4 comments/ 24550 views/ 11 favorites Picture Man By: thornapple Philip Johnson Chapter One "What do you mean we've been selected?" "Gwen Hargrove has chosen our studio to do their formal portraits." "Lee I know you're a good photographer but...you?" "Thank you for that vote of confidence." "You know what I mean Lee, people like that go to New York or someplace to have their work done, not here in Memphis." "I met Gwen when I photographed the executives at Hargrove Industries and she seemed to like me." "You mean she selected you because she liked you? What about liking your work?" "Of course she liked my work, plus her husband George liked my work too." "I guess if you have the president of the company and his wife on your side you can't miss. Now since I'm your assistant do I get to go along on this adventure? I want to see the inside of their mansion." "It isn't a mansion and yes you will be helping me." "When does this happen?" "Next Tuesday at two. I'm going out on Monday morning and talk with Gwen about the sitting. She says she wants them done in the library." As Teri drove them back to the studio from lunch she said, "So tell me about Gwen. It sounds like you two are pretty tight." "Not really but I do like her. She's pretty impressive." "She's gorgeous is what she is and you better be careful around her, I hear she likes to flirt and drive the men crazy." "Don't believe all that you hear." "I can just see you. All you'll be able to think about is doing a nude study of her and you'll be like a moth to the flame. One of these days you'll come in and your butt will have burns and soot on it." "I try not to mess around with married women, especially when they're married to somebody as influential as George is." "I'll remind you of that fact some time I'm sure picture man." "You know for an assistant you're pretty cheeky." "I'm also indispensable and besides you still want to do a nude study of me." "I do not, I've never even suggested that." "I can just tell." "You're living a fantasy sweetie, now just keep your mind on your driving and get us home safely." "Teri was having the time of her life needling her boss and her sparkling smile showed it. "Who knows, maybe some day I'll let you photograph me in the nude." Lee looked at her when she said that and her smile was almost absent then. As they pulled in the drive he smiled and finished with, "Maybe I will photograph you in the nude one day but you'll have to trim down and get bigger boobs first." Teri looked at him and gave him a thin smile and the finger as they got out. As they went in Lee said, "Don't schedule me for anything Thursday afternoon, Moon and I are going golfing." "Just how did Roland ever get the nickname of Moon anyway?" "It came from our college days. When he'd had about one adult beverage too many he liked to select some unsuspecting young woman and...drop his drawers and flash his ass. Now you'd get arrested but at the time it was harmless fun. It was a lot funnier when we were drunk." "How did you two ever graduate?" "He gave her his smile and simply said, "Bribery." Monday afternoon Lee made his way to George and Gwen's house. Of course calling that a house was almost a sin. As he approached the front door he guessed it had to be at least six thousand square feet of very comfortable living. The maid showed him to what he assumed was a sitting room and after she told him that Mrs. Hargrove would be there in a moment she disappeared. Gwen must have been waiting in the wings because she appeared almost instantly saying with an award winning smile, "Lee how nice to see you again." He was even graced with a kiss on the cheek as she said, "Please make your self comfortable, would you like some coffee?" "No thank you Gwen. You have a beautiful home and you look ever prettier than I remembered." "Thank you that's sweet of you." "Gwen you said you wanted to use the library for the sitting, is that still your wish?" "Yes it is. Let's go in and I'll show you what I want to do." As they entered the library Lee looked around and assessed the available lighting and Gwen said, "I want to use soft lighting as much as possible Lee." "I'll do my best to give you what you want but would you mind if I take some shots using some lights as well?" "Of course not." "Teri my assistant will be helping me so it will only take us a minute to set up." "Did I meet your assistant at the office?" "No she was out of town then. She's very capable and becoming almost indispensable to me. Unless you have other thoughts I'd like to use that maroon chair in front of those books. I'll blur the books slightly of course. I think you'll be very pleased with the result." "I'm sure. I'd also like a couple standing at the fireplace too." "That would look very nice." "Are you sure I can't get you some coffee Lee?" "Thank you no Gwen, I have a lot to do before tomorrow so I can't linger. Can you think of anything else you'd like?" "Perhaps I can but we can discuss that another time." "I don't mean to sound rushed so if you'd like to discuss something else..." "No it can wait Lee. One project at a time I think." If you change your mind just call me." Gwen gave him one of her best smiles and said, "I will." At the door Lee paused and said, "We'll see you tomorrow at two then Gwen and please don't hesitate to call if you think of anything in the meantime." "We'll see you tomorrow Lee." As Lee headed back toward his studio he realized Teri was right, he'd love to do some nudes of her but he'd never admit it to her or anyone else. When he pulled in his drive Teri opened the door and waited until he was close before she said, "I have a surprise for you." "Let me guess, you're going to start treating me with more respect." "Yeah right. No a package came for you." "Okay, tell me more." "Your new camera came while you were gone." Lee's face lit up and he said, "You're kidding, I wasn't expecting that for at least another week." "I know." For Lee it was like getting an early Christmas present except he had to pay for it himself. As soon as it was out of the box he held it up and said, "If you ever drop this you'll be working for me for half pay for the next two years." "What do you mean, I already work for half pay." "I should have seen that coming." Lee was holding a new Canon professional digital camera complete with extra lenses and memory cards. The rest of the toys that were available for it would have to wait for a while. Teri watched as he poured over the controls and thumbed through the manual. He'd had an opportunity to use one a couple of months ago and he was hooked instantly. He quickly put the batteries on charge and said, "If I buy us a nice dinner will you work a little over this evening, I want to see if we can get used to this beauty and maybe use it for some of the shots tomorrow." "I guess if you're throwing in a free meal I'd consider it but it has to include wine and what do you mean by dinner?" "It can't be anything fancy because I don't want to spend a lot of time with it." "Just as long as it isn't take out from One Hung Lows." "You mean Hong Woos. I like Hong Woos." "I know but I hate it." The steakhouse at Treemont and Green, it's only a mile away." "Let's get going." "It isn't even dinner time yet." "Oh right. Okay we'll go in an hour." "Whatever. I'll go finish what I was doing in the darkroom." "If this works out you won't have to do that much longer." "What will I do then?" "You'll be learning to use the computer." "At least that will smell a lot better." Chapter Two It was a long hour but Lee survived it and they went to dinner. As they sipped their wine Teri asked, "So how'd it go with Gwen?" "Just fine. We'll be using the library and she wants available light as much as possible." "For a formal sitting?" "Unusual but not impossible. I did tell her we would want to do some lighted shots as well. That way she can see the difference between the two." "Where did she ever come up with that idea?" "I have no idea but she's the one paying the tab." "How'd she look?" "Fantastic." "And you want to do a nude study." "Will you quit with the nudies? I've only done a couple of those." "And you loved doing them." "How do you know?" "When you talked about them a while back you lit up like a neon sign." "You're almost worse than a smart assed wife." "I'm just observant." Rather than respond to that he went back to eating. Teri put her fork down and as she picked up her wine glass she leaned back against her chair and asked, "How late do you want to work tonight?" "How late can you work?" "As late as you're willing to pay me." "I thought you might want to donate some time." "In your dreams love." "I didn't think so. I want to take several shots with the Canon and see how it goes with the computer." "Are you still going to do film shots tomorrow?" "I don't want to rely on a new camera system especially with George and Gwen so yes I am. Thanks for sticking around with me tonight. It will help you a lot to be there and start your learning process with the computer." "If you'd like you can take my picture for the test." "I was just thinking the same thing. Let's go back and get started." As soon as they were back at the studio Lee grabbed his new toy and they got started. "Teri choose a casual background and let's try some soft lighting first." "No preference?" "Whatever you like." She quickly pulled the nature one down and grabbed an old bench that they sometimes used. As soon as she sat down she paused and said, "It feels a lot different being on this end. All of a sudden I feel self conscious." Lee had the camera on the tripod and looked up at her. Walking over to her he knelt down and said, "You look fine now just turn a little...wait let me fix this," and he brushed her hair back with his left hand while his right hand was on her shoulder. "Lee how can somebody your size be so gentle?" "I'm just a gentle kind of guy I guess. Now let's see how you look." "Stepping back he studied her and said, "Very nice. You need more make up but very nice." "Of course I need more make up I was planning on spending the day in the darkroom not get my picture taken so why bother. Maybe you should keep an inventory of makeup here for your customers." "You know that might be a good idea if you're willing to be the makeup expert." "Not without a raise." "Well never mind then." "Cheapskate." After taking a few pictures the two of them went to the computer and spent a half an hour looking at the results and made a few changes digitally before he said, "Not half bad for no harder than we worked at it." "God with that software you could even make me look great. "You already look great." "Lee Waltham that is the first time you've ever said anything nice about me, thank you." "You're welcome." Lee stood up and said, "Let's go back and try some using other lights this time." Without direction Teri pulled down a fairly neutral background and swapped the bench for a nice padded chair. As before he positioned her and then said as he knelt in front of her again, "What is it with your hair?" and brushed it back again. "It does that because that's what my hairdresser styled it to do." "You look better with it back, it makes your face slimmer and brings attention to your pretty eyes." That was the second compliment he'd given her. "You know if you'd compliment your assistant like that more often she might be nicer to you." "I wouldn't know how to act if you were nice to me. Now let me see how we're doing." As he stood up he kissed her forehead and said, "See I do know how to be nice." "If you're going to be this nice to me I want you to take my picture more often." "You have too..." "Yeah I know lose weight and get bigger boobs." "I was going to say you have to me nice to me first." "Why first?" "Be quiet and hold still, now I have to fix your hair again." Once again he played with her hair until he finally said, "That's better, not what I would prefer but it's better." "Maybe I should have you go with me the next time I get my hair done." "I'd just make you mad." After Lee had taken a couple of pictures Teri said, "Wait I want to make a wardrobe change." She jumped up and left the room saying, "I'll just be a couple of minutes." She quickly left the room and went to the small cabinet where they kept some of their props. Pulling out a white lacy shawl and a safety pin from a little box of odds and ends she then headed for the bathroom where she changed and brushed her hair back. When she returned to the studio she said, "Now close your eyes for a second." As she passed him she made sure they were closed and quickly positioned herself in the chair again. "Okay how's this?" When he opened his eyes she was sitting there with her hair restyled and the white shawl draped over her shoulders and down her front forming a nice long vee neckline that plunged a long way down toward her exposed belly. For a second Lee was silent as he absorbed the surprise but recovered and said, "Now that's more like it. You look fantastic. Your hair is much nicer and that top is very alluring. Don't move now. Lee was getting more animated and soon had three more shots of her. As he walked over to her he reached for her shawl and said, "You look great but I want to move this a little." "You better be careful because I'm naked under this thing." He quickly straightened up and said, "You're naked?" "Well yes, how do you think I was able to get this plunging neckline?" "I didn't give it any thought, I just wanted to take it off and rearrange it for a different look." "It would have been a different look all right." "I guess." She turned and said, "See my back is exposed. No blouse and no bra." "Damn you should warn a guy. I almost pulled that thing off. Okay I guess we can go look at what we have then. I'll wait until you change." "No we can do it now I am covered after all." "Mostly anyway." They went in and as Lee loaded the images into the computer he looked at her and said "That shawl was a great idea, it made you look so stylish and yet sexy. I hope you're enjoying this because I think these shots are going to be fantastic." "I am having fun with this but if I'd known we'd be doing this I could have given it more thought. Maybe we can try it again one of these days." "Absolutely." When the images came up he said, "See what I mean about your hairstyle?" "I have to admit it does look better but I can't do anything about my boobs." "I was just teasing you, you're boobs are fine." "Not very delicate or sincere but I'll take it." When they were done they stood up and Lee said, "Thanks for staying late and thanks for modeling for me." "It was fun once I got past being self conscious. Like I said, the next time give me warning and I'll come more prepared." "Let's do it again soon. I can't get over how great you came across on the camera and I'd like to do a series to post on our display board out front if you don't mind." "I'm flattered Lee, of course I don't mind." "Let's wrap it up for today and go home." Teri reached up on her toes and kissed Lee on the cheek and said, "Thanks for being a great boss and a great guy. You don't pay worth a damn but I always look forward to coming to work." Lee put his hand on her arms as she kissed his cheek and then said, "I hope you stick with me for a long time. In spite of you nagging me I like having you around." As she stepped back from him the lace shawl caught on one of his buttons and pulled it up and to one side exposing one of her breasts completely. It was hard to tell who was more surprised or shocked and they just stood there with Lee possessing more of the shawl that Teri and the two of them tied together. Teri finally found her voice and quickly pulled at the shawl and said, "Oops, I guess lace shawls and buttons are a bad mix." Her voice sounded in control but her face was blushing red and Lee's eyes continued to look at her chest as he remembered what he'd just seen. Teri turned her bare back to him and said, "I better go change before we have another accident." When she came out Lee was in control again and said, "I'll bet I'm one of the very few bosses around that has seen his assistants breast." "Sorry about that Lee." "It wasn't your fault it was just an accident." As they locked up and went out together he said, "I'll see you in the morning. Since I kept you so late, sleep in if you want to." "I'm fine I'll be here as usual." Lee stood at his car and looking at Teri over the top said, "By the way, you don't need bigger boobs. Yours are just about right" and got in his car as she stood there staring at him. Chapter Three As Teri drove home she thought about what had happened and at first felt another flush of embarrassment but then realized she really didn't mind so much that he'd seen her breast. The whole evening had been a lot of fun and even though on occasion she wanted to strangle him he was a great boss and a great friend. She remembered her off hand comment about one day letting him do some nudes of her. Would she ever do that? Could she ever find the nerve to do that and would it ever be the same working for him if she did? For the moment she couldn't imagine it ever happening. She had been raised in a pretty conservative environment and even him seeing one of her breasts was quite an event for her. As Lee made his short drive home he could still see her perky and firm breast as it proudly pointed at him. Teri wasn't a raving beauty but she certainly was pretty and he could imagine what great shots he could get of her with a little change of hairstyle, makeup and some wardrobe experiments. It could be a lot of fun without a doubt. Tuesday morning the two of them went about their day like just any other not even seeing each other except from a distance. Lee spent some time on the computer getting used to the software as he manipulated Teri's pictures to see what he could do with them. As he sat there sipping coffee he pulled up one of the photos of her in the lace shawl and worked with it for a minute. When he zoomed in on her face he noticed that she really did have nice structure and with just the right makeup she could be very striking. With the image in close zoom he scanned the photo and in a moment noticed he could just see her nipples through the lace. He looked back quickly to make sure she was still in the other room and studied it more. Maybe some day he'd have to tell her about it. It was a few minutes before he exited the image and went for more coffee. There was no chance he could ever look at her in quite the same frame of mind again. It was just before two when they pulled up at the Hargrove home and they gathered their equipment from the back of Lee's SUV. The maid answered the door as before and led them to the library where they started to set up their equipment and Lee talked to Teri about what they were going to do. When Gwen appeared she was introduced to Teri and they made small talk for a minute. Gwen then apologized saying, "George is running short on time so let's do mine first and then his and then as soon as you have the two of us together he has to leave for the plant in Mobile." Lee was quick to accede and continued with, "We're ready whenever you are Gwen." She paused and questioned the flash units pointed at her so Lee took his time saying, "Gwen one of your best facial features are your stunning cheekbones and it would be a crime for me not to accent them. Picture Man Sometimes cameras make our faces seem bland and featureless unless we use good makeup and even lights. I know you want natural light and I'll see to that, but as I mentioned yesterday I want to do some extra ones using just a light or two. You have so much natural beauty I don't want to miss any of it." His tone and expression did almost more to soothe her than the words and she just smiled and said, "You're sweet Lee I put myself in your hands." Lee knew Gwen wanted to be catered to and he went the extra mile to fawn over her as he posed her and talked to her. For this shoot he was half photographer and half salesman. In the three short years Teri had worked for him she had seen him at his best and at his worst, but this time he was really on his game and it seemed Gwen was putty in his hands. After they finished a couple shots of her standing by the fireplace Lee said, "That's it Gwen unless you have something more you'd like." She gave him a small smile and said, "I'll call you about something soon." "Any time Gwen." "I'll call George for his now. If he seems impatient forgive him, this whole thing was at my insistence and he's doing his best to please me." "We understand and we'll be as efficient as we can be." Though Lee and Teri were prepared to have him come in with a scowl on his face and a chip on his shoulder they were surprised when he appeared smiling. After shaking his hand Lee said, "I know you're on a tight schedule so we'll make this as quick as possible." "Thank you Lee, I only have four hours before I have to be in Mobile." It was totally different than it was with Gwen as Lee directed him, got his shots and while keeping a personable chat going didn't waste any time trying to play salesman. Its one pose followed by another until they progressed to doing the final shots with Gwen and George together. The minute Lee said, "That's it, were done" George shook Lee's hand and even took Teri's hand saying, "Excellent, very efficient. I look forward to seeing them when I get back." George gave Gwen a quick kiss on the cheek and left almost at a run. As Teri packed up the lights, the stands and the tripod Lee talked to Gwen saying, "We'll have something for you soon. In fact if you'd like I'll have some test shots available in the morning if you'd like to see them. The proofs won't be available for a few days though." "In the morning you say?" "Yes I should think by mid morning. I will be out of the office most of the afternoon though." "Wonderful, call me in the morning then and maybe we can get together then." As Teri and Lee loaded their gear she said, "You could have something for her in a couple of hours so why tomorrow morning?" "Well for one thing I don't want to be rushed. Also I want to pick up a new printer on our way back to use for these plus I just got the feeling that making her wait just a little bit was a good idea." "Just a little posturing is it?" "Something like that I guess. That's also why I mentioned I'd be out of the office in the afternoon." But you will be won't you?" "No the McGuire's postponed their appointment so I have a hole in my schedule." "You forgot to tell me." "Yeah I guess I did." "How am I supposed to keep your appointments like that?" "Now don't nag I just forgot. I just need less on my mind." "You need a keeper is what you need. How will you make more money so you can give me a raise if you have holes in your schedule?" "How do you know if I make more money I won't just give myself a raise?" "Because we both know I need and deserve it more." "That's one argument I don't even want to get into." Chapter Four On they way back to the studio they stopped at one store after another until Lee finally found the printer he was looking for. They were on their way to the checkout when Teri stopped and looked at the computers. As Lee looked them over he said, "I thought you had a computer." I do but it's on its last legs. I'm going to have to get one pretty soon or just go without." As they neared the studio Teri said, "Don't forget you have a date with Jayne Friday night." "Now how the hell did you know that?" "She called and said she'd be a few minutes late." When did she call?" "Let's see...yesterday morning while you were with Gwen." "And you're just now telling me?" "What's the hurry your date isn't until Friday and this is only Tuesday. You get excited over the silliest things." "You are going to drive me crazy yet." "You're in good hands with me and you know it." "The bad thing is if Jayne says she'll be a few minutes late that means she'll be at least an hour late." "Oh one of those is she." "I'm afraid so." You know of course that's most likely a bid for attention." "I just know it drives me crazy." "And I'll bet she knows that." "Probably not, I haven't said anything." "Oh brother are you really that much of a push over?" "I'm just trying to be easy to get along with." "Bad move lover. The next time she keeps you waiting say something or it will probably get worse." "It feels weird talking to you about my dates." "Why? I can give you a woman's perspective on things." "Maybe so." He looked toward her and for an instant he saw her nipples in his mind. Damn he had to quit doing that. As soon as they were back at the studio Teri put coffee on and Lee set up the new printer. As soon as the coffee was done the two of them started to review the digital shots they had taken. Teri said, "Well I can't be sitting here I need to develop those rolls of film." "Sit tight a minute this won't take long." The two of them reviewed one shot after another and all Teri could say was, "These are great Lee." He looked at her and said, "Thanks" and then noticed a serious look on her face. "What's wrong?" "It doesn't look like you'll be needing me much longer if there is no more darkroom work." He stopped what he was doing and turned to her saying, "Teri you'll have a job here for as long as you want it I promise." "But what will I do?" "You'll learn to do a lot of the computer functions and if you want I'll train you to do some of the basic portrait work. We could increase our number of appointments then." She had an instant smile and she asked, "Are you serious?" "I'm very serious." "I'd love to do that." "See you have nothing to worry about. Besides, I could never find anybody else that can annoy me as much as you can and get away with it." "I'm your assistant for as long as you'll have me barring something awful happening." "Then we have a long future together." In her excitement she threw her arms around him and held him tight for a minute. When she realized what she was doing she pulled away saying, "Sorry boss I got a little carried away." "There's nothing in our employee manual saying you can't hug your boss." "There is no manual." "All the better." Lee stayed with the computer and printed out some digital proofs before going for more coffee. When Teri came out of the darkroom she saw him leaning against the counter and daydreaming. "You look like you're a thousand miles away." "I was just trying to imagine what it will be like going all digital." "It will be expensive for one thing." "Very expensive." "Lee do you really think you can teach me to do portraits?" "Of course. You already know a lot about basic lighting and you know your way around a camera. We'll just take it from there. I'll tell you what, let's go in the studio and you can practice on me." She gave him a big smile and said, "Oh God I'm so nervous but let's go." They went in and set up the camera and Teri arranged the lights as she wanted them. "Teri position me as you want, and go for it. "Like I said, I'm nervous." "Don't be, just take your time and don't worry about it, just have fun with it. This is just between the two of us and we can delete anything you don't like." Lee was working his soft spoken magic on her and with a deep breath by Teri they proceeded. After a few shots of him with minimal lighting and in different poses she added another flash unit and said, "Let me try a couple more before we stop." "Whatever you want to do." With a couple more done she stepped back and took a deep breath. He came over and said, "Well you ready to see your first try?" "I think so." "Don't expect everything to be just right, it isn't that simple. This is a training exercise. I'll point out what you need to do to correct things and then we'll try it again one of these days soon." When everything was in the computer he said, "Okay you sit at the computer and I'll sit next to you." One by one they went through the shots she had taken as Lee critiqued them. When they were done he sat back and asked, "So what do you think?" "I think I made some stupid mistakes and I learned a lot." "That's all that counts right now. Do you still think you want to learn more?" "Of course I do. It was fun but far more complicated than I expected." "That's because you have to think about every step right now. Later on as you gain experience it will all become more automatic and instinctive." Teri leaned back and smiled at him as she said, "You know it wasn't fair though. I took my top off for you and you kept your top on." That comment caught him off guard but he quickly smiled and said, "It won't be nearly as impressive as you were but maybe next time. You did a great job for the first time." As they put things away Teri said, "You are such a great boss, I can't imagine ever working for or with anybody else." "We're a good team Teri and I don't ever want to lose you." Chapter Five About ten o'clock Wednesday morning Lee answered the phone and heard, "Good morning Lee it's Gwen." "Good morning Gwen how are you?" "I'm great. Are you available this morning to show me some photos?" "I am and I can be there in twenty minutes but like I said yesterday I'll be busy after two o'clock." Why don't you come out now then?" "I'll see you shortly." When he found Teri he said, "I'm going out to show Gwen what we printed yesterday." "You be careful out there by yourself." "Don't start that again, nothing's going to happen." "I'll check your butt when you get back for soot and burn marks." "My butt will be the same when I get back as it is now." As he turned to go she gave him a swat on the butt for emphasis and said, "Be careful." When he reached Gwen's house she met him at the door and they went to the sitting room again. Gwen sat on the love seat and said, "Sit here so we can look at them together." Lee joined her and he pulled all the prints out of the envelope. "Now remember Gwen these are just test shots with the new camera. The regular proofs will be more impressive." For the first couple she just looked carefully but said nothing. But as they moved on she became more vocal and seemed very pleased. When she'd seen all of them she said, "Oh Lee you did a masterful job, just like I knew you would. I can't wait to see the regular proofs." "I'm glad you're pleased Gwen and I hope George will be as well." "Oh he'll love them don't worry about that." '"I'll have the other proofs for you next week and then we can go from there." As he put the prints back into the envelope Gwen said, "Lee would...would you be available to take a few more of me?" "Of course what did you have in mind and when would you like to do it?" "Oh something more...casual and ...well how soon could you do them?" "I won't have any free time until Monday." "Monday won't work. George will be back and so will the maid, but what about right now?" "Well yes I guess so but all I have is my digital camera so they would all have to be handheld shots." "That's fine, in fact that might be better. You'd be free to move about that way." "What exactly did you have in mind?" "I want some...personal photos, but I...I don't want anybody else to ever see them, they're just for me." "How personal do you mean?" "I'm not sure. I'd just have to see how things go." "You do realize I have to take them back to the studio to print them." "Oh. Well...oh damn." "The only other thing I could do is have Teri bring me my laptop and we could put them on a DVD for you." "That would be wonderful but...does Teri have to stay and help?" "Gwen are you talking about nude poses? I mean that's fine but if that's what you want Teri should be here too." "Probably not, but they could get pretty revealing I think if I don't lose my nerve." "And you don't want any witnesses other than me." "If even a hint of any of this ever got out it would be devastating to me and to George." "I understand completely. What will you do with them if nobody can ever see them?" "I just want to see what it would feel like to do that. George and I live such a public life that I just want to do something daring, something forbidden just once." She put her hand on Lee's forearm and using her pretty eyes to maximum advantage looked at him and said, "I trust you totally Lee. There isn't anybody else I would ever consider to do this but I'd rather Teri didn't stay." Lee could hear Teri's warning about Gwen's reputation with men ringing in his ears so he had to think fast. "Okay Gwen but remember I have to be out of here before one." "I thought you said, two." "I have to have lunch and get my equipment ready for my appointment." "That doesn't leave us all that much time then." "I'm sorry Gwen that's the best I can do unless I take the images back to my office to transfer them to disc. If I do it that way we'll have another half an hour or so." "Damn. Okay have her bring the laptop and maybe we can do a few while we're waiting for her." "Okay I'll call her." "While you're doing that I'll go change and be right back." Lee knew getting into this without a chaperone wasn't smart but that didn't stop him. It didn't even slow him down. When Teri answered the phone Lee said, "Hi it's me. I need you to bring me my laptop, the camera patch cord and a couple blank discs." "To George and Gwen's?" "Yes." "Why?" "I can't go into that right now." "Oh my God your ass is aflame isn't it?" "Just bring me the laptop." "Am I staying?" "No." "Oh my..." "Never mind everything will be fine." "I'm on my way picture man." Lee hung up and just shook his head. Teri meant the world to him but he could just wring her neck sometimes. When Gwen returned she was wearing nice shorts and a simple top but had a small bag in her hand. "She's on her way Gwen. What did you have in mind to start?" "Let's go out by the pool, it's nice and private out there." As he followed her he asked, "Gwen are you serious about getting quality shots or do you just want me to shoot without a lot of direction?" "No I want you to direct me and get some nice sexy photos." He looked at her from behind and knew it would be pretty hard not to get sexy shots of her if she took her clothes off but he said nothing. When they reached the patio with the pool in the background Lee said, "Let's do a few from here and we'll put the sparkling pool behind you." "I knew you'd be good at this." "Let's start with something simple like...undo most of the buttons on your blouse, face a little toward me and with your back arched to accent your breasts comb the fingers of your right hand through your hair and look up like you're basking in the sun. Gwen got control of her smile and struck a pose while Lee moved around and took a few shots of her saying, "Good, excellent. Hold that pose just another second." When he was done with that he paused and asked, "Is that what you had in mind?" "Yes exactly like that." "Gwen I'm going to just go with what I'd like to photograph so if I ask for something beyond what you're comfortable with just say so and we'll try something different." "I will Lee." "Okay then I want you to finish unbuttoning your blouse and with it open turn toward me...chin down a touch...now hold that. I want to do something with your hair." Lee went over and brought her hair forward to frame her face and put it in a light shadow and then as he stepped back he continued with, "Chin down a little more and look straight into the camera with your eyes about half closed. Make love to the camera Gwen, legs apart slightly...good got it, now undo your shorts and open them until your panties are showing. Like that yes, now pull them down just slightly." He talked her through those shots and then moved on by saying, "Let's slip the shorts off now Gwen." There was just the slightest pause from her and then she slipped them down and kicked them away. Her panties were quite sheer and he could just see a hint of her sex. By changing his angle a little and turning her, the sun further revealed the secret that lay between her legs and he had her hold her blouse open like she was taking it off. He had her hold that position but added, "Now move your feet apart a little...more...good like that." He talked her through a couple more shots and then stopped and said, "Let's get rid of the blouse now." Off it came and he grabbed a couple of shots as she stripped to her bra. Lee lowered his camera and said, "Let's move off to the side so the trees are in the background now. We'll come back to the pool later." "Am I doing okay Lee?" "You're doing fantastically Gwen you're a natural. You take my breath away." The doorbell rang so she said, with a thin smile, "I think you better get that." "Yes I think I better." Lee went out and Teri handed everything to him and said, "I'll have the burn ointment ready." Lee just shook his head and after thanking her and closing the door went back to Gwen. Chapter Six Lee noticed the dappled sunshine near the trees and he liked the effect so he took a few of her in that setting before saying, "I think it would be very sexy if you unhook your bra and let it slip forward until you're almost exposed." He didn't know if she would do it but she finally did as he asked and he took more photos of her as he moved around. Her breasts weren't large at all but they had a nice shape what he could see of them. When he stopped he asked her, "Do you want to go farther or try something else?" "I want to go farther but...let's try something else for now. I brought my bikini out so we would do something with that." "Go change and we'll try that next. What else did you bring out?" A negligee but it's pretty revealing and I don't know if I have the nerve." "You can think about it while we do some others but I have to say you look awesome and I think you'll really like what we're getting." She did look great but a little exaggeration couldn't hurt either. He began to think that was the real reason for the photo session. She wanted attention and to get compliments. She wanted to be noticed for who she was and not just that she was powerful George's wife. When she came out she was wearing a tiny blue bikini so he took a series with her in her suit. Lying on her back on the diving board, on the chaise lounge and standing on the step at the pool while one foot slowly drew a line through the water. Then those became too tame so he decided to try pushing her a little bit again. "Undo your bra like you did before and let's do a couple like that again." She was more comfortable with the idea now and willingly unhooked her bra. As she slowly brought it forward he kept talking to her as he moved around and took a shot here and there. It was only a minute later he was looking at her breasts and getting some very nice shots. In an eager and encouraging tone he coaxed her into removing her bra and tossing it aside. After several more shots he said, "Hold it I have to change my memory card." Picture Man The pause was almost enough for her to lose her nerve and retrieve her bra but Lee quickly said, "Okay good, yes, you're gorgeous. He had her lie on the chaise lounge again and put one hand over her head and then talked her into slipping her other hand lower and lower toward the one remaining item that still hid her charms. When her hand touched it he kept talking softly to her saying, "That's it, oh that is so sexy. Yes like that now just a little farther...let your fingers slip under the fabric...good now just a little farther." Her hand was touching her mound and her eyes were almost closed as he said, "Oh fantastic, yes, incredibly sexy...now a little farther, push the fabric down now..." and he got another nice shot before she stopped. "Oh Lee I'm sorry I can't..." "That's okay Gwen you're doing great, don't worry about it. We're getting some awesome shots." Lee took a breath and asked, "Do you want to take a break Gwen?" "Maybe for just a second." "Of course. Why don't you show me your negligee." She had become comfortable with the idea of being nude from the waist up so she didn't bother to cover herself as she went for her bag. When she came back she held it up and said, "See it's pretty sheer." "It's a beautiful gown but let's use that indoors." After she had rested a minute he said, "I know let's get some shots of you removing your bottoms while I take some shots from behind." "Oh God I don't know if I can." "Let's try, you can always stop." "Okay." Gwen stood up and with her positioned by the pool again he had her bend over slightly and very slowly slip her bikini bottoms down inch by inch until they were near her knees. Lee managed to move enough from one side to the other that he could see her breasts as he got some nice shots of her ass and legs too. Then he said, "I'm going to move around to the side now Gwen but I won't go too far. I just want to see you in profile. Kick your bottoms out of the area would you?" Since they no longer covered anything she did as he asked and she stood there totally nude. He moved as far as he felt he dared and stopped. After a couple more shots he said, "Gwen you look so incredible I just have to take a few from the front. It's just you and me Gwen would you turn toward me just slightly now?" Lee stood still and held his breath as she didn't move or say anything. As he looked through his camera he saw her chest rise as she took a deep breath and he took a shot like that. Then he saw her hips start a slow rotation toward him until she stood before him and he saw a thin line of hair on her mound. "Oh my God Gwen I can hardly breathe, what a gorgeous creature you are. Take a deep breath love and relax so you can enjoy this wonderful time." It was like she let go and submitted herself to him then and he could see her body strike a more natural pose. Lee continued a soft patter of compliments as he stepped closer and shot until his memory card was full. It was Lee's turn to take a deep breath and say, "I have to stop for a second to change my card but even more I have to catch my breath. You are stunning and I'll never forget today." Gwen didn't know quite what to do or say so she just stood there and said, "You've done this sort of thing before haven't you?" "Of course I have but...with you it's different somehow. It strikes me as more...more sensual...sexier. I'm surprised I can function." His words seemed to please her and she smiled as she said, "You're making this so wonderful and exciting Lee I'll never forget it either." "Gwen I could just keep doing this forever but maybe we better go inside and do the last ones in there." Lee followed her naked form toward the house and he snapped a couple of her ahead of him as they went. Once inside Lee asked, "Do you have some really lacy and sexy panties to wear under the negligee?" "Of course in my bedroom." "Let's go in there for the last ones." She pulled out a couple pair and Lee chose one and watched her slip into them. "Now slip on the negligee and we'll do a series of you undressing." After a couple of her in the negligee he said, "Now start to lift your gown slowly and then slowly slip the panties down. Beautiful, wonderful." After that he had her lie on the bed and did a series with the gown being moved exposing more and more of her. He had her lie on her side so he could feature her nice ass and then he said, "Okay now Gwen for the last few shots take off the gown." Even though she had been naked in front of him it took her a few seconds to find the courage again. She finally slipped out of the gown and lay back on the bed again and he talked her through a few more poses before he said, "I'm almost out of memory Gwen is there anything else you would like to do to finish this memorable day?" "I'm...yes but I just can't." He reluctantly backed away and paused not wanting to stop but finally said, "Then I guess we're done Gwen. My camera is almost full and I can't handle any more anyway." He went over and kissed her on the cheek and said, "I'm going out and set up the computer. Take your time." Her voice was almost a whisper as she said, "I'll just slip on the gown Lee and I'll go with you." Chapter Seven It took several minutes but Lee loaded the memory cards into his laptop and looked at her. "It's going to be difficult keeping my mind on what I'm doing with you sitting next to me looking so sexy." "You make me feel so desirable." "You are very desirable. Are you ready to see them?" "I'm ready I think." Lee started the slide show and leaned back next to her. As they went from the first shots of her unbuttoning her blouse. Gwen reached for his hand and said, "Would you believe I'm actually nervous and a little embarrassed?" He gave her hand a squeeze and told her, "I understand but believe me you look wonderful." "Lee all of these will be on the disc right?" "All of them." "It isn't that I don't trust you Lee but we're all human and mistakes can be made." "I understand Gwen I really do." As they watched her on the computer he said, "See how fantastic you look. I'm a fan of yours forever now." The first frame that showed her totally nude she said, "I can't believe I was really naked with you." "I hated to see you dress and cover that beauty up. You look amazing Gwen and have every reason to be proud of your looks." When they had finally seen the last shot she just stared at the computer for a minute before saying, "I didn't look too bad did I." "You look amazing Gwen, you have every reason to be proud of yourself." When the images were copied to disc he handed them to her and said, "There you go, now you can look at them whenever you want." "I wish you could have a copy of them Lee but that would be risky." "I understand." He stood up and said, "I better get going or I'll be late." Gwen stood up with him and put her arms around him. "How I wish we could make love but I just can't." "I wish we could too but I never pursue a married woman. You have fueled my fantasies to say the least though." As she continued to hold him close and look into his eyes she said, "I noticed you didn't say you'd never make love to a married woman." "Like you said, I'm only human." She just smiled and said, "I really like you Lee" and she kissed him. When she stepped away she said, "That's better than nothing." "Absolutely." With his belongings in his hands they walked to the front door where they stopped and she said, "Thank you for everything Lee. I've now done something I've thought about for a long time." "If you ever want to do it again just call me." "I will but I doubt that it would have the same meaning the second time." "Probably not but the worst it could be is a lot of fun and there is no end to the photos we could create." "Do you really think the two of us could behave a second time?" He smiled and said, "That's a good question. I like to think so but who knows. It wouldn't be easy." Lee stepped out and she said, "Oh I didn't even ask what you're charging." "I'll tell you what Gwen, just send me a little something you're comfortable with and mention my studio to your friends in conversation from time to time." "Thank you for being so understanding and discreet." "Enjoy your viewing Gwen." Lee got in his car and left. He was well down the road before he took a deep breath and realized he was tired. Lee hit the first drive through he saw and got coffee and hoped the caffeine would give him some energy. When he went in back at the office Teri came out and perched her butt on the corner of his desk and she just watched and waited for him to say something first. After he put his things down he turned to her and just looked at her. She didn't say anything so he said, "What?" "I don't know, I was waiting for you to say something." "No smart remarks?" "Not yet anyway. How'd it go?" "It went great actually." "Good." She made it a point to walk over and put her hand on his butt and said, "I don't see any burn marks either." He turned her around and put his hand on her butt and said, "Nope and your butt looks okay too." She wasn't about to react so she just said, "Just okay?" "Yeah, okay. Kind of nice actually." "Gee thanks for that glowing unsolicited review." "You're welcome." "So did she try to seduce you?" "No she didn't, not in any way shape or form." "So let's see the pictures." "She has them on disc." "Lee we both know what happened but if you don't want to tell me that's your choice." "You are such a smart ass." "It's pretty easy to figure out after all." "No comment. What did you do with your morning?" "The usual plus I worked with the pictures I took of you. I'm really getting the feel for the software but I have a ways to go." "Good for you." "You look tired." "I just need some lunch and some rest. I worked hard believe it or not." "Good for you." "Plus I think she's going to bring us some business in the coming months." "Fantastic. Where we going for lunch?" "We?" "I haven't eaten either and I'm starved." "Why didn't you lock the door and go get something?" "Because I wanted to be here when you got back in case you needed first aid." Lee gave up and said, "let's go eat." As they had lunch Teri was pretty quiet and it was driving Lee crazy and he said so. "You're never this quiet. I keep waiting for you to take off on some tangent and get me going." "Nope no tangent. You took pictures of Gwen naked and she has them on the disc. Simple." "Now damn it I didn't say I took nude pictures of her." "No you're being very discreet. Transparent but discreet." "I'm not transparent." "Your actions are. You had your new spiffy digital Canon with you, you had me bring your laptop to you along with the patch cord, and blank discs, I couldn't stay to assist, you're secretive about what happened and you were alone with Gwen, not even the housekeeper was there. Gee let me see if I can connect the dots." Lee was quiet for several seconds as Teri sipped her iced tea and watched him. "Yeah okay I took some...personal shots of her." "You're so delicate and tactful. You're just too cute." "Now what?" "Nothing, I think it's nice that you're being so careful. But personal shots? Honey I know you took sexy pictures of her and I know that fact can never leave the studio, but let's face it photographers have been taking nude photos ever since the invention of the camera obscura." Where do you learn all these things?" "I get around." Lee took a big drink of his iced tea and said, "Okay but this is never and I mean never to be mentioned to anybody, ever, understood?" "Well of course not silly that kind of information could be very embarrassing for her." "To say the least plus we'd likely get sued from here to Christmas. Okay we spent the time taking some very sexy and very erotic pictures. She's really quite good." "I'm sure she is. Was this a freebie or do we get paid?" "We get paid plus like I said, she's going to mention our studio here and there." "I wonder if that will result in all of her friends wanting you to do nudies of them." "I doubt it, she can't very well tell them what we did." "True enough. Do I get to see them?" "I put them on the disc." "You're going to tell me you didn't leave them on the computer?" "I...well hell I give up. Yes I wasn't supposed to but I couldn't resist. They're on the laptop." "I want to see them." "Why?" "It will be a learning experience." "You can say that again." "Oh come on I'm not that easily shocked, I've seen a lot of naked women and even a few dirty movies." "You're just dying of curiosity." "That too." Lee just shook his head and said, "Teri Ziegert if you ever even hint about them or wink inappropriately about this you won't be able to dig a hole deep enough to hide in." "Oh good, let's go." They went back to the office and Teri said, "I'll set it up. Get comfortable and I'll bring us some coffee." "All at once you're being nice and accommodating." "I go in streaks like that." "You're just happy because you're getting your way." "Women are like that didn't you know?" "I'm learning." Lee settled on the small couch and Teri set the computer on the coffee table. After pouring their coffee she sat down next to him and said, "Okay picture man let's see your work." Lee just looked at her and then started the slide show. After the first several with Gwen in her shorts and open blouse Teri said, "Very nice, tame but very nice." "We have a long way to go." "How many did you take?" "Three cards full." "Oh." "There would have been more if I'd had more memory cards." "Wow she did inspire you then." He knew he could have talked Gwen into a lot more if he'd had the memory and the stamina but he didn't say anything more to Teri. Chapter Eight As the slide show progressed Teri got quieter but she wasn't missing a thing. When Gwen showed her breasts Teri said, "Nice, small but nice." On the show went until Gwen's hand eased down into her bikini bottoms. Teri's face was getting flushed either because she was getting turned on or from embarrassment but she held her ground and watched as Lee stole glances at her. When the indoor shots started and Gwen slipped her panties off for the camera Teri's eyes were glued to the screen and by the time the negligee disappeared and she saw the close ups of Gwen in the nude she was blushing a bright red. When it was over he closed the laptop and said, "Well you got pretty quiet, what do you think?" She couldn't look at him but managed to say, "I think you did a fantastic job and you're right she looked very sexy, very hot." "Teri look at me." "I'd rather not for a minute." "I warned you." "It was fine, I was just surprised. It was a great finish actually." Lee finally said, "I guess it wasn't such a good idea showing those to you." "Why because I'm a girl?" "No because we have to work closely together every day and I don't want anything to interfere with that." She finally looked at him and said, "It won't interfere, why should it?" "I don't know, I just don't want to change our closeness for lack of another word." "Thank you for showing them to me and I promise they will never be mentioned. I really did learn from them. I learn something every time I see you work." Teri let's knock off early today I'm tired." "You're the boss." "Remember I'll be golfing tomorrow afternoon with Moon." "I have it on the calendar." They went around shutting off lights and with Lee following Teri out they set the alarm and locked the door. Before she turned to go to her car she said, "Thank you for having trust in me Lee. That was more important than seeing the photos though they were pretty interesting too." "You're welcome Teri see you tomorrow." Teri stopped and said, "Oh I almost forgot you have two family sittings in the morning." "Thanks bye." After spending most of the morning in the studio Lee was finally finished and headed for the coffee pot. Teri heard him so she went in and emptied the camera before coming out to join him for coffee. As they stood there leaning against the counter Lee said, "Don't be in any hurry with the proofs from this morning. They won't be back to see them for almost two weeks." "Okay I'll do them tomorrow or Monday." "I won't be back after golf unless you call me with a problem." "I can't imagine I'll need to call you for anything." "Well I'm going so if Moon calls tell him I'm on my way." "See you tomorrow Lee." After picking Moon up the two of them spent the next four hours on the golf course. As they left they had the inevitable discussion about their game and then Lee said, "Moon I want to stop and get Teri something for her birthday." "You mean now?" "Yeah we'll be going right past the Sam's Club and I want to get her a computer that I saw in there last week." "You're getting your assistant a computer? That's pretty impressive." "I know but she works hard and I can't afford to pay her what she's worth. "Your not getting emotionally involved with her are you?" "Can't I buy my assistant a birthday present without being emotionally involved?" "I don't know, can you?" "Hell yes I can." "Why not the electronics store?" "Because I saw just what I wanted there and the price is right. If you don't want to stop I'll come back later." "No we can stop, I'm just impressed with your generosity is all." "I don't want her to leave and I thought a little bribery would help." "Is she acting like she might?" "No but this switch to digital is scaring her and I don't want her to start thinking along those lines because it took me too long to train her. Getting out of their car at the store Moon said, "Would you look at this, it's the middle of the afternoon and this place is busy. Doesn't anybody work during the day anymore?" "You're just in a foul mood because I beat you today." "I still can't believe that happened. Are you sure you're not taking lessons again?" "Not one but to tell the truth I can't believe my score today either." While Lee was finishing his comment Moon was being distracted by a young woman walking a ways ahead of them. "Lee I apologize for complaining, I'm thoroughly enjoying this little walk." "I agree, I think it would behoove us to follow her for the rest of the afternoon." They followed her as far as the computers and then reluctantly left her. The two of them spent a few minutes reviewing the specifications of the one Lee had in mind and he said, "Yeah this will do nicely. I also want to pick up some software if they have it." "Doesn't she have a computer now?" "Yeah but it's an antique and it's always giving her trouble." "I wish I worked for you." "You wouldn't get a computer because you don't have great legs. Just kidding. Well not really your legs really aren't much to look at." "Hey look over by the laptops Lee there's that sweet thing we followed in." Showing as much discretion as they could they watched her as she shopped. Then a young guy approached her and started to talk to her. After a minute Moon said, "I don't think she wants to talk to that guy, watch her body language." "Yeah I noticed that too. She looks very uncomfortable." "Lee I'm going to wander over that way and eavesdrop." It was only a minute later when Moon came back and whispered, "He's a head case Lee and she's scared to death of him."