A Taste of Spring

Chapter 19

It took longer than Spring realized to get the house cleaned and now she was running late. She hurried by a man, bumping into him as she passed by. "Sorry," Spring called over her shoulder. She paused long enough to give him a sympathetic smile before continuing on her way.

"You're late," Brandi said, just as Spring plopped down in the seat across from her in the waiting room.

"Almost late," Spring choked out, as she tried to catch her breath. She knew that Brandi, a light skinned beauty with short light coiled hair, sultry eyes, and full lips, was gorgeous but... (Wow.)

Brandi gave her a hard stare for several seconds before she half smiled. "It's fine,". She handed Spring a mini bottle of water. "The receptionist says that Mr. Spencer is running late too. So, get your game face on so we can do this."

Spring took a sip of water and tried to relax as she peered over Brandi's shoulder to look at the receptionist who hadn't even acknowledged her.

"Thank you," she said to Brandi after catching her breath.

Thank God Brandi isn't a bitch, Spring thought as she took another sip of the water. She hated working with ego-bitches.

"Have you worked with Mr. Spencer-"

"Alright girls," the receptionist said with a hint of snark, interrupting Brandi, "he's ready for you both."

Brandi raised a brow then mouthed the same words the receptionist spoke.

Spring stifled a giggle as she and Brandi got to their feet and followed the receptionist. She hoped that Mr. Spencer was nice and not one of those arrogant perfectionist photographers. Suddenly feeling hot

all over, she glanced at Brandi, who shot her a crossed-eyed look. Spring burst out laughing. Brandi snickered but then threw her head back, laughing hysterically.

They were laughing so hard that neither of them realized that they had walked into the studio. Spring's laughter died when she noticed the silence. Her wide eyes took in all the people watching them. Her face heated when she met Mr. Spencer's gaze.

(Oh, my!)

She didn't get a good look at him before, but no shadows hid him today. He was tall, dirty blond, and even from across the room she could tell he was gorgeous.

"This is a place of business." The receptionist's shrill tone broke Spring's uncomfortable staring contest with the famous photographer. "You will act accordingly."

"Wait...is she-" Brandi straightened to her full height. Her attention swung from Spring to the receptionist with a frown on her face.

Spring ignored the receptionist's shrill tone and focused on the man who protectively stepped in front of her. He was tall but thin. His hair was a mass of loose curls with ends that touched the tips of his ears. His profile showed a strong nose and chin, with youthful tanned skin.

"Mel, don't goad my models," a deep voice said, so quietly that if the room hadn't been surprised into silence, Spring doubted that anyone would have heard it. "It's tiresome, and it annoys me."

Spring, along with everyone else in the room, focused on Mr. Spencer. He wasn't looking at Mel, the receptionist, but was facing away from them. His hands were busy with a camera he held.

It was as if a God had spoken. No one moved. No one said a word. For several seconds you could hear a pin hit the floor. It wasn't until Mr. Spencer moved to a table that held more camera gear that the

room erupted with activity.

A young woman walked over to Spring and motioned for her and Brandi to follow her. They did.

Spring looked over her shoulder and into the receptionist's wide glassy eyes. Mel looked a little paler and seemed to have deflated right there in front of them. Then she hurried back the way they'd come. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Brandi and Spring looked at one another, each silently questioning the other about what to do next.

"Hi. I'm Taylor. Remember?" a quiet voice announced. "I'll introduce you guys to Stanley then we can get you both ready. Oh, and Joe too, he is on loan to us for a while."

Brandi shrugged as she followed Taylor. Spring trailed behind them as she took in the gigantic space. The studio was located downtown in a modern warehouse district not far from...

Spring shook her head like doing so would wipe away all thoughts of Dezmond.

"This is Stanley Spencer," Taylor introduced.

Spring turned her attention away from her surroundings and took in Mr. Spencer. He was even so much more attractive up close. He had that sculpted god look on lock. He smiled, clearly knowing the effect he had on women, as he extended his hand.

"Hello," Mr. Spencer said then winked.

"Hi," Spring said, sounding like a lost little girl. She lowered her gaze from his intense stare. Spring heard Brandi and Mr. Spencer greeting one another but was too embarrassed about her behavior to watch.

"And this is Joe, my assistant photographer," Mr. Spencer said.