Page 81 of Tell Me Something

“You’re gorgeous,” he whispered, winking at me afterwards.

I was thankful he was so good at setting me at ease. Posing seemed natural and simple with him. “Thank you.”

“Now can you pick her up in front of the green screen? I’m thinking an over-the-threshold shot,” Bart requested.

I groaned at the thought of being picked up and panicked as Will took off his jacket and loosened his tie as directed. “I’m heavy.”

“Haylee, please. You’re what, a buck-o-five?”

“I’m definitely not one hundred and five pounds.” Now I was even more flustered.

“So what, one-fifteen?”

“Will, let me give you some advice: stop guessing a woman’s weight,” Brian supplied from three feet away.

“Finally, he spreads words of wisdom,” Sasha laughed.

“Sorry.” Will winced, giving me a sheepish smile.

“You’re fine, but I’m one hundred and thirty pounds, for the record.”

His expression showed his shock. “Wow, you’re heavier than you look.”

That hadn’t exactly been a compliment, and my narrowed eyes reflected that. “All right, careful with the dress,” I warned before getting scooped up.

It felt odd to be picked up by Will. Josh must have felt the same uneasiness, for when I risked a look, I saw him turn and leave.

“God, you’re heavy,” Will jested, earning a swat and getting me back in the moment as we laughed.

Bart took his last shots with Catherine approving that we had enough. It was a wrap.

I’d never been so exhausted after a shoot, both emotionally and physically. I was confused over my reaction to Will’s kiss and not sure how to feel about Josh’s jealousy.

I WAS RELIEVED to be back in my jeans and thankful when Catherine had all of my dresses back in their bags, ready to be delivered to Josh’s office that night. I’m sure it must’ve seemed weird to her, but I couldn’t very well give her my home address. I’d just have to go back by the office to get them tonight.

When I came out of the changing room, everyone was gathered around chatting. The exception was Josh, who hadn’t returned. Sasha was all smiles as she relayed how happy the client had been with the focus on the jewelry.

“Bella, it’s a pleasure as always. Merry Christmas to you and safe journey to the West Coast.” Bart was all packed up and kissed both my cheeks.

My hands took his. “Merry Christmas, Bart, and thank you. I can’t tell you how much it means that you would photograph me again.”

“It’s always a pleasure. Perhaps I’ll do your actual wedding someday.”

“Maybe. Take care, Bart,” I managed, feeling weird all over again that the day in question might include Bart and my dress, but would never include Josh.

Catherine gave me a hug. “Merry Christmas, Haylee. I can’t wait to see these pictures. Josh said he had a flight to catch and had to leave early.”

Will gave me a kiss on the cheek, and I promised to call him when he got back in order to talk about New Year’s Eve plans.

I embraced both Sasha and Gina and turned down the offer of a shared cab. I wanted to make the short walk to the office by myself so that I could take a breath. I also wanted to put Josh’s gift on his desk since it wasn’t like I could leave it at his place. He obviously wouldn’t get it until after the holidays, but how was I supposed to have known he’d leave from the photo shoot.

“I’ll walk with you,” Brian offered, surprising me.

Although I would’ve preferred to do it alone, it wasn’t like I could say no. “Uh, sure, I guess.”

Brian and I walked in silence the first block. “So, are you going home to see family for the holidays?” I asked, making small talk.

“Yes, flying out to Virginia tomorrow morning. So what’s the deal between you and Josh?”