Ian's POV
"Ian, are you ever going to tell me where we are going? How much longer do I need to wear this blindfold?" Hailey complained, making me smile even more. Her patience was only making this more entertaining. I knew it would be well worth it when she sees where I am taking her.
"Just a little while longer. Trust me, Mi Luz." I grabbed her hand and I worked my way through the traffic to the back area.
I pulled a shit ton of strings to get these backstage passes to the biggest fashion show in the city at the moment. Hailey had been slaving away at her apprenticeship and doing it well, but I knew she would appreciate a backstage view of how things work. Plus, it's never too early to start making those connections.
I was directed as I pulled in, gaining odd glances at the blindfolded woman beside me. It is New York, and no one really asked any questions. Once parked, I carefully helped Hailey down from the car, making faces the entire time to make sure she couldn't see. Since she didn't laugh once, I knew she truly had no idea what was happening around her.
Pushing the curtain open, I stepped through the back entrance. It was a lot more hectic back here than I thought. I think I saw a few too many breasts than I bargained for. Never having even been to a fashion show, I had no idea what I was in for. Thankfully, I would have Hailey by my side the entire time.
"Ready to see?" I whispered in her ear as I slid the blindfold off. "Welcome to the New York Fashion Show. I pulled some strings and got us in here. Although we have to do a little bit of work," I pinched my fingers together in front of my face to show her the miniscule amount of work we would have to do.
"Dios mio! Are you serious right now?" Hailey stared at everything and everyone, wide-eyed and in wonder. She was bubbling with excitement, jumping in place as she craned her head around to see everything.
"So, was it worth the blindfold?"
"Definitely worth the blindfold." She nodded, never taking her eyes off the scene before her. She was ready to jump in, willing to do anything that was asked of her.
I watched her as she practically skipped towards the racks of clothes. She carefully studied each article of clothing, down to the stitching and string color. This was her element- her passion. She danced around, easily mingling with the models and designers alike. I stayed out of her way as best I could, having little to offer in this world of hers. She was shining as brightly as I knew she would. Her charisma was always off the charts, making her the easiest person to get along with. She was well liked in any situation, except by me when we first met. That was a me thing- my own insecurities and troubles getting in the way of seeing her warm heart.
"My boyfriend," Hailey said, catching my attention. "He surprised me, had me wear a blindfold and everything."
The group of models all giggled, their eyes landing on me and carrying over my body. I'd never felt so scrutinized before. Is this how they feel when they strut down the runway? Hailey grabbed my hand, pulling me closer to the group of people trickling in around her. It had only started with a designer, later joined by a model, then another and another, until she had unintentionally gathered a small crowd.
"People always talk about red flags, but always forget to mention the green flags. This is definitely a green flag. Good job, boyfriend," the designer Hailey first started talking to, told me. He was a tall man with dark coffee skin and light hazel eyes. You would think he would be the person to wear the clothes and not the one to design them, but yet he was headlining this show. His designs would be closing the show, due to come on next. Hailey had made herself known to the most important designer here without even realizing it, or maybe she did. Perhaps my sweet Hailey can be a little conniving, too.
"I try. Anything to make her happy." I nodded, caressing Hailey's hand with my thumb as she held it.
"You do more than try. You succeed." He grabbed my shoulder, giving it a squeeze before grabbing the measuring tape from around his neck and beginning to measure my arms as he hummed in thought.
"I think I found the solution to my problem, Hailey," he said as he continued to measure shoulder width next.
I met Hailey's eyes in confusion, only seeing her smile in amusement. That smile, although I love it, only made me worry more. Whatever he was talking about, I could tell I wouldn't like it. She was privy to the problem and was probably coming to the same conclusion as he was. The only problem now is my own, as I am sure I am about to be asked to do something I am not comfortable with.
"Ian," Hailey sang my name sweetly, trying to butter me up already."
"Hailey?" I arched my brow at her, really starting to worry.
"So, Nacio here had a model not show up. All his other male models are not broad enough to really show the clothing well enough," she explained, already cluing me in as to what she was about to ask of me. "Do you think you could- you know? Go out there and model it for him?"
"Hailey, I love you. I really, really do, but you can't be serious." I shook my head, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her playfully. She giggled, holding onto my wrists and giving me her biggest smile.
She leaned in so her lips were directly beside my ear before she whispered. "I'll let you do whatever you want to me tonight. You told me there was a side to you I hadn't seen yet. Show me him tonight."
Her voice was sensual and promising, doing things to me that shouldn't be done in public. I had to calm myself before my britches became too tight. She knew just what to say to get me to agree to this insane idea. I have never once modeled in my life, and I know it's more than just walking across a stage. I am not sure Nacio is really thinking things through, or he really is in that much of a pickle to have asked me.
"Okay, fine. Dress me like a doll, but don't expect a miracle when it comes to that runway." I pointed to the long white curtain behind me, its thin material being the only thing separating us from the audience.
"No worries, just do as Mando does and you'll be golden." Nacio patted me on the shoulder, snapping his fingers at what appeared to be his assistant. She gave Hailey a look I didn't quite like, causing me to scowl at her in return. Her facial features quickly changed, composing herself when she saw me. "Lina, get the royal blue tux; there's been a last-minute replacement after all."
The girl disappeared, reemerging seconds later with a black garment bag. Nacio unzipped it, revealing the best-looking suit I had laid eyes on in a while. Instinctively, I reached out, feeling the smooth material between my fingers. It felt soft yet stretchy at the same time. It was heavy, yet oddly lightweight. For once, I was happy to wear this tux, not so much to walk down a runway with it. Let's just hope I don't make a complete fool of myself.
Keeping the reward Hailey promised me in mind, I began to undress in front of everyone. Meanwhile, Hailey shooed people away, reminding them they had other places to be. I get the feeling she didn't do that just for me, but a little for herself, too. Her possessiveness over me was hot to see, causing me to smirk as I began to put the suit on me. It felt good, fitting as if it were made for me. I guess me and this no-show model had very similar builds.
"Ay, me muero {I'm dying}," Hailey said, checking me out as she bit her lip. Her hand rested over her chest as if she were trying to contain her heart.
"How's it look?" I asked her, winking at her as I slowly turned for her. She smiled in amusement, causing my heart to soar once more. Only she could convince me to do something this crazy and have fun doing it.
"Too damn good. Maybe this isn't a good idea."
"Oh, honey, no. You can't take it back now, darling. He's mine for just a minute." Nacio pointed his finger at her, reminding us both that he was right here. "Don't worry. I'll let him keep the suit, just for you."
He laughed as he walked off, getting ready to start his show. The fashion show was slowly coming to an end and within the next 20 minutes or so, I would be walking down a runway for the first time. I don't know how anyone does this, let alone the women. They have to do this in tall heels they could easily fall in.
"Thank you." Hailey brought my attention back to her as she grabbed my hand, pulling on me to come closer. I obliged, placing my hand on the small of her back and bringing her into my chest.
"Anything for you." I kissed her forehead, cupping her face with my other hand.
"It's time, let's go. Just keep your head high and your back straight. And whatever you do, don't fall off the stage," Nacio said as he pushed me toward the runway, literally shoving me out from behind the curtain.
Oh God, it's so bright!