098

Suki was still late the following morning. Jackson left me alone, knowing our relationship might be different now he'd seen me nude. A painting wasn't quite the same thing, no matter what I'd thought about it. I finally went up to him and thanked him for not staring at me.

"It was difficult, believe me," he replied, smiling kindly. "Nothing I've done in the Rangers was as hard as not looking at you."

"You flatterer. I'll bet you say that to everyone."

"Do I get any brownie points?"

"Only if you don't try trading them in for something more substantial."

"Never."

"Then you get one hundred brownie points."

"Is that the most brownie points you give out?" Jackson asked.

"There might be a way to acquire more," I teased.

"What would I have to do?"

"I can't tell you. You might try to earn them." Actually, I had no idea how he could acquire more points than a hundred. I'd have to think on it.

"Ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so, your husband is a bit of a chooch."

"Aren't most men at one time or another?" I pointed out. "Why do you think so?"

"When I was talking to him yesterday, he kept asking me why I didn't look at you and if I thought you were lovely."

"He told me. I appreciated your answer."

"What did he say I said in response?"

"That I was the most beautiful woman you'd ever seen."

"I might think that, but I'd never say it," Jackson said. "I told him it would completely inappropriate to comment on one of my boss's guests, particularly to her husband. He asked me if we fucked. I looked him in they eye and told him he was a stupid prick for asking and as far as I knew, you were the perfect lady in all respects."

"He almost accused me of it last night. Said he thought it, because you wouldn't look at me while I was posing. Like you'd already seen me naked and wouldn't stare at me now because you were embarrassed. I wonder if he isn't a little insecure about me posing nude."

"You'd stop if he asked, wouldn't you?"

"In a heartbeat."

"Like I said; a bit of a chooch."

"Well, thanks for sticking up for me."

"My pleasure."

He took his place at the guard house and Suki arrived a few minutes later.

"I'm sorry I'm running late," Suki said. "Later than usual anyway. One more painting and I can start sleeping late again."

I laughed. "No worries. It's the last day."

"I'd like to get started on the new painting tomorrow. I can finish this one up in the evenings and weekends. I don't want to still be working on this when it starts getting chilly. You'll freeze. I'd like to capture you wet and glistening, like you're coming out of the water."

"Whatever you wish."

"We'll take photos tomorrow and get the perfect pose, then I suppose I'll need to use oil and glycerin instead of water. It will make you look wet longer. The water will dry too quickly."

"I'm game for whatever you need."

We spent the rest of the day finishing up what she needed on her picture. When we were done, she asked if I wanted to go somewhere to celebrate finishing up this painting.

"We could meet Erin, maybe a couple of the other girls, have some food, a few drinks."

"Thank you for the offer. I'll decline for now. You're going to throw another shindig after you get paid for this one?"

"Of course."

"I'll attend that one. I should get home today."

"Okay. I offered."

"Yes you did, and I thank you."