Touch of the Camera Read online

  As I thought of him, Shang appeared from around the corner, camera hanging low on his hips. Like his jeans…

  When Shang turned to the scene, a mixture of satisfaction and disappointment crossed his face. I was sure the photographer in him loved how hot we looked. This would be the most talked about campaign this season. But he was a man in need and I was sure he didn’t like the idea of his interest draped over another man. What was I thinking? I was the one that liked Shang. My thoughts returned to Jacque’s words. Shang was single.

  “All right, let’s get this sex show going,” Jacque announced, coming from the backroom.

  Shang knelt in front of Guy and me and began snapping the camera. I hung my hand onto Guy’s neck, but I could feel it trembling horribly. I knew Guy felt it, too. I exhaled, wiggled my body a bit, and went back to pretending I was on Shang.

  I caressed the skin of Guy’s cheek, feeling the softness beneath my fingers. Was Shang this soft? I imagined Shang was a mixture of rough and smooth. Like satin over sandpaper. Guy used his hand to explore my body, totally platonically, but Shang pulled away from the camera for a minute to look at us. Something told me his scanning gaze wasn’t assessing our poses. His eyes were almost haunting in a way, like he was thinking of one hundred ways to get Guy away from me. Oh, to see some man action, a good fight… Bad thoughts. Again.

  Shang looked into my eyes and I saw an invitation in them. He wanted me to know what he was thinking. The way he moved his eyes, the way his lips parted…Yeah, he wanted me. My nerves kicked into high gear again and my legs quivered. The sound of my heels clicking on the concrete echoed throughout the room. Shang looked up from his camera again, this time a hint of childish mischief in them.

  “Let’s take five,” he said, standing.

  Jacque came over to Guy as I got off his lap, Jacque praising how well he did. I held back a laugh. Guy wasn’t gay, but apparently that wasn’t going to stop Jacque—he was a typhoon and Guy was in his path.

  “Luna, come here.”

  I turned to Shang’s request. He was sitting on a stool near the lighting and as I walked over, stumbling in those ridiculous six-inch heels, Shang stood, allowing me to take his seat. Great. I didn’t think I could stand more than two minutes in those shoes.

  Shang crossed his arms over his chest. “Are you nervous?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. Is it that obvious?”

  “Not to the naked eye, but the camera sees everything.” His eyes turned serious. “I want you…to enjoy this. I want you to feel everything in your body.”

  His voice vibrated with intensity and I knew he wasn’t talking about the photo shoot anymore. The way he’d said ‘want’ told me everything. He was jealous of Guy.

  The sweat built on my forehead, my heels clicking on the floor. I bit my bottom lip while I tried to think of something to say. What do you say in times like these? I just laid my hand on my knee and waited for him to break the growing silence.

  He covered my hand, using his thumb to rub my leg. “Is it wrong for a photographer to say I don’t like you on Guy’s lap?”

  I shook my head slowly.

  “Is it wrong to say I want to touch you here?” He brushed a strand of hair back from my face. “Or here?” He trailed his finger down my jaw to my lips. “Or to touch you…” He leaned in, moving slowly.

  Jacque began clapping. “Time is money, people. Let’s get moving!”

  Shang and I exchanged glances. We both wanted that kiss. My lips tingled from the anticipation of what almost was.

  Shang held out his hand for me to step down from the chair. He kissed my knuckles before leading me back to the shoot. My heart was about to beat out of my chest. My skin tingled under his.

  I sat on Guy’s lap, my back to his chest. Glancing at Shang with hooded eyes, I couldn’t ignore his smile.

  As Shang picked up the camera and the snapping sounded again throughout the studio, I moved my body on Guy, almost like I was dry humping him. I was, in my head at least, showing Shang just how much I liked him—I was showing him exactly what I could, and very much wanted, to do to him. I parted my lips and he pulled away from the camera, almost as if he needed to see if it was really me or if his lens was playing tricks on him. Shang knelt in front of us and I could make out the muscles in his arms. The way they flexed as he held the camera made me want to run my hand over them. He was very fit, but then again, anyone that spent their days hiking for the sake of art did have the body to match.

  “That’s it,” Shang said.

  I leant back onto Guy’s shoulder.

  “That’s it,” Shang repeated, excited with our work. His voice was huskier, deeper than at first. I hoped I’d got to him.

  Shang moved around us, getting different angles and heights. He stopped a few times to look at the length of my legs then our eyes met. He smiled, an obvious blush staining his cheek. I knew I blushed as well.

  “Luna, not so high!” Jacque yelled from behind the equipment. I knew that meant my chin. I tilted it downwards a mere fraction, but enough that the camera couldn’t see straight up my nose. “Good girl, Luna,” Jacque said, his voice filled with glee.

  As the shoot ran on, I moved slowly, seductively on Guy’s lap. Man, did I want to feel his touch. My skin tingled and I ached to feel Shang’s warm skin on me again. With one flash of my eyes, I sliced into the camera, inviting Shang in. I wondered if he felt the intensity I gave off. I hoped he could.

  When Shang dropped his camera—the strap keeping it around his neck—I saw his gaze filled with lust and knew I had succeeded. A smirk pulled on my lips and he returned it. I glanced down at the noticeable bulge in the front of his jeans. My body reacted instantly, becoming wetter with need. I shifted on Guy’s lap, hoping no one saw. Jacque was too intent on the computer screen, which showed the pictures that had been taken. Guy sighed, acting as though he was bored out of his mind. I wiggled my hips again and Shang almost exploded in his pants, based on his reaction

  “Jacque, we got it?” Shang called out.

  Jacque looked from one computer screen to the next, clicking and touching away. After a minute he said in his high-pitched voice, “Yes. I believe we do!”

  Shang smiled and laid down his camera. He came over to me and held out his hand. I took it and slid off Guy. I turned to him and we exchanged our model “good lucks” and “it was nice working with yous.” Guy and I were given the okay to go to wardrobe and get dressed—we were done for the day.

  The walk back to the changing room was abnormally awkward for me. I wanted to turn back and see if Shang was watching me, or if he was even nearby.

  I changed back into my very un-model clothes—a hoodie and sweats. Too many of my days were spent in heels, so I slid on my tennis shoes and was ready to go.

  Jacque met me in the hall. “Dante wanted me to remind you that next week is the premiere party at Clemins.”

  I nodded. “Sure thing. Will you be there?”

  Jacque leant back, laughing. “Girl, I never miss a party. Especially a sexy lingerie party.” He turned back. “Looks like that stud’s coming. Get you some.”

  I laughed, more in shock at Jacque being able to read into our body language. I should have guessed. Jacque stared at pictures all day—he was probably an expert in flirty grins and blushed cheeks.

  Jacque scooted away just as Shang came up. We both waited until the hall was empty before speaking. For a brief moment, there was an awkward silence and I expected tumbleweed to blow by. I took a deep breath, hoping to speak out. I wanted to…What did I want to do? I had so many things rushing through my head. I wanted to thank him for the excellent shoot. I wanted to ask him out, or rather, I hoped he asked me. But that wasn’t allowed—we’d signed a contract that strictly forbade anyone working on the campaign from hooking up until after the launch. It was too bad. I really needed this. I needed to feel Shang touch me in the most intimate way.

  My lips burned for a kiss. I opened my mouth when Shang spoke up.

>   “Luna, I wanted to tell you the photo shoot was excellent. You’re a real pro.” His voice trembled.

  “I enjoyed it, too.”

  He smiled. “I had no idea how this was going to work, being my first shoot with people and not trees and water.”

  “Me neither. I mean, my first adult shoot. I’m so used to smiles and cutesy stuff that it was nice to sex it up a bit. Made me feel like a real woman.”

  “You are a real woman.” His voice was deep, husky, but didn’t have an ounce of hesitation. I looked at his lips, the way they parted and his bottom lip quivered.

  Shang reached out to touch my cheek. I found myself leaning into him, enjoying the feel of his warm hand on my skin. His cologne invaded my senses and each fibre came alive, like electricity shooting through me. I inhaled more of it, trying to memorise the way my body reacted to it.

  I looked up at Shang and before I knew it he was pushing me against the wall, his eyes intent on mine. I didn’t want to fight back. Lower on my body, his cock pressed into my pelvis. My breath stopped and I couldn’t think. At the same time, I over-thought. So many questions, all unanswered, ran through my head.

  Shang touched his lips to mine and my mind erased everything but the feel of him. He was soft, like silk. I opened my mouth and he began licking my tongue. I wrapped my hands in his hair, forcing him as close to me as possible. As our tongues intertwined, a moan came from my throat that surprised me. Shang loved it—I could tell by the chuckle deep in his chest. When we came up for air, his eyes danced, light twinkling in them. He moved down to my chin where he placed featherlight kisses. I leaned my head back, allowing him more access.

  How could a man make me feel this way? My past lovers had never done anything like this. It was as if Shang could read my body’s needs and was more than happy to fulfil them. As he slithered down my neck, gently sucking the skin near my collarbone, I knew I couldn’t take it. I wanted him. Needed him. I hiked my leg over his hip and pulled his body close so I could feel his length. He took hold, kneading into my sweats, grabbing my thigh like he could have ripped my clothes off.

  Shang trailed kisses back to my lips where we prodded each other’s mouths. The ache running through my body became too much, reaching its peak like I was going to come right there in the hallway.

  A loud crash sounded throughout the studio and Shang and I broke apart. We took a couple of seconds to gather our breath. I stared down at my sneakers, not sure what to say or do. Shang placed his finger under my chin, drawing my eyes up to meet his.

  “I’d like to see you again and not just at Clemins.”

  I smiled, sure I was giddy. “So would I.”

  “How about I take you out to dinner tomorrow?”

  “Sounds great.”

  Shang pulled out a pen and paper and wrote down my address. I knew I couldn’t have done it—my hands were shaking too much. “I’ll see you at eight?”

  Trying to think sexy, I winked at him. “See you then.”

  Shang took a deep breath before turning to leave.

  I waited until he was out of sight before jumping up and down, my hands balled into fists. When I finally calmed down, I sighed that kind of sigh that said how excited I was—I’d have to pick out an amazing dress and some banging shoes to go with it. Even though I’d just met Shang, I was extremely attracted to him. He seemed like a true gentleman and the way he looked at me was new, refreshing.

  I left the studio and when I made it to my car, I rested my head back, fantasising about what Shang might wear. As long as he wore tight jeans, I’d be happy.

  Chapter Three

  As a model I had learnt some very cool tricks, such as only emphasising one facial feature. Playing up the lips meant I’d need to keep my eyes neutral. I’d always felt my lips were my best asset, so I glazed on a plum matte and slicked over it with a crystal shimmer. My dress was simple—a one piece V-neck with thick straps. The bottom was black with tons of feathers. When I spun, the dress floated through the air like wind carried it. The length was perfect, hitting just above the knee. After ensuring my makeup was spot on, I stood in front of my full-length mirror and examined myself. Classy, if I do say so myself. And much more covered up than by the lingerie I wore during the shoot. I wanted Shang to see me as a woman and a potential love interest, not a sex kitten. Well, sex kitten was good, but I didn’t want him to be ashamed to take me out in public either.

  I walked to my closet and searched for a pair of shoes. Since I was a bit clumsy, especially where Shang was concerned, I picked a low heel. Nothing like falling down on the way to the restaurant. In the back of my closet I found a pair of unbelievable grass-green heels. They were peep-toe pumps so I could show off my perfectly pedicured feet. I slid them on and the butterflies in my stomach came to life. It almost felt like they were going to burst from within me.

  The doorbell rang as I rushed to grab my clutch. When I answered the door, Shang was standing, leaning to the side, with his arm on the door frame. He wore a black, button-up shirt, dark denim jeans and a bright red tie. Again I could smell his cologne and my senses ran wild as I remembered how close we’d been, that kiss, those touches…

  “You ready to go?” he asked.

  “Yep.” I locked the door then Shang took my hand, leading me to his car. He had a big Jeep, a four-wheel drive for the terrain he was used to driving in, and it was a gorgeous emerald green. I ran my hand over the paint. “Beautiful colour,” I commented.

  “We’ve got a green fan here?”

  I showed off my shoes. Shang’s response was a chuckle. He held my hand as I got in the Jeep before he slid in the driver’s seat and we took off.

  At first the cabin was completely silent. I looked around, waiting for Shang to break the ice. Or maybe I should? Talking seemed like something we should do naturally. After all, our tongues had been down each other’s throats yesterday. I turned, glancing at Shang out of the corner of my eye. He saw me, turning as well. We both smiled.

  “What?” he asked, laughing.

  “Sorry. I just… This is awkward.”

  “I know. I’m normally not like this, but you’re so beautiful, you make me nervous.”

  I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Don’t be nervous. Half the time I look like a complete mess. When I’m not working or out in public I’m always in sweats or jeans and a hoodie. There are days I don’t even brush my hair.”

  “Ahh, a slob?” His eyes showed how much he was joking.

  “Yes, and proud of it.”

  We pulled up outside the restaurant. The parking lot was packed—only one spot left, almost at the very back. I climbed down from Shang’s Jeep and he came around to take my hand. He escorted me in, holding the door for me. Inside there must have been at least twenty people in line. I sighed, frustrated that we were either going to have to wait a long time or find somewhere else—I’d been looking forward to eating here. It wasn’t the average mom and pop shop. The lights were dim with stem candles in the chandelier and the walls a beautiful honey colour.

  A waitress walked up to Shang and me. “Right this way, Mr Lee.” With two menus in hand, she led us to a table towards the back near a fireplace. Shang must have some pretty awesome connections.

  When I sat, she placed down a wine glass and filled it. Shang thanked her as she handed us our menus and told us she’d give us a few minutes. Reading the menu, I realised I had no idea what half the food was. I saw shrimp and caviar, but the rest… Is it in French?

  Shang scanned my face before asking, “Not sure what to get?”

  I smiled awkwardly. “Not really. I’m so used to burgers and salads.”

  The waitress came back and took our drink orders. I asked for a Coke and Shang wanted lemon water. The waitress gave me a face as if she hadn’t heard me right. When she left it dawned on me that I’d ordered a Coke to go with my wine. Fabulous. Smooth. Way to go!

  Shang chuckled and I looked up at him. “What?” I asked.

  “Coke a
nd wine? Excellent choice.”

  I smirked. “I forgot about the wine. Oh well, new flavours, I guess.”

  “That’s a great way to look at it. Now, let me guess, you’re a chicken girl?”

  I nodded. “Yep.”

  “Grilled?”

  “Fried.”

  Shang lit up—I imagined from dating so many women who were afraid to really eat in front of a man. New York, much like LA, was known for fashion and fabulous bodies. But damn, nobody could tell me ‘no’ to chicken.

  Shang reached across the table and placed his hand over mine. The heat from him, oh the heat, it was almost as if the fire danced its warmth across my skin. Whatever the case, it was like my skin was moshing under his touch, forcing more life into each cell. My breath stilled and I had to tell myself to breathe before I passed out. When I did inhale, it was very shaky, like my lungs were tiny balloons, shrivelled and deflated.

  Shang smiled, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. Our eyes met and it was enough. That connection, that passion at the studio began to flare up again. By the way Shang’s jaw was clenched I could tell he was feeling the same.

  How did this one man, a man who wasn’t stereotypically good-looking, do this to me? How was each one of my senses assaulted by him? I craved more of his smile, that boyish grin that turned sexy with the flick of his eyes. His scent—the cologne mixing with his sun-kissed skin—was so earthy and yet rich like chocolate. The sound of his voice—that oh so sexy, deep voice when he said my name—and when he spoke to anyone else his tenor voice wasn’t nearly as husky. Then his touch… It was hard to put into words how his touch made me feel. Each time it was something new, a surprise how firm or soft he was going to be, but was filled with compassion.

  I had liked guys in the past, and had had almost a year-long relationship when I was sixteen, but Shang was different. Everything about him was new and alarming, sending my head into a tailspin. Every second I was around him I found myself wishing more and more that we didn’t have to break apart.