Curves Envy 3 - Claimed By An Alpha: BBW Billionaire Romance (3 page)

As much as I hate to admit it, Bruna is beautiful, although not in a classical way. Her nose is a little on the large side, her eyes may be too wide for her face, and her forehead is a little small, but combined with her olive skin, naturally pouty lips, and jet-black hair, it works. She also oozes sex. I tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible while Ken, the top photographer, was gushing all over her earlier, but it’s impossible to be blind to how she manipulates people around her, especially men, with her sultry looks and her wide mouth. It didn’t take long to confirm Ken was straight given how his eyes devoured every single one of her curves. I think he must have asked her to arch her back at least eighty times in order to better showcase her enormous tits.
I’m sure after this shoot, he’s either going to fuck her or he’s going to retreat to his room to jerk off salivating over her photos.

I’m still pouting with my arms crossed over my chest, fuming at Bruna’s condescending attitude, when Giovanna Rossi calls out my name.
“Candy, I’ve been talking Brian’s ear off about how I’ve never missed one of your articles since you took on the position of plus-size editor at
Sassy
magazine. After I went on and on about how you inspired me to send my headshots to an agency, he insisted on speaking to you.”

“Oh, Giovanna, you’ve already made my day with your compliments. I can’t believe you’re spreading your gospel to strangers.”

Giovanna Rossi and I have been email penpals since the day I published my first article for
Sassy
magazine. I still remember how shy she was about expressing her dream of becoming a model and how I encouraged her to go after what she wanted with gusto. I was the first person she contacted when Plus Models signed her on as one of their rising stars. Today, she’s one of the highest-paid plus-size models in the industry.

“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t be here today in Miami on one of the most luxurious properties in the country parading in my bathing suit for an obscene amount of money if it weren’t for you. Brian was curious to meet the woman responsible for inspiring my success.” She winks, pulling at the arm of the tall man standing by her side. “Brian Whitfield, please meet Candice Westerman.”

Giovanna is flanked by a tall, good-looking young guy with piercing light blue eyes, dressed more to attend an Ivy League school than for a photoshoot. His gaze is as striking as his red hair.
Is her boyfriend with her on set?

“Candy, Brian has at least one million questions to ask you. I hope you have a minute or two to answer them. I’ll leave the two of you alone to chat. I have to go change for my next photo session.” She giggles and turns on her heel. Before I can even thank her for the introduction, Giovanna meshes with the rest of the bodies on the set.
I guess Brian isn’t her boyfriend after all.

“It’s such an unbearably hot day, do you mind if we seek shelter?” Brian asks.

“I couldn’t agree with you more. I must have guzzled down three gallons of water today, but I’m still dehydrated and if it wasn’t so unladylike, I’d admit I’ve been sweating profusely all afternoon. I’d much prefer sitting in the shade.” Armed with the confidence of seeing so many gorgeous curvy women strutting their stuff clad only in bikinis, I ditched my red cardigan a few hours ago, shoving it at the bottom of my tote bag.
I can either continue to be self-conscious or I can avoid passing out from the insane heat.

“Three gallons of water? I’m surprised you haven’t spent the better part of the day running to the bathroom.” He laughs.

“I tend to exaggerate when I want to drive a point across.”

“The mark of a great writer.” He flashes me a complicit smile.

“Why, thank you, sir.”

“One little confession. I’m sure you can’t possibly have perspired as much as I have.”

We both laugh aloud.

I like this Brian guy and I don’t even know who he is.

Brian and I make our way to the gazebo near the pool to hide from the harshness of the beaming sun.

“Giovanna is so forthcoming with her accolades about you, I’m hoping I might be able to interview you and include our discussion in an article I’ll run on our website.”

“I must admit, I was completely unprepared for Giovanna’s eloquent comments,” I say, taking a seat across from him. “Which website do you write for?”
I should ask in case it turns out to be
Hustler
magazine or some other site for horny men.

“Oh, my gosh, this heat is affecting my brain. I should’ve mentioned I’m a writer for CNN.com’s Living section.”

What did he say?
“What do you mean CNN.com?” I can hear the panic in my voice.
Surely this is a joke.

“From your reaction, you’re either pleasantly surprised or you’re the only one on the planet who’s never heard of CNN.”

The air is completely sucked out of my lungs and my head is spinning so fast I have to bring my hand up to my face to slow things down.
I could blame my sudden affliction on the weather, but I’m pretty sure Brian’s place of employment is responsible for causing my body to go into shock. This cannot be happening.

“Are you sure you want to interview me?” I ask incredulously.

“I gather you’ve heard of CNN.com.” He smirks. “You’re hilarious, Candy. I have a sneaky feeling your enthusiasm is contagious and it will fuel the article I write about you.”

“We’re really doing this?”
Shit. Is he serious?

“Unless there’s another Candy Westerman who is the editor of the plus-size division at
Sassy
magazine and the voice of curvy women in America, I’d say I’m sitting across from the right person.”

Mother of God! If I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me up.

Chapter 3

Brian and I have been chatting animatedly for over ninety minutes. We’re removed enough from the busy set to keep our conversation private, but close enough for me to catch all the action. Every time Brian asks me a question, I secretly pinch myself under the table, still unwilling to believe Lady Luck could be on my side like this.

Brian is getting ready to ask me another question when he stops with his mouth wide open. His eyes shift above my head and I turn around to discover what’s caught his attention. The sun is so bright, even with my designer shades I have to squint before making out Deidra’s slender figure. She smiles warmly before addressing Brian.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your interview, but I was wondering how much longer you’ll be. I received a text message a few minutes ago from Mr. Keller and he’s very eager to meet with Candy to go over the article she’s writing about this photoshoot for
Sassy
magazine.”

Mr. Keller? Why is she being so formal?

“Deidra, I’ve had a wonderful conversation with Candy and I’m certain I have more than enough insightful facts to craft a story about her passion and dedication to positively influence plus-size women across America. We exchanged numbers and I’m sure I can be in touch with her if I have further questions. Chances are I most likely will, since it’s only when I start writing I’m able to discover the missing gems. If Mr. Keller requires Candy for a meeting, I would hate to keep her any longer.”

Positively influence? Wow. I don’t remember wording it quite like he does, but sure, let’s roll with his version. I guess CNN knows best, right?

“I’m happy to hear you were able to gather enough information. Mr. Keller has been trying to reach our dear Candy here, but I believe her phone is off.”

Huh? Oh, shit.
“Oh, no. Did I turn off my phone instead of switching it to vibrate?”
I’m such an idiot sometimes.
“When the videographer asked everyone on the set to make sure no phones would be ringing while he was shooting the footage for the promotional video, I must have shut off my phone.”

“Mr. Keller has been impatiently trying to reach you. Since these days are so hectic and I’m running around all over the place at the same time, I’ve been letting my messages go to my voicemail and he hasn’t been able to reach either of us in the last few hours. Needless to say he’s slightly ticked right now.”

“Oh, gosh,” I babble. “I was under the impression Mr. Keller wouldn’t be able to make it to the photoshoot. I feel terrible about being unreachable.” I pull my shades from my nose, grab my bag and stick my hand to the bottom to fish for my phone. I fumble to turn it on.
Why didn’t she warn me he’d be in touch later in the day?

“Deidra, I don’t want Candy to be in any kind of trouble. If she’s expected in an important meeting, please don’t let me hold her back.” Brian’s uneasy smile confirms he’s as worried as I am about Deidra’s announcement.

“Thank you, Brian. Candy, do you mind following me?” Deidra’s request is more a command than a question. I quickly gather my belongings and push back my chair with such force it tumbles behind me and causes somewhat of a ruckus on the set. Deidra folds her tall body and grabs the chair before placing it back in its place.
I’m so clumsy sometimes.
I silently scorn myself.

I turn to Brian to mutter a few parting words. “I really don’t know how to thank you for such an amazing opportunity. This day was already surreal as is, but the last hour and a half has taken an already perfect day to celestial levels. Thank you so very much for being willing to listen to my story.”

“You were a riot to interview, Candy. I’m sure I’ll be in touch soon. Enjoy the rest of your stay in sunny Miami.”

I wave goodbye to Brian before following Deidra’s quick steps.

“I’m really sorry Max has been trying to reach me. I didn’t mean to be missing in action,” I say, trying my best to salvage the situation even though I was completely unaware I was to have a meeting with Max this late in the day.

Deidra stops so abruptly I nearly bump into her. “He wants to see you privately. If he walks into the mansion he’ll be attacked by a mob of eager industry people wanting to talk to him hoping to advance their career. He doesn’t want to bring too much attention to himself or to you, so he’s waiting for you outside in a SUV.”

No way.
“This little ruse is because he wants to see me? I thought he wasn’t supposed to come to the mansion today.”

“We’re talking about Maximiliano Keller. What Max wants Max gets, and right now he wants you, love. He told me over the phone he was calling it a day so the two of you can spend some time together before the big party tonight because he hasn’t seen you since the little incident at your office.”

“Oh my God. In my twenty-four years on this planet, I’d say this is the most indescribably wonderful day of my life.” I beam, reliving the highlights of today.

“If you’re going to hang out with Max, you’d better get used to it,” she says, raising her eyebrows as she flashes me a perfect set of pearly white teeth. “Come on, let me get you out of here before he calls me again looking for you.” Deidra is pulling my hand and dragging me across this opulent house.

“Wait,” I let out, panicked, as we near the front door. “How am I going to know which car is his?”

“When you step outside, you’ll notice a chauffeur standing next to a big black SUV. You can’t miss him. Now off you go.” She pushes me out the door with a little tap against my butt.
I guess I’m on my own now
.

Deidra was right. It doesn’t take me long to spot a man standing guard near an impressive-looking shining black SUV.
I’ve never seen anything this massive on four wheels before.
I walk towards the vehicle and quicken my step when the man built like a bodyguard gestures my way.

“Ms. Westerman, my name is Manuel. Mr. Keller is waiting for you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Manuel. Please call me Candice.”

The chauffeur nods in agreement before extending his hand to help me inside the car. When he opens the door, I’m face to face with the sexy, gorgeous, and entirely delicious man I’ve desperately missed all day.
He’s even more disarmingly seductive than I remember. Not seeing him for the past forty-eight hours has been more difficult than I ever imagined.

My excitement quickly turns to worry when I notice how high the vehicle is set on these enormous wheels.
How the hell am I going to get up there with my short legs?
I look up at Max and I can read his amusement.
Bastard.
I think Manuel must have read my mind because he speaks the magic words. “Please allow me.”

With a little help from Max’s chauffeur, I gracelessly yank my body next to Max’s.

“Why are these vehicles set so high up?” I huff. “They are absolutely not built for short people.”

“God, I’ve missed your sense of humor today.” Max is flashing me his utterly yummy smile—the one I can never resist.

Before I can even answer, Max is already busy giving instructions to Manuel. “Why don’t you go inside the mansion? Enjoy the spectacular view of gorgeous women covered in nothing more than a few pieces of fabric, sample the amazing spread—I’ve been told the food is exceptional. Have some fun and I’ll see you back here in about one hour. Please make sure to text me to let me know you’re on your way.”

“Of course, Mr. Keller. I’ll see you back here a little later. Ms. Westerman, enjoy the rest of your afternoon.”

“Thank you. Mr. Keller is right, the spread is to die for.”

We both wait patiently for Manuel to close the door behind him before locking eyes onto each other.

“How was your day today, sweetness?” Max slides his body so close to mine I hold my breath. I’m already turned on by his proximity and he hasn’t even touched me yet. “Deidra might have alluded to the fact you’ve officially become a celebrity.” He grins as he loosens his tie and undoes the first three buttons of his pristine white shirt.

Even though the SUV is air-conditioned, my cheeks warm when I think of all the incredible events that have unfolded in the few hours since I set foot in this mammoth residence. “One hour isn’t nearly enough time for me to describe the astonishing day I’ve had.”