Mister Bennett (Mister 1)

Chapter TWO ~ Crash into Me

I’ve arrived for myfirst day with excitement coursing through my veins as I followed the directions Merlin gave me via email. It sent me on quite the journey. Walking through different hallways, cutting corners and rounding bends. There’s lots of people around and everywhere I turned there’s a new face. This was quite a busy place and not exactly how I imagined it. I figured a famous model like Mr. Grant Bennett wouldn’t want to deal with all of this, and he’d prefer a smaller crowd. Then again, the model industry’s busy. It made sense for all these people being here and performing their specific jobs. There would be hair, makeup, fashion, people preparing the set, working on lighting, media and even a videographer. Then there’s me, the professional photographer. Smiling to myself and picking up the pace because I don’t want to be late. It should be just around the corner and then...

“Ah!” I cried out as my body ran into a hard and rigid one. Falling straight towards the floor and embarrassment running through my body after the pain subsides.

My god, whoever I ran into knocked the wind right out of me.

Built solid and I could smell a strong masculine scent. It surrounds me, my womanly parts come alive and my entire body tingles at just the scent of this man. Looking up as I saw him reaching out for me and his hands a tan shade. Fingers looked so soft and long, but just behind his hand his face came into view. I could feel my entire body frozen on the spot and I couldn’t believe this was happening. I just ran straight into the rock-solid body of Mr. Grant Bennett himself. The same man I’d photograph and who’s insanely famous.

“Sorry we had to meet like this, Becca.” Mr. Bennett’s voice hummed and it came out smooth like honey.

Everything about this man screamed masculinity.

My hand reached for his, and he took mine in his own. My mind’s not registering, but my body’s responding. Once our hands met and our gazes locked, heat filled my body at the immediate moment of contact. His eyes, a shade of green and his gaze strong. It pierced right through into my soul and at that moment; I knew I’m in trouble.

“H-how did you know my name?” I stammered with surprise as he helped me to my feet and we stood close. I could feel his body heat radiant towards me and his eyes drew me in.

“I knew your name, Becca, because I like to know who’s working for me. I made sure you were the right fit for this job and you most definitely are.” Mr. Bennett responded as his gaze roamed over my body, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable under his stare. I felt attractive and alive. Every inch he looked at felt like he’s touching me and I’m left breathless. “More than I imagined.”

“I-I’m surprised, Mr. Bennett, you’d take your profession so seriously.” I sighed as I exhaled and glanced around the room, breaking eye contact to compose myself. “You have so many people around you to do that.”

“Well, I’m famous, but not lazy. I like to do a lot of the legwork myself.” He chuckled as his laughter did something to my heart and made it beat faster.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to imply...” I blushed with embarrassment as I gazed towards the floor, but he reached out, touching my chin. Titling my face upwards and meeting his intense gaze.

“No, don’t apologize, I know you didn’t.” He whispered and we couldn’t seem to break our connection. My mouth became dry, losing track of time and everyone around me. The world stopped, and it’s just the two of us. Staring into one another's eyes in one unforgettable moment.

“There you are!” Merlin exclaimed as he patted Mr. Bennett on the shoulder and interrupted us. The moment we once shared was lost and only left as a memory. A moment I soon wouldn’t forget. “I see you’ve met the new photographer in person.”

“Merlin, yes I have.” Mr. Bennett breathed as his piercing eyes gazed into mine, and he smiled wickedly. Leaving my legs weak and shaking. “It was quite the first impression.”

Looking away, embarrassed, turning crimson and fidgeting with my hands. The nervous habit I couldn’t break and grabbed the camera Merlin held. Wanting to make it stop before I made an even bigger fool of myself than I already had.

God help me...

“All right, are we ready to do this thing or what, Mr. Bennett?” I asked with confidence and gathered myself.

“You can call me, Grant.” He answered with a husky tone that spoke to my body and tingles spread about from his words.

“Okay, Grant...” I beamed as I held my composure strong and tried not to show how he’d affected me. “Are you ready?”

“I’m ready whenever you are, beauty.” Grant said as he smirked and strode confidently towards his destination.

I walked to where I needed to set up. My hands shook as I thought about what just happened, and there’s no denying the attraction I felt towards him. It’s strong and very real. It was instant and magnetizing. Something I’ve never felt in my entire life, but it needed to stop. I needed to focus on why I’m here and keep my eye on the prize.