Read Online Fierce Passion by Phoebe Conn - Free Book Online Page B

chance.”
    “Thanks.” Ana ended the call and doubted he’d remain so agreeable for long. All she had to do was show up looking like herself, and the paparazzi would circle his building like sharks. She hated them, but she was used to their shouts for smiles. He’d not enjoy finding himself in the tabloids as her mystery lover. He’d just shake his head and wish her a good life.
     
     
    Despite Ana’s misgivings, dinner went rather well. Lourdes was only tipsy and thought every comment hilarious which made everyone laugh. Ana had taken a seat on the same side of the table as Jaime so she wouldn’t have to look at him while they ate. Galen talked at length about what a beautiful background Palma made for his fashions. With the mountains of the Tramuntana and circled by the sea, he said he might bring them all back to Mallorca in the fall.
    Valeria leaned close to Ana. “You’re awfully quiet. Did you leave someone exciting at home?”
    Ana was afraid saying so would jinx their affair and shrugged. “It’s too soon to tell.”
    “You have the hope, then. I haven’t dated anyone fun in months. Men want to be photographed with me, but that’s the extent of their interest. I’m going to find some nice school teacher or attorney, a doctor maybe, someone with substance.”
    “Substance is good,” Ana assured her. “We live in an imaginary world where the latest fashion is more highly regarded than anything of real significance. This should be a fun job, though.”
    “Yes, but location shoots are a challenge for me. Ten minutes outside and I’ll resemble a lobster too closely. Galen promises he’ll watch the time.”
    “I’m sure he will.”
    The dinner party ended early so they’d all be ready to work at six the following morning. As Ana left the table, Valeria touched her arm. “Come outside with me a moment. There’s something I need to ask you.”
    Ana doubted she could give valuable advice on any topic, but she wasn’t sleepy. “It’s a lovely night. Let’s go out to the courtyard.”
    Valeria led the way, and they strolled near the low wall. “Did Jaime ask you to do some art photography?”
    Ana bet he’d told her she was one of his favorites too. “He did, but I’m not interested. What did you tell him?”
    “I said I’d think about it. He insisted I could trust him to show off my figure to every advantage. I’m paid for not having much in the way of curves, so I’d be a poor subject, but he raved about my hair.”
    “You do have magnificent red hair, Valeria.”
    “I wouldn’t go that far, but it gets me work. I have a bad feeling about Jaime’s project, but I don’t want him to be angry with me when we do the shoot tomorrow.”
    “He’ll take the blame if we don’t look good, so I wouldn’t worry. Don’t let him coerce you into posing nude. With digital photography, photos can go around the world in less time than it used to take to develop a single shot in a darkroom.”
    Valeria appeared to be really distressed. “That’s what worries me. The tabloids would put us on the front page and make fun of us for being too slender to look at without high-fashion clothes.”
    Ana gave her a quick hug. “I’m thoroughly sick of the tabloids too. Tell Jaime after the shoot that you’ve decided not to do it. There are plenty of girls who will. Let them worry about the consequences.”
    “I knew you’d know what to do. You’re always confident, and I admire you for it.”
    “Thank you, but I wouldn’t go that far,” Ana replied with a gentle laugh. “Have you ever heard of Lorenzo Lamoreaux?”
    “The name’s vaguely familiar. Does he do shoes?”
    “Yes, he does. Someone sent me a pair. I’ll contact him when I get home.”
    Valeria brushed her fingertips over her flying curls. “Let me know if he likes women with red hair.”
    “I will.” They went inside to go to their rooms, but Ana was tempted to go right back out and call Alejandro. Really tempted, but rather