Chapter THREE ~ Photo Shoot
“All right people, arewe ready to get this party started?” Merlin asked and spoke to the entire room. “Mr. Bennett’s ready and I want to give a warm welcome to our new photographer, Becca.”
Merlin pointed at me from the side of the room and an eruption of applause broke out throughout it. Smiling with delight, glancing shyly around the room and waving. Feeling amazing and proud all at the same time, but left in shock. Surprised that I’m actually here and someone needed to pinch me because this was still unreal. My gaze fell upon Grant and he came out with no shirt on, with his chest chiseled to perfection. It’s covered with body oil that made his tanned skin glisten in the light. His hair tousled to the side, he wore only swimming trunks and an expensive-looking watch. His green eyes pierced into mine as he crossed the set and never wavered. I couldn’t break his gaze as I walked over to where I needed to be and took my place. His entire body screamed with confidence and made me feel the same. It’s like we’re one with confidence as it radiates in the air and the shoot begins. Grant showed off the watch just below his face and I flashed. Bright light spilled across his form with each click. Making sure I catch the right moments and zoning in on what he’s trying to achieve from each pose. At first, I’m far away and then I move closer, close enough to shoot his beautiful face. I’m in the zone and completely memorized by him. I could see why he’s made it big. He’s got that confidence and drive as soon as the camera zones in on him he comes alive.
It’s beautiful and dangerously sexy.
A break’s announced so Grant could change, and Merlin came up to me. He’s smiling and reaching out to pat my shoulder. “You did amazing and this is exactly what he needs. Someone who just knows and goes with the flow. I can see the money flowing in now.”
I don’t even get to thank him as he ignored me and he walked away smiling. Lost in his own world and where no one else is present. I could imagine a world filled with coins and bills. Merlin tossed money high in the air as it rained down on him and he lay on top of it. Giggling to myself as Grant strides out again, all ready to go and I hurry over to begin. Capturing every pose and taking in every movement. Zooming in, focusing on him, clicking the trigger and flashes of light lit up the scene.
***
“THAT’S A WRAP, GOODjob everyone!” Merlin shouted and everyone tidied up their workplace.
The rest of the photo shoot went by smoothly, and I received some amazing shots I’m going to process as soon as I’m done here. Gathering up my belongings, Grant comes over, smiling an enormous smile from ear to ear.
“That...” He breathed as he grabbed my camera bag from the floor and lifted it into his enormous arms. I’d love to feel those arms wrapping around me, consuming my entire being inside his intoxicating presence. “Was amazing.”
“Was it really? You’re not just saying that?” I asked nervously as I felt frustrated with myself for thinking of Grant in an unprofessional manner.
“No, I’m not just saying that, I promise.” Grant replied as he chuckled with his gaze remaining intense and serious. “You’re just what I need, but in more ways than one.”
I swallowed hard and reached for the rest of my items. “Thank you, I-I need to get these processed downstairs, I should go.”
“I will come with you because it’s your first time and I will show you around.” He announced, and he stepped closer. Close enough, I could smell his delicious masculine scent. “If it’s all right with you?”
“Oh, yes, that’s fine, more than fine.” I responded, flustered, and kicked myself for agreeing with him to tag along. “I-I mean, it would be a tremendous help.”
Grant laughed and walked ahead of me as I followed his lead. I definitely didn’t mind the view at all, and could stare at his nicely shaped ass all day. It’s so firm I could’ve reached out and ran my hands over it. Feeling his tight muscles flexing with each and every movement. I swallowed hard and continued to follow him. Forcing my roaming gaze away from his perfect behind.
God help me, I’m totally checking him out.
I gazed around me so I couldn’t get distracted by him anymore. Finding myself looking in through windows and open doors to offices. Some empty and some occupied. People sitting at their desks working away and on their laptop screens.
“This is the media room and where all the magic happens with the pictures you take.” Grant said as he spun around, walked backwards and looked towards me with a gorgeous grin on his face. “This is where the ads are made, processed and everything comes alive.”
He turned back around and continued to stride along. His tight black t-shirt moving with him as he went, his jeans hugging his waist and his fancy shoes moving to a beat against the tiles with each step he takes. He’s so confident and proud of what he's accomplished. I’m left feeling amazed just to be in his presence. To feel consumed by it and be a part of the magic. It’s amazing to see someone who loves what they do so much and feel happy about how they got there.
“Oh...” I breathed out as Grant stopped suddenly and my face almost met his chest. His masculine scent filled my nostrils as I breathed him in, and it made me lightheaded from being this close.
“And here we are.” Grant whispered as he looked down at me and towards the dark room. “We’ve arrived at your destination, beauty.”
He reached out and took my hand in his. Sending tingles running along my flesh and guiding me into the room. Flashes of heat crawled up my skin as I followed him inside, he closed the door, and the room was shut into darkness. I could only hear our breathing as we’re tucked together in the dark with his hand still in mine. Feeling his heat radiating against me and his body comes closer. My breathing picked up and I’m frozen. I could feel his breath fan my cheek and he caressed his thumb over my prickling skin.
“W-what are you doing?” I asked when I finally found my voice.
“Don’t worry...” He whispered as his other hand brushed my hair aside and a red glow of light came into view. Seeing his warm gaze staring into my eyes and his face a shade of red from the lighting. “I was just getting the light.”
“Okay...” I managed to speak as I felt myself blush and am thankful for the red light that captured the room. “Can I have the camera bag?”
“Yes, here you go.” Grant responded and passed me the bag. “Work your magic.”
He took a seat on the nearest chair and pulled one up beside him for me, but I remained standing. Getting right to work because I could definitely use a distraction. I like to process my photos the old-fashioned way. I start with the enlarger. Once the chemicals have been measured out, I placed the negative in the enlarger carrier. The shiny side upwards and then position it under the lens until I see a slight darkening. Checking the sharpness by placing test strips of paper until it’s been fully exposed. Develop the image by placing the paper into the correct solution and gently rock it back and forth. Timing needs to be just right in order for this process to work.
“And there we go...” I whispered out loud and I was lost in my concentration. I gently placed it in the next solution and again gently rocked it back and forth. For just the right amount of time. Lastly, hang it to dry and the techniques complete. Smiling at myself for a job well-done and turning towards Grant. “And that’s how it’s done.”
He’s standing so close to me with his masculine scent surrounding me once again. I’m lost in it and feeling my body coming alive at his sudden nearness. My smile dropped, and I realized what was happening. Knowing I’m in too deep once our eyes meet and could see what I’ve been feeling since we met.
Pure, undeniable attraction.