Page 97 of Claimed At First Sight

The photos are intimate and soft, but there’s a confidence to them too. Like the women are seen for who they are.

“I thought you meant edgy art photography when you said you scandalize rich old men,” I admit.

Rory reaches up to straighten one of the pictures. “Everybody assumes that.”

A small brass plaque beneath it catches my eye.

Lee Roberts Photography

I frown.

“Who’s Lee Roberts? I thought these pictures were yours.” I gesture at the walls.

“They are.”

I’m confused. “So your name is Lee Roberts and not Rory?”

“Lee Roberts is my photographer pseudonym,” she explains.

I glance back at the plaque.

“Lee Roberts sounds like a middle-aged accountant.”

“Exactly.”

I scratch my temple. “So why use it?”

Rory hooks a thumb into the pocket of her jeans.

“Because I can’t exactly advertise boudoir photography under my real name. My father would have a coronary.”

“Fair.” Rory’s father sounds like the type who has very strong opinions about what his daughter should and shouldn’t do.

“He thinks I spend most of my time taking tasteful portraits and wedding photos.”

“And do you?”

“Occasionally.”

I grin. “So where did Lee Roberts come from?”

“When I first started, I asked a few volunteer models what kind of photographer they’d feel comfortable booking.” She gestures around the room. “Every single one of them picked a name that sounded normal and approachable.”

Her shoulders lift in a small shrug.

“Nobody wanted some mysterious artistic brand with an impossible French surname and a logo that looks like modern art.”

I sit down on her cream sofa and reach for one of her display books.

“That’s a bit harsh.”

“But true. Boudoir photography is already intimidating for most women. They’re trusting a stranger with a very vulnerable experience. A regular name makes people feel more comfortable.”

“That actually makes sense.”

“Lee Roberts sounds dependable. Like the sort of person who remembers your coffee order and emails back on time.”

“Lee Roberts definitely owns a sensible planner,” I add. “But wouldn’t most people assume Lee is a man?”