Chapter One
Dominic
When the Viscount Sommerleigh demands that I visit him in his office, it means one of two things—Hugh wants to murder me, or he and his wife are plotting something. Neither option appeals to me, but I think I’d choose murder over meddling. I’ve known Hugh Parrish for years. But he didn’t become a meddler until he married Avery, a charming American woman. Now, he and all our married mates think I need to “settle down” and “find the right woman.”
Maybe I would like to do that, but not because Lord Sommerleigh commanded it. Why, then, am I striding through the halls of Sommerleigh Sweets’ corporate headquarters to meet with the CEO, otherwise known as Hugh? I might be slightly curious about what he and his wife mean to do. That’s all.
As I march up to the desk where Hugh’s executive assistant sits, I stop to smile and greet her. “Good morning, Trudy. You look lovely today.”
“Thank you, Mr. Rigby. Lord Sommerleigh is waiting for you, and he asked me to send you right in the moment you arrived.”
“Can’t keep the viscount waiting, can we?”
“No, sir. You can go in.”
The door to Hugh’s office is closed, but since I have permission, I walk right in and shut the door behind me.
Lord Sommerleigh sits behind his desk in a pose that seems too casual to be genuine. “There you are, Dom. I thought you’d forgotten about our appointment.”
“How could I forget?” I drop onto a chair across the desk from him. “You texted me reminders twice a day for the past three days.”
“Sorry about that. Derek thought it would be amusing to harass you with technology.”
“Well, that does explain why each text also had a rude emoji attached to it.”
Hugh arches his brows. “Rude emojis? You’ll need to show me those.”
I hold out my phone so he can see the screen.
A half-suppressed chuckle splutters out of him. “Is that a pile of shit?”
“Yes.”
“Derek is American, so we must tolerate his rudeness. He can’t help it.”
I hook one leg over the other knee. “Are you going to tell me why you summoned me here?”
“Of course. I need your help with a project.”
“Candy is your specialty, not mine. I teach schoolgirls how to play cricket.”
Hugh shakes his head. “I don’t want you to work for me. This project is for charity, and your skills will be essential.”
“For what?”
Lord Sommerleigh steeples his fingers, eying me with a sneaky glint that I know all too well. “Avery and I are organizing a charity do. The proceeds will go to cancer research.”
“What does any of that have to do with my skills?”
“Once upon a time, you were one of the top cricketers in the world. That’s the skill we need.” He rolls his chair up to the desk and folds his arms atop it. “We’re organizing a charity cricket match with former pros competing against the current crop of players.”
“I see. So, you’re trying to kill me with cricket. I’m not a youngster anymore, Hugh.”
He gives me an exasperated look. “Honestly, Dom, you are not an elderly gent. You’re thirty-eight and still in top condition. That means for you, the charity match will be a dolly.”
“An easy catch? I doubt that. And I quit cricket because of my knee.”
“But it doesn’t bother you anymore. I saw how you played in the casual match we held at Sommerleigh a few months ago.”
My first reaction is to tell Hugh to sod off, but we’ve been friends for too long for me to do that. I know he means well, but honestly, I don’t play anymore. If I and a gang of other former cricketers play against well-trained younger men…
We will all die.
“If a bunch of retirees compete against youngsters who train religiously, we’ll need to pray for a lollipop with every bowl.”
“Since when do you pray for an easy ball?” Hugh stares straight into my eyes. “Are you afraid, Dominic? The man who used to dominate the field and earned the nickname The Dom can’t possibly be worried about a measly little charity match.”
“Let me think about it.”
“If you insist. I will need your answer by tomorrow so we can book a venue for the ball, and we’ll need time to find an available cricket ground.” Hugh leans back in his chair. “Perhaps the third part of the event will help you decide.”
A few things he just said finally sink in. “When you say ‘ball,’ I assume you aren’t talking about the sort cricketers use.”
“No. I meant a party with dancing and music. Drinks too, naturally.”
Thank heavens for that. I’ll need to be quite drunk to agree to take up a bat again in a genuine match. Am I seriously considering accepting Hugh’s offer? It’s insane. “What is the third part of your nefarious plot?”
Hugh laughs—loudly. “Nefarious? You’ve become rather paranoid, haven’t you?”
“Only since you invited me to your office.”
The desk phone rings. Hugh snatches it up. “Yes, Trudy? Wonderful. Please do ask our guest to come in.”
I squint at Hugh. “What guest?”
“You’ll see.”
The door swings open, and a beautiful brunette sashays into the room.
I leap out of my chair. “Chelsea? What are you doing here? You should be home in America.”
“Gee, that’s a great way to say hello.”
“Ah, sorry. I’m surprised, that’s all.”
“Take a seat, Chelsea,” Hugh says. “We need to inform Dominic of the plan.”
I return to my chair while Chelsea takes the one beside me. Her green eyes shimmer like emeralds in the sunlight that streams through the windows.
She aims her sweet smile at me. “Hugh didn’t tell you yet, did he?”
“Clearly not.”
Lord Sommerleigh smirks but quickly erases that expression, replacing it with a slight smile. “We’ve hired Chelsea Vance Photography to take on the third project in our master plan.”
I glance back and forth between Chelsea and Hugh. “Photography? Stop being so bloody coy and tell me what you’re talking about.”
“The calendar.”
“He doesn’t get it,” Chelsea says. “Would you like me to explain it, Hugh?”
Lord Sommerleigh glances at his watch. “Oh, look at the time. I promised Avery I’d be home for lunch. You two should stay here and chat about the project in private. I’m sure Dom will be far more cooperative with you, Chelsea.”
He practically bolts out the door.
I veer my gaze to Chelsea. “Why do I feel like I’m about to be tortured for information?”
She makes a dismissive gesture with her hand. “You’re being silly. This event will be fun and painless, if you cooperate.”
“Don’t you have clients back home who need to have their dogs photographed? Or children who want to vomit on your shoes?”
“That rarely happens. And you’re just being contrary.”
I drum my fingers on my thigh. “Tell me what on earth your photographic project is all about.”
“Only if you promise to genuinely consider doing it.”
“Do I need to swear a blood oath? Get on with it, Chelsea.”
“All right.” She squares her shoulders and clears her throat. “I want you and other former pro cricketers to participate in a calendar.”
“You’ve already mentioned that. What aren’t you telling me? How will we ‘participate’?”
“The calendar is aimed at adults, mostly women. But I’m sure men will buy it too, for their significant others.”
Why do I feel as if she’s afraid I’ll fly off the handle when she tells me the whole truth? I’ve never done that. But Chelsea is clearly anxious.
“Let’s cut to the chase,” I say. “Exactly what sort of calendar will it be?”
“Beefcake.”
“I don’t understand.”
She bites her upper lip briefly, then sucks in a deep breath. “Sexy half-naked men.”
Has my jaw dropped down to my chest? No, I think it crashed to the floor. “You want me to, ah…”
I can’t even finish that sentence.
Chelsea moves to crouch at my feet, resting her hands on my knees. “Please don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. It’s not like you’ve never taken your shirt off before. During Hugh and Avery’s wedding week shenanigans, you had no problem with whipping your shirt off in front of everyone at the end of the cricket match.”
“That was different. And the Scots instigated it, not me. I got swept along in their wake.”
“You’ve never been shy. Why are you bent out of shape about showing a little skin for charity?”
The way she’s kneeling at my feet, I have an excellent view down her blouse. Its low neckline reveals enough of her cleavage that my trousers are suddenly feeling tight in the groin. I can’t help that Chelsea is sexy and that my body reacts to her sensual appeal. It does not mean I’m attracted to her. We’ve been mates for too long to suddenly develop lust for each other.
She pokes my chest. “Answer my question.”
“What was the question again?”
Chelsea rolls her eyes. “Why are you getting weird about taking your shirt off?”
“Because you said ‘half-naked.’ I do not want to take my clothes off in front of you.”
She studies me for a moment, and I swear I can see gears clicking away in her eyes while she figures out how to talk me into this calendar bollocks.
Then she pats my thigh and smiles. “I have an idea. Let’s go to my studio and take a few test shots. That might make you more comfortable with the idea.”
“I don’t know.”
“When I said ‘half-naked,’ I meant you would take your shirt off. That’s all.”
“Let me think about it.”
“Sure. But we need your answer soon, Dominic. You can’t procrastinate your way out of it.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”
“Good.” She stands up. “Now, I need to head to the studio so I can get started on the project. Other cricketers aren’t as stubborn as you. They’re excited to take part.”
“You have a studio? Where?”
“Here in London. Hugh and Avery arranged it for me.”
Of course they did. Those two need to start having babies to distract them from all this ruddy meddling.
Chelsea and I walk out of the building together, then climb into separate taxis. Will I participate in a “beefcake” calendar? I’ll need to think long and hard about that.
Chapter Two
Chelsea
I snap photos in quick succession, capturing sexy images of a hot, muscular guy who isn’t at all skittish about posing half-naked for a calendar. Chip Martel seems to enjoy the process, considering the way he keeps grinning and flexing his muscles. If he’s trying to impress me, the tactic fails. Chip has a great body, but I don’t feel any attraction for the Aussie hunk.
After one last shot, I lower my camera. “Thanks, Chip. You did great.”
“Glad I could be of service.” He grins again and winks. “I’ll strip for you anytime.”
“You can keep your pants on. This isn’t a porno calendar.”
He grabs his shirt and pulls it on, then winks at me. “I had a few maidens over last night, and I gave them a heavy ball.”
“That’s cute, but I’m friends with a cricketer. I know you’re not actually talking about women. A maiden over is a cricketing term, and so is a heavy ball.”
“Could I buy you a drink?”
“That’s kind of you, but I have another session today.” I check the time on my phone. “The next guy should be here any minute.”
“Who is it? Maybe I know him.”
“It’s Benno Hochberg.”
Chip nods with mock solemnity. “Oh, yeah, the German who defected to an English team. I guess he likes losing matches.”
“But you defected to the English side.”
“That’s different. I’m lending them my Australian magic.”
“Uh-huh.” I’m not really paying attention to what he said. My focus is on prepping for the next session. “I’ll let you know if I need any additional shots of you.”
“Ring me anytime, Chelsea. I’m at your disposal.”
Someone knocks on the door. That must be my next victim. Chip clearly doesn’t feel that way about becoming a calendar star, but Dominic has been weirdly pigheaded about not wanting to take his shirt off. He seems to think I plan to drag him into a dungeon and chain him to the wall, then rip his clothes off.
That thought conjures an image in my mind of Dominic naked and restrained, at my mercy. I start to tingle down there between my thighs. I do not want to screw Dominic. I just photographed a hot guy, so naturally, I’m feeling warm and tingly. It’s an autonomic response, and it will pass.
Chip swings the door open and greets Benno, who says something in what I think is German. Chip responds in the same language, and they both laugh. Benno slaps Chip’s shoulder. The Aussie saunters out of the studio while the German shuts the door and approaches me.
“Where do you want me?” he asks. “I have never taken part in a photo shoot before.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it.” I wave toward the backdrop I’d set up earlier for Chip. “Stand in front of that and remove your shirt, please.”
Benno grins with boyish delight. “Anything you want, I will do.”
Oh, jeez, more flirting. If every guy who walks into this studio hits on me, it’s going to be a long week. Well, at least I know Dominic won’t do that.
I take shot after shot while Benno flexes his muscles, gives me sly smiles, and strikes poses he seems to think are irresistible. He looks kind of silly sometimes, and I suggest different ways he can show off his physique. Benno is more of a handful than Chip had been, and by the time our session ends, I need a break. Luckily, I don’t have any other sessions until tomorrow.
On his way out, Benno pauses to clasp my hand and kiss it. “Have dinner with me, Chelsea.”
“Um, sorry. I don’t date clients.” Maybe that’s a rule I invented five seconds ago, but I’m desperately trying to let him down easy.
“Anything you desire, I will give you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I have to say no.”
Benno sighs, releasing my hand. “If you change your mind…”
“Uh-huh. Goodbye, Benno.”
He sighs again, with more melodrama this time, then walks out the door.
The men I photographed today clearly love the spotlight, unlike Dominic. Convincing him to go along with the half-naked calendar idea might prove to be my toughest task.
I’m wiped out, which means it’s time to quit for the day.
Avery and Hugh set me up with a swanky flat for the duration of the charity project, so at least I’m going home to comfy conditions. They also offered to provide an on-call limo to ferry me wherever I need or want to go, but I declined. Taxis are good enough for me. I’d feel weird riding around in a big limousine by myself, anyway.
The building where my flat resides features an elevator that I swear has gold leaf on the walls. Not sure I’ll fit in here. I’m not a gazillionaire, after all, though I’ve met one. Diana Sangster is a British billionaire and one of the main sponsors of the cancer benefit and the calendar.
I’ve just flopped onto the sofa and ditched my shoes when my cell phone rings. I say hello without bothering to glance at the caller ID.
“How was your first day of photographing cricketers?”
“Dominic, it’s you.” My pulse might have sped up a teeny bit when I heard his voice, but I have no idea why that happened. I guess I’m relieved to talk to a man who won’t hit on me, after dealing with Chip and Benno today.
“Yes, it’s me, Chelsea. Were you waiting for someone else to ring you?”
“No.”
“So, how was your day?”
“Fine. I met Chip Martel and Benno Hochberg.” I tuck my feet under me and gaze out the picture windows. “Those two are characters, for sure.”
“I’ve never met Chip or Benno, but I’ve heard they both loved their celebrity status and missed it when they retired.”
“Oh, yeah, they love attention. I lost count of how many times they hit on me today.”
He goes completely silent for several seconds.
“Are you still there, Dom?”
He clears his throat. “Yes, I’m here. If those blighters harass you again, let me know immediately.”
“They aren’t blighters. I think they’re basically nice guys under that flirtatious exterior. Benno invited me to dinner, but he didn’t get annoyed when I said no.”
“You are doing a job. Those wankers shouldn’t pester you for dates.”
Why is Dominic getting bent out of shape about this? It was nothing.
“It’s inappropriate.” His voice has gotten growly. “You need a chaperon anytime you are going to be alone with strange men.”
“What? That’s ridiculous. I’ve been photographing strangers on my own for ten years, and I’m a big girl who can take care of herself.”
Now he literally growls, like an irritable dog. “How many times have you photographed naked men with no chaperon?”
“Never. Benno and Chip were shirtless, not naked. And I don’t appreciate your tone. What happened to sweet Dom, the man who’s been my friend for years?”
He falls silent again, for even longer this time. “I’m sorry, Chelsea. No idea why I got angry. But I honestly do worry about you.”
“I know. That’s very sweet, but working with retired cricketers isn’t any different than going on a blind date. You never got upset when I did that.”
“Ah, well… Never mind.”
I can’t interpret sentence fragments. All I can do is change the subject. “I’m starving, and I haven’t had time to shop for groceries. Want to hit a pub with me?”
“Of course. I’ll text you the address to my favorite pub and meet you there in an hour.”
“Perfect. See you soon.”
I take a quick shower and dry my hair, but I don’t bother with makeup. Having dinner with a friend means I can stay relaxed and casual. Jeans and a T-shirt will suffice. Dom and I have been friends for too long for either of us to give a hoot about dressing up to have dinner at a pub.
Dominic told me to meet him in an hour, so I get on my computer to take a quick look at the photos I took today. I can definitely find one good shot for each man. Chip and Benno would look great wearing anything, which made my job easier. Once I’ve finished browsing the photos, I don’t think about either of those men again.
No, I’m thinking about Dominic. I like spending time with a friend, that’s all. And I haven’t seen him in person for at least three months.
As I walk into the pub, I scan the tables and the bar until I spot a familiar figure sitting alone in a booth. Dom notices me and smiles, waving for me to come to him. I smile too and hustle over there, taking a seat opposite him. His gorgeous brown eyes seem to shimmer in the subdued lighting, and the way he swept his dark hair back tonight reminds me of a young Elvis.
“You must be famished,” he says, “after wrangling randy cricketers.”
“Not upset about that anymore, huh?”
He winces. “I’m sorry about the way I behaved on the phone.”
“Let’s forget about that and enjoy dinner. What’s good here?”
He aims a devilish smile at me. “What do you think? You’re in England, in a pub, so…”
“Fish and chips.”
“Exactly. You can order something else if you like, but I will have to call a copper to arrest you for committing a food crime.”
I can’t help smiling as I shake my head. “Well, I guess I’d better obey The Dom. Fish and chips it is.”
“You know I don’t care to be called The Dom anymore. I’m no longer a cricketer.”
“Once a cricketer, always a cricketer. That’s what you used to say.”
He sinks back against the booth and groans. “Can we just eat and not discuss that ruddy game?”
“Sure.”
Dominic gets a waitress’s attention and orders for both of us. “We’ll have fish and chips, and a pint for each of us.”
I don’t usually like it when a man orders for me, but I’ve always loved it when he does that. Somehow, Dominic manages to sound considerate and sweet when he takes control of my meal and beverage choices.
The waitress brings our beers right away, and we enjoy a friendly conversation while we wait for our food. We do not discuss that project. I’ve decided to give Dominic a reprieve on talking shop, but only until after we’ve eaten. We sip our pints and laugh a lot, the way good friends should, and he tells me a funny story about his cousin Poppy Goodburn and her bookshop. Once our food arrives, we talk less because we’re busy chowing down.
We’ve just started our second round of beers when I decide it’s time to broach the forbidden subject and risk making Dominic growl again. Actually, I kind of liked hearing him growl. That’s weird, and I refuse to think about it anymore.
“Put down the chip, Dom,” I say. “We need to talk about the calendar. You can eat the rest of your fried potatoes after.”
