I glanced at Larry, who was writhing in discomfort. ‘I know you’ve been dealing with Larry, but I’d appreciate you explaining to me what exactly is going on here. What exactly were you told?’
‘I was led to believe this would be a wildlife shoot.’
His emphasis didn’t go unnoticed.
‘And that’s exactly what it is.’
His eyes narrowed. ‘Excuse me, but if that’s the case, why do I see two helicopters and supermodels and stylists all around me? I’m not sure what your definition of wildlife is, but it’s certainly not supermodels in the wild.’
That untamed urge rose, the one I’d been fighting to tamp down or ignore for most of my life. The need to put him in his place in a way he would never forget. To have him on his knees. To dominate...
I chose a different route. ‘Like it or not, beauty sells, Mr Scott. Each of those models you object to is attached to a company and an article in my magazine that seeks to promote awareness of global warming. And while you might find it distasteful, together with the Mortimer Group, we’re raising almost a billion dollars for the cause. Surely the ultimate goal is what matters in the end?’
‘No, it’s not. Because all this—’ he cast a wide, irate arm at the crew ‘—does nothing but disturb the very wildlife you claim you’re here to protect.’
Irritation swelled to annoyance. ‘My people did their research and chose the course that would have minimal impact on this location. Had you turned up when you were supposed to an hour ago—’
‘It wouldn’t have changed a thing. Bears. Seals. Melting glaciers. The occasional bald or golden eagle if you’re lucky. That’s what Larry hired me to photograph. And I was late because the huskies needed a rest. Four of them are in training, a process which requires patience and time. Not unlike the very wildlife you’re here for. Turning up an hour ago wouldn’t have been a guarantee of a wildlife sighting. Especially not with the kind of commotion you and your crew are creating.’
Again, my gaze flicked to Larry. He avoided my gaze, confirming that something had gone seriously wrong, somewhere.
‘Excuse me, Mr Scott. I need a word with my PM.’
Jensen Scott held my gaze for several seconds, then he nodded and strode several steps away. Again, that urge fizzled, alerting me to the fact that it was merely dormant, not dead. I pushed it away and focused on Larry.
‘I’m sorry, Gracie,’ he blurted before I could speak. ‘All the guys I interviewed either didn’t come close to what we wanted or were booked months in advance. I heard on the grapevine that Scott had a very rare cancellation and I—’
‘You thought you’d lie your way into signing him?’
He grimaced. ‘I didn’t think he’d object this strongly. After all, he did the thing with the Danish royal family and a few high-profile people recently—’
‘We’ve known each other for almost ten years, Larry. That’s the only reason I’m not firing you on the spot. Pull another stunt like this and it’ll be your last. Are we clear?’
He paled further, then nodded gruffly before glancing over to where Jensen was petting one of his huskies. He murmured to the dog and the creature responded with rapt adoration. The few words that drifted over in the chilled breeze didn’t sound like English.
‘Do you think he’ll stay?’ Larry asked. ‘Do you want me to—?’
‘No.’ My objection emerged much stronger than I’d anticipated. ‘I’ll deal with Mr Scott. Just alert the crew that there might be a change of plans.’
He nodded immediately, his certainty that I’d get what I wanted infusing me with confidence as I approached Jensen.
Sensing my approach, he straightened and speared me with those glacial eyes. ‘Well?’
I shrugged. ‘It does appear a few...liberties were assumed about your hiring.’
His lips firmed, but he didn’t reply.
‘So, what will it take for you to stay?’
Something glinted in his eyes. Something that tugged at a vicious need inside me. Then he shook his head. ‘Nothing. I would never have signed up for this.’
I swallowed a swell of irritation. ‘Seriously? You’re that opposed to what I’m doing?’
‘Not what you’re doing. Just the way you’re going about it.’
Patience. Don’t lose your shit on him.
‘There are sixteen-wheelers trundling along the highways of this state every hour of every day of the year so deeper mines can be excavated and more oil can be drilled. Amongst other things. And you have a problem with a twenty-four-hour shoot over a small area to bring more awareness to a growing problem? A shoot that you’ve delayed by turning up late, I might add.’
He shrugged, his lips twitching as if he wanted to smile before he grew serious. ‘I have a problem with those trucks too. And the mining and drilling, if that makes you feel better.’
‘Let’s talk hypothetically. Or better... I’ll give you one minute to pitch me your version of how this would go if you were in charge.’
Perhaps it was a trick of the light. Perhaps I was imagining it. Or perhaps that lance of searing awareness that tunnelled through me was really a result of that look I’d caught on his face. The look that tugged at that desperate need again. The one that said were I to put him on his knees, Jensen Scott wouldn’t mind. That perhaps he would even...welcome it?
My heart leapt, even as I tried to throttle down its wild sprint. What if my instinct was wrong? It wouldn’t be the first time I’d misjudged a potential suitor. Wouldn’t be the first time I’d wholeheartedly trusted my instinct only to end up with ashes.
Still... I stared at him. Watched his face tighten with rejection. But not before I caught a look that treacherously resembled...longing.
Perhaps longing he
