Just a Number (Thirst Trap #2)

24. Alex

Chapter twenty-four

Alex

I ’m just arriving at the studio ready for the open house event when I see Mel. She’s had a few wobbles the last couple of days since Zack left, but she’s also been busy with the last-minute organisation of this event. I think it helped take her mind off it.

She’s standing in the middle of the big, airy entrance hall commanding the space around her. She’s dressed in one of those killer tailored skirts that skims her hips and makes me want to get on my knees and crawl over there to worship at her feet. She’s talking to a small group and they all look as rapt as I do. One of them gives her a nod and jogs away, and she turns her attention to the next person.

I don’t want to interrupt, but it’s fascinating to see her in a work setting, running the creative awards event. Each of the units is opening before the awards for guests to look around and see what we do. It’s the first time it's been held and everyone's been super excited about it.

There are a few people I know up for awards, but I didn’t get a ticket to the ceremony itself. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to snaffle some canapes. Brenda called me in to help out as she is attending the awards. I’ll be spending most of my time demonstrating on the wheel.

I tear my gaze away from Mel to head into the studio and start prepping for the demonstration.

I’m busy wedging balls of clay ready to go when someone makes their way in. I look up to see Mel chatting intently with another woman as they approach. I don’t know how to play this. Are they colleagues? Should I greet Mel like I know her? The decision is taken out of my clay covered hands when Mel gasps my name in surprise.

“Alex.” Her mouth gapes before she squares her shoulders and gathers her composure. “I didn’t know you were going to be here tonight.”

“Hey, Mel.” I raise my eyebrows, giving her the smirk that seems to fire her up. “I got called in to do some demonstrations.”

“Oh, wow.” She seems to forget herself and where she is, her gaze locked on my hands as I continue to knead the clay to make sure all the air is out of it.

“So what do you want us to do about the drinks, Mel?” the woman beside her asks. Satisfaction eases into my bones when she has to tear her gaze away, her bottom lip caught between her teeth and asks her colleague to repeat the question.

“Sorry, Stacey. I think the wait staff should circulate with drinks and canapes in the entrance hall.” She pauses, her bottom lip worried by her teeth once again. “We’ll see if we can get some representatives from the units by the doors, ready to welcome them in.” She gives a nod. Stacey agrees and excuses herself to make arrangements.

“Did you need something from me?” I can’t help but ask, trying to draw her attention back to me. This time, it’s me who’s flustered when her gaze pins mine. I’m intrigued by this professional version of Mel. She’s confident and assertive and it’s hot as fuck.

“Just doing the rounds to check each unit is ready for tonight and know the plans. Is Brenda around?” she asks with a quirked brow.

“She’s due back in five minutes,” I tell her, hoping she’ll stay while she waits. “Want to see my demonstration?”

Indecision clouds her gaze. “I really wish I could. But I need to get to the other units. I’ll pop back in a while to see Brenda though, so maybe I can see you in action then?”

“You can see me in action any time you like, Mel. You just have to ask.”

She gives me a wry smile before chiding me, “Keep it clean, boyo. I’m here working.”

“You’re seriously hot when you’re giving out instructions. Feel free to boss me around anytime you like.” My pulse kicks up a notch.

She purses her lips. “I’ll be back in a while.” Okay, maybe it was just me flirting. She turns and heads back to the entrance hall and I sigh as I grab another chunk of clay.

I’m getting started on the wheel, so I’ve got a couple of thrown pieces ready for visitors to see, when my spidey-sense tells me Mel is nearby. I look up to see her walking in with Brenda and Maggie, a visiting potter and sculptor that Brenda introduced me to the other day.

“Here he is.” Brenda beams as the trio approach. “I don’t know what we’d do without him. He’s such a hard worker and incredibly skilled as a potter.”

“Jeez, Brenda, you’re making me blush,” I tell her with a grin, not failing to notice Mel’s side eye as Brenda waxes lyrical about me.

“And will you be available to help in my workshop?” Maggie asks as she tucks a strand of purple hair behind her ear. Her creativity clearly extends to her wardrobe with the funky patterned dress she has on. The style suits her.

I looked her up after being introduced the other day and was amazed to see she’s not even thirty years old yet. She’s wildly successful and has travelled the world with her sculpting and pottery work. It gives me hope that I can make a living from my art.

All three women watch me work the ball of clay to get it centred on the wheel.

“Possibly, depending on the dates we finalise and his availability,” Brenda answers for me. “Maggie’s thinking about offering a life sculpture workshop as a trial run.”

“Oh, wow.” My eyebrows raise. It would be an incredible opportunity to work with her.

“I’m always in need of models if you’re interested,” Maggie says with a grin, but I notice that Mel gawks in my periphery. “You’ll be paid handsomely. Although it’s preferable if you haven’t been in a brawl.” She focuses on my blackened eye with a frown.

“Err, yeah, maybe, depending on when it is.”

“Excellent.” Maggie nods. “Brenda can let you know the dates when they’re agreed, and you can decide from there.”

“Is it, uh, fully nude?” I ask, curious rather than worried. Mel’s gaze burns into my cheek.

“Oh yes, we need to see the full form.” She looks me up and down. “I get the feeling you’ll be wonderfully in proportion.”

My jaw slackens at this woman blatantly checking me out. “Err, thanks, I think.”

Mel clears her throat with the growliest noise I’ve ever heard from her. “Brenda, I’m sorry to rush you, but I really need to go through the timeline with you and I have to get back to the hall to check arrangements.” Her voice is tight.

“Of course. Sorry to hold you up, Mel. Maggie, why don’t you chat to Alex and I’ll just do the run-through with Mel?”

“I’d be happy to.” Maggie gives me a wink. I try to catch Mel’s eye but she’s intent on Brenda. Is she mad at me? Or is she jealous?