Page 16 of Paparazzi Perfect
She threw her head back laughing, and I joined in. “Well, I don’t know about that, but I am grateful, that’s for sure.”
We settled onto the stools, and the tension slowly left my body. She took me in slowly before meeting my stare again. Desire flickered across her face. I felt invincible. Suppressing the urge to close the space between us and taste her lips, I drew in a slow breath and focused on the wall over her shoulder.
“So, you’re American?” she asked, sipping her drink.
“My mother’s American, and I’ve spent a lot of time there. But my father’s Australian, which is why I’m back here now.”
The lighting was dim, but it caught the golden tones in her hair, and I wanted to run my fingers through it.
“That’s so cool.” She smiled at me. “Do you like it here so far?”
“From what I can see… it’s absolutely breathtaking.”
Her smile deepened.
We sat talking, the more I learned about her, the more I wanted to know. As we finished our drinks, the mood shifted from light and playful to something deeper, more charged.
There was nowhere else I would rather have been.
She told me about her parents and growing up down the coast in Byron Bay. Her face lit up when she talked about the house she shared with some other models.
The more we talked, the more certain I became.
She was lovely.
My heart didn’t stand a chance.
***
“So, mysterious Karson,” she began, “all I know about you is you’re on holiday with your friend, and you’ve spent a lot of time in the States.” A mischievous smile tugged at her lips. “But you’re giving off a bit of a wealthy playboy vibe in those clothes.” She traced her finger lightly over the sleeve of my shirt. “I know Italian fabric when I feel it.”
“Why, thank you,” I said in a posh accent as she giggled. “Playboy? Yeah, nah. This shirt was a gift.” I grinned, trying to downplay her comment.
“Well, whoever it was from, they have great taste.”
“Seriously, though,” I continued, “I’m just waiting to start college. My plan is to study commerce at the University of Sydney. I had some other offers too, but my father’s determined that I go there.” I shrugged.
“Nice. And what does Karson do for fun?” She gazed at me, resting her chin in her palm.
“Anything that involves the ocean. Skiing too, when I get the chance.” I was careful to underplay the lifestyle. I wanted her to get to know me, not the billionaire’s son.
I didn’t mention the ski chalet in France, where I’d often stayed with staff but rarely with my parents—but for some reason, I suddenly wanted to share that with her.
“I’m a water baby too. The beach is my happy place, and where you’ll usually find me. I love staring out over the horizon, thinking about all the places I haven’t seen yet.” A faraway look filled her eyes. “Traveling is on my bucket list, and now, because of this new contract, I might actually have a chance at—”
“Hey!” A brawny guy with a scruffy mullet cut in before she could finish. “You’re that model who won tonight, right?” he said abruptly, not waiting for a reply.
“Me and my friends are heading to a party.” He eyed Ivy. “How about you come along, sweetheart?”
A few of his friends stood behind him, watching.
“That’s a no from me,” Ivy replied, staring into her drink.
“You’ll have more fun with us than with him,” he sneered, grabbing her arm.
I stood abruptly.
“Hey!” She tried to yank her arm free. “Get your hands off me!”
