Picture Perfect Read Online Free Page B

can contract out to anyone and everyone, on my terms.”
    “Now that’s a great attitude, and from the looks of those covers, I’d say you’re in a perfect position to skyrocket in this field. You really know how to put a cover together, lady. I wonder….”
    She eased back from his warm, cozy embrace. “Oh, I see wheels turning in that brain of yours mister. You wonder what?”
    “What if I added a line to my company? What if I had a line of pre-made covers to sell to self-published authors? You could make them, I could sell them, and we could share in the profit. Genius! What do you say?” He now sat on the edge of the sofa, a knee bouncing with excitement.
    “Whoa, tiger!” She raised her hands in defense. “Let’s slow this train down a minute. I’m flattered that you would offer that to me. Really, I am. But we’ve gone from being total strangers to uh, well, whatever this wonderful bit of loveliness is, to you offering me a business deal all in one day. It’s a little much for me. Let’s take this one step at a time, okay? I’m not going anywhere. I live here, all the time. Just three doors down. Let me get the word out about me to the industry first, see if I get any nibbles. In my spare time, I’ll work up some ideas for covers for you and see where it takes us. As for us, I feel the need to return to where we were just before you had your attack of genius. So lay back and open up those arms, sugar, and pour some of you on me.” She flashed him a toothy grin, hoping to soothe with humor any hurt she may have caused.
    “You’re so right.” He leaned back and opened his arms for her and she immediately settled in. “I don’t know what got into me. It’s been so long since I’ve been this comfortable and could talk this way with a woman without her getting all stalkerish over it, and I went too far. I’m sorry.”
    “No worries, Jamie.” She closed her eyes, soaked in his essence, and sighed. “This is much better. But now my foot really hurts. I have two options, take a pain pill that won’t work after an hour or drink a lot more wine. I vote for the wine. Oh, garcon! Another glass of wine, if you please.”
    “Why certainly, mademoiselle. Drink to your heart’s content.” He filled her cup to the brim and she laughed.
    They spent the rest of the evening snuggled together, talking, drinking wine, eating the crumbs from the cupcake and some cheese and crackers Hope had in the fridge. Midnight came far too soon.
    “I really should go,” he whispered drowsily into her hair as he traced patterns on her arm lightly with his fingers. “I have fitness training at six a.m., and I’m shooting all day after that.”
    “Okay.” Neither moved.
    “Six comes mighty early,” he noted.
    “Uh huh, yep.” Still no one stirred.
    “My phone has an alarm set for six.” He scooted them both down so they lay prone on the couch, hopelessly entangled by their arms and legs.
    “Works for me.”

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
    All through his workout, James couldn’t stop thinking about Hope and the fact that she still lay all warm and delectable on the couch they shared all night long. Just twenty-four hours ago he’d met an amazing woman and his whole outlook on life changed. The only dark cloud? Brittany wouldn’t stop texting him messages of love and forgiveness and yuck. He’d have to put a block on his phone and email when he got home after his shoot.
    The day would be long, with multiple sites for a host of different photo shoots. He showered, dressed, and headed out the door. He was known for being prompt to his jobs and prided himself for his professionalism. He stopped cold about ten feet away from his bike. He could see from where he stood that the gas tank and fenders had been keyed, scratched beyond a simple accident, but purposely scratched so that a simple buff wouldn’t be enough to fix the damage.
    “Son of a bitch!” He hurried up to it for a closer inspection and dialed the police