Chapter One

She was nervous. Not only was she doing a nude shoot, but it was HIM. The guy that had fueled her fantasies for more years than she cared to admit. When his "people" called to set this up, she seriously considered assigning the task to one of her associates. As it was, she made sure that her partner, her MALE partner, was going to be on site. At least that way she wouldn't embarrass herself. She could keep control of a modicum of professionalism if she wasn't alone with him.

Oh Lord, he's here. He strolled in like he owned the place, and he was wearing it. The Stetson. Her fingers itched to snatch it from his head and plop it on hers, but instead she just called out, "Morning!"

"Mornin', darlin'," he drawled. "Where do I get naked for you?"

She nearly dropped the camera she was loading, and Richie just laughed. "Jesus, man, back there," she waved to the other side of the room. "Behind that screen." She smiled. "Don't you like to make small talk before you get to it?"

Richie laughed. "If that makes you feel more comfortable, darlin'," he said, cocking a hip and smiling at her. "Or we could talk after...."

"Yeah, right," she muttered under her breath. After she'd be heading for the nearest cold shower. "Whatever," she said in her normal voice. Richie smirked, and went behind the screen.

At the sound of his boots hitting the floor, she dampened. Hearing the zipper of his too-tight jeans rasp made her whimper. She cast a fleeting glance at her partner, but he was busy setting up the lights, and didn't notice her little noise. When she saw the jeans and shirt Richie had worn into the studio drape over the top of the screen, she had to turn away and pinch herself. Her cheeks were flushed, and if she wasn't careful, she wouldn't be able to look at him.

"Are you ready for me, darlin'?" Richie yelled out.

She looked at her partner. "Mike, you all set over there?"

"Sure thing," he answered.

"All set then," she yelled back.

Then he came around the screen. He had a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, and a confident grin on his face. For just a moment, she gaped, then regained her professionalism.

"Where do you want me?" he asked, his voice dripping with the double entendre.

She closed her eyes for a moment before answering. "Go see Mike, he'll get you up...get you SET up," she hastened to add, cheeks flaming.

Richie chuckled as he walked over to meet Mike. Mike got him posed just so, and called over to his partner. "Hey Jen," he said. "We're ready."

She turned around and just stared. Just for a moment. He was glorious. Tanned all over, and rippled with muscle. His legs were strong-looking, and covered liberally with dark hair. Jen's gaze traveled up to his ass, which was flexed due to the position Mike had him in. His arms were bulging, and his chest.... Oh that chest.... It was chiseled perfection. She could count the ab muscles in his six-pack and his pecs were well defined. Everything was just perfect. She ducked behind her camera and asked, "You ready?" surprised at how husky her voice sounded. Mike flicked her and whispered "down girl" in her ear. She laughed, thankful for the break in the tension.

Richie shifted just a little, and said "Ready, darlin'," and Jen squeaked.

"Um, you're not covered anymore," she said, cheeks flaming.

Richie looked down. "What do you mean?"

"What do you think I mean?" she said without thinking. "You're not all stuffed into your hat!" She looked at the amused expression on his face. "Oh shit," she said. "I said that out loud didn't I?"

"Sure did, Jen," Richie said, using her name for the first time. He got an evil look in his eyes. "Wanna help me stuff it back in?"

Mike choked back a laugh. "Jen, I'm outta here. I think you have this situation well in hand." He cackled at his own wit, and left the room.