While Kade worked on his latest motorcycle customization, he kept sliding his gaze toward Skye. Photography was definitely her forte because her smile never wavered as she darted around him. Occasionally, she'd brush a wayward brunette curl away from her pixie face, and he could practically feel its softness.
Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he considered his grandmother's insistence that her surgery be postponed until fall because summer was her favorite time of year. He'd grudgingly allowed the surgery to be scheduled three and a half months out in Phoenix. After Shiloh returned home from the rehab center, he planned to hire a caregiver to assist her. He'd already calculated the cost, which was substantial, but for his grandmother he'd do anything—even allow his privacy to be invaded by a persistent photographer. That made him smile and Skye exclaimed. "Oh, perfect. Whatever made you smile, think about it again."
The wide grin on her face made him chuckle and he said, "It doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?"
"Only a camera and a great subject to photograph."
He shook his head. "I can't believe anyone would want to take my picture."
She talked while she snapped photos. "Do you ever browse fashion magazines?"
"Never."
"That's what I thought. Whether you want to believe it or not, you were made for those magazines. If you can cut it, you'll become famous."
"I don't want to become famous."
She paused and lifted the viewfinder away from her eye. "So then, why are you doing this?"
Kade tossed the wrench he was holding on the ground. "I have my reasons."
"But fame isn't one of them?"
"That's right."
"Well, if it isn't fame, then it must be fortune."
He frowned at her observation but remained silent.
"Okay, no more questions. Whatever the reason, I'm just happy you changed your mind and called me."
Kade reached into his toolbox and lifted a larger wrench. For the next hour he tried to concentrate on customizing the bike and not the tiny woman dancing around him."
Finally, she said, "Okay, I think that's enough for today. I want to go back to my trailer and check out the photos, see which angles work best." Her eyes twinkled. "So I can find out your best side."
Kade shook his head. "So, you think this should take about two weeks?"
"I do."
He hated to ask the next question, but he needed to know. "Do you think it's possible I might see some money in three months?"
Skye responded while putting her cameras in her backpack. "Perhaps. I've got a contact putting his feelers out for agents."
Kade nodded and pretended interest in the bike. He decided that if he pressed the issue of money, he'd look like an idiot. He had some savings that would pay for a month or two of rehabilitation care. He changed the subject, "So, what's up for tomorrow? Do we meet here?"
Skye picked up her backpack. "Yeah. But rather than candid photos, do you feel ready to work on posing."
"Sure, why not?"
"And let's stick with casual clothing: Levis, T-shirt, maybe a beanie. Also, I saw you in motorcycle leathers once. Those would be great too."
Kade remembered he'd been dressed in leathers when she'd plowed into the bike he'd taken out for a final spin before the owner arrived the next day. He'd been pissed as hell and let her know it.
She held his gaze in a defiant stance, as if waiting for him to say something about that day. The girl had gumption. He just said, "Levis—check; T-shirt—check; beanie—check; leathers—check."
She grinned and the corners of her eyes crinkled.
He said, "See you tomorrow, Skye."