To Save His Mate(6)

“How so?” he asked, pulling on the jeans.

“You’re not even a model, or so Landon told me, yet you look better than all of them,” she gave him another lingering look before adding, “combined. It will humble them a bit. Hell, maybe, it will help make them a little more manageable.”

Ethan just laughed. “I work hard for a living and keep in shape for my work. It’s hardly glamorous.”

“I never said it was, but most of these guys hit the gym, and that’s it. Many of them wouldn’t know a hard day’s work if it bit them on the ass.” Allie adjusted his waistband lower and smiled. “Yes, we want to show off that sexy little V on your lower abdomen. The ladies will go nuts.” She bobbed her brows and gave him a gentle shove towards the tent flap. “Go on.”

Thankful he was mostly covered, Ethan didn’t argue. He did, however, notice the lingering stares—both male and female—he received during his search for Lacy.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered. A moment later, a shrill whistle rent the air, and he whirled to see Lacy approaching.

She was a vision. Short khaki shorts left her long, shapely legs bare while her olive green halter hugged her ample breasts like a second skin. Her long, chestnut hair was pulled into a high ponytail, leaving the classic beauty of her face on display.

“You look amazing,” he blurted, cursing himself when she stilled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s just that you…” His voice trailed off as he caught the scent of arousal on the breeze. It only took a moment to determine the enticing smell was coming from her.

Ethan watched as Lacy cleared her throat and visibly struggled for composure. It relieved him to see she was just as affected by him. His wolf sat up, a contented rumble echoing in Ethan’s mind as she slowly approached.

“You don’t look bad yourself. I see you managed to evade the wax Nazi,” she replied, her eyes trailing over his chest and abs, down to his low-slung jeans. “I wish I could have done the same.”

“You had to wax your legs?” he asked, confused. “I thought a lot of women did that.”

“Oh, we do, but not all of us are fond of the Brazilian wax.” A full body shudder ran through her slender frame, and Ethan fought to contain his amusement.

“Well, then I’m extremely happy I was able to dodge that bullet.”

“Yeah.” Lacy was no longer looking at him but had focused her attention somewhere over his left shoulder.

Ethan turned and noted several of the other models had gathered near a snack table. The men were mixing powder into water bottles while the women were nibbling on celery and carrots.

Lacy sighed, drawing his attention back to her. “Are you hungry?” he asked, not really sure what to make of the scowl she was directing toward the others.

“Are you kidding me? I’m starving! It’s impossible to eat around models. Those women are making me crazy! They almost had a meltdown because I had a Hershey’s bar in the house.”

Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, Ethan crossed his fingers and went for it. “So after our morning photos, we’re pretty much free for the remainder of the day, right?”

“Yeah, so?” Lacy shrugged.

“How about we hit the diner in town?” he offered. “I could really go for a burger, and they have the best around. You could fill me in on what I should expect with this whole modeling thing.”

“That’s easy. Expect a headache…a big one,” she laughed.

Ethan felt his wolf stir again at the tinkling sound of her laughter. The beast suddenly wanted to rub up against her and leave his scent to warn away any other interested males. “That seems to be fairly obvious, given it’s all I’ve received from Landon over there. He’s like a gnat buzzing in your ear on a hot day. The man has been following me for weeks, trying to get me to do this shoot.”

“Well, our shots today shouldn’t take too long.” Lacy flipped her long dark hair and motioned for Ethan to follow her as she began walking. “Landon wants to get some bikini shots by the creek once the sun is high, but we’ll be safe from that.”

“Good to know.” Even better that he would have most of the day with Lacy. “So have you explored the town yet?”

“Not really.”

“I’ll give you a quick tour on our way to the diner.”

“God, you have really got to stop talking about that. My stomach will be growling if you don’t.” She patted her trim belly and laughed. “You always crave what you shouldn’t have, and these girls would combust if I even mentioned a cheeseburger or fries…or a chocolate shake. Mmm, I’m getting one of those, too,” Lacy vowed.