Stuck with My Bad Boy Billionaire Playboy Photographer

By Kasia Kain

I haven't seen James in over 10 years.

Haven't missed him either.

He was always such a jerk to me growing up.

He's quite the top photographer now and a billionaire no less.

And I'm an up and coming top model.

Of course everyone will think because of my age I am with him only for his money.

And then he lies to me.

I feel so betrayed right now.

My heart is broken.

And then he looks at me, and it makes all the bad just goes away!

He grabs me around my waist and brings me up against himself.

The look in his eyes.

The wanting in them is all I need to never let go of him.

I need him now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kasia Kain
• Release date: Oct 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224171347

Book preview

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Copyright 2023 by Kasia Kain - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher.

All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Stuck with My Bad Boy Billionaire Playboy Photographer

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Kasia Kain

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Contents

1.Unexpected Reunion

1. Nikki

2.A New Perspective

2. James

3.Close Quarters

3. Nikki

4.Exploring Boundaries

4. James

5.Lingering Doubts

5. Nikki

6.Beneath the Surface

6. James

7.Unleashing Desires

7. Nikki

8.Unexpected Complications

8. James

9.Jealousy Unveiled

9. Nikki

10.Breaking Barriers

10. James

11.A Reckless Revelation

11. Nikki

12.In Pursuit of Redemption

12. James

13.The Healing Power of Love

13. Nikki

14.Unveiling the Inner Strength

14. James

15.Unmasking the Past

15. Nikki

16.Overcoming Obstacles

16. James

17.Surrendering Control

17. Nikki

18.Uncharted Territories

18. James

19.Embracing Vulnerability

19. Nikki

20.Bridging the Age Gap

20. James

21.Confronting the Past

21. Nikki

22.A Love Worth Fighting For

22. James

23.Healing Hearts

23. Nikki

24.Letting Go of Insecurities

24. James

25.The Power of Forgiveness

25. Nikki

26.Sealing Their Fate

26. James

27.Building a Future

27. Nikki

28.Celebrating Love

28. James

29.Forever Starts Now

29. Nikki

30.Happily, Ever After

30. James

The End.

Acknowledgement

To those of you who were in my life

for a while or what may have seemed forever

and then the friendship parted.

We are here in each other’s lives for as long

as God says we should be and then circumstances

may tear us apart but life goes on.

Remember the memories and the good times

we had and never keep hatred in your heart.

Life is too short.

AND

To GOD,

Because without you, I would not be.

Chapter 1

Unexpected Reunion

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Nikki

When I enter the glitzy modeling event, the throbbing intensity of the room energizes my senses, and I immediately feel like a star. As a model, I’m used to being expected to enchant people with my grace and beauty, and tonight the limelight is all mine. I have no idea that fate has something unexpected in store for me, so I am completely unprepared when a man from my past walks into the room.

I am surrounded by a sea of flashing cameras and elegantly dressed attendees of the event when all of a sudden, I recognize a face that immediately transports me back to my childhood. It's James, the once little boy who lived next door to me when we were kids. We argued all the time and fought over who was the fastest, smartest, funniest, and best. Our interactions were marked by snarky teasing and disagreement, which fueled our endless competitions that never really ended in either of us winning or losing. Now, we face each other as adults, and I can feel my skin crawl in distaste as he locks eyes with me.

I decide to face him head-on and let the chips fall where they may. I’m not the reckless, stubborn little girl I once was. Now, I am sly as well as stubborn and it has served me well in my career. As I walk closer to him, I can't deny the feeling of attraction that rushes through me. He looks so different and, I hate to admit it, handsome.

James is looking through his camera that is strapped around his neck when he notices me coming toward him. He gives me a cocky grin. Well, well, if it isn't Nikki. The well-known fashion model. Who would have ever guessed we’d run into each other?

I toss my hair over my shoulder, putting on my most sultry attitude and pretending to be unaffected by his presence. James. I don’t smile back at him, choosing instead to survey him as if I am bored. I see that you've succeeded in becoming the world's most arrogant and stubborn photographer. Who would have guessed?

The sound of his chuckle reverberates through me. He gazes at my thin figure in appreciation. So, I am stubborn, huh? I suppose some things never change.

As I turn for one final pose for the cameras, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable occasions in which he has made my life more difficult. I wave the cameras away. You know, James, you caused quite a bit of trouble back then. I'm hoping that you've grown up since the time we spent together in our hometown.

James stares at me intently, a look of dogged purpose appearing in his eyes. Nikki, I owe you an apology. I always acted like a jerk, and I now see how much those actions affected you. I've changed. I've learned lessons from my actions, and I sincerely regret the way that I handled myself when we were young.

I was not expecting him to say those things, and I am taken by surprise. Perhaps the passage of time has transformed James into a different person, one that I never imagined he would become. Perhaps now is the moment to stop dwelling on the past.

I raise an eyebrow and scrutinize his features, looking for any indication that he is being insincere. James, I accept your apology. But keep in mind that actions speak louder than words.

He shows his agreement with an honest look. I understand. I want to make amends. Put aside our disagreements and let's concentrate on what we can accomplish when we find ourselves together at events like this.

I was taken aback by his commitment to put things right, and as a result, I discovered a spark of hope deep within myself. Good to hear, James. Let's check out whether or not you really are as brilliant behind the camera as you say you are.

James takes increasingly breathtaking photographs of me as the event progresses, his enthusiasm and talent shining through with each click of the camera. The fact that he so deftly brings out the best in his subjects has given me a whole new appreciation for his profession, and I can't help but feel grateful for it.

During the event, we talk about our pasts and reminisce about the exciting times we had as children as well as the ways in which we have matured. It's almost as if the burden of our long-standing hostility has been removed, and in its place stands a mutual understanding and respect for one another.

James gives me a printed photograph he produced from where he set up his event photograph table as we say our goodbyes at the end of the evening. Nikki, this picture depicts our evolution from rivals to friends. It is a symbol of peace.

I can't help but break into a smile. Thank you, James. I never imagined that I'd live to see the day when we could find anything that we both agree on.

Let’s meet for coffee some day? And catch up? he says.

I would love to, I reply.

As we part ways, I can't help but think about the sudden change in how I see James. People may shock you in the most incredible ways at the most unexpected times. It's possible that the experiences we've had in the past were meant to set the stage for a future rich in unexpected friendships and productive collaborations.

* * *

I can't hold back my excitement while sitting inside a nearby coffee shop. Not because we have reunited after years but because I have so much to share about my life. Despite not having seen him for at least a decade, there is no awkwardness between us. We have seen each other's embarrassing sides and pulled so many stupid pranks on each other. He is one of the few people I feel that I actually know well.

James hands me a bag. As I open it, I can see prints of my amazing photographs from that night.

Are you trying to flaunt your talent? I jest, and he raises his eyebrows.

It usually works with women. But I know it will take more than this to seduce you, he says, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Irritation at his comment begins to flare up but I try to hide it with a smile.

So, tell me, how did a boy go from playing with me in a tiny town to being a famous photographer? I ask, curious.

It was like a domino effect. One good thing and lucky break led to another, and here I am, he says proudly.

I knew you would be fine without me, I tease as I tap the top of his hand gently. As our skin touches, we both feel a spark which takes me by surprise.

You haven't told me about yourself, yet, he says as he sips his drink. How did you end up becoming a model?

A smile appears on my face, and I begin to reminisce about my journey, which was challenging, but I am proud to be where I stand today. I don’t want to chase after money but pursue my passion instead. I am happy as long as I model for the brands I like and keep the image I’ve carefully built for myself.

Doing what I do best, I reply, and a sparkle appears in his eyes.

* * *

We begin sharing our stories and the paths we each chose when we separated. We catch up on lost time, and our chats are filled with laughter and jokes. James listens to stories related to my profession intently, and I reciprocate my interest in his work. It doesn't feel like I am speaking to someone who puts on airs or thinks too highly of himself. Instead, we are just two normal human beings who are simply catching up together. It is genuinely refreshing to meet up with someone who was once a part of your childhood, even after all these years.

How about you show me some pictures from your modeling shoots? he asks eagerly. At first, I was reluctant to focus too much on me, but I let him take a peek, eventually.

These are amazing! he remarks.

Come on, you are giving me too much credit, I say, secretly enjoying his compliments.

No, seriously. I would love to have someone like you on my team, James comments, and I feel honored.

If opportunities present themselves, of course, I would love to help you out, I say with a polite smile.

You know, Nikki, I always wanted to meet up with you back then, call you again and catch up. I wanted to apologize for whatever I did to you in the past. But the circumstances never seemed to allow for it. Most of my time up until last year was spent networking and growing my photography brand, James says, which takes me aback. It is then I realize I’ve missed him, too. Up until we were teens, I saw him every day. The way he’s looking at me now, I wonder if he ever saw me as more than his sassy little neighbor.

I wanted to meet up with you, too. I heard that you were making waves as a fashion photographer but never made the time to seek you out. I don’t know why, I admit with a hint of disappointment. It’s crazy that the two of us ended up in the same industry.

A comfortable silence surrounds us, and we lock eyes with each other.

Well, then! James announces. Since we have been reunited, let's share a toast!

With coffee? I chuckle, and he nods.

To the beginning of a friendship, he cheers and raises his coffee cup.

After we finish our coffee, James offers me a ride back to my place, but I refuse. It’s a nice day and I’d rather walk back to my glitzy apartment. As we part ways, I can't stop smiling. Just then, I was struck with an impulsive thought. I turn around. James is about to leave in his car, but I rush in his direction, calling out his name. Neon red lights show up behind the vehicle, and I sigh in relief.

Changed your mind? he asks as he pokes his head out the window, and I shake my head.

I wanted you to take my picture. I have a feeling today is the start of something special—professionally speaking, of course. Is that okay with you? I ask and wait eagerly for his response.

Of course, he exclaims, and a huge grin appears on my face. He sets the time on his camera and places it on the roof of his car. Suddenly he places a hand on my shoulder and tightens his grip, which makes me blush for some reason. I hold out a peace sign and call out, Cheese!

The camera flashes, and I realize we have managed to freeze this moment forever. I quickly look at the digital photo and notice the happiness on our faces.

Don’t forget to send me the image! I say, and he nods in return.

With a wide grin, I make my way toward my apartment. It is now that I begin to grapple with the situation. Destiny decided it was time for James and me to meet again, and I am grateful for that. I am unaware of what the future holds. Will we make the time to see each other again, or was this just a one-off catch-up coffee? But I am sure that meeting James again was one of the best surprises that has happened to me yet.

Chapter 2

A New Perspective

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James

My eyes open to the sun's rays creeping inside my room. I rub them to clear my blurry vision, and the modelling event a few days ago instantly flood my mind. A wide smile appears on my face as I recall Nikki's gorgeous face. I still remember the feelings that flooded me when I first saw her. She looked stunning.

From the very moment we met, I was struck by her captivating appearance. Her large eyes, full lips, and high cheekbones were simply mesmerizing, and her cascading brown hair with highlights swayed with every step she took. I witnessed a noticeable transformation in her personality when I finally met her after such a long time. Once goofy and opinionated, she now radiates confidence and charm.

I still can't believe I met her by luck at the event, or that she noticed me. What are the odds of us working the same event in this city?

I couldn't help but feel a tremendous feeling of relief as I saw Nikki’s face light up with a combination of surprise and excitement upon seeing me. Even though she dropped out of my life for a while, I could still recall memories of the past when I chatted with her. I never liked the idea of someone overshadowing me. And the reason behind me giving her such a hard time is I thought that Nikki might make me look bad far beyond her getting better grades than me back in junior high. Whenever she used to play as kids, her group used to listen to her and follow her lead, and I was unable to help myself from making life miserable for her.

Listening to her stories was refreshing and fun. I have not felt so entertained in