Raw Exposure by Aliyah Burke Page B

said she would but she’s nae a youngun.”
    “And you feel responsible for her.”
    She bristled. “She is a dearie and has been through hell, having lost both her husband and son. They want to award me with what should go to her child. Yes, I feel responsible.”
    “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. That sounded not how I wanted it to.”
    Holding up her hands, she shook her head. “I should apologize. The day has been a long one.”
    “If I have a way to get you and your friend back to Oregon in time, would you do it?”
    She rolled her lower lip in her teeth. It had been five days since she’d been in his arms, and she wanted to experience it again. Why should she deprive herself of what she wanted? She held no illusions of what it was between them.
    “Aye. But I would have ta know before I make our plans.”
    “I’ll be calling often, sweetcheeks. Get some rest, you sound tired.”
    “Okay.” She had no energy to argue. So, with a quick goodbye, she ended the call. I can eat later. She yawned and closed her eyes.
    It was dark when she awoke. For a few moments, she debated on closing her eyes and drifting back to sleep before she left the bed. Opting to rise, she got up, turned on some light, and dressed.
    Within the next hour, she sat at the desk, her laptop open with some photos on it and a cheeseburger with fries beside her. Coke to drink. She ate and placed orders for more items she needed, film especially. Normally, she would do digital shots when working with people since most were impatient and it was easier to give a CD with the shots on it.
    Another reason I prefer shooting wildlife. There was just something more with real film in her eyes. Black and whites were amazing. After her expedition back to Virginia and Reeve, she would be going to Africa.
    She worked well past finishing her food and answered emails as well as returning calls. Once content all was caught up, she opened up a file she’d recently uploaded and began sifting through the images. The shots were of some flora, and she sought to find the right ones to sell.
    The night progressed, bringing with it a storm. She shoved her hair into a ponytail, grabbed her camera, and went out on the balcony. Through the wind and rain, she snapped pictures of the lightning over the water. The rolling clouds and the feel of the storm.
    Three and a half hours later, she snagged “the shot” she’d been waiting for and walked, soaking wet, back into her room. After another shower, she slid exhausted into bed.
    Her wake-up call came at the requested time, and she rolled from bed with a weary groan. Dressed, she packed her items and double-checked to ensure she had it all. A habit of hers, even though she had a lot of confidence of having everything packed. She stayed in a great many places and pretty much lived out of her canvas duffle.
    Shouldering the strap, she headed downstairs. An older white man waited behind the counter and she approached him with a wave and greeting.
    “The taxi has been called, Ms. O’Shea.”
    “Wonderful,” she said, giving him the keycard and signing the bill.
    “Forgive me, but I wanted to tell you it’s amazing what you went through to get that photo evidence back to the authorities.”
    Her hand froze in the middle of her signature. She met his gaze.
    “You recognized me?”
    His smile was kind. “You and your name, Ms. O’Shea.”
    “Thanks for the kind words but the thanks should go to Davy. He uncovered it first.” She finished her signature and slid the paper with pen back to him.
    “I think you both do.” He gave her the receipt.
    They shared a look and she nodded. “Goodbye.”
    Affrica strode for the door and climbed in the waiting taxi. “Bus station, please.”
    It didn’t take too long, and soon, she was climbing on her bus to Sea-Tac airport. Her business concluded for a while in the United States. She reclined in the seat and smiled at the thought of seeing Reeve again.
    * * * *
    Perth, Australia
    Reeve