Desperate Lovers by Adam Carpenter (good beach reads TXT) 📕

was heavy with sleep. He must have just woken up.

“It’s me. I was hoping to catch you.”

“Hey, Saws. You caught me. And I caught your act last night too.”

“My act?” Instantly, thoughts of his encounter with Max

Melbourne came to Sawyer’s mind. Guilt was a powerful thing.

“Monica Paris?” Dane snickered. “Eww.”

“Yeah. About that. I was in a situation and had to cover for—”

“Uh huh. I figured as much. No sweat.”

“So guess where I’m sitting?”

“Max Melbourne’s lap?”

Sawyer’s heart skipped a beat before he realized that Dane was only kidding. He couldn’t possibly know. And if Sawyer could help it, he never would. “No, smart-ass. I’m sitting in the L.A. office of Tyler Wood.

He asked to see me.”

Dane was genuinely excited for Sawyer. What a catch, the model thought. A boyfriend who’s as interested in my success as he is his own.

Maybe more so. The sentiment, though heartwarming, only made Sawyer feel worse about what had happened the night before. He wished he were in Dane’s arms right now. He smiled at that thought.

“I have some news from the land of Danvers Converse,” teased

Dane, changing the subject. “It seems that Troy Saunders is alive and well.

Or at least well enough to access my porn site. And get this, I think he’s staying at Converse’s home in Carmel.”

“I thought Parker said he was the only surviving member of the Saunders clan.”

“That’s what he said. Someone isn’t telling the truth.”

“There’s a shock.”

A receptionist approached the sofa where Sawyer sat. She motioned that he could go in to see Mr. Wood.

“Dane, I’ve got to go.”

“Okay. One last thing, it seems this kid wants to be a photographer or something. That’s what his Facebook page says. Sounds like your area more than mine. I’ll email you the address and phone number.”

Sawyer rose and smoothed out his pants. “Okay. I’ll be in touch.”

Before he powered down the cell, he added, “Miss you.”

The offices of Tyler Wood were spacious, well-lit and modern in décor. Sawyer followed the receptionist down a hall lined with expensive original art. She stopped at a door, knocked twice and opened it for Sawyer.

“Sawyer Block!” The greeting sounded like an accusation, but Wood’s smile was broad and warm. He offered his hand to the model.

“Close the door, will you, Sawyer? We don’t want to be interrupted.”

Sawyer obeyed, suddenly feeling a bit trapped. He couldn’t shake what happened last night with Max. Woods reclined in his Aeron chair, clearly the master of all he surveyed. He stared at Sawyer for a moment, looking him up and down with a scrutinizing eye.

Sawyer looked about with some discomfort. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Wood.” They had recently met in Paris. During Fashion Week.

“Sawyer, I’m not going to beat around the bush. I want you.” The model nervously pulled at his shirt. “I want you as the new face of Tyler Wood Designs.” Dumbfounded, Sawyer’s jaw fell open. “I didn’t make

that decision lightly. But I’ve been watching you. Closely. And I think you’re just what we need. What I need. ”

“Um, wow. That’s quite an honor.”

“If this sounds good to you, Max and I can work out the particulars. We spent an hour talking about you last night.”

“You did?” What did Max say?

“Had nothing but praise for you. He’s a little over-protective. If you come to work for me, you’ll be mine. He’s your agent. But I’m the boss.” Sawyer nodded. Wood nodded back, his smile fading slightly.

“Now I know about last night.”

What did he know?

“As far as I’m concerned, that’s water under the bridge. Okay?”

Again, Sawyer couldn’t muster anything more than a weak nod. Tyler pushed back his chair and stood. Sawyer followed suit. “There is one think I want from you before we do business. You understand?”

“Yes …”

“Good.” Wood turned to the window for a moment, looking out at the Los Angeles cityscape. Sawyer knew what was expected of him. He reluctantly began to loosen his belt, ready to drop trou for the man who could make his career. When Wood turned back to the model, the smile on his face vanished. “What the—What are you doing, Sawyer?”

Sawyer froze. His belt buckle swung freely against his hip. “I

thought you meant—”

“Oh no, no no!” Tyler Wood looked at Sawyer through narrowed eyes. “Is that what Max does to his people? Is it?” Sawyer couldn’t respond. Wood motioned for him to fasten his pants. The designer turned away while he did so. “No, Sawyer. What I want from you, what I expect, is honesty.”

“Honesty?”

Wood turned back around. “Yes. I have to be able to trust you with my name and my reputation.” He leaned over the desk. “So I’m going to trust with you a little secret. Just between us.”

It turned out that while many in the industry believed Tyler Wood to be another of many gay designers, he was actually straight. He just played gay because it added cache to the label. “We’re two straight guys who’re playing the game here, Sawyer.” He motioned to Sawyer’s pants. “But I don’t play that way.”

Sawyer visibly relaxed. He stood a little taller. “Then in the spirit of honesty, Mr. Wood? I’m really gay.” Tyler’s eyebrows raised in surprise and some amusement. “I only play straight for the crowd.”

The designer laughed. “I think we’re going to get along just fine.”

Their business concluded, Wood asked Sawyer to have his measurements sent over and get some basic stills taken for his file.

“Sure thing.” Sawyer stopped at the door and then turned back.

“Could I ask I favor? I have a friend who’s looking to break into photography. Would you mind if he took the shots?”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s perfect,” Sawyer explained the plan to Dane over the phone as he drove up to Carmel. Tyler Wood’s receptionist had called Troy Saunders and asked if he’d be willing to take some photos of model Sawyer Block for the acclaimed designer. She mentioned that Wood got Troy’s name from a business associate of his, Danvers Converse, who had mentioned that his nephew wanted to break into photography. The kid took the bait.

“What are you going to do?”

“Whatever it takes. Those bastards want to