Model Behavior Read online

  “I don’t know.”

  “What’s not to know? We’ll just hang out on the beach and then grill some steaks. It’ll be fun. No pressure. Just fun.”

  “Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll drive down tomorrow after work.”

  “Sounds great. So will I.”

  “Will you be bringing any of your friends?”

  “No,” Ronnie said. “It’ll just be me. If that’s okay?”

  “Sure. Why don’t we exchange phone numbers so we can let each other know when we arrive?”

  “Ah. Good idea.”

  They put their numbers in each other’s phones and finished their sandwiches.

  “Thanks for lunch. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem. Thank you for being such a professional. It’s a treat working with you.”

  “That’s very kind of you. Okay. I should get going.”

  “Yeah, and I should set up for my next shoot.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you Saturday?”

  “Or maybe even tomorrow night?”

  “We’ll see.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Good-bye, Ronnie.”

  “See ya later, Lana.”

  Ronnie watched Lana leave with a smile. She sort of had a date with her. And that made her very happy.

  “Ronnie?”

  Ronnie jumped at the sound of her name.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in,” she said.

  “It’s okay. You looked like you were lost in space.”

  “I guess I was. Why don’t you go on into the dressing room and I’ll set up the shoot?”

  “Okay.”

  Ronnie got everything set up and turned as she heard Whitney come out of the dressing room.

  “Damn. Lookin’ good, woman.”

  “Why, thank you.”

  Whitney was wearing a black curve-hugging dress. It showed off all her assets, and Ronnie knew it was going to be a fun shoot.

  She took picture after picture of Whitney over the next two hours. When the shoot was over, she had many excellent photos.

  “You did good, Whitney.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Why don’t you go ahead and get into your street clothes?”

  “I will on one condition.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You pour me a glass of wine. I feel I’ve earned it.”

  “Fair enough. One glass of wine coming up.”

  Ronnie popped the top off a beer and poured a glass of wine for Whitney. She sat at the table waiting for her. She didn’t have to wait long. Whitney came out of the dressing room wearing shorts and a tight-fitting shirt. She looked amazing. Ronnie wondered if she had plans for the rest of the night.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Whitney said.

  “Sure.”

  “Why do you always wear black?”

  Ronnie looked down at her long-sleeved button-down shirt and her black jeans. She laughed.

  “Mostly because I don’t want to distract the models by wearing anything bright or showy.”

  “That makes sense. I thought maybe it was to show off that bod and those killer blue eyes.”

  Ronnie laughed again.

  “No. Nothing so nefarious.”

  They finished their drinks.

  “So, dinner tonight?” Whitney said. “My treat this time.”

  Ronnie’s pulse quickened. A night with Whitney would be just what she needed to take her mind off Lana. But was Whitney safe? Why not? And she didn’t want to go home to an empty house again.

  “Sure,” she said. “Dinner would be great.”

  “Most excellent. You follow me this time. I know just the place I want to take you.”

  Chapter Five

  Ronnie followed Whitney to a little hole in the wall that she’d never heard of. She parked her truck and got out. The scent of garlic and herbs assaulted her nose. Her stomach growled as she walked over to Whitney.

  “How do you know about this place? I’ve never been here.”

  “If you must know, I worked here for a while before I got into modeling.”

  “Oh. And the food is good?”

  “It’s delicious. Come on. Let’s get inside and eat.”

  They went into the tiny restaurant that smelled even better inside than it had in the parking lot.

  “It smells amazing in here.”

  “Wait until you taste the food.”

  Whitney was greeted in a hug by the hostess.

  “So good to see you, girl,” she said.

  “It’s good to see you, too,” Whitney said. “I have a special guest tonight, so please treat us right.”

  “You know I will.”

  They were seated at a back table and Ronnie ordered a bottle of wine. Then they looked over their menus and each decided on a delicious sounding Italian meal.

  “So, after dinner,” Whitney said. “Do you want to come home with me?”

  “I’d love to,” Ronnie said. “But, Whitney, I’m really not looking for a relationship.”

  Whitney laughed.

  “Oh, I know. Neither am I, sugar.”

  They ate their dinner and after, Ronnie followed Whitney back to her apartment. She parked in the same spot she had the other time and crossed the parking lot to Whitney’s door. Whitney looked so inviting there that Ronnie’s mouth watered. Her palms itched to touch her. She pulled Whitney inside and closed the door behind her.

  Ronnie pressed Whitney against the door and kissed her hard on her mouth. She leaned into her and her breath caught when she felt their breasts against each other.

  “Let’s get out of these clothes,” Whitney said. She pushed Ronnie off her and took her hand. She led her down the hall to her bedroom.

  Ronnie pulled Whitney’s shirt over her head and unfastened her bra. She ran her hands up and down Whitney’s back.

  “You’re so soft,” Ronnie said.

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  Ronnie brought her hands around to cup Whitney’s breasts. She ran her thumbs over her nipples and smiled as they hardened for her. Whitney pulled away and unbuttoned Ronnie’s shirt. She pushed it to the floor and took her undershirt off. She stepped into Ronnie’s arms and moaned while their breasts rubbed together. They kissed again, a long, slow, languid meeting of tongues. Ronnie felt her clit swelling and knew she’d have to have Whitney soon.

  “Let’s get naked,” Ronnie finally said.

  She backed away and moved to unbutton her jeans.

  “Oh, no,” Whitney said. “That’s my job.”

  She unbuttoned Ronnie’s jeans and dragged the zipper down. She knelt and pulled them off, as well as her boxers. She rested her cheek on Ronnie’s inner thigh.

  “You’re so beautiful,” she said. She straightened up and licked her.

  “Oh, no,” Ronnie pulled away. “You first.”

  She finished undressing Whitney, then they lay together on the bed. Ronnie kissed her again, first on her mouth, then down her neck to her breast. She sucked first one nipple and then the other into her mouth, playing her tongue over each of them.

  While she sucked, she slid her hand down Whitney’s body and between her legs. She was wet and warm and ready for her.

  “You feel so good,” Ronnie said.

  “So do you.”

  Ronnie slipped her fingers inside and thrust them as deep as she could get them. Whitney gyrated her hips and arched off the bed, meeting each thrust.

  “Oh yeah,” Whitney said. “That’s right. Fuck me, baby.”

  Her words made Ronnie swell more. She thought she would explode on her own but forced herself to concentrate on Whitney. She kissed lower down her body and took her clit in her mouth. She ran her tongue over it once, twice, three times, and Whitney screamed as she clamped down around Ronnie and came.

  Ronnie waited for the spasms to subside, then withdrew her fingers and kissed her way back up Whitney’s body.

  “That was awesome, baby,” Whitney said. Ronnie had a w
eird feeling. That was the second time Whitney had called her baby. Was she thinking there was something between them? Surely she understood it was just fun?

  She didn’t have time to contemplate it, though. Whitney was kissing down her body, and Ronnie was in serious need of release. Whitney took her place between her legs. She kissed one inner thigh and then the other. Ronnie trembled in her need. Whitney licked her then, and Ronnie moaned at the contact. She licked all over her before dipping her tongue deep inside. Ronnie moved all over her face, loving the feelings Whitney was creating. Whitney moved her tongue to Ronnie’s clit, and it only took a few licks before Ronnie’s whole body tensed up, then released as she climaxed over and over.

  “So can you stay the night tonight?” Whitney said when they were lying side by side again.

  “No. I have another early shoot. Well, not too early, but still, I need to be fresh, and if I stay here we won’t get much sleep.”

  Whitney pouted.

  “I wish you’d reconsider.”

  “Sorry. Oh, and, um, do you remember when you said you weren’t looking for anything serious? You said you enjoy playing the field?”

  “Yeah. What about it?”

  “Well, um, we’re just having fun, right? You aren’t seeing commitment here are you?”

  “Of course not. It’s all fun and games. Don’t you worry.”

  “Great. Okay. I’ll get going now.”

  “I’ll bring you coffee in the morning.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “But I want to. You go on home now. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Ronnie dressed and left, still not convinced Whitney wasn’t looking for a relationship. Which meant Ronnie would have to scratch her off her list of who to sleep with. It was a shame because Whitney was so much fun, but Ronnie couldn’t or wouldn’t risk her freedom by messing around with her again.

  She got home and slept five hours before her alarm went off, signaling the start of yet another day of work. She yawned and stretched and smiled. She loved her job and was looking forward to another day of it. And then she remembered. After work, she’d be heading to Galveston. She got out of bed and took her shower. She paid extra attention to how she looked that day, as she knew she’d want to impress Lana that night. If she saw her that night. But she was sure she would. She had her number. She’d invite her over for dinner. Even if she didn’t accept her invitation for that night, they were locked in to spending the following day and evening together. Ronnie couldn’t wait.

  Ronnie packed an overnight bag with changes of clothes and swimwear and tossed it in the backseat of her truck. She drove to work and opened the studio. She had just started the coffee when Whitney showed up with two cups of coffee.

  “I told you that wasn’t necessary,” Ronnie said. “Besides, I make coffee here every morning.”

  “Yeah, but that stuff isn’t as good as this. Here. Just have this cup.”

  Ronnie took the cup and took a sip. It was delicious, she had to admit.

  “Why are you up this early?” she said. “Do you have a shoot somewhere?”

  “No. I’ve already gone for my morning run. Hence this attractive outfit.”

  She motioned to her shorts and sweaty, short-sleeved T-shirt.

  “Ah. I see. So that’s how you keep your girlish figure, huh?”

  “It is indeed. It’s how I can eat pasta and drink this caramel flavored coffee.”

  “Now I understand.”

  The door to the studio opened and Christine walked in.

  “You should go now, Whitney,” Ronnie said. “I need to get to work. But thank you for the coffee.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll see you soon.”

  Ronnie breathed a sigh of relief as Whitney walked out. Yes, she’d indeed have to cross her off her list of bedmates. She was just too clingy. She turned her attention to Christine.

  “Would you like some coffee?”

  “I’d love some.”

  “How do you take it?”

  “Black.”

  Ronnie poured her cup and set it on the table.

  “You’re early,” she said.

  “Better early than late.”

  “That seems to be a motto with models. And I like it.”

  “Should I head to the dressing room?”

  “You have a few minutes. Relax and enjoy your coffee.”

  “I wanted to thank you again for dinner the other night. That was very sweet of you.”

  Ronnie bristled at the comment. Her intentions had been anything but sweet, but Christine would never know that.

  “I’m just glad you enjoyed it,” she said.

  Christine finished her coffee and went back to get changed and get her hair and makeup done. Ronnie finished her coffee and set up the shoot. By the time Christine came out of the dressing room, Ronnie was ready for her.

  The shoot went very smoothly, though it took several hours due to clothing changes. When it was over, Ronnie waited patiently for Christine and the hair and makeup artist to leave, then she locked up and got in her truck. She was on her way to Galveston and she couldn’t wait.

  * * *

  Lana was frustrated. Her shoots weren’t going well. She didn’t like the photographer Madeline had scheduled her with. He was a prima donna who had no real talent. She finished her first shoot and asked to see the pictures. He hemmed and hawed and finally agreed to let her see them. She wasn’t happy with them and demanded a reshoot. He was not amused but finally gave in.

  The rest of the day was more of the same. She was tired and in a foul mood when the day finally ended. She went home and took a long bath and drank a glass of wine. That helped. A little.

  She got out and toweled off. It was then that she remembered her promise to Ronnie to drive to Galveston for the weekend. She almost called her and canceled. She really just wanted to be by herself. But she’d made plans and she’d keep them. She loaded an overnight bag and headed down the road.

  Lana listened to the Indigo Girls on the drive, and her mood was much improved as she turned onto Seawall. She stopped in town for a bottle of red wine and one of white and wondered if she should pick up something for dinner. She remembered Ronnie saying they could get together for dinner, but Lana had been noncommittal. She called Ronnie.

  “Hello?” Ronnie said.

  “Ronnie? It’s Lana. Lana Ferguson?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  “I was just wondering if we were on for dinner tonight or if I was on my own.”

  “I picked up some trout, if you like that.”

  “I’ve never had it, but I like all kinds of fish.”

  “Great. Are you at your house now?”

  “No. I’m still in town. I’ll head that way now. I’ll call you again when I get there.”

  “Sounds good. Drive carefully.”

  “I will. Good-bye.”

  Lana was in better spirits as she drove along the gulf toward her house. The water always lifted her spirits, and she was anxious to get to her little slice of paradise. The drive to her house was uneventful. She pulled into her house and saw that the house next door had Ronnie’s truck parked under it. How coincidental was that that they had houses next door to each other? And how was it they’d never seen each other there?

  She parked her car and carried her bag and the wine upstairs to her house. She set everything down and contemplated opening one of the bottles of wine but thought better of it. She would take the white wine to Ronnie’s for dinner. She called Ronnie.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Ronnie. Me again. I’m here now. And I see that you’re my neighbor? Can I come over now or are you in the middle of something?”

  “I’m just working a puzzle. Come on over.”

  “Great. Be right there.”

  She hung up, grabbed the wine, and headed downstairs. She walked up the steps to Ronnie’s and knocked on the door. She stood admiring the water while she waited for Ronnie to answer.

&nbs
p; Ronnie opened the door.

  “Lana. Come on in.”

  She stood back and let Lana walk in. Lana handed her the bottle of wine.

  “Excellent,” Ronnie said. “I have a bottle chilling, but I’ll put this in the fridge to cool as well. Are you ready for a glass?”

  “You have no idea.”

  “Uh-oh. Bad day?”

  “Again, you have no idea.”

  Ronnie laughed.

  “Okay. Well, make yourself comfortable and I’ll pour us some wine.”

  Lana sat at the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room and stared out at the water through a large window.

  Ronnie placed a glass of wine in front of Lana, then sat with her own glass next to her.

  “I love your setup here,” Lana said. “Mine is very similar, but I don’t have a bar.”

  “Well, relax and enjoy it,” Ronnie said.

  “The water looks calm from up here.”

  “I walked along the beach earlier. It was pretty calm.”

  “Good. I’m looking forward to spending some time in the water tomorrow.”

  “Me, too. So, you want to talk about your day?”

  Lana let out a heavy sigh.

  “Where to start? Let’s just say not every photographer is as professional or as talented as you.”

  “Well, thank you, but I’m sorry you had to deal with an untalented, unprofessional photographer. What did she do?”

  “She was a he, for starters.”

  “Ah.”

  “Yeah,” Lana said. “Male photographers are the worst. But they all think they’re wonderful. This guy told me one shoot was over, but when I finally got him to show me the pictures, I made him reshoot. He just couldn’t capture the essence of what we were going for, you know?”

  “I’m sorry. And you’re such a perfectionist. That had to be frustrating.”

  “So very frustrating. Ah, but let’s not talk about it anymore. Let’s relax and enjoy the evening.”

  “Sounds good. You ready for a top off?”

  “Please. Now, what can I do to help with dinner?”

  “You hungry already?”

  “Actually, I am.”

  “Okay, well, I’ve had the trout marinating, so it should be ready to go on the grill. Let me just go fire it up.”