Fierce (47 page)

Authors: Rosalind James

Tags: #Romance, #Contemporary, #Multicultural, #New Adult & College, #Multicultural & Interracial

BOOK: Fierce

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“This isn’t porn, right?” one of the girls asked. A nervy, anxious look to her, too tightly wound. She wouldn’t be picked, Faith knew, and her heart went out a little bit to her.

“No,” Faith said. “But if you’re uncomfortable being in some pretty skimpy underwear, or being in one of these guys’ laps…” She paused, got a little laughter out of that one. “Maybe a good time to re-think. Anybody else?”

Nothing, and she looked at her folder again. “Gretchen?” she asked, and yes, the perky little blonde next to Fantasy Man bobbed right up. “And…” Faith looked at her muffin-rescuer. “I don’t have you on the list. Do you have a portfolio?”

“Me?” He pointed to his broad chest, widened those spectacular eyes at her, the liquid whites setting off the most delicious dark chocolate centers, and laughed. “Nah. I’m just along for the ride, aren’t I. I’m the chaperone. Looking after Solomon here, making sure he doesn’t get excited.”

“Dude,” the big man with him said, looking pained. “No.” But he smiled all the same.

“Right,” Faith said. Not here for the shoot? She looked down at her list. “All right, then, Solomon. Come on back.”

Calvin didn’t mess around when they got there. “I didn’t ask for him first.” He jerked his chin at Solomon.

“Don’t mind him,” Faith told Solomon, who looked a bit taken aback. “He’s grumpy because his coffee was late.”

Calvin snorted. “Excuse me? Who’s in charge here?”

“You are,” she said equably. “Go on.”

“
Thank
you. Where’s the other guy?” Calvin demanded.

“Ah…” Solomon scratched his nose. “You saw Will,” he said with resignation.

“Yeah. I want him.” Calvin cast a dismissive eye over Solomon. “You’re too big.”

Solomon grinned. “Not what my—” He stopped, shot a look toward Faith and Gretchen, and clearly re-thought his words. “Never mind. I’m done, then?”

“Yeah,” Calvin said. “I want your friend. Send him on back here.”

Solomon shrugged. “Good enough.”

“Have a seat,” Faith told the young woman hastily. “Gretchen, right? We’ll be right with you.”

“I’m not worried,” the girl said. “It’s exciting.” She sat down and actually bounced a little. Perky was the word, all right. “When you get my guy, I’m ready.”

Faith gave Solomon an apologetic look as she led the way to the doorway again. “Thanks for coming. Calvin can be a little abrupt.”

“No problem. My wife will be relieved, tell you the truth. I’m destined for better things.” He laughed, a rumbling sound, and Faith found herself laughing back. “Yo, bro,” he called out, entering the anteroom again. “They want you. Story of my life.” He heaved a gusty sigh from somewhere in the depths of his six-foot-five frame. “You’re going to have to find your own way back to your place, because I’m not hanging around.”

“What?” Mr. Muffin looked startled, off-balance for the first time.

“If you have a few minutes,” Faith said, trying her best for brisk, “Calvin’s interested in taking a look at you.”

Some of the other guys looked disgruntled, and no wonder.

“Dunno.” He sounded bemused. “I’m not a model.”

“Would you come back here and talk to him anyway? Just for a minute,” she coaxed. She could see why Calvin wanted him, because he was perfect. Absolutely perfect. For Calvin.

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