Return

My Bare Skin 

Pulling up to IMG Models, I spotted Noah waiting for me at the entrance. I stepped out of my car, his 

presence reminded me of my responsibility. Noal Inman, is the owner and founder of IMG Models, and also my best friend. 

“I told the newly accepted models from the audition to come, so you can pick your choice, Jasper the ball’s in your court fully,” Noah informed me. 

“I mentioned I was dealing with a dilemma, Mr. Inman,” I began, but Noah cut me off. 

“And I told you Business is more important right now, we can talk about your dilemma later but right now, we need to get this app on air, to the public, this is a big project that will get us a billion or more, don’t get on my nerves Jasper move it” Noah stated. 

I forced a smile and nodded, taking the lead. 

Entering IMG Models I walked alongside Noah, my hands tucked into my pockets. I could see the lineup of models awaiting us. Noah guided me towards the center of the hall, positioning me for a closer view of the models as they stood before us. 

I scanned the lineup looking at the faces, and then my eyes unexpectedly saw a familiar face among the models. Curious I moved my eyes backwards, recognizing Selena standing among the models. Turning to Noah, I couldn’t help myself, “What is she doing here?” 

“What do you mean? She is one of the models accepted after the audition” 

“What?” Caught off guard by Selena’s unexpected presence, I observed her a moment longer, noticing the shift in her eyes as she turned her eyes away from mine, I smiled admiring her from afar. 

After looking at all the models, Noah asked me a question, “Who would you choose?” 

I looked up at Selena and pointed to her, “Her, I chose her,” 

“Impressive choice, bro. She’s undoubtedly one of the most stunning models we’ve accepted.” I turned to Noah and smiled. 

Glancing back at Selena, I felt so proud and satisfied knowing that she was not only a stunning and talented model but also someone who held a special place in my heart, 

Selena POV 

Line up side by side, please,” instructed Mr. Inman. 

We lined up as told by Mr. Inman, the CEO and founder of IMG Models. His announcement of Mr. Santos’s impending arrival made him step out briefly, leaving us models to introduce ourselves. 

We chatted quietly, but suddenly heard. “They are coming“, signaling the arrival of the guest. Straightening our postures, we awaited their approach. Mr. Inman and Mr. Santos soon entered. 

My heart skipped a beat as I made to look at the guests only to see Jasper standing there, I locked eyes with him standing with Mr. inman. “What is he doing here?” I asked myself, taken aback. 

Suddenly I recall his full name, Jasper Santos, “Oh, Jasper Santos….meaning Mr. Santos…. Oh, how could I have missed that?” I asked myself. 

Jasper’s eyes swept over the models, and our eyes met briefly, causing me to hastily move my eyes from his, 

+15 BONUS 

Before I could gather my composure, I heard Jasper’s voice, “I choose her,” his finger pointing directly at me. 

My breath caught in my throat as his words sank in, “Oh my, can’t I run away without getting caught for once?” 1- panicked inwardly. 

“You all can leave now except Selena Kings,” Mr. Inman stated, and my fellow models all left, some congratulated me while some pat me on the back and I smiled in return. 

Mr. Inman got down and walked to me. “That Jasper Santos the CEO of ByteForge Technology, we should go meet him, he will be the one you will be working with, for now, he is going to pay you, your first modeling fees congratulations Miss Kings” Mr. Inman said, smiling, smiled back awkwardly. 

“Let’s go,” Mr. Inman took my hand and led the way ever to Jasper. We got to him and I stood nervously, I could 

feel Jasper’s eyes on me. 

“She must be shy,” Mr Inman said to Jasper. I sighed and looked up at Jasper acting as if it was my first time 

meeting him. 

“Jasper, this is Selena Kings, the model you have chosen. Selena, like I said, this is Jasper Santos.” Mr Inman said 

to me. 

I nodded smiling “Nice to meet you, Mr. Santos. I’m Selena Kings,” I said, extending my hand for a handshake. 

“I’m Jasper Santos. It will be nice working with you,” Jasper replied as he played along taking my hand in a 

handshake. 

Jasper and I turned to Mr. Inman after the handshake Will the shot start now?” Jasper asked. “Yes, the first shot. will start now, as you can see the staff has been busy in the other area” he gestured. “Let’s go” Mr. Inman said, leading the way. 

Upon arriving at the studio Mr. Inman led us to the dressing room filled with clothes and then into the bustling main studio, the staff were so many. He introduced us to the photographers, and to my surprise, one of them was the guy who came with Colin to the restaurant carlier. 

After the introduction, Mr. Inman announced, “That’s that. The clothes have been set in the dressing room, Selena, you can go get dressed, I’ll send the makeup artists and other staff to come help you.” I nodded and made my way to the dressing room. Just as I entered, I felt someone behind me and turned to find Jasper standing there. 

“What are you doing here? This is the dressing room,” I said, taken aback. Jasper looked at me and walked closer, I came to see you, Selena. Can we talk?” 

“Jasper, I’m at work,” I replied, feeling a bit flustered. 

“I know, About what happened earlier…,” Jasper continued, but I cut him off. 

“Jasper, it’s my first time and my first day at work. I really need to focus right now, please,” I insisted. Jasper looked at me for a while and nodded. 

“Okay, if you say so. You can get dressed,” he said, and turned leaving the dressing room, closing the door behind 

him 

I let out a sigh, I felt so guilty, and I felt something else, something I still can’t understand. “What is this feeling?” I asked myself. “Does that mean I like Jasper?” I added. ” Nah, Nah, I just feel guilty that’s all” I corrected myself. I got dressed, preparing for the upcoming shoot. 

After getting dressed and having my hair and makeup done by the staff, I walked out of the dressing room and got 

+15 BONUS 

admiring looks and compliments from the staff and photographers. “Wow, you look so pretty!” they exclaimed, I smiled and made my way to the shooting ground. Jasper stood there, observing me. 

The shoot commenced, and 1 effortlessly moved through various poses while the photographer captures. Suddenly, Jasper spoke up, “I need a different style.” The shoot immediately got paused. Jasper walked over to me on the set, getting everyone’s attention. 

He moved closer to me and began directing me on the pose he chose. I tried to adjust my waist position. But Jasper reached out and placed both of his hands on my waist, lightly touching my bare skin. His touch sent a shiver down my spine and caused goosebumps to rise on my skin. I turned only to find my face close to his, our eyes closed up. And our lips were mere inches apart, almost meeting. He looked down at my lips and I did the same, and Jasper moved his lips closer, almost kissing me, immediately I moved my head. 

I tried to regain my composure despite Jasper’s hand still on my waist but I couldn’t and I could feel his breath on my neck, awkwardly I moved forward, creating a distance between us and I tried to focus on the shot trying to maintain boundaries in this new working relationship. 

D