Page 19 of The Hook Up
Ellie caught his eye and gave an apologetic shrug. “I’d be showing more flesh in a bikini on a beach,” she said. “We’re both adults here.”
“Right,” Ty croaked. “That we are.”
Ty found it impossible to look away as she snaked the wire under her bra then reached into her dress, between her breasts, and threaded the mic out through the neckline. Holding it up triumphantly, she grinned at him.
“There. That wasn’t so hard.”
Oh, yes. Yes, it was.
* * *
Truth.Ellie wanted Ty to notice the dress she’d splurged on. But she’d never imagined he’d have his hands inside it, or that he’d end up accidentally cupping her breast.
Bonus.
Her lower regions warmed. It had been a while since anything like that happened, and this wassonot the time.
“What are all these lights for?” She glanced up at bulbs, trying to focus on something besides Ty. Spots danced in front of her eyes, and she blinked to clear her vision.
“They ensure the picture is crystal clear and we don’t have any weird colors or shadows on your face,” he said. “It’s important to get the lighting just right for your size and shape and skin tone and what you’re wearing.”
“It’s okay,” Ellie said, and it really was. She was in no hurry for him to turn on the cameras.
Ugh.A queasy ick spread through her middle.
Ever since the third grade, when she forgot her lines in the school production ofHansel and Gretel,doing anything for an audience put her nerves on edge.That’s one reason she found Madame Butterfly so fun. She sat behind a computer screen and interacted with people virtually.
But if she wanted to grow the business, this was necessary. The party the other night had been a success, but video seemed like the right next move. And it was generous of Ty to offer his help.
He was bent down adjusting a cable, which gave her a prime view. He had an amazing ass, well-muscled and perfectly curved in jeans. It was the sort of butt a woman might dig her claws into as he drove into her with?—
“How does that feel?”
Ellie blinked. “What?”
“Is that too hot with all the lights on?”
“No. I’m okay.”
“You look a little flushed.”
“I’m good.”
Nice, Ellie. If you can’t construct a sentence of more than three words, this video thing is going to go great.
She crossed and uncrossed her legs. Her hands shook, and she wasn’t quite sure what to do with them.
“We’re almost ready,” he said.“How about you say a few words for sound check.”
“Words?” she repeated like an idiot.Where are my words?
Ass. Eyes. Arms. Chest.
No. Don’t say those words.
“How about introducing yourself,” he suggested.
“Okay.” She bit her lip. “Hi, I’m Shelly Anders and—” Crap, that wasn’t her name.
