Page 33 of One Shot

“Yes, Captain, baby oil. Do you want those sexy muscles glistening for the camera? It’s what the people of the calendar want,” I reply.

“People of the calendar?” His expression doesn’t change as he takes his shirt off before rubbing baby oil all over his abs. I intentionally called this man my friend just days ago, so he knew where I stood, and now it takes every ounce of self-control not to bite my bottom lip. What’s wrong with me?

“You know, the lusting girls who want to buy this calendar. Be the thirst trap. Let’s go, everyone! Time is ticking.”

That thirst trap was already catching me. I had to turn away and start on the other side of the locker room.

I take a few shots of the team and smaller groups of guys. I start with the individual shots making sure to capture every player but knowing we won’t use them all. I tell the team to stay so I can capture some group shots on the ice.

Bren lets anyone who is not in the top three lines and defensive pairs or goaltenders go home. I spend about thirty minutes taking shots of the various main line-ups on the ice. I scroll through my camera showing Bren and Libby. They are both giddy with excitement at how great the boys look skating around with their jerseys off.

“Watch out, Chip, if you add these to your portfolio, you’ll be hired to do more than one job! You could get a side gig as a photographer. These are amazing,” Bren exclaims in awe. “But Libby, give them a littlemore oil for a few more. Then anyone who is not a feature is good to go.”

Libby squeezes baby oil into every player's hands. Of course, douchebag troublemaker Blaine Mitchell and his buddies are living for it. Meanwhile, Lucas dabs a little on his abs then just wipes the rest on Liam. I can’t help but giggle. Lucas turns his head in my direction and winks. His body glistens under the lights even with the minimal amount of oil he has on.

Yum. My eyes are eager to take in every muscular inch of him. Lucas has a way of somehow being more enticing each and every time I see him. Liam looks like he could slide across the ice for hours with how much oil is on his body, which makes me giggle even harder pointing it out to Bren.

A look of desire takes over Bren’s face as she mumbles, “Yes, that’s my slippery man,” which just sends me into another fit of laughter.

“Okay,” I say, catching my breath from laughing. I’ve got to pull myself together and be professional. “Tyler Barret, you’re the first individual shot of the day, buddy. Let’s get you against the glass. Be careful not to get oil everywhere—we want the glass to look clean in the shot.”

“Too late,” Tyler says. I roll my eyes at him.

“Libby, can you please help?”

“On it!” Libby cleans up the glass quickly making it look even more pristine than before.

“Sorry, can you wipe the oil off Tyler’s back? I need him against the glass and don’t want it to keep getting smudged.” I ask no one in particular, “Can we get another towel?”

There are supposed to be a few other support team members around from PR and marketing. Where are they?

“I’ve got it!” Libby says cheerfully.

Libby is a gem. She’s back in a minute or two. I take the towel from her and wipe the oil off Tyler’s back. Without thinking, I put my other hand against his chest, covering my hand in oil. Luckily, Libbyis brilliant and brought a whole basket of towels. I have oil all over my hand and forearm from leaning on Tyler.

I turn to get into position to take his photos when I get a glimpse of the look on Lucas’ face. It’s a look of pure jealousy and disgust.Do I sense some possessiveness too?It might have turned me on before, but I don’t owe him anything. I made it clear we were just friends. My eyes go cold as they meet Lucas’. He immediately looks away. I’m not enticed anymore.

“What was that?” Tyler mutters under his breath.

“Nothing. Let’s focus. I’m going to turn your body a little bit. Then I’ll wipe my hands and adjust your face angle if I need to. Is it okay if I touch your chest and shoulders?”

He just looks at me dumbfounded. “Per school policy, I need to ask. I'm aware I was just wiping you off like a Porsche coming out of a car wash okay. Just say yes.”

“Yes Lauren.” A sly grin spreads across Tyler’s face with a chuckle.

I can’t help but smile hearing his familiar laugh. I need to be in a more lively, lighthearted mood after that look I just gave Lucas. I angle Tyler’s body just like I did with Lucas during our mock photoshoot. Tyler is surprisingly more of a natural than Lucas. I don’t even have to adjust his face angle.

“Perfect. You are a born model, Ty. Libby, give him a hockey stick and leave some pucks by my feet, please. Ty, hold the stick behind your head and flex your biceps,” I direct. Posing Tyler like this is going to make whoever buys the calendar swoon.

“Work it, work it,” I tease Tyler, getting back into my rhythm again. I definitely have the shots I need but now I’m just having fun with my friend. Maybe Bren is right; this could be a side gig for me one day.

“Do something with this.” I toss Tyler a puck.

I have no idea what he could do with it. I was just curious. Looking through the viewfinder of my camera, I double over with laughter. Tyler seductively bites the puck. My shoulders are shaking so hard from laughing that I can barely keep the lens infocus.

“Perfect! You are a star. We’re more than good here. Stay for the Sexy Seven photos, and then you can head home.”

I add, “thanks for the laugh, I needed it,” under my breath so no one can hear, and he places a hand on my shoulder.

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