He said, “What do you think?”

“You’re a man of many talents.” I actually did like the length. It still made me feel feminine but a lot freer. “It’s lovely.”

“Glad you like it, angel.” He took out his phone. “Now take off the robe and lie on the bed.”

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” He aimed the phone and a bright light attacked my eyes. “Settling old scores.”

“What old scores?”

“Last time we did this, you shut me down.”

“Chris, I was sixteen.”

“The statement still stands.”

I sighed. “Nothing porno.”

“To be determined.” When I didn’t answer, he said, “The pictures are just to get a feel for what I want …” Another shot. “Which is to draw you.”

“Full circle, huh?”

“Full circle.”

“Don’t tie me up.” I was serious. “I always hated when you did that.”

“Yeah, I was really into bondage back then. Take off your robe. Have you ever seen Goya’s naked Alba?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Let’s do a variation of that. Okay?”

“That’s fine. What do you want?”

“Lie on your side with your head propped up with your hand.” He positioned my hair so that my nipple played peekaboo with the tresses. He shot a few photos. “I must say that this is a pleasant surprise. I expected more resistance.”

“If I did it at sixteen, I think I can handle it at forty-two with my husband.”

He smiled. “Yes, you are indeed my wife.”

“Happy about that?” I asked.

“Yes, I am. If you ever take that band off your finger, I’ll put it around your neck.”

“You say the most romantic things.”

“Chalk it up to my charm.”

“Remember the first pose I did for you?”

“Of course. I have the old sketch pads in my vault.” He lowered the camera. “We should do a then and now.”

“Okay.” I sat up. Then I hunched over and folded my legs, bringing my chin to my knees. At sixteen, I was very embarrassed, and the pose was the most efficient way to cover my chest. “It was something like this, right?”

“Yeah, except you were wearing panties.”

“Not the entire time.”

“No.” A wide smile. “You’re right about that.” A pause. “I’ll get my sketch pad and my pencils. Just stay like that.” He returned with a chair and his art supplies. He came over to me and made adjustments, pulling my hair over my shoulders, slightly parting my legs to allow a little visibility. He stood up and nodded with approval. “Beautiful. Don’t move.”