fucking hell, Alec. You’re all grown up.”

He shot me a wink and God help me, I blushed. I fucking blushed. I silently cursed my pale English skin. Thanks, Mum.

Hunter spoke to Kelvin while keeping his eyes on me. “I saw the same thing the minute Alec stepped in front of my camera. But having what it takes and knowing how to use it are two different things. And Alec here has a business degree to boot.”

Kelvin’s smile broadened. “That’ll stand him in good stead.”

“He’s also refreshingly unaware of just how good he is.” Hunter’s gaze drilled into mine, making me squirm.

“Standing right here,” I reminded them with a roll of my eyes. “I think maybe I’ll let you two catch up. Thanks, Kelvin.” I smiled at the photographer. “I appreciate your patience. Nice to see you again, Hunter.”

I turned to escape, but Hunter’s hand landed on my arm and I fell into those soft brown eyes with an inward groan. The man really needed to come with a warning.One hundred percent toxic to your good intentions.

“We should meet up before I head back,” he said softly, and Kelvin quickly excused himself to give us some privacy. “I’m in a walk-up apartment lease not far from here, just off West Broadway.” Hunter dropped his hand but my skin continued to burn. “How about a drink or a coffee? I’d love to catch up.”

Yeah, well, I’d love to fuck you but that ain’t happening either. I bit my tongue in case the treacherous words actually made it through my lips, because that would be bad. Very bad. “A coffee?” I raised a brow, and I swore his cheeks pinked above all that serious scruff that I loved. But it was gone just as fast.

“Yes, a coffee,” he repeated. “Tonight? Now? I’m done for the day if you are. Maybe we could even be totally outrageous and make it two coffees? I promise I’ll behave.”

A treacherous smile tugged at my lips. The man was too fucking charming for his own good, and my eardrums rattled with the warning sound of all those carefully crafted defences toppling to the ground. Before I could answer, Terence sidled alongside and laid a hand on Hunter’s arm.

“Hey, Hunter. I didn’t know you were back in town.”

Hunter blinked and I swore I saw a flicker of irritation before he looked at Terence. “Hey. Nice to see you again. No reason you should’ve known, really. I’m here for a few weeks.”

Ouch.I fought a smile and had to give Terence props for not reacting to the obvious snub.

“Well,” the model continued, running his hand up Hunter’s arm. “Maybe we could meet up before you head back? Do a club... or something?” He eyeballed Hunter, the invitation about as subtle as a sledgehammer.

But it was a timely reminder of Hunter’s preferred modus operandi, and I gave that T-shirt hem another tug. “I should go. I have to be at work in an hour.”

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