Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
When we were at the spa for my birthday, they asked me about my plans after college, and I told them about the items I’d been working on and how I’d like to one day start my own clothing line.
“I am. When Leo’s napping, I’ve been working on a bunch of different pieces.”
“We could totally convince the guys to wear them,” Bri says with a smile.
“James would do it as long as there was a suit involved,” Nicole says with a laugh.
“Oh my God, can you make Matteo wear one?” Dani asks. “I love his T-shirt and jeans, but family pictures of us dressed up would make my year!”
“I can do that. I would just need to get everyone’s measurements to make sure each outfit is tailor-made to fit each person,” I say, so many ideas swirling in my head.
“We should hire a professional photographer,” Bri suggests.
“Oh, no. I can’t afford that. I can use my phone and—”
“No offense, but I want my pictures to be fireplace-worthy,” Peyton says. “I’ll gladly go in on a professional photographer. Your clothes are beautiful, and the photos would look amazing, taken by a professional.”
“I agree,” Dani says. “I’ve been wanting family photos, so this is perfect. Two birds, one stone.”
“There. It’s settled.” Bri holds up her little girl’s outfit. “You provide the wardrobe, and we’ll provide the models and photographer.”
“Leo, can you give your daddy a kiss?” I say, making Leo smile and then smack his lips against Lorenzo’s cheek.
Lorenzo grins, glancing down at his son with love shining in his eyes, and Natasha—the professional photographer Bri hired—snaps several photos.
When we talked about doing a photo shoot, a part of me figured the women would forget about it. But when each of their husbands and Nicole’s boyfriend begrudgingly came by to be fitted, I realized that this was really happening, so every night for the past two weeks, I worked every chance I had to get everything ready. For a broke college student, this is a chance of a lifetime. Not only will it meet the requirements for my final in two of my classes, but it will look good in my portfolio.
Lorenzo’s dressed in a pair of khaki shorts with a blue-and-white striped polo, showcasing his intricate tattoos that wrap around his forearms and disappear under his sleeves. He’s holding Leo, who’s dressed in a matching outfit, on his hip, and every time they smile at each other, I swear my ovaries weep—it’s a good thing I got on birth control a couple of weeks ago.
“Vanessa,” Lorenzo says, “join us.”
“What? No.” I shake my head. “I’m not …”
“Wearing one of your outfits?” Lorenzo quirks a brow. “Yes, you are. And it’s white and blue, so it matches us. And before you try to say some bullshit about not being camera-ready, you look gorgeous.”
“Besides”—Natasha winks—“that’s what Photoshop is for.”
“Let’s go, baby.” Lorenzo opens the arm that isn’t holding Leo. “I need proof that a stunning younger woman was willing to give me her attention. Otherwise, nobody will believe it.”
I roll my eyes but walk over to stand beside Lorenzo. Immediately, Leo dives into my arms, wanting me to hold him.
“The kid isn’t even a year old, and he’s already a ladies’ man,” Matteo jokes as I take Leo from Lorenzo.
“He’s not stupid,” Lorenzo says, his eyes locking with mine. “He knows a good woman when he sees one.”
I swallow the lump of emotion in my throat and smile for the camera, figuring at the very least, when this ends and I’m forced to leave Lorenzo and Leo, I’ll have pictures to look back on.
“Twenty-one!” Lorenzo slaps his cards on the table with a look of triumph. “Now take ’em off.”
Everyone went home from the photo shoot, and Leo, exhausted from the busy day of playing with Alba and Peyton and Dominick’s kids, passed out immediately after his bath.
I’d been working every night to get the outfits ready, and Lorenzo insisted I took tonight off to play cards since it’d been a while since we’d done so. And since I love playing cards with him, I couldn’t say no. Everything else will be there tomorrow.
When I asked what the wager was, he hit me with a mischievous smirk and said, “Clothes.”
“Clothes?” I asked in confusion.
“Yep. Loser takes off an article of clothing.”
I rolled my eyes. “If you want me to see you naked, all you have to do is strip. No need to lose in blackjack.”
“I’ve been getting better, and tonight, you’ll be the one getting naked. And knowing it’s from me winning will make it that much sweeter.” Lorenzo rubbed his hands together and waggled his brows.
“Wild Card,” Lorenzo says, snapping me from my thoughts, “clothes off.”
I snort out a laugh and take off my shirt, leaving me in my bra, panties, and shorts since I already removed each of my socks.