A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

32 | Standoff

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Imani

"Arch your back and touch your right hip. Place your heel on the top step."

Imani confidently posed for the photographer on a trendy nightclub staircase. Before their grand opening, the company needed models to promote it. Agnes took a few shots before instructing her to change positions and keep her bikini in place. She had better make Imani look beautiful because this crap was difficult to do. Imani ignored her frustration and followed Agnes' instructions.

"Okay, now sit on the middle step and spread your thighs. Let us see how it turns out."

This woman was not Jade Jones, Imani's preferred photographer. She enjoyed modeling more because Jade was a better director. Agnes Krauss struggled to find the right poses for the photos. This photography session lasted two hours, leaving her exhausted.

Two days ago, Imani's former manager, Phyllis, offered to have her photographer fly down to take some recent photos of her. She promised Imani she could stay in Alabama and book photography sessions close by. She was given another contract, which Garrett and his lawyer, Byron Willis, read. Everything seemed legitimate, so she signed a six-week contract.

Imani leaned slightly to fit in the frame. She fluffed her hair and brought her feet forward to rest gently in front of her. The sun was setting, so she realized they had little time to shoot with natural light. Agnes had already set up lights, but she would have to change them if it went completely dark.

"Okay, great, that's awesome. Let me get my other camera from the truck."

"Sure. "I will use the restroom and be back." Imani hopped up and breathed deeply as she entered the empty building. She wanted to strip naked, kick off her heels, and lie in bed, waiting for Garrett to get home. Since he returned from his mission three days ago, she has savored every minute.

She took a quick selfie in the mirror and sent it to him.

Imani laughed at his incredibly rapid response. Really? Naturally, she knew he would respond quickly. Before sending another message, her phone rang. It was him.

She answered, grinning like an idiot. "Hey there, stud."

"I wish I were with you now," Garrett said when a car honked. "I can be there in a flash. Just say the word, baby."

Imani rounded the corner and leaned against the wall. "No. You rarely get to have guy time. Stay with your brothers."

"I don't care about guy time. I need my Mani time, especially since you're wearing a red string bikini. My God, you're so freaking beautiful."

Her cheeks warmed. "I could ask Phyllis if I can bring the merchandise home for you to peel off later. Does that sound good?"

He grumbled and then asked, "Why are you teasing me like this? I can't have you revving my engine while I'm with my family."

"Oh? Is this what I did?" She was playfully teasing him, and he knew it. Her face lit up at his next response.

"Once I'm with you, I will make sure to read you your rights, Ms. Washington."

"Have I been a bad girl?"

"Yes. Very."

She giggled, closed her eyes, and twirled her hair. "Agent Beaumont, I eagerly await your arrest. Lock me up and throw away the key."

"We're ordering now, Agent Hottie!" Someone yelled─it sounded like Grady─and Garrett sighed. "You're on. Anyway, I'm going inside before they have a fit. We're at Paradise Lounge. Want me to pick you up anything?"