Cherry Breeze

4. Soon

Chapter four

Soon

It was almost a week later when Asher got the call from the artistic director to schedule his photoshoot and get his measurements. He’d spent the last week pushing through his responsibilities of school and work just to get home so he could be alone and think about the alpha he wanted to bed, or to have bed him, he wasn’t picky as long as he got him naked.

Asher had touched himself to thoughts of Sebastian every night. He was pretty sure he was going to get hard the second he saw Sebastian again as a Pavlovian response. His artwork had been influenced by his sudden lustful mood and he caught himself drawn to painting with more curves, the figures in his artwork becoming more and more familiar. The omega was ready to get this contract over with so that he could have the real thing.

He hadn’t quit at the tanning salon yet and didn’t plan on it until he had the check deposited in his account. Asher had to move around his packed schedule and take the entire weekend off from work to attend the two-day photoshoot.

That was how Asher found himself outside an upscale local art gallery.

Valdez Gallery was one of the premier exhibitions in the city. When Asher had received the location of the shoot from Evan, the man who had called to schedule him, he’d gotten excited for a whole new set of reasons that had nothing to do with his desire to have a certain alpha alone in his bed.

Asher dressed casually, as instructed. His hair and makeup were both undone, and he’d brought something to entertain himself as he might have to wait long periods of time between shoots. He was wearing loose jeans that hung low on his hips and a short white t-shirt that showed a couple inches between the jeans and the bottom edge. Trevor had drunkenly painted a very messy picture of a cat on it in Van Gogh style a few years ago. The image was cracked and peeling from washing and years of wear, but Asher adored the thing.

Inside, the gallery was bustling with people running back and forth, setting things up and carrying expensive-looking equipment around. A woman with a headpiece and a clipboard stopped just in front of him and pointed at him with her pen.

“Talent?” She asked brusquely, and Asher floundered for a moment before nodding mutely. “Head around the corner there and you’ll see the hair and makeup setup, you’ll probably have to wait a bit, but they should have a place for you to stay out of everyone’s way.”

“Ah… okay.” Asher said as she walked off in a hurry and he made a face at her back before following her directions and finding his way to the hair and makeup station.

Everyone there looked extremely busy too. He didn’t want to interrupt them, so Asher wandered off to the wall where several beautiful paintings were hanging, none of them with placards. The first that he stopped in front of was done in oils and was an immaculately detailed painting of a woman in a pink dress, half submerged into a pond full of lily pads and water flowers, her long hair floated atop the water. It was exquisite and made Asher long to be home with his own easel and paints, but he just studied it for a long time, appreciating the way the artist had blended things so seamlessly that the brush strokes were almost imperceptible.

“Do you like it?” A voice asked from behind him, and Asher turned to see a very familiar face, Diego Valdez, the owner of the gallery he stood in.

“I do. It’s beautifully done. Whoever painted it is very talented.”

“Thank you.”

“They are yours?” Asher asked, indicating the set.

Diego nodded and gave Asher a soft smile. “Are you an artist?”

“Yes… Well, a student. Though I’m here working for the shoot. How did you know?”

“It’s the hands.” He said, holding up his own so Asher could see the stain of paint on the alpha’s nails and fingertips, then looked down at his own equally stained hands and laughed.

“Ah, that is a dead giveaway.”

“Are you modeling for the shoot?”

“Yes.”

Asher watched as comprehension dawned in the alpha’s eyes and he gave him a soft, knowing smile.

“You must be the one Evan told me about, the one Sebastian found on his way to work.” Diego said as he looked at Asher with amusement. “Hm… no wonder. He’s so predictable.” The last part was said under his breath, as if talking to himself.

“Um, yes. I guess so? What’s predictable?”

Before anything else could be said, Asher heard a voice behind him that he knew and turned to see Sebastian walking over. The alpha reached them and gave Diego a one-armed hug.

“Thank you so much for letting us use the gallery, I know this is a hassle for you.” Sebastian said to Diego.

“It’s great press for us here, so don’t worry.”

Sebastian turned to Asher next and offered his hand, which the omega took and shook. The look in those dark eyes as they assessed him told Asher that the alpha was also remembering their kiss and the promise that Asher had made in the wake of it. The scene made Asher playful, so he gave the alpha a slow smile and a subtle eyebrow raise and was endeared as a slight flush appeared on his strong cheekbones.

“Mr. Knight, good to see you.” Sebastian greeted.

“And you… Mr. Rossi.”

An omega dressed in a neat, cream-colored suit joined their little group, and Asher recognized his voice, and he confirmed that when his hand was shaken again.

“Hi, Mr. Knight, I’m Evan James, we spoke on the phone.”

“Of course. Hi, nice to meet you.”

“Could you come with me please, the hair stylists want to have a look at you.”

Asher agreed and the two alphas watched the omegas walk off together for a moment before Diego looked at Sebastian with a smirk.

“I can’t believe you, you sly dog.” Diego said, bumping his shoulder.

“What?”

“You know what . That omega is literally your exact type, and your idea of flirting is to offer him a job as a model. Real smooth.” Diego said, giving a sarcastic thumbs up.

“Hey, at least I made a move.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Diego said with a scowl.

“Hm… I wonder.” Sebastian said with a significant look at Evan, who was standing beside the hairstylist and talking to her as she assessed Asher’s dark hair, looking for a style.

“You know what? Good point.”

Sebastian gave his friend a pat on the back as he walked over toward the place where Asher was getting his hair done, just in time to hear them ask if he was okay with a cut, to which the omega just shrugged.

“Hair grows back.” Asher met Sebastian’s eyes in the mirror and one side of his mouth ticked up as he added, “Do whatever you want. I love experimenting.” And Sebastian felt his cock twitch.

Gods, Sebastian knew that the next couple of days were going to be an absolute test of his will, but if he could just keep it together and not be weird, he could have the chance to take this omega to bed. There was just something so sexy about knowing Asher wanted him too.

Sebastian had never felt such real magnetism with anyone. He knew instinctively that Asher would be a wildcat once he let himself go and Sebastian wanted the firsthand knowledge that went with that premonition, and even more than that, he wanted the fulfillment of the promise the omega had purred to him quietly as he straddled him in his desk chair, lips a glossy mess and face flushed with desire.

He watched as Asher’s hair was sectioned off and he was given a sleek undercut before the top was let down and trimmed, straightened and styled away from his face, only a few wild strands falling into his eyes in a way that looked both perfectly planned and oddly effortless. He looked absolutely stunning and Sebastian’s hands were itching to apply his makeup. He knew that other models were waiting, but he employed a whole team of makeup artists to do their makeup. Asher was the canvas he wanted to paint the most, and since Sebastian was making him the main model, he had an excuse other than his raging libido.

Once he had his kit out and all his things arranged, Sebastian felt more comfortable. The distraction from simply staring at Asher and letting his mind wander was exactly what he needed at the moment. Asher was a good client. He was calm and relaxed as Sebastian cleansed his skin, then primed it for makeup.

“You have very nice skin.” Sebastian said as he used a dense brush to dab on foundation and gently move it in little circles, buffing it into the skin evenly.

“Thank you.” Asher said before raising his hand and taking the alpha’s jaw in it, turning it to one side and then the other. “You have an amazing bone structure. You’d be wonderful to paint. The little details give your face personality.” The omega purred as he gently thumbed over the small mole just below the alpha’s lip and continued, knowing no one else could hear them over the bustle of all the noise around them. “A very handsome face… one I’d like to trap between my thighs.”

" Omega …” Sebastian warned with a soft growl.

" Alpha .” Asher answered with a mock serious expression before smiling wide.

“Watch your mouth. I’m already on the edge.”

“Why don’t you watch it for me… I’m sure there are plenty of things you’d like to see me do with my mouth.”

Sebastian slid his hand around to the nape of Asher’s neck and gave the spot a soft squeeze, a show of dominance that had the omega relaxing almost at once, his sass fled and he looked at him with half-lidded eyes and parted lips that Sebastian wanted to lean down and kiss.

“Let’s save it for later, shall we?”

“I’d like that, alph- uh… Mr. Rossi.”

Sebastian made a noise of agreement and smoothed his fingers over the sensitive place he’d just squeezed before returning to his task, dabbing concealer around his eyes and a few other places before buffing it out gently and setting the t-zone with translucent powder. The contouring and highlighting was routine, but it was the eye makeup that was going to be the showstopper.

“Bring it over.” Sebastian called, turning to address someone.

Asher looked around to see a large painting being carried by two workers. They propped it up on a waiting easel and Asher gaped at the beautiful artwork. It was made up of autumnal colors, reds, oranges, and blacks, but there were a few splashes of blue and purple that at first seemed just randomly swiped, like an abstract piece, but in the center were two faces.The paint was focused in the center, the parts around it were just negative space. He felt a tingle deep in his belly as he looked at it. There was a… tension to the piece that Asher couldn’t quite explain but he loved it.

“It’s called ‘Hidden Love’.” Sebastian said, indicating the painting. “That’s the theme of the shoot, each makeup look is inspired by an art piece. I think art and makeup are not so different, and inspiration can come from anywhere.”

Asher looked at the alpha and smiled. That sounded like an amazing concept, and he wholeheartedly agreed about inspiration coming from anywhere.

“That’s a wonderful concept.”

Sebastian tapped the tip of his nose with the end of his brush and Asher giggled, which rendered him adorable instead of sexy and the alpha wanted to melt.

“The artist agrees.” Sebastian said with a fond smile.

“You’re an artist too.”

“Well, we have something in common then.”

Sebastian dipped his brush into his palette, selecting a warm taupe color from the autumn palette and beginning to buff it into the outer corner of his lid, blending it toward the center. He worked diligently on his makeup for a long time, using several different shades to achieve the desired effect before adding sharp winged liner and full, dense lashes, carefully placing them onto the omega’s lids. He gave him a gentle blushing before pulling out a liquid lipstick from their upcoming fall collection. It was called ‘Dark Cinnamon Apple’ and it was a deep, reddish brown. He held Asher’s chin in his palm and applied the color carefully to his full lips then cleaned up the edges. He set his entire face and waited a few moments for the lipstick to dry down before adding the last detail, gloss on top of the lipstick.

“You’re all done.” Sebastian said and Asher opened his eyes, looking up at the alpha who was still holding his jaw in a gentle hand that pulled away after a moment.

Asher was handed a mirror and he studied his reflection with awe. The makeup was darker than what he’d normally wear on his own, but it was exquisitely done. Sebastian’s talent was no joke, and as Asher turned his face to one side and the other, he could barely even recognize himself. His eyeshadow was dark maroon-ish brown with lighter shades buffed out toward the outer edge and under his eye was a shimmering golden bronze. The very inner corner was a pop of shimmering blue, just a hint, like in the painting. His lips looked full, round, and dark. He’d never been one for deep shades, but it complimented the look perfectly and he loved it.

“Wow, Sebastian… This is amazing. My skin looks flawless and my eyes … Just, wow.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“I adore it. It’s wonderful. Watch out or I’ll make you do my makeup every morning.” Asher said with a laugh.

Sebastian felt his stomach twist in anticipation at that. He couldn’t imagine anything more domestic than a sleepy, bare-faced Asher sitting on his bathroom counter as he carefully applied makeup to his face to prepare him for his day. The idea had him swooning.

“Watch out or I just might let you.”

Their attention was called away as Sebastian was asked to consult for the other looks. Asher found out now why they’d told him to bring something to occupy himself. It was time to wait. After being warned not to touch his face or hair, he was shown to a spot out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the photoshoots. He sat cross-legged on a chair and pulled out his large sketchbook and charcoal pencils, balancing everything on his knees.

Asher looked around for something to sketch. The room was full of models, beautiful faces with the perfect proportions for artwork, but his eyes found only one face among the crowd. Sebastian had a nice profile. Asher quickly began to sketch the alpha as he was currently, face a mask of concentration as he applied makeup to one of the other models. The omega used the side of his finger and the pads to gently soften the lines in some places or make the shading more natural. The alpha was undoubtedly handsome and Asher wanted to pose him on a bed of black sheets and paint him like that.

As he finished the very basics of the sketch, his eyes were caught by Diego and Evan. As an artist, he was good at reading body language and their body language was screaming. The alpha’s body was turned toward the omega completely, his attention focused on him as they talked. The omega was turned slightly away, but the turn of his neck was elegant and Asher noted that whether consciously or not, the omega was showing him his unmarked neck each time he looked at him. He could see it as if it were a masterful artwork, the implied tension between them. The alpha’s longing, the omega’s shy evasions, waiting for the one he wanted to reach out and grab him, to make a bold move that would wipe away the doubt.

He turned the page in his sketchbook and began to draw, and when he was called away, he left the pad there on his chair, open to the page where he’d sketched the oblivious couple.

The photography portion was actually familiar for Asher, if somewhat more formal than his sessions with Trevor. He was given a series of outfits, each very “fall” themed and he posed in each, sometimes with the painting his makeup was based on and sometimes against various backdrops that were put behind him.

However, as the shoot went on, the photographer, Evan, and Sebastian seemed unsatisfied with the results. Asher quietly raised his hand on set, feeling like a child in class, waiting to be called on, but after a moment, Sebastian called out.

“What is it? Are you okay?”

“Oh, yes. I just had… um, a suggestion.”

The trio behind the computer setup shared a look and shrugged before Sebastian made an accommodating gesture. Asher stood from the stool where he sat and walked over to the wardrobe station. He grabbed a pair of torn up black jeans, checked the size and threw them over his arm, stole the thin reddish-brown leather belt from a trenchcoat, and a pair of black drop earrings. He slipped behind the changing curtain and there was a bit of rustling before he came out again.

The omega was wearing the torn jeans and the strip of leather was looped around his neck like a scarf. He’d exchanged the plain earrings for the black drop ones and Sebastian could instantly see his vision. The alpha could finally see what he’d been doing wrong. They’d been going for the warm-and-cozy theme of fall, but this concept wasn’t your typical fall line, and he needed to lean into that. The omega positioned himself on the stool again, opened his legs and braced his hands between them. Sebastian smiled like a madman.

“Asher, you are brilliant.”

“I have my moments.” The omega replied cheekily.

This photoshoot had a completely different energy and Asher himself seemed to embody that aura of power and lust and devastating attraction. He was exquisite and Sebastian appreciated the way he seemed to know just how to turn into the light and arch his neck, move his face just right for the perfect shot. Sebastian’s mind went haywire as he pictured the other sets and he started making changes instantly inside his mind.

Fall wasn’t exactly seen as a “sexy” season. It was the season of frumpy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, and he’d unconsciously fed into that while approving the wardrobes and planning. But who said he couldn’t make fall into a sexy season? He damned well could with Asher as his main model. He thought it must be all his experience with posing for his friend, as well as being an artist himself that gave him such a natural eye for modeling. Whatever it was, the omega was killing it.

Sebastian looked at the monitor and saw the last series of shots and there wasn’t one among them that he’d consider bad. They all looked ready for print in his opinion, but he let the photographer finish, only offering a bit of advice here and there, and once touching up Asher’s makeup to be more matte for some different lighting.

Soon enough though, Asher’s shoot was over and the omega was allowed to get dressed in his regular clothes. When Asher walked back out into the waiting area, he saw Diego holding his sketchbook and staring at his sketch. He stopped in front of the alpha and cleared his throat, making the other man jump and look at him guiltily.

“Oh… Sorry. It was just open and I noticed it. My apologies.”

“I don’t mind.” Asher reassured. “Are you looking at the drawing of you and Evan flirting?”

“We weren’t… or at least, he wasn’t.” Diego said, looking a bit defeated.

Asher smiled at him and gave his shoulder a little push before holding up the sketch.

“Look at this. Do you not see the way he holds himself next to you? He’s yours. All you have to do is reach out and grab him. Take that omega by the shoulders and look him straight in his face. Tell him he’s the most amazing man you’ve ever met and then kiss him. He’s waiting for you to make a move, so make it before someone else beats you to the punch.”

Asher tore the sketch from his pad and handed it to the alpha who looked at it silently. Asher patted his arm, grabbed his bag, and walked away, making it outside into the sun with a smile.

Sebastian had the wardrobe team fetching new clothes, so he had a little bit of time before the next shoots would be ready to go. Thankfully, he caught Asher just outside the gallery as he was leaving.

Sebastian jogged over, calling his name and the omega turned to him. “Hey, Asher! Do you want a ride home?” He asked as he stopped in front of him.

“Don’t you have work to do?” The omega said with a chuckle.

“I have people getting new wardrobes. I have time to drive my main model home.”

Asher gave him a smile and a nod.

“Well, then I’d love a ride.” He purred softly, and the double entendre was not lost on Sebastian.

Sebastian led him to his car, and Asher smiled as he remembered their first meeting. He slipped into the passenger seat when Sebastian opened the door for him and as soon as the alpha was in the driver’s seat, they were off. Asher directed him to his loft and Sebastian found a place to park just outside. Asher unbuckled his seatbelt and looked over at the driver with a smile.

“Well… I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Rossi.”

“Yeah. Tomorrow.” Sebastian answered, voice deep as his gaze slid down to the omega’s lips.

There was a brief moment of pause in the silent car that was broken as they both lunged forward and their mouths met in the middle. There was no slow buildup for soft kisses. They devoured each other, lips slippery and cherry flavored from the gloss Sebastian had applied earlier. Their tongues writhed together as they practically fornicated each other’s mouths. Sebastian had one hand bunched in the back of Asher’s shirt, and one in his dark hair, while both of the omega’s hands were palming the back of the alpha’s head.

Their kiss broke with a gasp, but Sebastian moved down to his neck, groaning as Asher let out a quiet moan as he gently bit the skin there, leaving a trail of Asher’s lip gloss over the omega's skin in his wake.

“Gods alpha…” Asher moaned, voice guttural as his nails dug into the skin of the alpha’s shoulders and his spine arched into him. One of the omega’s hands snaked down to palm the alpha’s throbbing cock through his slacks, uncaring that it was midday and they were in a car. “Want you to fuck me… Wanna suck your cock so bad.”

“Fuck, Baby… Gonna fuck you so good… Make you cum on my knot until it hurts…”

“Yeah? Nnngh… alpha, please…”

The trill of Sebastian’s cell phone stilled them and they were frozen for a mere moment before pulling apart, the alpha growling in frustration as he dug the device out of his pocket and saw that it was Evan calling him.

“Goddamnit…”

Asher pulled back, letting go of the promising bulge of Sebastian’s hard cock rather unwillingly as he collapsed back into his own seat.

“You have to go back to the shoot.” Asher concluded and Sebastian groaned.

“Unfortunately.”

Sebastian looked at the omega in his passenger seat and felt his whole body throb. He was a vision, gloss smeared from his lips, his lipstick smudged, cheeks vibrant with color and hair a mess. He already looked so debauched and Sebastian wanted to keep going, to see how far he could push him, how pretty he’d be with all his lovely makeup ruined. Asher reached for his door handle and Sebastian actually whined, which made the omega glace back at him with a little smile that was somehow both sympathetic and devious.

“I know, alpha.” Asher said, as one of his hands slid down to palm the bulge in the front of his own jeans. “But just know that when I go upstairs and make myself cum, I’ll be thinking about you.”

“Fuck…” Sebastian groaned. “As soon as this is over…”

Asher leaned toward him, bracing his hands on the center console and gave him one more soft, somewhat sticky kiss.

“Soon.”