Page 67 of Pieces of Me

“Make your waxing appointment early enough in the week so no redness will show in the pictures, Scott. MC₂ stuff is―”

“Undeserving of the word ‘underwear’ really,” Teena interrupted drily, “since it’s all pouches and itty-bitty straps, made to be seen and enjoyed.” She fanned herself with her hand, and Scott threw her a sultry look, chuckling at her pretend swoon.

“I want your chest waxed completely bare for this,” Corey continued, snorting when Simon played devil’s advocate and commented that a lot of men like at least some body hair.

“You’ve seen that underwear, Simon,” Corey said pointedly. “Teena’s right. The whole point is to showcase the pubes and bulge, and chest hair will detract from that. Leave some happy trail, because that’s sexy, but everything above that needs to go.”

“Got it.” Scott blew out a breath, scrubbing at his eyes, and Corey shot him a narrow look.

“You seem tired, Scotty. After tonight, I want you to take the rest of the week off. Get your gym time and grooming appointments in, but I don’t want to see you here at the club. No late nights, no excessive drinking. That just makes you look puffy.”

Scott nodded, standing to give a lazy stretch, his vertebrae popping as he twisted side to side. “I’ll do you proud, Corey. You know I will.”

Corey stood too and pulled him into an embrace, giving him a light kiss on the lips before letting him go. “I know, babe,” he said. “You always do. It’s―” He gave a helpless shrug. “Getting MC₂’s attention. Think about it! They requested you for this photo shoot.” Corey ran his hands through his thick salt-and-pepper hair. “This is the chance we’ve been waiting for. We’re finally going to get noticed, and it’ll all be thanks to you.”

“Hmmm, no pressure at all,” Teena muttered under her breath, sympathy in her eyes as she gazed at Scott. He gave her a wink in return.

“Well, Rylan,” Corey said, drawing Rylan’s attention back to him. “I think it’s safe to say you’re hired. The quality of your photos is outstanding, and more than that, I’m impressed with your professionalism.”

Teena whooped with delight. “Told ya, Corey, my love! He didn’t give no one a creepy vibe, not like that last in-house dude who kept trying to get dick pics.” She tossed her head. “Rylan ain’t no perv, he’s a pro.”

“That’s what I hear, and that’s why I want you to accompany Scott to Fort Lauderdale for the MC₂ shoot, Rylan, to document everything for the club’s social media accounts.”

Rylan started in surprise. “What? Florida―what?”

Scott looked just as shocked, his green eyes wide as he stared at Corey.

“The club will provide your transportation, lodging, spending money, all of it,” Corey went on. “Shadow Scott all weekend, at the photo shoot as much as you can, but definitely cover the MC₂ after-party that night. When Scott wins their model search, I’m going to use your pictures to promote him and the club.”

Rylan was still trying to process his shock, but he cleared his throat and said, “I can’t promise anything regarding the photo shoot since their photographer might get territorial, but I’ll do my best.”

Corey nodded. “That’s to be expected. Get shots of Scott partying in Miami…the sexiest, most desirable man in the house no matter what state he happens to be in. This will be our breakout, I know it.”

Rylan nodded again, bemused at how Corey was simply vibrating with fervor. Teena was right; there was a lot of pressure on Scott to seal this deal.

“My travel agent will make your travel plans, and I’ll text you the details.” A quick exchange of phone numbers, Corey nodding in satisfaction.

Scott moved to the door. “I’m out, guys. Gonna go for a quick run, hit the gym, and I’ll be back around ten to host for a while.”

“Great.” Corey lifted his hand in farewell. Once Scott was gone, Teena on his heels, Corey turned to Rylan. “You don’t have to come out tonight, since we haven’t finalized your hiring with HR yet, unless you want to. If you do, I’ll comp your food and drink, at least.”

“Sure, that sounds good.” Rylan was disappointed to miss a chance to try and network with Maya and the other street girls tonight, but the immediacy of needing this job trumped that for now. Besides, he was seriously overdue for some fun, in his opinion. Between graduating college, moving, trying to hustle for his photojournalism project, some low-key hanging out and making new friends sounded like an awesome idea. “I’ll be back later tonight.”

After saying his good-byes, Rylan made his way out of the conference room and down the hall toward the employees’ entrance, where he ran into Scott and Teena standing together at the door.

“Corey talks a lotta shit,” Teena was saying, her tone fierce, protective. “You’re sexy as fuck just how you are, even if you show up to that goddamn photo shoot in an old T-shirt and holey jeans. Wanted you to know that.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, and Scott wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tight.

“Thanks, girlfriend,” he said softly. They hugged, and Scott set her down. She brushed by Rylan with a wink and a pat to his shoulder.

“See you tonight, cutie pie.”

Scott pushed the door open and waited for Rylan to precede him before following him out to the parking lot, both of them blinking in the sudden blast of sunlight. The day was hot, not unbearably hot, but if Scott was going for a run, he’d certainly work up a sweat. Rylan gulped, his throat suddenly dry at the thought of glistening skin, a heaving chest, musk…

“I’m thinking of climbing Piestewa Peak instead of running,” Scott said, breaking into Rylan’s increasingly heated little fantasy involving sweat droplets and body hair. “It’s only about a mile, but it’s steep and challenging in spots, a good cardio workout.” He paused. “Want to come? The views at the top are fantastic.”

Rylan stopped walking. “You heard what I told that Josh dude, right?” he pointed out drily. “I’m a sea level kind of guy, not made for climbing mountains.”

Scott nudged him with his shoulder and gave him a crooked grin. “Aww, c’mon,” he said, his voice coaxing. “Live a little. Grab your camera, and let’s go.”