It didn’t. “Exactly, which means we need to get our kicks however and whenever we can. Since your kicks is sitting at that booth, we’re going. Feel free to make him pay, or drag him back to your bed.”
I laughed. “Is that what you plan to do with Levi?”
“No,” she grunted and stopped a foot from the table to smooth down the light blue blazer she wore with her darker blue jeans. “I plan to, at the very least, bother him until his food gets cold.”
“Child,” I muttered.
Lacey laughs. “So, what you’re saying is, that I look young?”
“If I say yes, can we go back to the counter and order food?”
“No,” she whispered back and reached for my hand. It wasn’t a friendly gesture, but one meant to keep me at her side while she committed mischief. “Good afternoon, fellas. Enjoying your lunch?”
“Getting ready to,” Trey offered with a charming smile for Lacey and then one just for me. “What’s up?”
“Oh, nothing. Just saw you two boys sittin’ here and thought we’d swing by and say hello.” Lacey laid on the accent thick, and I knew in that moment she had a small crush on the handsome journalist.
“Hello,” Levi offered dryly, a smile teasing along the corners of his mouth. “You ladies want to join us?”
“Hey,” I said quietly, almost too quietly, to Trey while Lacey hate-flirted with Levi.
“Hey Val.” He smiled again and it was upbeat and seemingly happy, damn him. “How’s work?”
I shrugged. “Mostly it’s quiet today. The only booking for the day had to reschedule, so I’ve been organizing, invoicing and digging through the backgrounds and props for romantic Valentine’s Day items.” Was this how it would be forever? Boring, superficial conversation. Gross.
Trey shrugged at my words as if he didn’t care, and I felt my heart break a little bit more. “Sounds like this is a perfect day for you go out into the world and snap some photos. The town green is sparkling today, and I’m sure more flowers are blooming in the country surrounding Carson Creek.”
I couldn’t help but soften at his gentle reminder about my photography. Even when he was clearly upset with me, Trey had proven to be one of my biggest cheerleaders. “Maybe I will.”
“Good. You should.” He picked up a double cheeseburger and bit into it with a groan I’d heard a few times before, but they were a lot less public and a lot more naked. “Want a bite?”
“No thanks. Pretty sure I gained ten pounds just smelling the damn thing.”
Trey’s lips twisted into a lopsided grin that I badly wanted to kiss, and when his gaze raked over my body, I had to resist the urge to do it right there in the middle of the diner.
“You always look great, Val.”
“Says the man eating a frat boy buffet and still has a six pack.” I rolled my eyes in disgust, which was a mistake, because the mere mention of his abs brought forth the image of them, glistening with sweat and contracting while I touched him. Tasted him. “Um, I should probably get going…in case anyone comes in for photos.”
Trey smiled as if he knew exactly what I’d been thinking. “Want to share with the class?”
“Nope,” I shook my head and took a step back. “No, I absolutely do not. See you guys later. Nice meeting you, Levi.” I rushed off, right towards the door, lunch all but forgotten, at least until I got back to the empty studio and the only sound in the place was my growling stomach.
I sent a text to Lacey. “Steak salad with yogurt dressing. And a side of sweet potato fries. You owe me.”
Chapter 22
Trey
“You’re not really taking career advice from your ten-year-old niece, are you Trey?” Rashad laughed, the sound deep and boisterous and highly indicative of just how ridiculous he thought the idea was.
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “She’s really smart, practically a genius, and her age isn’t the issue. What would it require?” I’d spent more time than I cared to admit browsing social media to see if there was anything to the idea of becoming an influencer. I choked on the word even as I thought about it, but I had to do something. For the past three days, Valona hadn’t needed me, and I was starting to think I should take the hint.
“You need to invest in camera and lighting, those are crucial for quality shots that actually include brand names. Of course, you will need access to a photographer.”
Of course. “I can take care of editing the photos myself. What else?”
“Choose a niche. I assume you want to start with men’s fashion and maybe fitness brands since those are natural fits for you.”
“That sounds about right.”
“If you’re serious about this, you should reach out to brands to inquire about becoming a brand ambassador. Get your agent to handle the contract details.”