Page 70 of Hate To Be Mine

“What do you need?” I asked.

“Just someone standing on that rock. Just for a few test shots.”

I looked around. The crew members with us were all guys. The models were back at the resort. That left just one person.

I walked over to where Bernadette was crouched at the water’s edge, examining something on the bottom.

“Hey,” I said. “Quick question. Would it be safe to send someone out to that rock outcrop? Just for some test photos?”

She stood, brushing sand off her knees. “Not without proper safety equipment. We don’t have life vests. We don’t have anyone trained in water rescue nearby. We haven’t even done a full stability assessment of that rock.”

“So it’s not safe.” I couldn’t help but smile at her very cute neurosis.

“I mean…” She looked out at the spot and I could see her wheels spinning. “I could get out there. The water’s shallow enough, I can swim, I know what to watch for in terms of stability. But I can’t trust anyone else to do it safely.”

My smile grew. I couldn’t help it.

Her eyes widened as she realized what she’d just said. “No. Hold on. That’s not what I meant.”

“If you don’t think it’s safe, we won’t do it,” I said quickly. “I’m not going to pressure you. But if you can get out there, just for a couple test shots, it would be amazing. Totally your call though.”

She looked at the rock. Then me. “It’s really just test shots?” she asked. “Not for the actual campaign?”

“Just tests. So Reese can see if the composition works.”

She sighed, a long-suffering sound that I was starting to recognize as her giving in to something she knew she’d regret. “Fine. Whatever. If it’ll help. But I’m keeping my clothes on.”

“Wouldn’t dream of asking otherwise.”

She handed me her phone and notebook, then kicked off her sandals. I was suddenly worried. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to send her in.

“Wait,” I said.

She looked at me. “What?”

“Don’t feel like you have to do this,” I said. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine. If I need help, I’ll holler.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” She waded into the water, which came up to about her knees.

“Let your hair down,” I called out.

She paused, turned to glare at me.

“Please? For the composition?”

With an exaggerated eye roll, she reached up and pulled the elastic from her ponytail. Her hair tumbled down around her shoulders.

Holy shit.

I want her.

My cock is practically vibrating with the need to be buried inside her.

She continued out to the rock outcrop, testing each step carefully before putting her weight down.