Behind His Lens(17)

I shake my head harshly and turn away without a second glance. Luckily, Tom tosses the soccer ball across the field and the game begins, saving me from making any more mistakes. For the next thirty minutes I’m going to focus on soccer and not the angel on the sidelines stirring up feelings from my hardened heart.

CHAPTER FIVE

Charley

“So we’ll meet at The Village Tavern around nine?” Bennett asks Naomi.

The soccer game ended a few minutes ago and everyone’s sitting in a circle swapping out their cleats for sneakers and shrugging on t-shirts, much to my chagrin. Goodbye heavenly dream.

“Sounds good. That place is really close to where Charley and I live.” She smiles over at me and I offer a small nod. It’s intimidating being in a group with so many attractive men, not to mention the man sitting directly across from me. I can’t meet his eyes and we haven’t said a single word to each other this whole time. Is he purposely ignoring me? Did I make him mad yesterday? No. He can probably just tell how much he affects me and he doesn’t want to lead me on. But what about that wink? Naomi saw him do it too, so I know we’ll break it down the second we’re alone.

A few of the guys start to stand and say their goodbyes. Before he leaves, Tom offers me a wide grin and tells me he’ll see me later. I’m happy he’ll be at the bar. He’s easy to be around, unlike some people.

A beat later, Bennett hops up and walks over to stand in between Naomi and me so he can grab our hands and pull us up. Naomi giggles like a schoolgirl. She seems to really like him and I can’t wait to tell her how much I approve. All my instincts tell me he’s a good guy.

After Bennett drops my hand so he can wrap both around Naomi, I reach down to grab my water bottle. The moment I stand, Jude’s intoxicating scent wraps around me and I inhale deeply before standing back up. He’s finally going to acknowledge me. I shift my gaze up to see him standing a few inches away. Instinctively, I turn toward Naomi for help, but she’s wrapped up in whatever Bennett’s saying.


“How’s your endurance, Charley?”

My mouth hangs open as I turn back to Jude.

What? What the hell kind of question is that?

“What?” I don’t even try to hide the shock in my voice.

I watch as his innuendo settles in and he has the decency to glance down at his feet before meeting my eyes again. No. Stop. Stop being charming.

“I meant do you run every day?” he clarifies with a sly smile. I watch the corners of his lips curl up with intense concentration. His mouth looks like it was made for whispering dark thoughts in dark corners.

“Every morning,” I answer in a clipped tone, trying to conserve my composure. But then I feel bad for cutting the conversation off, so I add, “It looks like you work out a lot too.”

His smile widens and adorable dimples dot his cheeks.

“I try to stay in shape…”

My eyes drift down his body. Obviously he does.

“Will you be at the photo shoot on Monday?” I ask, wanting to know if I should prepare myself for his presence.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be there? It’s a two day shoot.”

“Oh, you just left so quickly yesterday.” I chew on my lip. Should I have acted like I didn’t notice?

“There was nothing left for me to do. My assistants handle the grunt work.”

He doesn’t mean for his words to slice me, but they do. They cut right through me and I can no longer meet his eyes.

“Ah,” I murmur, twisting the lid on and off my water bottle.

He clears his throat and I glance up to watch him wring out his hands. “Will you be at the bar later?”

I slide my gaze toward Naomi and Bennett. I know she’ll make me go even if I’d rather not. “Looks like it,” I answer, tilting my head to the lovebirds. His eyes slide in their direction and he smirks gently before recovering his cool demeanor. I guess we’ll both be there against our will. How romantic.

“Then I’ll see you later,” he clips sternly, as though we’re planning a business meeting. My water bottle crinkles as I wring my hands around the hard plastic.

I chew on my lip and nod, but I don’t reply. Instead, I turn on my heel to grab Naomi so we can begin the trek home.

“Oh, and Charley,” Jude calls behind me. I turn around to see the sun glinting off his icy blue eyes. “That running gear might be even sexier than that first gown you wore for the shoot.”