Amazonia Read Free

you
immediately come to mind.”
    A pretty blush crept into her cheeks, making her even
more appealing. What would she think if she knew how much he longed
to kiss her?
    He shook off the image forming in his mind and
focused on her words.
    “I can understand strong and capable. But sexy and
feminine? Me?” She gestured toward her current outfit. “Look at me.
I’m not exactly a prime example of sexiness or femininity. Even in
my work clothes, which you see me in every day, I look more strong
and capable than sexy and feminine.”
    Jefferson studied her, his mind racing. Was she
putting on an act for some reason, or was she truly so unaware of
her allure? He knew he wasn’t the only one affected by her. Some of
the conversations he’d overheard between male employees at Prescott
and Hayes let him know that. As he watched her fidget with her
straw, he realized she really didn’t know how gorgeous and sexy she
was. Inspiration struck and he pulled out his cell phone to call
his favorite staff photographer.
    “I have an idea that will help us put this ad
campaign together. What do you think of doing a little modeling
tonight?”
    “What?” Her eyes widened and she shook her head. “I’m
no model, and even if I were, I’m hardly dressed for it.”
    “You’re wrong. What you’re wearing is perfect for the
Amazonia campaign.” He set his phone on the table and took a risk,
reaching across the table to touch her hand. The electricity that
flew between them made it hard to remember what he’d planned to
say. “And you’re a beautiful woman. I think you’d be the perfect
model for Amazonia, but what I’m suggesting tonight is basically
creating mock-ups of the photos we’ll need for the ads. Once we
have the poses picked, we’ll hire a professional model for the
actual images we’ll show the client.”
    “So, all you want me to do is give you a few poses
and no one will see them other than us?”
    “Well, the photographer will see them, too, since
he’s the one who will be taking the pictures.” Jefferson mentally
crossed his fingers. Once she saw herself on film, surely she would
realize she was just as beautiful as any of the models they
regularly used.
    Layla finished off her shake, appearing deep in
thought. Jefferson thought he might go insane feigning patience,
but he was certain pushing her for an answer would guarantee she
said no. If he waited until she was ready, he had a chance of
hearing yes.
    About the time he couldn’t wait any longer, she
nodded. “Okay. I’ll do it, but you have to let me raid the wardrobe
closet.”
    “Just promise me no frilly dresses this time.” He
hoped she would pick something that kept the rocker look she
currently had. It captured the Amazonia brand beautifully.
    She laughed, a light sound that brought a warm glow
to her eyes. “I promise. Somehow I don’t think that would work well
if we’re trying to convey a woman’s strength.”
    “My thoughts exactly.” He wouldn’t admit how much he
wanted to see her in an ultra-feminine dress one of these days.
Preferably when he picked her up to take her to dinner at the best
restaurant in town.
    When they arrived back at Prescott and Hayes,
Jefferson led the way to the small studio they used for all indoor
photo shoots. As he’d hoped, photographer Tommy Ellis was already
inside, setting up his equipment.
    Tommy adjusted a light and turned toward them. “Hey,
guys, where’d you find a model willing to work this late in the
day?”
    Jefferson laid his hand on Layla’s shoulder and
guided her forward. “You’re looking at her.”
    “Whoa! Really?” Tommy grinned as he joined them.
“It’s about time you get into modeling, Layla.”
    She shook her head, her cheeks flushed. “Sorry to
disappoint you, Tommy, but this is a one-time gig to try out some
sample poses.”
    “Aw, come on. You’re breaking my heart!”
    She laughed and headed for the wardrobe closet,
calling over her shoulder, “You know I love