Page 74 of Tell Me Something

IT WAS close to eleven o’clock by the time the cab dropped me off, so I was thankful for Rafael’s assistance in getting my dresses upstairs.

A short time later there was a knock at my door. I opened it and smiled at Josh, who was dressed in his pajama pants and a soft white T-shirt. I ran my hand down his chest, a gesture that seemed to amuse him.

“Petting me now?”

“You are very soft and I like this look on you, very hot.”

To that he simply raised that sexy brow of his. “Soooo…” he prompted, closing the door.

Removing my shoes, I proceeded to undress in front of him, hanging up my suit and walking into the bathroom in my bra and panties to wash my face. He leaned against the doorframe, watching me. I was becoming more comfortable and kind of liked that we could share these personal moments.

“Sooooo what?” I pretended ignorance.

“So, are you going to tell me what tonight was about? You and Sasha together in the office?”

I turned and smiled slyly. “I could, but I’d rather let it play out, let it be a surprise. Do you mind?”

“Does it have something to do with today’s meeting with Catherine? I take it she wants to do the shoot.”

I crossed over and put my arms around him, enjoying the feel of his warmth. “It does, and yes, she is. In the next couple of weeks, actually. But the part with Sasha, I would prefer for it to come up through the chain at the appropriate time.”

He ran his hands down, settling them on my hips, and leaned back so that he could kiss my forehead. “And what if I wanted to know now?”

“I would tell you as I don’t want any secrets between us. But this is business, and I’d like for it to come from Sasha to Brian and up to you, the way it would if you weren’t standing here stroking my back at the moment.”

He gave me a kiss then, and I melted. “I will let it be a surprise, then, my sweet Haylee.” He nuzzled my ear.

It made me happy that he trusted me.

“Let’s go to bed,” I purred, turning out the lights and taking his hand.

IF SASHA WAS nervous the next evening, she didn’t show it as we headed up to Catherine’s office.

Catherine was warm in greeting her, but I could tell that her guard was up. Toward me, I had never seen these defenses.

After I made the introductions, Catherine gave some background as to what she was looking for.

“I thought about it, and I decided we’ll do a chronicle, going from boy-meets-girl to dating to engagement to wedding to honeymoon. We could start with meeting at a party, then perhaps a date scene, then out to a fancy dinner in the Givenchy gown where the boyfriend pops the question. Next would be the bridal shower, and on to the wedding dress, which will be the centerpiece. I was thinking we’d do the wedding night with vintage lingerie. Do you have any, Haylee?”

“Uh, no. I sure don’t.”

“Well, I have a perfect Dior set that I think would photograph wonderfully on you. Not to worry, it covers more than a bikini. Then for the honeymoon, we feature the Pucci and do a green screen, so that we can have you on the beach or something.”

“I think that all sounds amazing.” I meant it, and Sasha echoed the sentiment.

“So what do you have for me, Sasha, as far as jewelry?” Catherine asked.

I had to hand it to Sasha. Fifteen minutes later I was sold on all of it, and I could tell that Catherine was impressed. “You put this all together in the last twenty-four hours?” she queried, looking at the pictures.

Sasha nodded. “Yes. With Haylee’s help, I did.”

“It’s impressive. So from here, I take it you need to talk to your client. You can let them know they’ll get full credit and pricing, if they want it listed. I might suggest you give them some leeway in choosing the jewelry they wish to push, but tell them that I’m set on the pale pink diamond pendant necklace for the wedding gown. That, girls, was a great choice, and I have the perfect shoes in mind to complete the look.”

We both nodded, and she folded up the book.

“If possible, I’d like to speak with your client no later than Tuesday next week when I’m back in town,” Catherine said, looking at Sasha.

Considering any client would jump at this opportunity, Sasha assured her that she would be in touch with the details the next day.