It was hard to believe that Leighton Stultz was coming up to New England for his sixth photo shoot with me. But there he was – handsome as ever –  at the US Airways terminal in Manchester with his infectious impish smile.

By his side was one of his roommates, Kennon Thompson -- no slouch in the looks department – who was along for his first photo shoot.

I've known Leighton for a little over a year, and in that time we've become good friends. Without any formalities, we immediately fell into a conversation about this trip, which would include a stay in Montreal, one of Leighton's favorite foreign destinations.

When we got home to Vermont, Leighton was met enthusiastically by our border terrier Jackson, who performed a flying leap into Leighton's arms – a move I thought might be envied by Leighton's fans. Leighton is a dog lover, and he and Jack spent some emotional time rekindling their friendship, including crawling around the floor together, barking.

Most of you have a pretty good idea of what Leighton looks like by now, but may wonder what he is like in person. The first word that comes to mind when I think of him is “genuine.” He loves to eat – Hostess donuts are a weakness; he sleeps with the television on all night.

He's the easiest person to be around I've met in a long while. Leighton has a direct, honest personality that makes you love him at once.

He is charming without trying; he loves to ask questions – about anything. So when you meet him fasten your seat belt, because some of his questions can be disarming. The main thing about Leighton, is when he leaves, you find yourself wondering when he'll be back.

The next morning we picked up our friends Gordon and Nancy, who had let us use their beautiful river and waterfall for Leighton's first Playgirl shoot.

The drive to Montreal took three hours, but seemed like a few minutes. Leighon and Kennon were talking excitedly about the clubs in Montreal, and the girls they would meet. We got stuck in a traffic jam near Montreal; each time a car with a beautiful girl inched past, Leighton and Kennon would hold up a piece of paper with their cell phone numbers written on it. Nearly every one wrote down their numbers.

I'll let Leighton and Kennon tell you how they did in the club/girl department that night; I probably don't need to say they turned heads everywhere they walked. Leighton even brought a few copies of Playgirl to autograph for his French Canadian fans.

The next morning (well, around noon), they were groggy and dragging out of bed, and I managed to squeeze in a quick series of photos in the hotel before we checked out.

A day later, back in Vermont, we shot again at an abandoned granite quarry in the Vermont hills, which turned out to be great shoot, as well as a lot of fun. Time passed quickly; before I knew it we were all in the car headed back to the airport. “I thought I was staying another day,” said Leighton. I did too, but the reservation said Sunday. We talked about our next shoot, which won't come soon enough for me.

Photos are by Thomas Watkin. Copyright 2007 All rights reserved.

A NOTE FROM MICHAEL:  First, thanks Tom for sharing with Connex247 all about Leighton. As anyone who visits Connex247 knows I think the world of Leighton and consider him a most important person in my life.  I would like to ask all Connex247 visitors to take a moment, each in their own way, to think of Leighton's father and brother, both of whom are serving in the United States military, and for for all their family in these very difficult times. Thank you so much for taking time to think of them.

And from me Leighton, on a very personal basis, God bless and peace!!!