Zack (Blue-Collar Billionaires 4)

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After leaving my parents talking with Debbie and Paula, I walk around the edges of the exhibit. I see Mr. Hartwell coming my way so I turn and wait until he passes. I’ve done my duty tonight and played nice with all the influential critics and buyers. Now I need to find Zack.

His reaction, after all, is the only one I really care about.

I start at the beginning of the exhibit with the picture he found that day in my secret album. He looks so young and it’s something of a shock when compared to the later images in the show but I wanted it there for a reason. The people in our lives who know us personally will understand what it means.

That I’ve loved him that long.

I decided to call the exhibit Falling in Stages because that’s how I fell in love with Zack. It was such a gradual thing that I didn’t even know it was happening until it was done. I imagine it’s like drowning. You don’t know you’re in trouble until you’re already in too deep.

I walk the timeline, looking at every picture with new eyes. In the early shots his face shows mistrust, fear and annoyance. Then it changes to affection and playfulness as we romp our way through a series of adventures. Then there’s the incredibly vulnerable images I took while he was ill. It was the day I pricked his finger for him and he made the joke about not pulling the plug. The way he’s looking at me, it’s like he’s afraid to believe anyone could love him that much.

Finally, I come to the last image. The capstone of the show. It’s from the night he told me he loved me for the first time. This picture is one of the most erotic in the show but also one of the most intimate. He’s wearing nothing but a towel slipping low on his hips and the most adoring expression in his eyes. Anyone looking at this knows this is a man who loves with his entire soul.

“You made me look good.”

At the sound of his voice, I turn and throw my arms around him. “Zack!”

All the emotions from walking the exhibit and seeing the timeline of our love affair gather inside until I fear they’ll burst and gush all over him. Not that I think he’d mind. He loves how open I am with my feelings and that I’m not afraid to share them with him. I can only hope he’s okay with how I’ve chosen to share them with the world.

“I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to see what you think.”

He glances behind me at the capstone image. I decided to call it Fallen.

“I think it’s phenomenal. I am truly humbled by your work.”

“Thank you.”

Relief makes me almost lightheaded and I jump into his arms again. He swings me around until I’m dizzy with love and pride. I can consider the show a success now no matter how many of the images sell.

“We’ve definitely gone public now, baby. Anyone looking at these pictures can tell exactly how I feel about you. I’m really wearing my heart on my sleeve here. Metaphorically speaking since I’m naked. Speaking of nudity,” he glances down at me. “You didn’t use any of the actual nudes.”

There are a few shirtless photos from the first day when we did the test shots and of course, in the final image he’s only wearing a towel. But for the most part the focus is on his eyes and face. So far the response has been extremely positive. Mr. Hartwell mentioned that one of the reporters called it a “visual romantic journey” so he’s positive we’ll get some good press as well as a lot of sales.

Since the show was billed as an erotic exhibit, I’ve been thrilled that people aren’t disappointed with the relative tameness of the photos.

“I couldn’t do it. You’re perfect but I decided that I didn’t want anyone else seeing you like that. That’s just for me.”

He gives me that private smile that never fails to make me want him. “Yeah it is. It’s all for you. Whenever you want it.”

“I’ll want you always, Zack. And I’ll love you even longer than that.”

chapter fifteen

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ZACK

Josie and I walk hand in hand from the gallery. The valet brings the car around and as we drive off, she rests her head against the window. I can tell she’s still on a high.

The owner of the gallery came to her toward the end buzzing with excitement. The show sold out again and he received a lot of inquiries about private commissions. Even though she’s playing it cool, I can tell how excited she is. Her eyes are shining and there’s a bright flush to her cheeks.

It thrills me there are more surprises in store for her tonight.

At the next stoplight, I reach into my pocket and pull out a handkerchief.

Josie lifts her head and eyes it skeptically. “I’m a little tired for kinky games right now.”