Chapter 13
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B rynn breathed in the sun-warmed salty tang of the ocean breeze and focused on the crisp, azure blue sky in the background of the shot. She missed clouds. In the Adirondacks, there were beautiful clouds and gorgeous sunsets, but in San Diego, she saw few clouds during the summer months. Something about the reflective heat from man-made concrete structures raised the air temperature and forced out the moisture that would help form clouds.
Luckily, the sky wasn’t the focal point of the photographs she was taking, only the bathing-suit-clad models posing on the yacht, reclining in deck chairs, eating lunch in the dining area, sipping champagne, and splashing in the pool. She called out instructions for poses and movement as the women played in the pool. The women weren’t the focus of this particular shoot, but the customer wanted to give the impression the clients sailing with them would have more scenery to enjoy than the ocean and the ports of call they traveled to along the coast.
Whether that was the truth, she didn’t know or care.
She dismissed all but one of the models and focused on Isabella. The woman’s rich chestnut hair and bright blue-green eyes seemed to mirror the colors of the water. She’d be the icing on the cake to represent the yacht company.
Another vessel crept into her shot behind the model. It was a blue boat that looked very similar to the cabin cruiser she’d photographed before. One of the crew walked into the frame, and she straightened and moved around the pool to another angle, turning her back to the man. She’d heard someone call him Tim. He’d been hanging around, watching her work and watching the models. She kept her focus on the glistening water and the model’s damp skin as she raised a glass of wine to her lips.
The movement of the yacht gliding over the water, though subtle, was just enough to make her really work for the shots. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep, bracing breath. Then she opened her eyes and pushed the button. She’d been on board the vessel nearly all day and was ready to go back to port and head for home.
“You can get out of the water whenever you like, Isabella. We’re through.”
“Thanks. The last time I did a pool shoot, my hands and feet were pruned by the time we were done,” the model said as she climbed the shallow steps to the deck. “That was totally painless.”
“Could be because I’m used to photographing children, and they’re often a moving target. You were perfect.”
Isabella laughed and slipped on the silk robe the crew member Tim held for her. “Give me a call if you need me again.”
“I will.”
As the woman sauntered away up the stairs to the cabin deck, Brynn closed her eyes for a moment. When she looked around, she was relieved that Tim had finally left.
“You’re not getting seasick, are you?” Jess, her assistant, asked from her position on the steps leading up to the second deck, where she stayed out of the shots.
“No. The ocean isn’t choppy enough for that. But the glare off the water is stinging a little.” Not being able to wear sunglasses while taking the shots was a bitch. “I’m ready to go into the dining area to cool off and rest my eyes while I take a few more shots of the bar area. The colors of all those whiskey bottles might be an attractive composition for an upload to my site. I think we took enough of the models eating lunch and so on.”
“I’m with you. Too bad we’re not being plied with champagne like the models.” Jess gazed longingly at the chilled strawberries floating in pale gold wine stationed at the bar close to the pool. Her sun-flushed cheeks played against the deep blue of her eyes, as did the pale blue T-shirt she wore with her dark blue shorts. She’d bundled her thick wheat-colored hair into a messy bun atop her head.
Brynn raised the camera and took a candid shot of her.
“Hey!” Jess protested, “I look windblown and hot. And I don’t mean sexy.”
Brynn climbed the steps and opened the view screen to show her the shot. “You’re too hard on yourself. Your boyfriend, Oliver, will love it. I’ll print him a copy. And if Liam Bryant wants to use the photo for his yacht promotion, I’ll make sure you get some money from it.”
Jess’s pout transitioned into interest as she studied the photo. “How do you do that? Instead of the messy wreck I feel like, you make me look halfway attractive?”
“It’s all about light and shadow, and you’re just being modest.” Brynn motioned for her to follow her through the open doors to the dining area inside the main deck of the yacht.
“Have you ever thought about giving photography lessons as a sideline?” Jess asked.
“No. I’ve always been too busy trying to hone my own skills and searching out jobs to keep the lights on.”
“If you hone those skills any sharper, you’ll have to apply to National Geographic or News Week and go on the road. You could open your own studio now and make it a success.”
She’d thought about it, but the days of making a living taking personal photographs had passed. Everyone had a camera or a phone that could capture as many images as they could snap. Professional photography had moved into the published image for television, magazines, books, or online promotions. And once a photo was published in any mode, it was fair game to be hijacked and used; copyright be damned. Her side business of selling photos to parents when children were involved was just that, a side business, but her download business brought in some good money.
“I noticed you gave all the models business cards,” Jess said as she helped Brynn set up some lights.
“Yes. If they’re pursuing a modeling career, they’ll need a portfolio. I can print some of these photos off for them to add to theirs and take some headshots if they need them. And if anyone wants a model for a book cover, I’m building my list of models who would be available for that.”
“You don’t miss a trick, Brynn.”
“I’ve been hustling for three years to maintain my business. You have to think outside the box to discover what other things can come out of one job and lead into the next.”
They worked very well together. Jess adjusted lights, replaced the SD cards when needed, placed the used one in a case, and handed it to Brynn. Brynn secured it carefully in an interior pocket of the fanny pack that hung at her back.
While Jess lit the candles on the bar and a few of the tables, Brynn secured a filter on her camera to make the bar appear more romantic. After several shots, Brynn changed the focus so the candles and lights in the background blurred just a fraction. She worked steadily for twenty more minutes before stepping back to view the fruits of her labor. She let the camera rest around her neck, put her hands on her hips, and stretched.
“I think we’ve shot every inch of this vessel but the engine room. I think we’re done,” she said.
“Me, too,” Jess seconded the comment with enthusiasm. She rushed to turn off the lights to allow them to cool. “Can we have just one glass of champagne before we disembark?”
“I’m driving, so you can have more than one.”
Brynn removed the SD cards from the camera, secured it in her fanny pack, and they packed the cameras up, along with the multiple lenses she’d used. Jess slipped out on deck to get one of the glasses of champagne from the table near the pool while Brynn got a soft drink.
“You’re not going to have champagne to celebrate?” Jess asked as she reclined on a lounge.
“No, I don’t drink alcohol.” Brynn slumped into one of the deck chairs and stretched out her legs.
“No alcohol at all?”
“No.”
“Is it a religious thing?” Jess asked.
Her question dragged Brynn back to the present. “No, a preference.” She pulled her sunglasses out of the fanny pack and shoved them on her face. “I’m also still in job mode and will be until we disembark. You don’t drink in front of the boss.”
Just as she said that, Liam Bryant, the owner of the yacht, came down the stairs. He was in his early forties, lean and fit, six feet, with dark hair graying at the temples. He carried himself with an air of privilege that was a little off-putting, but he was the client. He smiled as he approached them. “All done?”
“Yes. We just finished,” Brynn said as she got to her feet. “We’re waiting for the lights to cool so we can pack them up.”
“I’m anxious to see the shots. I saw the pictures you took of the marina for Dave Burgin and the brochure you designed for him. The photos were amazing. I think I might be interested in doing something like that, too.”
“I can do that. I’ll download the shots tonight and set up a page so you can view them…after I vet them. I’ll send you a link in a couple of days.”
“Okay.”
“You’ll want to write your own copy about the Aurora and everything you have to offer on her. It will go right along with the slide show of the images on the webpage you plan to do. And if you want some photos to frame, I can print those for you, too.”
“Sounds like a plan. We’ll be docking in about ten minutes. Please have a seat and relax so you can enjoy the last few minutes of the trip. You’ve worked the entire time you’ve been on board.”
“It’s a beautiful vessel, and there’s plenty to do and see on her. And then you’ve got the view of the ocean, the coastline, other vessels. I didn’t want to leave anything out.”
“Then I chose the right photographer. You have all my contact information. Email me the link whenever you have something for me to look at, and we’ll go from there.”
“I will.”
He wandered into the dining room.
Brynn took her seat and a sip of the soft drink she’d poured.
“I guess you were right,” Jess murmured. “You didn’t have wine on your breath when he came down to talk to you.”
“Every job I get is important, so I have to toe the line.”
Jess studied her for a moment. “I think you’d do that anyway, Brynn.”
Brynn was silent for a moment as she studied Jess’s expression. Jess was so much like her at twenty-one. She’d been working with her for over a year. They’d shared meals, shopped a little, and gone to movies and a concert or two, but it had been difficult to let the walls down. Guilt suddenly hit her. Jess was always so open about everything. But this was not the time or place for a heart-to-heart.
She changed the subject. “What are you planning to do after you graduate next semester, Jess?”
“Try and find a position here doing what I’ve trained to do. I have a double major in communications and marketing. I love my apartment and my neighbors, present company included.”
Brynn shot her a smile. “Ditto.”
“I don’t really want to move if I don’t have to.”
“Your degree makes you qualified to take on so many different roles. You’ll find something here. You’ll be an asset to any business you land at.”
“I’ll put you down as a reference.” Jess laughed.
“I’ll give you a good one.” Brynn looked out over the bay. “Tucker asked me if I had an assistant to accompany me on these shoots. He was concerned about someone taking my equipment while I was busy.”
“Tucker?”
“My scuba instructor. We’ve shared a few meals. I’m sort of easing my way into seeing him. I’ve invited him to my apartment for dinner tomorrow night.”
Jess’s brows rose, and she grinned. “What’s he like?”
She gave the question some thought. “He’s an excellent scuba instructor, very thorough and patient.” It made her wonder if he was as patient and thorough in bed. Her body heated at the thought. “He’s from Mississippi and has a southern drawl. He’s clever. He built a pergola over his backyard patio and put in an outdoor kitchen. He did his own landscaping around the pool. He’s six-foot, with sun-streaked, light brown hair, sea-green eyes, and a sculpted jaw.”
“He sounds…delicious,” Jess said with a grin.
“He is. And he can cook.”
Jess laughed. “Sounds like you’ve hit the jackpot.”
It had been so long since she’d taken a friend into her confidence, she felt a little embarrassed by it. “I hope so.”
The vibration of the engines changed, slowing, and she glanced behind her as the yacht entered the harbor. The same dark aqua cabin cruiser that had chugged through her shot followed them. Instead of continuing into the docking terminal, it veered off into deeper water.
Brynn wondered why the cabin cruiser seemed to be following the yacht.
“What are you going to fix for dinner?” Jess asked.
“I’m going to try Martin’s pasta dish and hope I don’t poison him.”
Jess laughed again. “You’ll do fine. You could practice tonight and see how it goes.”
“I might do that. Want to be my guinea pig and my sous chef?”
“Sure.”
“We’ll stop on the way home for the ingredients, and if it’s any good, you can take some home and share it with Oliver.”
“Good. It’s my night to cook. The more hands in the kitchen, the easier it is.”
Her mother hadn’t felt that way. She’d watched every move and had found something to criticize about everything she’d done and, in the process, had taken all the joy out of the experience. “I’ll be glad for your help.”
As she and Jess were packing up the lights, two of the crew members came into the dining room. One was Tim, who was tall, tan, dark-haired, and good-looking like all the crew. The other man had darker skin, dark hair, and was only an inch taller than her, but he had a sweet smile. Brynn had shot pictures of them at work. It seemed Bryant had a thing about matching the beauty of the yacht with the help.
“Mr. Bryant said you might need some help packing up your gear,” Tim said. He wore a white uniform, much like a cruise ship employee. His name tag read Tim Garner.
Jess shot her a grin. “We’d be thrilled with the help. Some of Brynn’s equipment weighs at least a ton.”
Jess took care of folding up one light while Brynn did the other. They stowed them in bags and then disembarked with the group of models. The two men walked them to the car and organized the gear in the back of the SUV and the back seat.
“Thanks, guys. We appreciate it,” Brynn said as she hit the button to close the hatch.
“I’m Tim Garner, and this is Ahmad Bilal.” Garner thrust a thumb in Ahmad’s direction. “We’d like for you ladies to join us for a drink if you have time?”
Surprised, Brynn leaned back against the hatch and glanced at Jess. She knew how to handle business interactions, but anything like this had every wary instinct firing. Brynn bit her bottom lip, and her attention shifted from Garner to Bilal. “I…we appreciate the invitation, but Jess already has a serious boyfriend, and I’m seeing someone.”
Garner smiled. “If you change your mind sometime in the future…” He whipped out his wallet and offered her a business card.
He was a player and probably got laid every night of the week. “Why didn’t you ask one of the models?”
He tucked his card into her hand. “I see women like them on board all the time. You two are just as beautiful, but a guy wouldn’t have to worry about smudging your lipstick or mussing your hair every time he touches you. You’re natural and down to earth. I mean that as a compliment.”
Brynn wasn’t moved by the compliment. She’d heard enough of them from Chad.
Garner smiled again. “Keep the card, and if you feel lonely some night and want some company or want to go out dancing, give me a call.”
Ahmad offered her a card as well. “Should you ever need assistance, Miss Barrington.”
She actually preferred Ahmad’s courtly manners to Garner’s, though she had no intention of going anywhere with either of them.
The two guys turned to walk back toward the ship.
“That was a pretty awesome invitation Garner gave you. Are you going to keep the card?”
It had taken her nearly three weeks to let Tucker kiss her. He’d earned her trust, and he’d jump-started her libido with a vengeance. “No. That guy was a player and out to get laid. I’m more interested in seeing where Tucker and I can take things.” If he didn’t deploy. The thought caused her a twinge of worry.
Jess grinned. “Sounds promising.”
They got into the car, but Brynn didn’t start it. “The whole time I was on the road, I didn’t go out with anyone.”
“You were on the road for nearly two years, Brynn. That’s a long, dry spell.”
“About six months ago, I had a date. He was a nice guy. Someone I had met at the magazine. It didn’t work out.” She drew a deep breath. “It wasn’t his fault. It was all mine. He kissed me good night on the cheeks as he was leaving my apartment, and I had a panic attack. I never went out with him again.”
Jess remained silent for one beat, then two. “Is there a reason you’d react like that, Brynn?”
Her mouth was suddenly dry. “When I was twenty-one, I made the mistake of getting mixed up with the wrong man. I didn’t know he was wrong when we first started dating. He came from a good family in the area. He owned his own business and had a steady job that paid well. He was charming and handsome. But it was all a front. When he didn’t get his way, that front crumbled. When he drank, it was even worse. We only dated for six weeks, but even after I walked away, other things happened. He stalked me.”
Jessica remained silent for a moment, then rested a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry.”
“I know you’ve probably thought I was really strange or something…”
“Never.” She reached out to touch Brynn’s arm. “Oliver and I thought you were grieving a loss.”
She supposed that was as good a way to put it as any other. She’d lost pieces of herself, her home, her friends, and part of her family because of Chad.
“Does Martin know?” Jess asked.
“Not everything. He’s my next-door neighbor, and when I first moved in, I still had occasional nightmares. I’m better now.”
“And Tucker…have you told him anything about this?”
“No. We haven’t known each other long enough.”
“If you have any reservations about having him over for dinner, Oliver and I could join you.”
She remained silent for a moment. “I don’t have reservations about Tucker. The first time we met was in the park on that shoot I did last month with the kids. Natalie told him to come meet me at the park. Instead of walking up to me, he sat on one of the park benches while I worked, then called me on the phone, told me who he was, and who had sent him.
“Natalie hadn’t warned me he was coming. I called her and reamed her out for springing him on me. She assured me he was a stand-up guy, which I took with a grain of salt. He didn’t speak so highly about her. In fact, he told me to watch my back with her.”
“Sounds like he’s a good judge of character,” Jess murmured.
“After we met about the scuba lessons, he carried my gear to the car, helped me load it, and waited until I pulled away before he did. He has kind of old-school manners. Talks about his grandmother a lot. She raised him with his dad.”
“What does he do for a living?”
Tucker was so careful about his privacy. “He’s in the Navy.”
Jess patted the space over her heart. “I love a guy in uniform.”
“I’ve never seen him in his, but I’ve seen a lot of memorabilia in his house, commendations for his diving, that sort of thing. And all his diving gear. It feels strange to talk about him.”
“I talk about Oliver all the time,” Jess said, “He’s an important part of my life.”
“I never talked about Chad to anyone until I filed a restraining order against him.” The words just seemed to come of their own accord. “I was embarrassed that I’d been so stupid to get involved with him.”
Once again, Jess laid a hand on her arm. “You couldn’t have known he was a creep, Brynn.”
The gesture of support had Brynn’s throat tightening. When she had her emotions under control, she said, “Tucker’s not anything like him.”
“I’m sure he’s not. You know what to look for now.”
Jess’s words propped up her confidence. She did know what to look for. Even when Tucker was angry, he was controlled. And he hadn’t shown any jealousy when she’d mentioned Martin. He had a healthy ego and confidence. He’d have to have both to do the job he’d chosen.
A figure suddenly appeared at the driver’s side door, and both women started. It was Ahmad. Brynn turned the key so she could roll down the window.
“I found this necklace at the table you were sitting at, Ms. Barrington. Would it be yours?”
Brynn studied the chain and the medallion. “No, it isn’t mine. It may belong to one of the models. If one of them calls me, I’ll give them the number for the vessel to call.”
“Also,” he paused a moment, “if you could tell Petty Officer Giles that I would like to speak to him, I would appreciate it. Thank you.” He turned and walked away.
Surprise, then fear sent a jolt of adrenaline through her, and her heart began to race.
“How did he know you knew, Tucker?” Jess asked.
“I don’t know.”
A familiar, hyperaware feeling, as though eyes were focused on her, sent chills up the back of her neck. The feeling was similar to when Chad had been stalking her.
Her heart racing, Brynn put the car in drive and pulled out of the parking space.