Page 10 of Loving Lauren
The girl leaned in, her breath soft against Sierra’s cheek. “That was a good day. I’d almost forgotten how it felt.” She turned, her expression full of wonder. “You’re incredibly talented.”
Sierra’s heart stuttered. “Thank you.”
They both sat, knees nearly touching. “This is my sister, Thalia. She’s already judging me.”
“Only a little.” Thalia smiled a little too big. “Hi, I’m the cooler sibling.”
The girl laughed warmly. “I’m Lauren.”
“Nice to meet you, Lauren.” Thalia stood. “I have to run, but Sierra’s got excellent taste in photography, and other things.” She gave Sierra’s arm a quick squeeze. “Text me later.”
When Thalia headed out, Sierra’s eyes went back to Lauren. She was tracing the rim of her cup with a slow, absent motion.
The details stood out... the chipped black polish on her nails, the slight pull in her hands, how her eyes stuck on the photos a little too long before glancing away. Something in her expression suggested she wasn’t fond of being the center of attention. Every time Lauren smiled, something in Sierra shifted.
“My camera loves you. If you ever want portraits or headshots, I would love to help you out.”
Lauren looked up, her face brighter. “I’d love that.”
Sierra pulled out her phone. “Want me to text you the ones I’ve already got? I can add your contact info.”
Lauren held out her hand. “Let me do it.”
Their fingers brushed as she took the phone. Sierra’s pulse quickened. Lauren typed something in, then passed it back with a half-smile.
Sierra glanced at the screen and grinned. “Lauren (aka Your Muse).”
Lauren shrugged, playful. “I’m teasing.”
Sierra laughed, her thumb brushing the edge of the screen. “Definitely memorable.”
Lauren checked her watch. “I hate to dash, but I’m already running late.”
The way she said it was quick, almost rehearsed, and it made Sierra pause. Her eyes held a guarded look, a flicker that hinted at something deeper, but she didn’t press.
Lauren stood. “We’ll talk soon?”
“Definitely.”
She offered one last smile before turning toward the door. As she walked away, Sierra stayed frozen in place, hand still resting on her phone as if it might disappear. When the bell chimed again, it felt final.
Sierra pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart thrummed, but fear played no part. It was something else altogether. Hope.
Chapter 7
That afternoon, Sierra hovered over her phone, thumbs tapping in a rhythm only she could hear. Twenty-four hours. Was it too soon? She paced while Salem judged her from his perch atop the couch. She typed, paused, deleted, and typed again:
Sierra:Hey Lauren, these turned out incredible. You’re so photogenic you made it easy.
She stared at it and then hit send. Her phone buzzed almost instantly.
Lauren:I loved them! Could you shoot for my makeup page? Client shoot Friday at 2 PM in my home studio. Want to join?
Sierra grinned at the screen like a complete dork and typed back a breathlessyes.
Lauren’s makeup studio took up one corner—white muslin over windows, ring light against the wall, palettes cluttered across the table. The entire space glowed with the perfect soft light photographers dream about. The air carried a mix of vanilla and the sharp bite of alcohol cleanser, a scent Sierra already linked to her without thinking.
Barefoot and wearing an oversized smock freckled with color, Lauren leaned over a model whose smooth brown skin set off luminous green eyes. Her movements were steady, like those of a painter, each brushstroke coaxing shimmer into shape along the curve of a lash line.
