Page 36 of Her Filthy Grump
“Layla Marie,” Delaney’s soft lyrical voice calls from the side yard. “Get back here. I need some estrogen to counter all this grunting and dick measuring.”
Wonderful. “Coming.” There’s no escape. I slap on a bright smile like I don’t have a care in the world and march my ass to the backyard.
When I enter the space, Delaney wraps her arms around me and squeezes. “You look gorgeous today.”
“Thank you.” I hug her back. I’m not about to admit I tried on ten outfits before deciding on a knee-length yellow skirt which flutters against my knees when I walk. I paired it with a white top that shows off my tan.Fine–my freckles. Red hair and tanning is really–original or extra crispy.
My gaze drifts to Kameron who’s standing behind the grill with Cole and Gavin. Gavin uses an industrial-sized spatula to flip the burgers.
Delaney steps back and rolls her eyes. “You’d think they were in their teens instead of adult men.”
“I heard that.” Gavin leers at her and points the spatula. “I’ll show you an adult man later tonight.”
“Promises. Promises.” She giggles as we walk toward the men.
When Kameron’s eyes meet mine, my mouth dries, and butterflies swirl in my belly. The little flying things seem like they’ve strapped themselves into rollercoaster seats and are looping and twisting on the ride of their lives.
Nope. I can’t do this.I avert my gaze to a less dangerous specimen and wave at Cole. “Hey, I’ve got some news for you.”
Cole swallows, and his Adam’s apple bobs. “Okay.”
Kameron’s eyes narrow as if he’s irritated I’m ignoring him. He’s the one who blew me off. Not the other way around. I want to taste the excitement, but I know deep in my gut the result will be a slap in the face. I’ve already been down that road. The butterflies are on their own tonight.
I move over to Cole as the rest of the guests continue to chat. “I talked to Mrs. Thomas last night. She’d love to have some photos of you and Harbor together.”
He shakes his head. “I can’t.”
“It’s just some pictures. Don’t be dramatic. You’ve done dozens of shots for me.”
“I know, but never with someone else.”
“It’s not a big deal. It’s some harmless photos. What could go wrong?” My face heats, and I fan myself. He’s going to flip his lid.
“Layla,” he growls. “What aren’t you telling me?”
I swallow and lick my lips. “She wants some BDSM shots.”
“What did you say?”
“BDSM.”
Everyone stops talking in mid-word and stares at us with open mouths.
“Pick someone else. I can’t do those types of shots with Harbor.” He crosses his arms over his chest.
“Don’t be a baby.” I shake my head in disgust. “Never mind. I’ll get Axel to do it.” Axel Crosley is one of the guys Harbor and I graduated high school with.
“What?” His eyes round as he sputters, and the muscles in his jaw tic. He’s staring at me like I’ve sprouted wings and am flying over the crowd sprinkling fairy dust.
“You heard me. I’m changing the shoot to Axel and Harbor.”
“No, you aren’t. Connor will kick his ass. Everyone knows he’s a total player. He’ll take advantage of Harbor.”
“I’ll do it.” Kameron shrugs.
“You’ll do what?” My mouth drops open.
“The shoot. I’ve done a couple of photoshoots back home. It’s not a big deal.”