“Good. I’m glad. I admit, it’s kinda hot watching you two go at it like that. Especially the whole taboo aspect.” Jay bit his lip as he devoured me yet again with only his eyes.

What was with this guy and his husband and the whole voyeurism obsession?

Jay poked his head out of the curtained area, and his face brightened. “Oh good. He’s here.”

“He is?” I didn’t mean to sound so startled. A mixture of relief and anticipation flooded my system.

Jay disappeared from view, leaving me in the changing area alone. I gave myself a pep talk and took some stabilizing deep breaths before returning to the open studio room.

Asher was scanning the bedroom staging area while Jay chatted with him, too quiet for me to hear what he was saying. Charlotte and Lewis noticed his presence, and they waved him over.

Handshakes were exchanged, and then Jay turned, waving me over to join them. Asher’s gaze locked on me. His jaw tensed, his body went rigid, and the blood drained from his face.

Why did I get the feeling this day was going to end in disaster?

Asher ducked his head and turned his body as I approached. Charlotte engulfed me in a warm hug, and Lewis shook my hand.

“Are you all set for today?” Charlotte asked.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I gestured at the bed. “This looks nice and daunting.”

Jay and Charlotte chuckled. “Setting the mood,” Charlotte said. “Lewis has some great visions for photos. We’re hoping to get a few under our belt today. Most importantly, the one for book one’s cover art. I have an artist standing by, ready to create magic. Once we have a few promotional images, we can start marketing the series. You will become the faces of Ender and Elliot Bridgestone by next month.”

“Awesome.”

“How about you two go change and spend a few minutes with Aria, and then I’ll have Lewis go over what he wants to try. Jay showed you the robes?” Charlotte asked.

“Yeah.”

“Good. Sorry about the cold room. I think we’re shooting in underwear today. Is that right, Lew?”

“For now. We’ll see if I can get the shots I want.”

“Perfect.”

Charlotte waved us toward the changing area. I didn’t look back, but I knew Asher followed me.

Aria called out, “Let me know when you’re ready for makeup.”

Alone behind the curtains, I faced my brother. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

He looked about the small area, avoiding me. “I’m not an asshole. I wouldn’t let you down. I know this is important.”

“Thanks. It is.”

His discomfort was contagious. The elephant in the room was using up all the air, and my chest tightened.

“Ash—”

“Let’s just get through today.”