Wynter

"Hello Ms. Rider" he pushed a hand out so I could shake it.

"Hello Mr. model. Nice to meet you." I stuck out my hand so he could shake it. He smirks, looking into my eyes but shook my hand in an attempt to play along.

What was he doing? I told him we were supposed to go our separate ways!
What business did he have doing this?
Was he mocking me?
I knew it would be best if we pretend to not know each other.

"Nice to meet you Ms. Rider" He takes my hand before pulling me into his arms. My breath hitches as I feel his warm breath against my lips. "Shame. You seem familiar?"

"Oh? I get that a lot." I whispered.

"You kinda look like...a Barbie? The one Matel is selling this year? The Christmas edition Barbie!" he snapped as if a realization came to mind. What a slick boy he was.

"Do I?" I try not to look around as some people watch us. We were painstakingly close.

"Omg she does! See Wynter I told you the resemblance was uncanny!!!" Lizabeth comes from behind us with a clipboard in hand.

"I don't see it" I separated from Nick and clear my throat. He continues to stare before being pulled away by Lizabeth for some test shots.

Right after the awkwardness of our interaction, I get a call from Lori.

"What's up Lori!"

"Have you opened my email? I gave you an assignment. Plus, it's been five months since you've seen me."

"Sorry, I've been busy Lori. You know Christmas is my busiest time of year and we start prepping in October. Speaking of Christmas...he's here"

"Who? Whose here? Where are you?"

"At a warehouse for the Christmas palette photoshoot. And Mr Jolly ole Fat-man is here" I whisper, looking around to make sure there were no suspicious ears.

"Nick claus? OMG did you know he was doing to be there!" I heard the clicking of Lori's heels over the phone. She sounded like she was in a hurry.

"No Lori! I didn't know he was coming here. Why do you think my voice is shaking"

"Okay breathe. Relax. Act normal and talk to him with intent. Just be cordial"

"Cordial. Right. Cordial."

"I've gotta go Wynter. Im late to a session with a client. Open the email!! Bye"

The other end of the line clicked.

"So yes! There. Right there Nick" the photographer's booming voice echos against the warehouse. "Lizabeth, let's get this photoshoot started."

She nodded excitedly and ran to look at Nick's physique one final time, making sure there wrrr bo imperfections.
Two employees draped an oversized red coat and tinsel around his chair.

"Okay Nick, remember! Hot young Santa is the theme. Your job is to deliver Christmas palettes to all the thirsty girls in the world. And. Go!" Lizabeth snaps. I roll my eyes hearing the plot line of Lizabeth's campaign. It was a smart one I couldn't lie and so on brand for our cosmetic line. Still, that didn't mean I had to like it. Maybe I would be open if the model wasn't Nick.

The bright flashes of the camera start and Nick gets into position, laying on the floor and posing to get ready.

The photographer tests his flashes before asking Nick to start.
"And here we go!" He yells.

"More snow.
Nick!
Perfect
Great the camera loves you!
I love you
Yes!
Pose!
And pose!
Yes! Hot young Santa!" The photographers praise were surprisingly comforting. Nick looked like a natural.

I try to look away as I watched his perfectly sculpted physique but his body was so addictive. He was so pretty to look at.
I hated him for that.

I remembered why I fell for him.
He was hot.
There I said it! As shallow as it was.

"Perfect Nick !" The photographer yells, bursting through a few more flashes.

Nick lets the coat fall at his side, making sure to show off his chiseled body.

"Perfect!! Yasss Nick!!" The photographer hypes him up. I turn my head towards Lizabeth. She smiled behind the computer projector, looking and nodding and pointing.

"Lizabeth, it looks like you got it from here. I'm gonna head out."

"No Wynter? Stay for a little while." I guess she was waiting for my approval to move foward.

"Come on Wynter?" She pulled my arm, dragging me behind the compter screen. "What do you think?"
I crouch over Lizabeth's shoulders to look at the screen.

It looked good but...

"What do you think Lizabeth?" I made sure to ask her so I didn't offend.

"I'm thinking it's good but a bit too...cheap?"

I nodded agreeing completely.

"Let's get a sweater on him guys!" Lizabeth yells.

Nick stands from his spot, waiting patiently as they fussed over him.

They put him in a grey wool sweater.
This looked much better. It was a more wholesome look for the brand.

The photographer drinks a few sips of his cofee before walking over to the main floor to resume.

Okay Nick! We're ready?
Good! And go!
Perfect Nick! The camera loves you!"

Lizabeth runs and whispers something to the photographer and points to Nick. He nods and agrees. The shoot continues on with a couple more clothing changes.

It was going to be a long day ahead.

Author Note:
Sorry it's so short! Just wanted to update for you all.