Chapter 7
Chapter
Seven
“Turn your head to the left and angle your chin up a fraction.” Vincent, the photographer barked the order, and Indigo did as requested. “Louella, fix her dress.”
She was used to photographers being short and snappy with her.
They were doing their job, and afterwards, they were always friendly with her.
This one would be no different. At least she hoped so.
There was a vibe about him that suggested the friendliness he’d showed to her yesterday wasn’t his true nature.
At least his assistant, Louella, was friendly.
She’d mouthed sorry a few times when he’d been a little heavy handed with his instructions.
Indigo had been around enough not to let how a photographer treated her on a set bother her. They had a job to do and so did she. At the end of the day, all that mattered was getting the best shot and showcasing what she was modelling.
Louella rushed up and straightened the back of her dress. “I’m so sorry he’s like this. You look beautiful. I don’t know why he’s complaining.” Her voice was pitched low so that only Indigo could hear it.
“It’s fine. We all want the same thing.” She would’ve smiled at the girl, but she didn’t want to incur Vincent’s wrath for doing something when she shouldn’t have.
The assistant grinned and backed away, giving Indigo a thumbs up.
“Much better,” he said, as the sound of the shutter being depressed reached her.
The diamond drop earrings she was wearing were stunning. They were the only items being photographed today. She’d had a couple of outfit changes, but she thought the first dress she had on was the best outfit that showed them off.
She would love to be able to buy them. Owing a piece of Jeffrey Courteux jewelry was every woman’s dream.
Maybe she would look at one of the other pieces in his collection that weren’t quite as expensive as what she was wearing.
She’d heard them muttering that the earrings were worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
Before she’d put them in, she taken a good look at them, and the diamonds, along with the sapphires and rubies, were all flawless.
“Okay, we’re done,” the photographer announced, shoving his camera at Louella and striding over to the refreshment tent.
The tension in the air diminished, as if everyone had let out a collective deep breath.
He was one of the best photographers in Australia, but his attitude stunk.
The only reason he kept getting hired was because of how good his shots were.
Indigo rolled her shoulders and neck, relieving the tight muscles. Her gaze sought out Wilt’s, but like every other time, his focus was not on her, but on the crowd of people who’d gathered around when it became apparent something exciting was going on.
He hadn’t spoken a word to her after uttering that she looked stunning.
He’d walked off shaking his head, as if he was annoyed at her or himself.
It bothered her a little, but then she let it go.
If she continued to think about it, it would reflect in the photos, and she didn’t want to waste anyone’s time with having to take more shots than necessary.
“You were amazing, Indigo. Greta was right when she told me you would be perfect for this collection. I always listen to my wife,” Jeffrey finished with an indulgent smile.
Indigo froze for a second, not expecting him to be the one to come up to her.
Greta, yes, because they’d already chatted a few times, but not the designer himself.
She’d done her research on him when she’d been given the job, and had found that for years he’d lived a reclusive existence until he’d met his wife.
There was a story there, and she would love to hear about it.
“Thank you, that’s high praise coming from you. And honestly, anyone would make your designs sing. They’re breathtaking, and I’m honored to be able to showcase them to the world.”
“I think this will be a very successful campaign. Luc was right again,” he muttered.
“Luc?”
“Luciano Morelli, one of my best friends. He told me it was time I did another collection. I said I didn’t need to, because I was busy with custom design requests and my family, but if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have met Greta.
So, when he speaks, I listen, like I listen to my wife.
” He leaned in conspiratorially. “But don’t tell either one of them I said that, and if you do, I’ll deny it. ”
Indigo laughed; there was definitely a story there. “Your secret is safe with me. My lips are sealed.”
“It’s time to lock away the jewelry.” Wilt’s stern voice sounded behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder. His lips were pressed into a flat line and his arms were crossed over his chest, again the fabric of his shirt strained against his biceps.
Really, why had she ever thought he was nerdy, and couldn’t take down anyone? The glasses and his computer had really fooled her.
Indigo fixed her professional smile on her face, the one she used when she really didn’t want to be anywhere near a person but had to for the sake of the job. “Of course. It was nice talking to you Jeffrey and thank you again.”
“Not a problem. Will we see you both at dinner tonight?” He glanced between the two of them.
“I’ll be there,” Indigo said, looking forward to spending a relaxed evening with the designer and his wife. Although it wouldn’t be too relaxing if Grumpy McGrumpy bodyguard came along but she would tolerate him.
“Me too.” Wilt cupped her elbow, and fire blazed along her veins, reminding her how it had felt to be in his arms. To have his lips on hers.
Inwardly she groaned. All day she’d been able to put the kiss they’d shared to the far recesses of her mind.
She’d thought about it far too much after it had happened.
He’d had a starring role in her dreams as well.
She’d been shocked the make-up artist hadn’t commented on the dark rings under her eyes as she’d worked on her.
It hadn’t helped that she’d gotten up early and had thought about going for a swim, but when she’d made her way to the beach, she’d seen a shirtless Wilt stretching.
The blinders had been well and truly ripped off at that second with regards to his physique.
He was all muscle, and if she’d gotten a view of the front of him, she bet she would’ve seen he had a six-pack.
“Indigo? Are you okay?” Wilt’s voice was gentle, and…was that a hint of worry she heard?
She blinked and found they were now standing in the shelter where she’d had her make-up done.
How had she not been aware they’d moved? Granted, it hadn’t been far, but still, she should’ve noticed that she’d been walking.
This man messed with her head.
“Sorry, guess I zoned out a little. I tend to do that after a full day of shooting.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the total truth either.
“Do you need some water?” Gone was the gruff bodyguard who acted like he didn’t want to be near her, and in his place was a gentleman who was concerned about her.
“That would be good, thanks.”
“Stay here.”
She gave a nod, and he strode away. Indigo blew out a breath as she watched him veer into the area where the refreshments were.
She reached up and took the earrings out, giving them one last look. They were really stunning, and she couldn’t wait to see what else she would be wearing.
“Here you go.” Wilt held out a bottle, moisture dripping down his hand.
“Thanks.” She twisted the top off and took a long swallow. It had been a tiring day, and she was ready to decompress. “The earrings are there,” she pointed to the box where she’d laid the jewels.
Wilt took one of them and held it up as if looking for flaws.
“You won’t see anything wrong with them. The stones are nothing but the best.” She came up to him, wondering if getting this close to him was a mistake or not.
“I can’t fathom how they’re worth so much,” he murmured, before putting it back into the box. He shut it securely.
“It seems unlikely, but from what I’ve learned over the years, looks are deceiving. The stones used are some of the best I’ve ever seen.” She touched the simple gold foiling of Jeffrey’s design logo. “It also comes down to name recognition. That always adds a few more zeroes to the price.”
“I guess so.”
She smiled up at him, and for the first time since she walked into the Power Security offices, he grinned at her. His eyes crinkled at the corners and his irises looked bluer than normal. His shoulders were relaxed.
This was a real smile. One she hadn’t seen on him before.
He looked happy, and it was breathtaking.
Did he do it often?
After a few seconds, the upward curl of his lips dropped and his features returned to the neutral expression she saw on him most of the day. He took a couple of steps back, as though realizing he was doing something he shouldn’t. “I’ll take these back to Jeffrey.”
“Right and I should…” She should what? She didn’t know. She’d take her makeup off when she got back to the bungalow. There was absolutely no reason for her to stay where she was.
“I’ll see you later then.” Yet, he still didn’t move. Didn’t take the earrings back.
Did he have something else to say? All he did was watch her, waiting for what, she didn’t know. Perhaps he didn’t either.
After a few more tense seconds, he blew out a breath, shook his head, and then executed a military perfect turn and walked away from her.
Indigo took another long swallow of water. This was only the first day. There were a lot more of them, and a lot of nights to get through.
Would she survive?