Photo Shoot

Chapter 16

The shrill ringing of the phone snapped Tia back into reality. She quickly pushed Orlando off of her and hurried to answer the phone. She tried to catch her breath before she picked up the phone. She turned to look at Orlando, who was now leaning against the countertop. He looked frustrated and angry both at the same time. Tia ran a hand through her hair and picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Tia, it’s Shirley. Listen, I got some bad news.”

“Bad news?” Tia said. Orlando was quickly at her side when he saw the look of panic come across her face.

“Yeah, the pictures that you took of Orlando.”

“Yeah?”

“When the proofs were being developed, whoever was developing them, spilling some chemicals on them. And not the ones used for developing.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Tia leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

“T, I’m really sorry. What are you going to do?” Shirley asked.

“Bloody hell, I don’t know. Damnit!” Tia opened her eyes to see Orlando still standing in front of her. He mouthed to her ‘what’s going on?’. She held up her finger for him to be quiet.

“Can you come back and maybe get him to come back in again?” Shirley asked.

“I don’t really want to have to do that Shirl. Damn this sucks rocks.” She tried to think for a minute. “Shirley, hold on a second.” She covered the mouthpiece with her hand.

“How long are you going to stay?”

“What’s wrong Tia?”

“Just answer my question Orlando.”

“I’ve told you. As long as you let me.” Tia uncovered the mouthpiece.

“Shirley, call Orlando’s agent and tell her that I will get her the proofs within the week and please apologize for the delay.”

“Okay. I’ll be in touch.” Shirley clicked off the speakerphone and smiled at the two people sitting in her office. Lisa and Viggo returned her smile.

“Well, she sounded pissed.” Lisa said with a smirk.

“Oh yes she did. But I’m sure it will all work out.” Viggo said standing up. “Ladies, shall we go get some lunch?” He asked and the trio walked out.

Tia looked at Orlando.

“Looks like you are going to do some work while you’re here.”

“Work? Please enlighten me love.”

“The proofs were ruined from your photo shoot. So now I have to do some reshoots of you. And since this place has such great natural backgrounds, we’ll do it here instead of retuning to the city. Is that alright with you?” Orlando smiled. Wondering who was behind this ‘fiasco’. But it didn’t bother him in the slightest. The photo shoot was a ruse in the first place.

“I don’t have a problem with it.”

“Good, now let’s go shopping.” Tia grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

They drove to town in the pick up. Orlando watched her as she drove. Watched her profile and the lines of her neck. He scooted closer to her and placed a butterfly kiss on the nape of her neck.

“Jesus Christ Bloom! I’m trying to drive.”

“Trying being the operative word love.” She turned to look at him.

“Are you saying I’m a bad driver?”

“Not at all.” He moved back over to the passenger side of the truck and smirked at her as she seemed to concentrate more on her driving.

A short time later they pulled into an open parking lot. Orlando noticed the many tents and booths set up for the farmer’s market. Tia hopped out of the truck like an excited child. She hurried around and grabbed Orlando’s hand. He smiled at the gesture. It was a start. Although he would’ve liked to have finished what was started in the kitchen earlier.

They strolled through the aisles. Stopping here and there to purchase something.

“Tia!” She turned at the sound of her name being called. She smiled when she saw Mrs. Jones waving her over to her booth. Mrs. Jones hugged her tightly. “And who is this handsome devil?” she asked with a smile.

“This is Orlando Bloom. Orlando, this is Mrs. Jones. She has the best berries within a hundred miles.”

“Bloom? Oh I know!” Mrs. Jones exclaimed. “You’re the elf pirate!” Tia rolled her eyes and Orlando seemed a bit embarrassed.

“Something like that.” He reached out his hand to her and shook hers.

“Tia, where did you pick him up? We don’t sell anything like that here.”

“Mrs. Jones!” Tia exclaimed with a giggle. “Orlando and I have known each other for a long time.”

“Ohhhh.” Mrs. Jones said. Extending the word with a smile. “I got some fresh blackberries if you want them hon.” She said, handing Tia a box of berries.

“You know I do.” She picked one up and popped it in her mouth. Savoring the taste. She plucked another one out and held it between her fingers. She held it up to Orlando.

“Here, taste this. This is about the sweetest thing you’ll ever taste.” Orlando took a hold of her hand with his and guided her fingers to his mouth. She placed the berry inside, but he didn’t release her hand. As he chewed the berry, he moved Tia’s finger further inside of his mouth. He teased her finger with his tongue. He watched Tia the entire time. Watched as she bit her lip. Watched as she watched his lips circle around her finger.

“You’re right, it’s delicious.” He said, slowly removing her finger from his mouth. Mrs. Jones let out a low whistle.

“I need to find me an elf pirate Tia.” Tia became embarrassed by his actions. Not because of what he did, but because of what it made her feel. He smiled at her.

“Mrs. Jones?”

“Yes Orlando?”

“We’ll take all of the blackberries that you have.”

“Excellent choice.” Mrs. Jones called over her husband and together they carried the berries to Tia’s truck. Orlando gave Mrs. Jones a hundred dollar bill and she tried to refuse it. But he wouldn’t have any of it. She reluctantly took it.

Tia looked at him as they closed the tailgate.

“What in the world to you plan on doing with all of them?” she asked. He didn’t answer her, but leaned down and kissed her. His tongue meshed with hers once again. Bringing back vivid memories of in the kitchen.

“I have plans for those berries.”