Page 73 of Steel

I’d tried that morning like I had the day before, but for some reason, fate hadn’t been in my favor in doing so. However, I was up against a wall, at the point I had to do some test shots in the next couple of days or Eric would be breathing down my neck.

Or worse.

“Mom. Do you think Zorro is going to get very big?”

For about a dozen reasons, my sweet boy no longer complained about not being allowed to ride shotgun. He was in Steel’s big black truck with his big black dog. He’d even chosen to wear a black tee shirt today. Next, he’d be insistent on wearing a mask. Like Zorro. Now, if he wanted a bullwhip…

“Oh, he’ll get very large. Bigger than you.” The fact the pup could be a hundred pounds was yet another issue.

“No, he won’t. I’m going to be big like your boyfriend so I’ll be way bigger than Zorro. Do you think Steel likes me? I know he likes the pup. Right?”

“Honey, Steel isn’t my boyfriend, but I know he adores you. Who wouldn’t?”

Now that I’d pulled into the parking lot of the smokejumper base, my nerves were more on edge. How would Steel react to my request? The money wasn’t bad. Twenty-five hundred was a stretch for the budget, but I’d managed to convince Eric we’d get it back in spades.

“Now, how would you like to meet several real-life heroes?”

“Like Steel?”

“Exactly like Steel.”

“Way cool.”

Dating. The thought of actually dating while I was in Missoula brought more angst than almost anything else. What about when I returned home? I’d sworn off allowing feelings for anyone, but women had an uncanny, unwanted ability to latch onto someone who was nice to them, had manners, and could actually carry on a conversation. If they were handsome then bonus points were given.

Ugh. What was I thinking?

“Alright, now you’re going to keep a tight control on Zorro. We’re not going to interfere so try and remember we’re visitors.”

“Yes, Mom. I got it.”

One thing I’d neglected to purchase was a cage for Zorro. I couldn’t risk him tearing up the house, but I also couldn’t worry about him while working. Plus, I needed to concentrate on getting a babysitter. The list seemed endless. But at least I had a truck so I could pick one up on the way home.

With my camera in hand, I stood outside, breathing in the fresh air before taking a few exterior shots. Even the hangar as a backdrop would be incredible. And the planes. There were two huge cargo planes on the tarmac. I could clearly envision a group shot in front of one of them. Or the helicopter.

Just then, one came into view, touching down with a practiced ease.

Visions of the movieTop Guncame into my mind. I zoomed in on one plane, getting a shot of someone running up the stairs. There was an electric vibe to the location, stirring my emotions. The purchasers would feel it too. And imagine the social media pages, which were already being created even though the final approval of the project hadn’t been given.

In my mind, it was just a matter of time. That’s how confident I was about the material soon to be placed between glossy edges.

The grip on my camera was much firmer than it needed to be, a byproduct of my nerves. I’d tackled the arrogance of Fortune 100 CEOs, making them believe their appearance in our calendar would boost their bottom line. I’d chased up-and-coming surgeons to their vacation homes, providing the perfect reason for them to surrender to my tactics.

But that had been a long time ago and before the previous owner of Brightworks had debased the company by resorting to models, faking their professions and identities. This wasmy chance to reposition the firm into the top promotional companies in the world.

At least that’s what I continued to tell myself, although quelling my nerves hadn’t been successful. The reason was simple.

Steel.

More to the point that I’d conveniently held back full disclosure as to my reason for being in the city. That ended right now. Whatever the outcome, I had a decent pitch prepared in my mind.

I was just about to take a leap, including one of faith when my phone rang. This time seeing Brenda’s number annoyed me. I’d asked Eric to wait until the end of the week to hassle me. I still had a couple of days.

“I’m working on it. As a matter of fact, I’m heading in to talk to a group of potential clients right now. Can you please keep the vulture well fed so I can work?”

Brenda giggled. “I can see the trip has yet to relax you.”

“Who could relax when I don’t have a single man who has agreed to sign on the bottom line? But I’m getting there. Everyone just needs to have a little faith. Plus, did you look at the gorgeous pictures I sent? A fantastic city and every man I’ve seen so far has a buff bod.” So that wasn’t completely true, but she didn’t need to know that.