Page 33 of The Model

Rob scoffed. “She’s being modest.”

It didn’t matter what I was; I took those photos for myself, and I didn’t want to share with the world. “I’m not a model and —”

Ryder stepped in, trying to help. “Why don’t you show her the pictures you took?” he looked to Rob. “You don’t have to have all the pictures, do you?”

Carlos’ brows furrowed for only a moment before he was smiling. “I guess that could work. A few great pictures are better than hundreds of subpar ones.” My eyes almost popped out of my head at his dig at Rob. Carlos had hired him for some reason. “If you agree, then I think we can be done.”

Rob turned toward Carlos in a frenzy. “With the entire shoot?”

“I think we got what we need if Lexie’s willing to give us what we want.”

I didn’t like the position they were putting me in. Did I say no, knowing the pictures of Ryder wouldn’t be as good and that he’d have to continue working with Lana? Or did I suck it up?

“Let me talk to Lexie for a few moments, and then we can figure this all out.” Ryder didn’t give them a chance to object. He pulled me over to my stuff on the rock and sat me down with my back to everyone. He sat in front of me with a soft look on his face. “What are you thinking? I can tell you’re not too happy about this.”

“I wish I would have waited until we were alone, but the lighting was perfect, and I got excited.”

Scooting closer until our knees were touching, he wrapped his hand around mine. “You don’t want to sell them your pictures.” It wasn’t a question.

“Those were taken for my private collection, and I’d hate to give any up.” I hadn’t even looked at them, but I knew without a doubt there wasn’t one I wanted to part with, and I knew Carlos would want the best of them all. “I want this to be a successful job for you, and I know my pictures can make that happen.”

“I have no doubt, but if you don’t want to do it, I understand. How do you feel about them wanting to use pictures you’ll be in?”

A bitter laugh escaped before I could stop it. “It’s no secret I’m not a model. I don’t want to hear the criticism of what others will think about my body or how we look together.” Tears stung my eyes, making me grit my teeth.

Taking my camera, Ryder turned it on and started looking through the pictures I’d taken. After a moment, he moved to sit beside me and angled the screen so we could both see. “These are phenomenal, Lexie.” He said my name with wonder, making my tears dry on my cheeks, and my lips tip up.

Leaning my head on his shoulder, I watched as he went through picture after picture. “You did all the hard work, I just captured it.”

“It was a team effort.” Wrapping his arm around me, Ryder pulled me against his side. “I told you, you should always be the one taking my picture.”

“You know where I am.”

“I know. Why don’t we go see the pictures Rob took? There’s no reason to stew over it until you see the evidence.”

“I guess you’re right. If I’m lucky, Rob’s pictures won’t be any good.”

Standing up, Ryder held his hand out to help me stand. “You’re going to look amazing in them. I know it and fuck what others say. Your body is perfect. I love that your body isn’t model thin.” Placing his hands on my hips, he leaned down and bit my earlobe. “Let’s do this.”

I could feel Lana’s glare the moment I stood up but chose to ignore it. At least this time, I understood the reason for her attitude. I wasn’t sure if she or Parker would be paid if they weren’t in any of the photos. Plus, she knew what being in more photos with Ryder would do to her career.

Rob was looking a little glum as we walked over while Carlos couldn’t stop smiling. It made no sense, but I didn’t have time to think about it. The second we were within reaching distance, Rob handed over his camera. He already had the first picture up and ready for us.

While I didn’t love looking at myself, I had to admit the shots were hot. Rob had taken amazing pictures of us, and our passion shone through as I flipped through each one. The only thing I knew was I didn’t want to give up any of them, but I was going to for Ryder.

“Why don’t you send me your pictures, and I’ll go through them tonight and decide which ones I’m willing to give up out of the bunch. Deal?”

“You can’t decide now?”

I cleared my throat. “Unfortunately not. Can you send me a link to look over them a little better if I give you my email address?”

Carlos let out a frustrated sigh. “We’ll make it happen.” Turning toward the crew, he clapped his hands together. “Alright, pack up. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.”

While they packed up, I went back over to my rock. I wanted to enjoy this magical place a little more. Once everyone was gone, I had plans for my young hottie.

After everything was packed up, Ryder slowly walked over, eyes shining. “You didn’t want to help pack up?” The twitch of his lips had me wanting to lunge for him and bring him down on top of me, but I refrained. It wouldn’t be long before we’d be alone. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” He bit his bottom lip as if he knew exactly what it did to me. “You look like you’re up to something.”

“Oh, it won’t be me who’s up.” My eyebrows rose at his heated stare. “I thought we could enjoy the water once everyone leaves.” Patting the area at my side, I asked, “Why don’t you have a seat?”

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