“Yes, but—”
He took the basket and went into the living room where he placed it next to her purse. When he returned, she was smiling. “You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met.”
“Not really. Looks and actions can be deceiving. Come on, let’s get your pictures developed before you change your mind about accepting my gift.”
“I wouldn’t do that. A gift is a gift, right?”
“You got it,” he said, leading her into the darkroom.
As soon as Darrius switched on the lights in the darkroom, Justine noticed photographs of mountain ranges pinned to a line. Justine went over for a closer look at the now dry shots.
“What place is this?”
“It’s Ship Rock.”
“You took these?”
“I know they’re not very good, but—”
“They’re great! I love them. Waiting until almost dusk to snap these was a nice added touch. That time of day enhances the beauty of the mountain peaks against the royal blue sky. During my endless train ride here, I saw how beautiful New Mexico sunsets are. It’s truly a photographer’s paradise.”
“Well, I guess it takes a professional to know what makes a photographic image unique. I guess I really didn’t do so badly with these after all, but I’m not nearly as good as you are, Justine. I have seen your work.”
“Worthy of hanging in your darkroom?”
He moved closer. “From where I’m standing, the view is fantastic. I’d love anything of yours in here.”
This was just too much for the overwhelmed Justine. She was so close to standing on tiptoes and kissing his full lips it was pathetic. The last thing she wanted was to get tangled up with him after only one full day of knowing him. Then again, maybe getting in a tangle with Darrius was just the thing she needed—but later. She had to somehow pull her eyes away from his before their lips really did touch. If that happened, there would be no turning back for her.
“I have pictures of Red Rock, if you want to see them.” He opened a drawer and pulled out three more large pictures of the fabulous place. “I took these last year during the ceremonial, just before the Grand Entrance.”
“You really are good. These bring out some of the smaller caverns.”
“How do you know about the caverns there?”
“When I was there yesterday I looked up the winding road near the park’s entrance. Red Rock is higher than I thought. It was kind of overwhelming, a little scary, so I didn’t go any higher. Besides, I think I would have needed an off-road vehicle to survive going that high up.”
“You would have because it’s dangerous. I can take you some time soon and show you parts that aren’t sacred if you like, since you’re intrigued by it.”
“You should submit your photographs to New Mexico Magazine and see what happens.”
“Maybe.” He walked her over to the photographic paper and solutions. “Let’s get started. I want you to see a few of the shots I took, get your expert advice on them. Before you know it, it’ll be time to get you to the open-market crafts.”
Darrius unloaded his 35mm camera, filled the three developing tanks with the different solutions and turned out the lights. He was almost ready.
“Did you do your contact prints yet, Darrius?” Justine asked.
“Nope! See, had you not been here I would not have remembered that. Want to help?”
“Sure, where’s your photo paper?” He turned the light back, handed her a few sheets and they both worked together. After a few more procedures, they were ready to put his photographs in the solutions.
Justine nudged his shoulder. “From what I can see, I think you took more pictures of those caves at Red Rock. Is that what you did?”
“Guilty. I’m as intrigued by them as you are. Always have been, even though I’ve seen them up close. I also have one of the hill you looked up near the entrance. That intrigues me, too and I do know what’s on the other side of the hill, Justine.”
“What?”
“Danger, like I said before. I don’t want you going up there. You don’t have the right type of vehicle and experience.”
“The vehicle, you’re right about, but the experience—I think I might. I’ve been in dangerous situations before, like with the bull. Remember.”
“You could always get away from him. He was one of the older bulls, anyway. The other side is not a good place to be unless you’re an experienced rock climber or someone who goes on digs and expeditions in hilly territories.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I saw how you looked at the negative. That’s why I brought it up.”
“Save your worries. I’ve got too much to do to go up there anyway. Even though I’m sure there are great photos up there.”
“There would be, but they’re not worth the risk.” He moved in behind her. “Now, let’s see what we come up with so you can get to work.”
During the wait in the darkness, he was still so near, so close to her, that she felt strands of his silken hair brush against her face. Yet she kept quiet, not wanting him to know the mere thought of him was consuming her.
Darrius could hardly stand being that close to her in the dark and not think about her naked and lying on his bed in air conditioning. He imagined how her body would react to him joining her on the bed, the taste of her lips against his, the feel of her breasts in his large hands. Tasting one nipple after the other began to control him to the point where he could actually taste them. His mouth watered, his body stiffened, his breathing became shallow. What on earth was the woman doing to him? Was she even real, or a figment of something the stars really did bring? Whatever the case, he wanted her. Screw being a gentleman, he wanted her raw, pulsing against him. Now.
Thoughts became actions and he bent to the nape of her neck, kissing the tender flesh. He knew he’d probably get slapped and possibly lose the one woman who had taken his mind off everything in the real world. She was sweet to the taste, gentle on the tongue, and his erection pulled tighter against his jeans. His only thought: She isn’t moving away from me.
Moving away from Darrius Red Sky would have killed her. All she wanted was more of him, more kisses, more flicks of his tongue against her moist skin. And she let him. Her body backed against his, feeling the tightness in his jeans, feeling his erection squirm for want of release. He was hard, pulsing, racing, feverish against her, and he felt good, great, undeniably alive. Everything in her ached for him, wanting to turn and face the man of a thousand rushes. That’s what he gave her, a thousand tingles and chills.
