The Photographer (Seductive Sands Book 4) Read online

  The Photographer

  Sammi Franks

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  About Sammi Franks

  Copyright © 2018 by Sammi Franks

  1st Edition

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover by Opium House Creatives

  Formatting by: Love Kissed Books

  Created with Vellum

  1

  Alex

  * * *

  When I bought my first camera at ten years old, I never thought I would be making money taking pictures. To me, it was the simplest of things: angling a shot, perfecting the lighting, pressing a button. I loved capturing that moment in time, always to be remembered. I captured joy and bitterness, heartbreak and excitement. I captured tragedy and happiness. People trusted me with their moments, their treasures, their personal feelings, thoughts, and values. It was a responsibility I took seriously, a moment I was privileged to be part of.

  I took pictures at weddings, birthdays, maternity shoots, birth shoots, important dates shoots, and, on rare occasions, boudoir shoots. I took pictures of animals, nature, and houses.

  This, however, was the first time I was going to do a photo shoot for a bar. I had my Nikon D3400 strapped around my neck. I always wore it like a wedding ring. I was meeting with brothers named Max and Bodhi Rogers at their bar for our initial discussion. I already had concepts I intended to share with them in case they asked, but usually concepts weren’t required until my second meeting. In their case, it sounded like they wanted to rush this, which I could work with.

  I knew where the bar was located. It had been an abandoned space for such a long time, I was looking forward to it being a bar. We needed one of those in Westport.

  The place was practically finished, with opening night scheduled for three weeks exactly, which meant I needed to take beautiful, captivating photos for their media kit and website in a timely fashion without making it obvious that they were rushed. A tall order, but one I knew I could fulfill.

  The door was open, but I still knocked and waited. I stepped back and glanced around. It was a bright, beautiful day in May. I loved the weather this time of year: bright, but still cool enough for a jacket. It also resulted in the best photos of the ocean.

  There were a few locals walking up the boardwalk. It wasn’t as busy as it usually was only because it was Wednesday at noon. Everyone was at work still.

  My stomach growled, reminding me it was also lunchtime.

  When no one answered, I decided to take a chance and step inside. It could have been perceived as rude but I had knocked and I hadn’t gotten a response, and in the entire ten years I had been doing this, I had never been late to a meeting and I didn’t intend to start now.

  “Hello,” I called. My voice bounced on the walls. The smooth oak of the bar caught my eyes and the floor underneath my feet was sturdy.

  I didn’t know much about design and construction, but this had Will Treadway written all over it. That man had an eye for design and the ability to make them happen. No wonder Beatrice had gotten married to him as quickly as possible. Truth be told, I didn’t think he’d ever get married after Megyn. I didn’t think anyone expected him to. It had been a couple of months since news broke out - especially in a sleepy beach town - but it spread like a disease and everyone had their opinion.

  It wasn’t my business. If he was happy, I was happy for him. Not that we were friends, exactly, but there was a mutual respect between us.

  “Excuse me?” A voice spoke from behind me.

  I will admit that I jumped, but I adamantly deny that I let out a squeak in surprise. When I turned to see who addressed me, my mouth dropped open.

  The woman was gorgeous. Tall, slender, piercing blue eyes, chopped blonde hair. I could tell she was older, more mature. Completely out of my league. And she looked straight through me, like I was a fly buzzing around in her vicinity. I was something she wanted to swat and she was someone I wanted to get closer to, and I didn’t even know her.

  This wasn’t Victoria. I knew Victoria. I had photographed houses for her on and off to post on her website. She was the one who recommended me for this gig.

  Victoria was redheaded, curvy, and petite. This woman was blonde, statuesque, and fit.

  “Who are you?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning her weight on her left hip. She had on a forest green bomber jack and navy blue skinny jeans, her feet in black stiletto boots. She was already tall, judging by her mile-high legs, but she wasn’t afraid to be even taller, which I found incredibly attractive. And here I was in a plain white T-shirt and jeans like some asshole.

  “I, uh.” I cleared my throat. Now was not the time to lose my nerve. I picked up my camera, still hanging from my neck, and tipped it in her direction. “Photos. Me. I take them.”

  “Are you a caveman as well?” she asked, a small but amused smile on her face.

  I felt my face turn red and I reached up to rub the back of my neck, obviously embarrassed. “I am typically a lot more coherent,” I told her.

  That made her smile but more. I felt my heart quicken and I gave myself an internal high five. She didn’t seem as though she impressed easily, so knowing I was able to make her smile was a win in my book.

  “Alex,” I said. I was too far away from her to shake her hand, but I wished I was closer. I wanted to feel her skin against mine.

  She waited a moment, accepting my introduction. “Charlie,” she replied.

  Charlie. It suited her.

  “So,” I murmured, dropping my hand and sliding both of them into my jean pockets. I wanted to ask her what she did, but I felt the question would sound rude.

  “Alex?”

  Luckily, I didn’t have to worry about it. That was Victoria. I would recognize her voice anywhere. “Sorry, I knocked and let myself in,” I told her.

  Victoria gave me a smile. “This way,” she said, waving me over. “I want you to meet Max and Bodhi.”

  2

  Charlie

  * * *

  I made him a little nervous. I liked that. Seeing him stumble over his words, the way the tips of his ears grew slightly pink when I caught him studying me, made me forget I was probably a good ten years old than him. Charlie, you’ve still got it. I grinned.

  Soon Max strode over to me while Bodhi followed close at his heels. They had another guy with them. He was big, muscular, quite attractive really, but I wasn’t interested in the least. “This is Hawk, he’ll be in charge of security.” He jerked his thumb over his right shoulder to where the big guy stood.

  “Nice to meet you.” I smiled even as my gaze traveled to where Alex stood surveying the room.

  Victoria neared us and that was all it took for Max to stop everything, yank her into his arms and kiss her neck. Internally, I sigh
ed. Oh, to have a hot man love me like that. Hell, I’d been through such a dry spell lately, I’d be satisfied with a hot fling.

  “Tori, Charlie has samples for us. You mentioned trying to find some unique wedding favors. I thought we could send everyone home with a commemorative wine bottle with our wedding info on it.” Max smiled down at her and though he appeared confident, I sensed he was eager for her approval.

  “Oh, I thought we might do these cute wedding cupcakes in little boxes.” She bit her lower lip and I could tell she wanted him to bend to her wishes.

  Bodhi leaned in between them. “You’re rich,” he whispered loudly. “Why choose when you can do both?”

  Max shrugged. “Okay.”

  Victoria clapped her hands together. “Now, do we go white or red?” Her head tilted.

  This was the perfect opportunity for me to chime in. “Why choose when you can do both?” I joked. I watched their brows raise and I knew they were considering it. “In the meantime, let’s talk labels. Here are some samples from favors I’ve made previously.” I held out a mini bottle of a pink zinfandel I’d created. The wedding invitation had been turned into a label. On the back side was the wine information. “I tried to convince them to get cute with it. I suggested they add something about hints of fruit and honey with strong flavors of hope, happiness, and love, but they declined.” I shook my head. “Here’s another one. This may be my favorite.” I held up a mini bottle of a cabernet sauvignon. The label was designed using one of their engagement photos. I could practically feel their joy. “Isn’t this picture amazing?”

  “I think so,” Alex commented.

  I turned and grinned, realizing he’d crossed the room to join in our conversation. “Oh, do you?”

  “I do.” He nodded. “Of course, I may be a tad biased, since I shot it.” He shrugged, but I saw his lips twitching as if he were trying to hold back a smile.

  “You’re very talented.” I nodded and held out the bottle for his examination.

  “Will you look at that?” Alex shook his head. “Your passion and mine combine perfectly.” There was thinly veiled innuendo in there.

  “Yes, well my talent is aged whereas yours is fresh and new,” I countered.

  Bodhi whispered loudly. “Are they still talking about the bottle?”

  Max groaned and shoved him toward the long table set up on the other side of the room. “Let’s eat.”

  Almost on cue, the catering staff poured out of the back of the bar. “We’re going to do this organized and in courses. You each have a clipboard and pen with the menu options.”

  Victoria interrupted. “Please be honest in your evaluation. We’re trying to create the perfect experience for our guests.”

  “Well, you know I’ll tell it like it is.” Bodhi laughed and leaned back in his chair to far he had to catch himself from falling over.

  “I’m great at telling the truth,” Alex chimed in while staring at me from across the table.

  My brow arched. My lips pursed. My panties grew damp. This damn kid was killing me.

  Victoria glanced back and forth between us with a knowing smile before announcing, “Let’s eat.”

  Midway through the first course, I felt a foot graze mine. At first, I thought it might be an accident. Then I caught a glimpse of Alex’s face and realized it was definitely intentional. Soon, a pair of feet wrapped around my foot. By the end of the meal, I was feeling drunk with need. To my delight, I wasn’t suffering alone.

  “I really love the label with the photograph,” Victoria murmured.

  With a nod, Max agreed. “Alex, any chance you have time for engagement photos?”

  I watched as the photographer gazed at me. For a moment, I waited for him to respond, when he didn’t, I smirked. “Alex?”

  “Yes, Charlie?” He leaned closer across the table.

  “Max asked you a question.” I grinned.

  He visibly jumped and turned toward our mutual client. “Yes, Mr. Rogers?”

  Max glanced in between us. Then he patted his mouth with his linen napkin before speaking. “I was wondering if you had time to fit in a photo shoot for us? We haven’t had engagement photos yet.”

  “Absolutely.” He nodded fervently.

  Turning to me, Max asked, “Now how far in advance do you need the photo we select so we can get it made into labels?”

  “I really need a good three weeks, depending up on the number of bottles ordered.” I watched for his reaction. I saw him exchange looks with Victoria.

  “We have time,” he murmured, as he lifted the back of her fingers to his lips. “If Alex can get us in within the next week.”

  “You could ask him.” Victoria smiled.

  He nodded. “I could, but I can barely attract his attention. Maybe I should have Charlie ask for me.” He chuckled and glanced our direction.

  “So, Alex, any chance you can fit them in?” My heart raced. I was enjoying the game.

  “Yes.” Alex turned toward Max and Victoria at the end of the table. “When would be best? And where would you like to meet?”

  “I’d love someplace outdoors,” Victoria suggested.

  Max tilted his head. “Hey, Charlie, any chance you would let us use the vineyard as a backdrop?”

  “I’d be happy to. We can do a wine tasting at the same time. You can decide what to put in those bottles.” I smiled confidently and leaned back in my chair.

  The meal wrapped soon after our discussion. And while Max and Victoria were busy with the caterer, I stood, pushed in my chair, and moved toward the door. “Call me,” I suggested when Max and Victoria looked my way.

  Alex started walking out with me. As soon as the door closed behind us, he spoke. “You know, Charlie,” he began, “I should really check out the lay of the land at the vineyard so I can pick the best locations for pictures. Any chance I could stop by sometime?”

  I shot him my most seductive look and when I heard him inhale sharply, I murmured, “You know, you could always follow me home.”

  3

  Alex

  * * *

  I cleared my throat. “Yes,” I said. “I could.”

  She gave me a long look. Those crisp blue eyes were both cold and calculating, but there was a curiosity I could see behind them, perhaps even a warmth.

  As a photographer, it was my goal to try to capture the essence of a person. If I did that right, I did my job. If not, it was just another photograph. The same applied to landscapes, objects, things that many saw as not having a soul. It was crazy, but I felt like everything had a soul. If it was created, whether it was rock crafted by the hand of God, or a newborn baby, everything had a soul and I spent the majority of my life trying to reveal it.

  In my time doing that, I found I’d become pretty adept at reading people. Charlie was difficult to decipher and projected as much. I didn’t know if she wanted me because I was someone she might enjoy spending time with or because she was looking to get off. I knew she was attracted to me and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want her, but I had no idea what to do in this moment. Women like her didn’t just invite guys like me to bed unless it meant nothing. Even though I didn’t know her, I wanted it to mean something.

  Still, I was willing to sacrifice this in order to act on my attraction to her, and she was giving me an open invitation. I felt my lips curl up and I nodded my head. At the very least, this would help me understand whether or not our physical chemistry lived up to the spark between us when we looked at each other during that meeting. I would be able to touch her and not merely by playing footsie. Finally, I’d have a chance to feel her skin and kiss those lips. I could watch as those blue eyes turned dark with lust. I felt myself get hard just thinking about all the things we could do together.

  I cleared my throat again and angled myself away from her so she wouldn’t be able to see the effect she had on me. She was gorgeous and intelligent and successful. I was positive I was just some young kid to her, a fling that wouldn’t go anywhe
re. Whatever happened would happen, but I didn’t have to act like some teenager fawning over his hot teacher. “Yeah, that would be nice.” I hated that my voice cracked when I spoke. So much for not reminding her of a teenage boy.

  Her smile widened and, without another word, she turned on her heels and waltzed to her car. I shouldn’t have been surprised to see that she drove a G-wagon. It was white and sleek and sparkled under the sunlight. She took good care of her things. She liked to be noticed. She was sophisticated. All of these characteristics flooded through my mind and I shook my head, trying to rid it of all those thoughts. I wanted to learn about her from direct interaction, not from the assumptions I made from afar.

  I slid into my own Toyota Camry. It was a few years old, but it fit all my equipment and it took me from point A to B. I didn’t need anything flashy. I followed her back to her place, which was a nice house in the wealthier side of the port. It stood on a cliff that overlooked the water. From where I stood, I could tell it was probably two bedrooms at most; quaint, but big enough for an office or a child.

  She saw me staring at her place and murmured, “If you’re stunned now, you should see my view from the back patio.”

  I fixed my eyes on her. “You should see mine right now.” The words came out of my mouth before I could stop them. That might have been the cheesiest line I’d ever spoken aloud. Charlie tilted her head to the side.

  “Did you just say that?” she asked.

  I couldn’t take it back now, could I? “Yes,” I admitted with a nod. “Yes, I did.”