****
We’ve finally landed in Denver after a bit of delay, and thankfully, I’ve finished the book, closing the paperback with a sigh. I love reading paperbacks so much. I take my duffel out of the overhead bin and sling my messenger bag over my shoulder. I make it quickly to the luggage carousel and scoop up my suitcase.
When I turn around, I see the sign with my name. I’m slightly disappointed that it’s not Michael himself, but at least there’s someone here to take me where I need to go. It’s a handsome man who looks familiar, but I’m not sure where I’ve seen him before.
“Hello, I’m Warrick. We’ll be doing the photoshoot together with Michael.” Now I remember. I received a message from Michael, when I boarded, about Warrick picking me up if he wasn’t going to make it. I’d been so enthralled in my book that I forgot.
I slap my forehead lightly. “Totally spazzed. Sorry, let’s get going. I don’t want to keep Michael waiting.”
“He’ll have to wait. Do you have everything?” He rakes his eyes over me as if he’s not talking about my luggage.
“Yes.”
“Do you like that book?” He points to the one I carry about like a treasure.
“Yes. I’ve read Mr. Lake’s entire catalog,” I answer with a smile.
He scoffs and then with an air of arrogance says, “I hate reading. Music, though, that’s my passion.” Funny, I don’t recall asking what he enjoys. Something about his attitude bothers me.
“Makes sense,” I mutter under my breath. Warrick has the look of an eighties hair band meets hipster. “So you don’t ever read the books you’re on?”
“No. I can’t stand the trashy romances, but they pay the bills, so keep them coming.” I smile politely, but with every second that passes I dislike this guy more and more.
We make it through the airport and to the exit while I try to create some distance. I flag down a cab and it pulls up to where we are. I load my own things and take a cab to the hotel. Tomorrow we leave for the shoot which is fine by me because we still have a drive to make and I’m not looking forward to anything right now except a nap.
“You’ve gone quiet. Let me guess, you read those trashy books.” I want to junk punch him, but I remain cool, calm, and collected.
“Actually, I don’t read much romance at all. I prefer these thrillers.” I wave the book in front of him. I’m not looking to justify anything. He’s rude and obnoxious, so I’ll keep my mouth as quiet as possible.
“You know you have to be the prettiest model I’ve had the luxury of working with.” I can’t say the same, so I don’t.
“Thank you.” I power on my cell phone and send my sisters a message in our little group chat. Since I didn’t respond with a compliment for him, he makes a big deal of whipping out his phone as well.
It’s evident that he thinks he’s going to get lucky, but that’s never going to happen. I can tell right off the bat that we don’t have any chemistry. I hope Michael doesn’t notice because I don’t want to lose the money I’ve already spent to get here. We step out of the cab and of course, rude guy also doesn't bother paying the tab, so I give the driver a twenty and thank him. Michael's standing right there and he doesn't miss it either. "Darcy, remember to bill me for the cab fare as well."
"Okay."
He takes my suitcase for me and add, "Follow me. I've got your rooms for the night. Tomorrow we drive out to Lakeland, and we'll stay in town before we head up to the perfect spot at Bennett Lake.”
Goodness, Bennett Lake, he's one hell of a man. Gorgeous, intelligent, sexy, and so talented.
"Earth to Darcy." Warrick snaps his fingers in my face. "We're getting on the elevator. You coming?"
"Sorry. Lost in thought." Asshole.
"Must have been a good one. Tomorrow I want that look out of you. I don't know who you were thinking about, but that works. You've got hunger and passion written in your eyes,” Michael says with a professional vigor. The man has a great eye and I’m happy to work with him, but embarrassment still floods every cell. I can’t believe my feelings for Bennett Lake are so visible on my face.
"Um, thanks,” I stutter, ducking my head sheepishly.
"Who were you thinking of?" Warrick demands to know like he has a right to be jealous.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Bullshit. You just went totally hot over some thought. Are you after Michael?" he questions, puffing out his chest.
"Um...no." I look to Michael. "No offense."
"None taken. I'm guessing it's Bennett Lake." That would be a correct guess and he knows it, grinning from ear to ear.