“I don’t have regrets,” she stated, still without looking at him. “I have concerns.”
Might as well be the same thing, but he wanted to alleviate any worries.
“Nothing we did was wrong,” he told her, taking her shoulders and turning her to face him. “You know that, right?”
Her eyes caught his as she nodded. “I just don’t want things to change.”
“How would they change? We both had a great time, we both enjoyed it...if your moaning and panting my name were any indicators.”
She rolled her eyes and smacked his bare chest, which was the exact response he wanted. He needed to lighten the mood so she didn’t feel like this was anything more than what it was...sex between friends. He didn’t want her worried or afraid that they couldn’t still be the best of friends.
They were both on unfamiliar ground here. And he wasn’t sure how the hell to even start setting boundaries. All he knew was that he wanted her on a level he’d never wanted anyone before...the rest could sort itself out later.
“We won’t start comparing notes,” she said with a smile. “You did your fair share of that sexy clenched-jaw thing so I know you had a good time.”
“Sexy jaw thing?” he asked. He had no idea what that meant, but he’d had a good time. He decided to zero in on the fact that she’d called him sexy.
Maybe they would be right back in his bed tonight.
“Your ego needs no help from me,” she told him as she took a step back. “And I need to get ready. Coffee is on you this morning.”
She sashayed out, but not before tossing him another grin that punched him with a heavy dose of lust. He had no idea how this interview would go or what they’d be expected to do in the photo shoot, but none of that mattered.
Reese was already counting down the time until they came back here, and he could get to know more of that sweet body of hers.
* * *
“And if you could slide the back of your fingertips down her cheek,” the photographer suggested.
Josie stilled, her palms flat against Reese’s chest. He had one arm wrapped around her waist and had her flush against his body, while he used the other hand to obey the photographer’s commands.
“Now lock eyes,” the photographer added. “Like you’re dying to kiss, but you can’t.”
Well, at least that part wasn’t fake. With Reese this close and her hormones still in overdrive from last night, she desperately wanted to feel his lips on hers...sans an audience.
Was that normal? Should she want to strip down her best friend? She wasn’t even sure what to call this newfound relationship they’d created, but she also knew if she read too much into it, she’d drive herself mad.
Maybe she just needed to create a new box, one without a label but still a nice, neat area to keep these emotions in for now—until she knew what to do with them.
“A little closer,” the photographer stated as she snapped away.
She moved in closer and Josie tried not to break eye contact with Reese, but the lights and the people standing around watching were a bit unnerving.
They’d set up just inside the stunning entryway of Conrad’s. With the serene waterfall wall, the suspended glass bulbs showcasing pale greenery, the place seemed simple, yet classy, and perfect for a photo where the photographer wanted to focus on the couple.
“Breathe,” Reese whispered.
Her eyes held his and that desire staring back at her had her heart beating even faster. Having sex and being in the dark was one thing, but pretending to be in love with lights and cameras all around was definitely another.
Melissa stood off to the side, smiling like a mother of the bride. Guilt settled deep. All of this had started simply because she wanted her ex to move on.
One failed marriage was embarrassing enough. She didn’t want to be known for another unsuccessful relationship. Perhaps she and Reese would fool everyone with these photos of a couple in love and then once they announced they were better off as friends, people would see them in public together, and everything would go back to normal.
She hoped.
“Oh, wait a minute.”
Josie jerked away from Reese when her editor interrupted the clicking of the camera.