Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
LYDIA
I’m rushing. I shouldn’t be. But after tossing and turning all night, I barely slept for an hour.
The elevator is taking forever. I’m only on the seventh floor, but we’ve stopped on every floor.
I only have a few more minutes to get outside to where the photoshoot is taking place. Thank God I didn’t have to do any hair or makeup because that would have made me even more late.
By the time we get to the lobby, I’m darting out of the car.
“Excuse me, ma’am.”
I turn to the woman calling me. “Yes?”
“I think you dropped this.”
“Umm.” I look at it. It’s not mine, but I recognize the logo on it.
A Rosebuds jacket.
“Thanks.”
“Sure.”
I have no doubt that it’s Delaney’s. Fishing around in the pocket to see if she left anything in it, like her phone or room key, I pull out a wadded-up piece of paper.
Unfolding it, I know I shouldn’t read it, but I can’t stop myself.
I have never once stopped thinking about you since I got injured. I wish I could, but I can’t. You’re the one that got away and it’s hard to be around you because I remember what we had. What we can’t have now.
But God, if I don’t want to kiss you. Want to throw you up against a wall and kiss you senseless. Relearn what you like. What makes you sing.
I want all of it with you.
Even if we can’t have it.
Holy shit.
This is how Delaney feels? Is this why she ran out of the restaurant last night? A bump to my shoulder stirs me back to life.
Realizing I’m standing in the middle of the lobby, I follow the signs to the pool deck, shift my iced coffee to my other hand, and pull out my phone.
Lydia
Found your jacket in the lobby
Delaney
Oh crap
I must have dropped it on my way up from the gym
And you tell me I don’t take any breaks
Think you could drop it off later?
Sure
I’ll leave a key at the front desk for you
Might sneak off to watch some of the games this afternoon
Okay
Have fun
Good luck today!
I tuck my phone away, no longer nervous about the shoot as I walk along the stone path through the palm trees. Lush plants and flowers line the walkway. The smell of salty, ocean air permeates everything. The happy sounds from the pool hit my ears as I find someone that looks to be in charge.
“Hi. I’m Lydia.”
Her smile is bright. “The woman of the hour. I’m Dina. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you too.”
“I can’t tell you how thrilled we are that you’re going to be repping our swimwear this upcoming season.”
“I can’t wait to see what I’ll be modeling.”
She sweeps her hand in front of me. “We’ve got hair and makeup ready for you and then we’ll let you get changed into your choice of suit to start. Sound good?”
“Sounds great.”
A few ladies are already waiting for me. Smiling at them, I take the offered seat and drop my tote bag at my feet.
“You’ve got your work cut out for you today.”
The makeup artist sitting in front of me smiles at me before pinning my hair back. “Please. You make my job easy. We’ll make you look gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
“Eyes closed, please.”
Following her instructions, I sip on my iced coffee to try and wake myself up. I couldn’t get the image of Delaney fleeing the restaurant out of my head. I hate that the two of us are in this situation. Having to figure out how to be around one another when it’s now obvious that we want each other.
My hair is curled and sprayed. My lips painted and my face covered in various creamy products. I don’t normally get pampered like this, but I’m going to enjoy it while I can.
“You’re ready to change.”
“Really?” I ask, peeping one eye open.
“Yes. Take a look.”
She steps to the side and wow. My hair is curled in perfect beach waves.
The kind of waves I always dream of but can never seem to perfect on my own.
My makeup? It’s flawless. The peachy colors of my eye makeup have my blue eyes popping.
A light coat of lip gloss was swiped across my lips, but not too heavy.
“Wow. All of you are amazing. I could never do this.”
The makeup artist squeezes my shoulder. “You’re going to knock them dead. The suits are behind you, so go ahead and change. A robe is on the back of the door. So come out once you’re ready.”
“Thanks.”
After they leave, I stand, walking to the racks of clothes.
Pushing the first hanger to the side, I look at the black material of the first top.
It’s a delicate mesh material in a bustier style.
The only coverage is two large, embroidered flowers sewn over the breasts.
More delicate flowers decorate the straps and two ribbons tie in the back.
With the matching bottom, it is stunning.
The ones next to it are more of the same. Two pink flowers held together with tiny pink straps between the cups. A strapless blue number with a blooming blossom over the bust.
Classy, yet sexy. Nothing overly sexual.
I can’t believe that I get to model all of these. This is my first big sponsorship, and getting to be the face of a new major swim line that values eco-friendly fashion while promoting equality in women’s sports? It’s a dream come true.
I grab the black two-piece and head into the curtained-off area.
Slipping off my clothes, I pull the butter-soft material up over my legs, before securing the top as best I can.
Turning to face the mirror, my ass looks amazing in this number.
I adjust my breasts to fit behind the flower cups.
I’ll need an extra set of hands to make sure the back bands are tight enough.
The robe is silky soft as I slip it on, and I find a pair of slides to step into before heading out into the sunshine. I find the assistant and follow her toward the group of people on the beach. This area is roped off, leaving it wide open for us to work.
The tide is starting to come in near where the cameras are set up. I can only imagine how great these photos are going to look.
A woman with a gray cropped bob introduces herself to me. “Hi there. I’m Cindy and I’ll be your photographer and leading the shoot. If at any point you’re uncomfortable, let us know and we’ll stop.”
Looking around, I notice that everyone here is a woman. “I appreciate that. It’s nice to see an all-female crew here.”
“Dina’s idea. She’s a champion of women. It’s why I was eager to get this shoot.” She looks chagrined. “Well, and to get to meet you. You’re my daughter’s favorite player.”
“Really? I love that. I’m happy to sign something for you.”
Her eyes go wide. “That would be amazing. But let’s get down to it. The light is amazing and I don’t want to lose it.”
“Just tell me where to go.”
“Have you ever done anything like this before?” Cindy asks.
“I haven’t.”
“We’re going to start with the palm trees.” I look to where she’s pointed and see a second group of people. “Then we’ll change suits and then hit the water. Sound good?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I move over toward the cluster of people underneath the palm trees. Dina is waiting there.
“You look great,” Dina tells me.
“Thanks.”
“Remember, just have fun with it. You’re a sexy badass and everyone is going to love these photos of you.”
I smile at her before shrugging out of my robe and tossing it toward her.
“We’re going to spray some oil on your skin and give your hair one last fluff and then we’ll get started.”
“Sounds great.”
Oil is sprayed on my arms and legs as the hair stylist teases my hair.
“Okay, on your knees, Lydia.”
Cindy slips into professional mode as part of the crew moves my arms around to find a better position. Sand grinds under my knees as I shift around as the camera snaps in front of me.
“Give me more pouting. Yes. That’s it! Keep going!” she shouts as I do as she instructs.
It feels weird to have this many people watching what I’m doing, but hearing her encouragement spurs me on.
I bite my lip, trying to look sexy as I tousle my hands in my hair. It doesn’t feel natural, but I’m doing what I think they want.
“Think about your partner. A time when you’ve felt sexy. Yes. Beautiful. Keep going.”
I don’t tell them that I’m thinking about a certain coach I want. Who still wants me.
Thinking about Delaney is dangerous. Letting my mind stray to how sexy she is to me is not what I should be thinking about.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, Lydia, keeping thinking it. You’re doing great,” Cindy says.
“Fabulous. Okay. Let’s change out the suits and then we’ll head to the water. Sound like a plan?” Dina asks.
“Sounds great.”
Clouds are starting to move in as I head back to the changing room to find the blue one-piece suit. By the time I come back out, it’s gray overhead, and we’ve changed shooting locations.
I follow the same path out and meet Cindy down at the water.
It’s more of the same positions and faces, except this time, the water is exploding behind me. I can only imagine how good the photos look.
Salt water clings to every nook and cranny as I lie in the sand. Every minute of this is fun as Cindy continues encouraging me.
Before I get the chance to change into another suit, the skies open up, rain deluging us with water.
Looking up, I throw my hands into the air, relishing this moment. The only thing that would make it better is if Delaney were out here with me right now.
Dashing toward the changing room, everyone is huddled together as Cindy nearly wipes out coming in.
“We might have to postpone the rest for tomorrow.” She presses a few buttons on her camera. “But damn, Lydia, the camera loves you.”
She holds up the device to show me the tiny screen. Rain is coming down in sheets as I’m looking skyward, the brightest smile on my face. Palm trees are blowing in the wind behind me.
“Holy shit. I love it.”
It’s completely spontaneous. Unplanned. Candid.
“That might be the photo to lead the campaign.” Cindy zooms out, and there, in perfect view, is the blue swimsuit with the flower on it. “Dina. Come look at this.”
She appears over my shoulder, staring into the camera. “That’s it. I fucking love it. God, thank you. Thank you.”
I’m beaming at the two of them. I had no idea how today was going to go, but this? I’m excited about this partnership with Island Siren.
“Thank you for what?”
“For looking incredible. For wanting to partner with me. For the fact that you are going to be a huge inspiration to so many young girls out there that you can be a badass hockey player and showcase your inner and outer beauty. Truly, thank you.”
I’m blushing at her words.
It’s one of the reasons that out of all the sponsorship offers, I chose this one. Not only is it led by a female CEO, but she’s a badass and a champion of women everywhere.
“I’m honored you chose me. Thank you.”
She hugs me before heading out and dashing back to the hotel.
“I’m glad we allowed for contingencies, because it looks like it’s going to be like this all afternoon,” Cindy says.
“I guess that means I’m going to have to study film this afternoon then. Gotta get ready for our next game after the break.”
“Good. I want you to beat New York.”
I laugh. “I’ll do my best.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”
“I will.”
I guess I might as well drop Delaney’s jacket off and study film. It’s not like I have anything else going on.