...Pierre’s thoughts ran to the actions involved in what she was saying. She wanted them to disrobe and caress and kiss each other, while this man took photographs. Personally, he wouldn’t give a second thought to being seen without his clothes. His upbringing had involved nude swimming, and his family had been open and accepting about the beauty of the human form.

“Well, no. B-but—” The photographer’s gaze flicked between them.

“I’m betting he’d like to see a man and woman together, to be a voyeur when the man caresses the woman’s skin.” After a quick connection with his gaze, she tightened her grip on his right hand and raised it to her stomach. “To see another man’s hand on her body.”

Damn, this lady was full of surprises. The position twisted his arm, so he stepped behind her and placed both hands at her waist. With slow strokes, he inched his left hand toward her breast. His heart beat faster.

“Let your client’s imagination run wild. Let him pretend he’s actually the man, and not Pierre, who is untying the laces on my corset.” She paused and sucked in a breath. “With two, the actions take on a more sensual realism. Don’t you agree, Pierre?”

The catch in her breathing meant she was as involved as he. Sensual realism? Not sure about that one. His thoughts were back at the idea of untying her corset laces. “Uh, Clooney, this might open a whole new market.” He ran the tip of his thumb along the underside of her breast.

Clooney’s gaze followed the movement of Pierre’s hand. His eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. “You think so?” He dragged his gaze up to her face, then grasped his chin and ran his finger and thumb along the jaw line. “I’m not that sure.”

“I’ll bet a man of your artistic ability…” Tassi paused and looked at the photographer from under her eyelashes. “A talented man like you could create some very risqué poses.”

Pierre chuckled, enjoying the slow burn of heat as his cock lengthened. The lady knew how to bend men to her will. Maybe she needed to know he wasn’t as easy to control as the dandy photographer. He pressed closer, positioning a leg between hers so she’d feel the ridge of his erection along her ass. “But you shouldn’t agree if you’re worried this venture is too risky. We can always find another photographer.” He draped an arm over her shoulder and swept a hand toward the curtain where he’d entered. “Tassi, I noticed another studio just up the street.”

Her glance over her shoulder was wide-eyed with excitement. “You did? Another one?”

Unable to resist, he rocked his hips against her and watched her eyelids dip. Responsive…he liked that.

“Maybe we should try it out.” She licked her lips and wiggled her ass in response.

Jolts of pleasure shot the length of his cock, and he bit back a groan. What he really wanted was to scoop up this feisty lady, ride to a secluded countryside spot and spend hours fucking her delicious body. He brushed his fingers down her neck and trailed them into the hollow of her breastbone.

She sucked in a breath and dropped her head to rest on his shoulder.

“No, don’t go. What you’ve suggested presents a different situation than I’d anticipated.” Clooney paced away a few steps, a hand rubbing his forehead. He spoke in a low voice, as if weighing the possibilities. “The idea of an interaction between a couple is intriguing. Added interest is the forbidden nature of their relationship. Lady of substance and her driver. She’s spoken for, he has nothing to offer. Impossible because of their class differences. An illicit liaison.” He spun and stalked back. “I’m prepared to offer one hundred fifty dollars a pose.”

Pierre didn’t need to be reminded of the realities of the young lady and him. Hearing the photographer outline his reasons for being interested only emphasized the situation’s futility. Each statement diminished his erection.

Tassi jammed a hand on her hip. “But there are two of us. I want two hundred.”

Clooney’s head shook. “One hundred seventy-five.”

“Agreed.” Pierre stuck out his hand and grabbed the photographer’s. As much as he distrusted the dandy, Pierre wanted to strike a bargain. Visions of row beside row of flourishing grapevines settled into his thoughts. Knowing the lady and he had no future together didn’t mean he couldn’t grab a bit of enjoyment from this method of earning back his vineyard. He turned to Tassi, eyebrow lifted in question. “You’re sure?”