“Stunning McKinley. Last shot and I know it will probably be cold, but I want you in the water enough so you can squat, and your breasts are covered just enough,” she says, motioning to the lake.
I start walking out, with my arm still draped across my breasts, and holy shit it is cold. I make it out until it’s almost up to my stomach and turn to face Kallie. She is right behind me, which impresses me. I figured she would just zoom in, but no, she’s right here. This is what I’m talking about with her, she is amazing. I kneel down and once my breasts are covered; I drop my arm.
“Holy shit, it is cold,” I say, trying not to shiver too badly.
Kallie giggles and holds the camera up. “I know it is, but I’ll be fast. I want you to straighten up just a bit to show more of your breasts. We just really want your nipples covered.”
I do as she instructs, and she starts snapping away. She has me close my eyes, turn to look at the waterfall, and gaze out past her. Even though I’m freezing, I am able to keep it together for every single shot. Although when she says we are done, I jump up and cover myself, nearly running for the shore.
“Damn, I’ve never had someone run out of the water before,” she says, laughing when she finally reaches me.
I’m already wrapped in a towel and I smile. “I’m so sorry, I just hate when the water is that cold. I mean what the hell is in there, ice?”
“I’m not exactly sure why it’s always so cold, maybe something to do with the waterfall,” she says, packing away her camera. “McKinley, you did great today. Such an improvement from the first few photos I took of you. You have definitely found your confidence and it reflects in each shot.”
Coming from Kallie, that is a huge compliment, and I can’t help but beam with pride. “That means a lot to me. Thank you,” I say, pulling a t-shirt over my head.
After I get dry clothes on and Kallie is all packed up, we head back to the car. I drove up with her and I’m glad I did because I definitely don’t feel like driving home. We’ve been here for hours and I’m just ready to relax.
The drive home is mostly listening to the radio and I’m fine with that. I’m taking in the scenery as we drive, and it makes me realize just how damn lucky I am. Never would I have thought this would be my life. Living in this beautiful state, in a house, with real friends, a brother, living my dream, and a man that loves me as much as I love him.
“So, in two weeks, if you are available, I need a model for a shoot with Max,” Kallie says as we get close to my house.
“Definitely. You just tell me when and where and I’ll be there,” I say.
I start to think about Max and Brinley and begin wondering what is going on with them. I haven’t seen either of them since that night at Braden’s. Even though I know it’s none of my business, I ask anyway.
“What’s going on with Max and Brinley? Are they a couple or something?”
She looks at me and gives me a tight smile. “Or something. Listen, this industry is full of drama and models wanting to sleep with each other. My advice and I suggest you take it, don’t get involved. I don’t ask what’s going on with them, because I don’t like it. Sleeping with other models or photographers is what happens, and then great people get hurt and dreams are crushed.”
“Kallie, just so you know, nothing like that will happen with me. I love your brother and I have no interest or desire to be with someone else, ever. Please know that,” I say, feeling the need to defend myself.
I’m not sure if she was talking about me or not, but I felt myself getting defensive. She pulls into my driveway and turns her head to me.
“Well, that’s good to hear,” she says, smiling. “I wasn’t talking about you, just so you know. However, considering I’ve never seen my brother this happy, it’s good to know.”
“I know you are overprotective of Braden, hell I would be too, but I’m not Sarah,” I say, smiling at her before opening my door. I get out and stick my head back inside. “I’ve never loved someone like I love him. I wish everyone could see that I’m not out to hurt him or anyone else.” I don’t even let her reply, I just close the door.
Once I shower, I sit on the couch and think about what I said to Kallie. I feel like such a bitch for the way I spoke to her. It’s just not the first time something like that has been hinted at. His mom said something the other night at dinner. She told me how fragile his heart is and she hopes I handle it with care. Jax and Brody mentioned something along the lines of getting your heart broken is hard to get past and once you do, you just hope it doesn’t scatter to pieces this time.
I understand he’s been hurt, but damn so have I. It’s not like I am proud of anything my life was before now and I’ve had my heart crushed several times. I realize they don’t know this, but I wish they would all just realize that I love him and I’m not going anywhere. As far as his girls, they are amazing, and I know I will grow to love them. It would be nice if they all just believed me.
I sigh and look up at the ceiling. I’m defensive for good reason. I’m not the girl who showed up a few
