Page 58 of Take It Till You Make It
I flip to the next photo and the next. Okay, that probably won’t happen. Not if I can look so different just by doing my makeup and hair differently. Nobody will realize they are standing in line at the grocery store next to the actress who played SallyGarza’s little sister.
I freeze when I flip to a picture of Crispin and me.
Jenny snorts. “Yeah, so hot. It’s almost a shame you two aren’t the love interest in this movie. Look at that chemistry.”
I have no words. I’m standing in front of him, just off to the left, with my left arm snaking upward, my hand wrapped around his neck possessively. His left arm is draped around my waist. His hand splayed across my belly. Just seeing it there in the photo causes an eruption of butterflies in my stomach.
His large right hand completely envelopes mine, and he’s holding my knuckles against his lips, staring at the camera. The expression on his face sends those butterflies soaring.
For some reason, the aloof expression the photographer made me don for the photo makes everything that much more compelling. I want to know who this girl is and how her life can be so good that having Crispin Moore wrapped around her isn’t enough to even spark a smile.
Almost afraid to, I flip to the next photo. I press my fingers to my lips as a grin splits my face. I’m wrapped in Crispin’s arms, he’s dipping me backward, my hair is a waterfall straight toward the floor. The grins we share in the photo are contagious. When I glance up at Jenny, she’s smiling down at the photo too.
The final photo is a surprise. I don’t remember posing for it. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that it’s a candid shot. I have my back to the camera and I’m walking away, but my head is turned slightly in Crispin’s direction. Almost like I’m making sure I have one hundred percent of his attention. And I do. He stands facing me, one hand in his pants pocket, the other fisted at his mouth. His gaze is intense as he watches me. Every bit as intense as it was this morning. I swear the photo could be a promo shot for the next Bond movie. That couple is sexy and compelling, and they have a story to tell.
I bite my lip as I close the folder. “Wow. Those are something.”
Jenny nods. “Seriously, all the photos are good, but I thought I’d print out the best of the best for you.”
I place my hand on the folder. “These are for me?”
“Yeah. Hang them on your wall. Add them to your portfolio. They’re for you. You just can’t use them for your own publicity. The rights belong to the movie production.”
She plucks a stapled stack of papers off her desk and hands them to me. “Your quiz, ma’am. Be as compelling as possible.”
“Thanks for the pictures.” I wave the pack of papers in the air before sliding them into the folder. “I’ll get these back to you before Friday.”
I clutch the folder to my chest as I head out the door. But then I look around and enter the office again. “Actually, can I get a ride back to civilization? I don’t really know where we are.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“If I send you something,can I have your absolute promise that you will not share this or show this to anyone else?”
Glory snorts. “I cannot promise that.”
I let out a huge sigh. “Of course you can’t. You stink.”
“I know. My one failing as a best friend. You cannot trust me with your secrets.” She pauses. “Why, what is it?”
“Promo pictures. I wanted you to see one of the shots of Crispin and me. I can’t stop staring at it. But I only have them because my handler thinks they’re sexy, so she gave them to me to add to my portfolio.” I snort. “As if I have one!”
“Wait a minute. You have a picture of Crispin Moore, and I can’t see it because I can’t keep anything to myself?”
“Yep.”
“I hate myself right now.”
“You should.”
“Hey, what are you doing for your birthday?”
Though she can’t see me, I jerk in my seat at the abrupt change in subject. “I don’t know. I’m mostly focused on making it through this week and my date with Crispin.”
There is silence on the other end of the phone. I glance at my phone screen to make sure the call is still connected.
Finally, Glory chokes out. “Your what with Crispin?”
I sigh again. When did I become so dramatic? “My date.”
