Hunks of the Month

Chapter 20

“DON’T FORGET that the subjects for your term papers are due by next Friday,” Connor said to his final class of the day late in September. He tried to think where the months had gone.

“Have a good weekend,” a few of his students said as they filed out in a hurry, probably making plans for their weekends. Connor’s was planned already, with talks with two community groups, and tomorrow afternoon, the campaign had gotten a booth at the Harvest Festival in town, so he’d be there all day.

Connor gathered his materials and closed down the room before heading to his office, where he filed his notes and checked email before heading out.

“See you tomorrow. I’m volunteering at your booth,” Gary said as he passed his door. “I think it’s cool that you’re running for mayor. Maybe now we aren’t going to be forgotten.” He smiled. “Oh, and I know you said you wouldn’t sign calendars at school, so I’m bringing mine tomorrow, Professor April.” He laughed as he hurried away, and Connor rolled his eyes.

So far, everything had indeed worked out. Sterling had been right. The calendar issue had largely died away, especially when it became known that the garden club had sold tens of thousands of copies after the state news outlets all picked it up. His campaign was in high gear, and his ideas for the town were gaining traction.

Connor picked up his messenger bag, locked his office door, and left the building. He stopped at home to get his things for the weekend before heading to Sterling’s, passing along the cars that had parked up the street, then letting himself inside. He checked his messages and found one from Sterling telling him to come on back to the studio.

When he opened the door, he heard Sterling on the phone. “Are you serious?” he heard Sterling ask. “Okay, I guess you are. That’s what Alexander told me last month, but I wasn’t sure how much of it was true. … I see….” Sterling smiled when he saw him and motioned to the phone. Connor was curious, but he didn’t want to listen in on Sterling’s phone call. He sat down anyway when Sterling patted the nearest chair and put the phone on speaker, turning down the volume.

“You are probably aware that we are interested in using Alexander. He’s assured us that won’t be a problem.”

Connor’s eyes widened.

Sterling shook his head while the woman finished speaking. “I want to be clear. I won’t work with him. That part of my career is over. I’m not going to rehash what happened, but if you want him, then find another photographer.” He leaned back in his chair, and Connor got up and stood behind Sterling, placing his hand on his shoulders.

“We feel that he would be wonderful as the face for our brand, and your images and the sensuality you’ve captured would be perfect,” she said.

“I’m sorry, it’s either him or me, and I’ll understand if he’s your choice.” Sterling patted one of Connor’s hands. “My mental health is worth more than that.”

“But Alexander is intense, and his look is unique. He’s also—”

Sterling cut in. “Demanding, conniving, self-serving, hard to work with, a complete diva, a backstabbing pain in the ass, and more trouble than he’s worth. If you want my opinion, you’re better off finding a fresh face that you can build the style and look of your brand around from the ground up.”

Connor’s mouth fell open. He rubbed the building tension out of Sterling’s shoulders.

“I see.”

Sterling leaned forward, and Connor moved with him. “Endrea, in the end you have to do what’s right for your new line and be true to your vision. Think about what it is you want and then let me know. I will tell you this. You cannot have both of us. It’s just not possible.”

“You know I’m very used to getting what I want,” Endrea said.

“That may be. But in this case, you can’t have it. I know I’m only the photographer and Alexander is a known factor, but that’s the way it is.” He turned and held Connor’s hand tightly. “You decide what you want and let me know.”

Endrea’s rich laugh came through the line. “Okay. Then I choose you.”

Connor could hardly believe it, and he silently jumped for joy that Sterling was going to be able to return to the world that he loved.

“We’ll send over the details of the offer, and then we’ll schedule a call to review it before it’s finalized.” She sighed. “You know, I’ve seen your work many times before, but it was that calendar you did that clinched it for me. Those pictures were stunning, and when I learned none of the men were professionals—that you used local men and got images like that—I knew you were the man for what I needed and for our future.”

“Well, thank you. It was an exceptional project.” He turned to Connor, his eyes shining. “It was rewarding, and it brought me a great deal of happiness.”

“Let’s see if we can add to that. Look for more information soon.” She ended the call, and Sterling got to his feet, pulling Connor into a hug.

“I can’t believe it,” Sterling said. “I’m trying not to get too excited because until I get the offer, she could still change her mind.”

Still Connor was thrilled. “We need to celebrate.”

“Perfect. I’ll have food delivered, you go pop open a couple beers, and we’ll celebrate.” He picked up the phone and placed an order while Connor went into the kitchen and pulled a couple bottles from the refrigerator. By the time he returned, Sterling had locked the studio doors and closed the blinds, and he immediately started opening the buttons of Connor’s shirt. “Let’s make a few moments Kodak will never forget.”

STERLING WASN’T kidding. Thank God the delivery guy didn’t come to the back door.

“Don’t move,” Sterling said forcefully as he leapt away. Connor glanced around, wondering why there was whipped cream in the studio refrigerator and how long it was going to take before it melted completely and his buttcheeks got glued together.

“Sterling…,” he called and reached for a towel just as Sterling came in carrying a pizza box and two beers. “I know you thought this might be sexy, but the mess sure as hell isn’t.” He managed to sop up the last of the whipped cream and reached for his clothes. In the heat of passion, some things seemed like a really great idea, while others were just messy. “My asscheeks are going to be stuck together for days.”

Sterling set down the box and the beer. “You’ll just be all that much sweeter when it’s time for dessert.” He wagged his eyebrows, and Connor couldn’t contain himself any longer.

“I don’t think so.” He wiped himself off once again and wrapped his kilt around his waist, and they sat on the floor with the pizza box in front of them. Sterling gave him the stink eye for a second, and Connor stifled a sated yawn. “I’m going to need food and a little time to recover… stud.” Sterling preened and actually flashed a bicep, which only made Connor laugh a little harder. “Come on, Arnold, let’s eat.”

“I look good.”

“Sweetheart, you’re sexy and I love you.” It felt wonderful to say those words.

“I feel a but coming on.” Sterling opened the pizza box and handed Connor a slice.

“We already did that,” Connor quipped with a wink. “And I think mine needs a rest. But I like that you like my butt, but … don’t do that muscle thing again. It’s not attractive.” He held his serious expression as long as he could while Sterling pouted before grinning. “But I am glad you like my butt. It’s my best ass-et.”

“Very punny,” Sterling teased. “I think that’s enough. If we keep this up, we’ll devolve to dick jokes and potty humor. Lord knows no one wants that.” He rolled his eyes, and Connor chuckled, leaning in as he set down his pizza. They shared a spicy kiss before scooting a little closer together.

“You know, who would have guessed how things would work out? The calendar is a huge success, and Aunt Lucille is thrilled… and it seems has a boyfriend. Your dad is happy, and you just got a chance to return to fashion, all from a project we both thought was doomed at one point.”

“You could be the next mayor.” Sterling sighed, finishing his slice of pizza. “And we both found something special that we weren’t looking for.” He put his arm around Connor’s shoulders, drawing him closer.

Connor slipped his arms around Sterling’s waist, and they rolled back onto the floor, dinner quickly forgotten.

“CONNOR.” STERLING came into the bedroom, and he pulled the covers over his head.

“It’s Saturday,” he groaned and yawned, nestling deeper under the covers as Sterling’s weight settled near him on the edge of the bed. “I should be able to sleep in.” He lowered the bedding, blinking as he slowly sat up. “Do you have appointments today?”

“The first one is in an hour,” Sterling told him without cracking a smile.

He pushed the covers lower and hoisted himself into a fully seated position. “What’s going on?” Connor wiped his eyes. “Why so serious? Did you get the offer from Endrea? Was it really bad?” He hoped Sterling hadn’t gotten his hopes up only to have them dashed. That would suck.

“It’s a great offer. They want to pay me a huge amount of money, and I’ll be at Paris Fashion week, Milan, all the big shows. They want me to shoot for them exclusively, and Endrea says that she wants me to work with her to find the model that will be the new face of her brand for men. She wants images that will be as iconic as the Mark Wahlberg Calvin Klein underwear campaign.”

Connor was confused. “Then why aren’t you excited? You can do this, I know you can.” Sterling should be bouncing with excitement.

“It isn’t that. I already have some ideas. There are great models with amazing looks that I know of who haven’t made it big. They’re great to work with, talented, but haven’t caught the industry’s attention yet. Finding the model isn’t the issue, and once I see the clothes, I’ll know how to showcase them. That part is a piece of cake.”

“Then what?” Connor asked.

Sterling got up off the bed. “Endrea works out of Paris. That’s where she lives. Yes, there would be a lot of travel. But the contract has a relocation allowance.” He paused at the door. “I’d have to move to Europe.”

And just like that, the carefree joy bubble they had created last night popped. Even though the sun was shining through the bedroom windows, the room began to darken.

“I see.” Connor pushed the covers away. “Then there’s only one thing you can do.”

“Yeah, I have to turn down the job.”

Connor shook his head. “You’ll do no such thing. You have to take it and see where this leads.” His heart skipped a beat, and he felt the disappointment begin to build. Connor should have known something like this was a possibility. When Sterling had been working in fashion, he had traveled all over the world. Any job he got would require him to rejoin that life. It came with the territory, and Connor knew that no matter what Sterling might say, it was his dream, what he had been holding out for the entire time he’d been back here in town. There was no way in hell that Connor was going to stand in his way.

“Connor…,” Sterling said softly.

“No.” He grabbed what little of his clothes were in the bedroom and headed for the door. “This is what you have to do.” He swallowed hard around the basketball that seemed to have decided to bounce in his throat.

“ I’ll decide what I want to do.”

Connor crossed his arms over his chest. “Fine. You decide what you want to do—just as long as you agree with me and do what I say.” He glared at Sterling. “Let’s look at this rationally. You got this great offer from a world-famous designer who loves your work and is making you the offer of a lifetime. You turn it down and you’ll regret it forever. And eventually you’ll get angry at me because you decided not to take this amazing job, one that someone else will take, and then you’ll see their ads everywhere. Each time you do, you’ll see my face in every model, and eventually you’ll want to rip their heads off, which is easy because they’re paper and it’s just an ad. But you’ll still get angry, and sooner or later, that anger will be directed at me because you gave up this job you’ve always dreamed of for me.”

Sterling opened his mouth.

“Shhhh… I’m not done.”

“Oh goody,” Sterling snarked, but Connor was on a roll.

“Five years from now, you and I will be trying to decide where to go on vacation. You’ll say Yellowstone and I’ll say I want to go to Paris. Then you’ll say, ‘I could have worked and lived in Paris, but I didn’t because I fell in love with you.’ Then you’ll stick your tongue out, and we’ll go to Yellowstone, have a terrible time, which you’ll blame me for because I wanted to go Paris but you didn’t, and you could have worked there if you had taken this amazing job, but didn’t because of me.”

“Are you done? Good God, that was weird.” Sterling sighed.

“Yes, I’m weird, and you’ll say worse things to me, all because I stood in the way of the job of a lifetime and your big chance.”

Sterling shook his head. “What does a vacation in five years have to do with this? And man, your mind can go in more circles than a hamster.”

“I know. But am I wrong?” Connor lowered his arms, and Sterling didn’t answer. He simply sighed, which was all the answer Connor needed. “I’m going to get dressed and go on to the festival. I need to be at the booth in an hour.”

“Do you want me to come?” Sterling asked quietly.

“Of course,” Connor told him with forced brightness. The world beneath his feet had been rocked by a mega earthquake, and he did his best to keep it from showing, though everything had changed in just a few minutes.

“I’ll get dressed when you’re done.” He left, and a few seconds later, Sterling’s trudging steps on the stairs grew softer.

“Sounds good.” Connor used the bathroom to clean up and then returned to the bedroom to dress. He put on his best kilt and a pressed white shirt. Over that he wore his sash and brooch. Then he added the sporran and put on his socks and shoes and checked himself in the mirror.

“You look every bit the highlander,” Sterling said as he slipped his arms around him from behind.

“Thanks,” Connor answered softly. “What are we going to do?” he asked. “I know you’d give up the job for me, and I think that’s amazingly sweet of you.” He turned slowly. “I’d love you for that alone. But you can’t, and you know it.”

“Get rid of all that resentment stuff, okay?” Sterling whispered.

“Fine. Let’s put that aside.” He caressed Sterling’s smooth-shaved cheek. “How could I live with myself knowing I was the cause of you not getting what you’ve always wanted? The studio here is great, but it wasn’t your dream. Endrea is offering that to you, and if I stood in your way, I’d never be able to forgive myself.” He swallowed hard. “She said on the call that she wanted you to review the offer. Did she say when… and is there any indication of when she wanted you to start?”

Sterling sighed softly. “She asked to talk on Wednesday. She said she’d be in New York and is apparently making arrangements to come here to meet with me.” Even Connor knew that was huge.

“I have a meeting, and the guys in the department have been asking me to go out with them. They have this ‘middle of the week’ thing, so I’ll go, and you can have the time you need with Endrea.” He would have to get used to doing things on his own.

“You know I’m not going to stop seeing you. I’ll come back. My dad is here, your great-aunt is here, you’re here. This is still going to be my home.”

“Yes, but it’s not going to be the same. You’ll be gone for months at a time, surrounded by beautiful people.” He tried not to get maudlin. “I know you’d never cheat on me, but we’ve known each other five months, and you’ll be gone for that long.” He really didn’t see how this would work. There would be so many demands on Sterling’s time. “I know we would mean well and we’d talk to each other every day to start with, but then you’d get busy, we’d have less and less to talk about, and pretty soon….”

“So you wouldn’t want to try?” Sterling asked.

“Of course I would, but we can’t deny reality.” God, how could things go from perfect to purgatory in the matter of an hour? He rested his head on Sterling’s shoulder. “I guess I always knew that you were too good and too talented for this town. The world is calling, and you need to answer. I promise I’ll be here.” But how long would Sterling be willing to come back?

CONNOR’S BOOTH at the festival had been placed next to the one for the garden club. He hadn’t requested it, but apparently his great-aunt had. Sterling had taken charge of designing it, using blown-up images of Connor from around town with his slogan, “Using Our History to Build Our Future.” He had fliers, and Sterling had made a cutout of him in the kilt for pictures. He thought it was a little over-the-top, but Sterling had insisted that it would be fun. Who was he to argue?

The ladies had their booth filled with flowers, informational packets, and of course the calendars for sale. “We have the model couples coming in throughout the day to sign them,” Aunt Lucille said as she and Judy set up their beefcake display.

“We’re all set,” Sterling pronounced as he looked over the booth. “It’s dynamic, and it looks fun and community-minded.”

“Thank you.” People were already strolling the street, so Connor stood out in front of the booth, wishing people a good morning and talking with those who stopped. Volunteers arrived, and they talked with people as well. Connor did his best to put the morning’s news out of his head and concentrate on the task at hand. He liked this sort of thing. The meet and greet, listening to people—those were his forte, and he didn’t stand under the tent, just glaring at people as they walked past, the way his opponent did across the way and four booths down. Though maybe he was just glaring at Connor. Didn’t matter—Connor projected energy and excitement, even if he didn’t feel them at the moment.

A volunteer brought him some water, and he thanked her and drank between talking to still more people and signing calendars. So far the day was split between folks who wanted to speak with him and those who wanted their calendars signed.

“Sterling,” Connor called, and he reluctantly approached and signed a few pictures.

“You two are adorable. Are you really together?” a woman asked.

“Yes,” Sterling answered. “He’s my boyfriend, and I’ll let you in on a secret. The calendar brought us together.”

“That’s so sweet.” She held her signed calendar and hurried out of the booth, only to return twenty minutes later with five other people, who all bought calendars and had them signed.

“You know all that is disgusting,” a male voice called. Connor knew it was Mayor Randall, and he ignored it.

“So help me,” Aunt Lucille said as she stepped into the booth, “one of these days I’m going to beat that man with my purse of death.” She held up a huge bag that must have weighed ten pounds. “I have to have extra supplies for days like this, and I swear I’ll accidentally slip a brick in it and just happen to hit him in the head.” An image of his great-aunt swinging her purse over her head like David taking on Goliath flashed through his mind.

“There’s no need for violence, accidental or otherwise. He only makes himself look small.” Connor had had enough of the guy and figured it was best to ignore him. He turned and waved, and in return he got a glare that basically kept everyone away from Randall’s booth.

“How are you holding up?” Aunt Lucille asked more quietly. “Something is bothering you. I know you have the energetic thing going on, but something isn’t right.” She gave him that look like he better not try to prevaricate. “Trouble in paradise?”

“Just life being a donkey and giving us a kick in the ass.” He shrugged and turned away, smiling. There was nothing he could do about it.

“Then kick it back,” Aunt Lucille said, and Connor wished it were just that simple.