Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
At that, Clark’s serious expression brightened, and his large eyes filled with an eagerness that set Jay’s teeth on edge. Clark’s voice cracked a little as he said, “Erin’s here?”
Oh boy. Jay had seen crushes before, but this one was acute. Clark’s cheeks grew rosy and he nearly tripped over his tripod trying to get into the house as fast as he could.
Jay tried to keep his amusement in check. The poor guy. “We’re in my study to the left. Need me to carry any of that stuff?”
“I can manage.”
Clark hefted the stuff into the study and suddenly the room felt crowded. Buzzy circled Clark, whom he obviously recognized, demanding that as soon as his hands were free, a pat would be required.
Jay excused himself to make them all a fresh pot of coffee, and used the time to try to dislodge the hard knot that had formed in the pit of his stomach. When he returned and saw Erin and Clark talking, her body language made it clear that Clark’s massive crush was unrequited. Erin was saying, “I thought we’d set up in here. What do you think?”
Clark gave a vigorous nod and Jay got the impression that if she’d suggested they take his feature photograph in the bathroom by the toilet, Clark would have enthusiastically agreed. Man, that kid had it bad. Still, Jay couldn’t help a niggle of. . . something. It wasn’t jealousy, obviously, but they worked together. The kid must see her five days a week and they’d go out on assignments like this one. They wouldn’t be the first couple who had ended up getting together through shared circumstance. And then they’d stay together, because the love one of them had for the other would be strong enough to carry the whole relationship.
Still, he’d hate to see Erin settle. She deserved someone more. . . what? More like him? As soon as he had the thought, he banished it. Not only had he assured Arch that his sister was off-limits, but he truly believed it. Yes, he was seeing a side of her today that really impressed him. She was one of the most skillful interviewers he’d ever come across. But she wasn’t his type. Not even close. Maybe they could become better friends. He had certainly revealed more about his past to her than he had any friend—including her brother. Talk about oversharing. She just made him want to talk to her. But what he’d failed to consider was that by talking to Erin, he was also talking to the readership of the Sea Shell. He’d have to think about the consequences of that later.
And yet he was glad she stayed as Clark set up and then took what seemed like hundreds of different shots around his study, where he’d already hung photos and movie posters from his clients’ films. Erin suggested that they try the library, but Jay shook his head. He knew he was interesting because he represented hot actors—no one wanted to see that he read poetry or philosophy. He was happy to move to the garden at Clark’s request, however. It was cool and peaceful in the shade, and he could hear the ocean in the distance.
While they were packing up, Clark said to Erin, “There’s an auction this Saturday, if you want to come along.”
“Auction?” Jay asked. “What kind of auction?” He loved auctions, and he still needed quite a few things for the house. It might be fun to go to a local auction and see what they were like.
Clark pushed his glasses up his nose. “It’s photographic equipment mostly, but there will also be art and some antiques, I think.”
“Cool,” Jay said. “Where is it? I’m free on Saturday.”
Something flashed across Clark’s face, but he obligingly told Jay the name of the auction house and its address in Monterey before he turned his attention back to Erin. “Do you think you’ll be able to come?”
“Probably,” she said, with a small shrug and a smile. “Let’s see how far I get with my deadline.”
Jay tried not to frown. He was surprised Erin would want to spend her weekend at an auction with this gangly photo buff. Didn’t she have better things to do? Still, he was intrigued. Not only by the auction, but also by what the relationship really was between these two.
With the interview over, Jay insisted on helping Clark carry his equipment back to his car. He tried not to be smug as he made light work of the heavy lighting rig. Clark thanked him, told Erin he’d see her back at the office, and drove off.
At the door, Erin turned to Jay with a smile. “I’d make tracks too, but it seems Buzzy has other ideas.” She gestured down at Jay’s feet, where Buzzy had made himself comfortable.