Snapping Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 3)

bsp; She nodded eagerly. “Trust me, I’ll get all of the shots you want.”

“Okay, but if anything creaks or wobbles, get back down here immediately. Nothing is worth you getting hurt.”

I was a bit nervous watching her climb the slim metal stairs. But once she was up on the landing, she seemed fine.

I took a moment to watch her. She planted her feet before surveying the scene with the naked eye, then through her camera lens. It looked like she did absolutely everything by the book, until she began shooting. I noticed with delight that her hips began to move to the music, and she would sway slightly as she was framing a shot. Then she would freeze, take several shots, then instantly get back to the beat. It was as if she was drawing the energy of the space into herself while she shot.

I began shooting the ground shots, slowly circling the perimeter while keeping my eye on Chelsea. I took one shot just for myself, of her concentrating on the main stage.

As soon as she was safely back on the ground, she bounced up and down. “You’re going to love these shots!” she squealed. Her exuberance was inspiring as I led her away from the crowd.

“Thank you so much for helping me,” I said. Her grin was absolutely radiant. “Hey, I have an idea. Just trust me for a moment.”

I led her out to the street, so the chaos of the entire art festival was directly behind her head. Reaching out, I tousled her silky honey brown hair so that it was in chunky waves with the lights coming through it.

“Wait – you can’t take a picture of me,” she whispered.

“It’s just your eyes and hair. Trust me.”

Lining up the shot, I realized that it was absolutely perfect for the festival’s promo next year. “Look over my shoulder,” I directed. “Then straight at the lens. Now think of a dirty joke that you would never tell me that makes you giggle.”

Her eyes absolutely twinkled with mirth as I got the perfect shot.

Turning the camera around so she could see, her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God!”

“You’re absolutely gorgeous,” I told her. “But when you’re laughing, Chelsea, your eyes are magical.”

A blush blossomed across her cheeks. My fingers reached out to trail along her cheekbone, and I watched her eyes as she looked up at me with the cutest expression. I needed to kiss her. But it was a bit too soon.

“Is there anything else you’re shooting tonight?” she asked, changing the subject as I pulled my hand away.

“No, that’s about it. Unfortunately, I should get home and wrap up this stupid ankle.” I paused. “I think you’re right. Your magic pills really did work in eighteen minutes.”

She laughed, and I gently stroked her hair where I had messed it up. “Sorry I’m not a stylist,” I said. “Honestly, I would love to get you in the studio with one of my makeup pals. You have such an expressive face. I bet she’d do something really crazy and modern with your bone structure.”

Chelsea shook her head shyly. “I belong on the other side of the camera.”

“At least think about it,” I said. “Where do you live? I’ll get a cab and drop you off.”

Her eyes flew wide. “I’ll just take the streetcar, it’s no trouble.”

There was no way I’d leave her alone downtown near midnight. Taking her arm, I led her south. “I’m at Broadview and O’Connor. Where do you live?”

“Gerrard and Greenwood.”

“We’re practically neighbors,” I laughed, waving to a bright orange taxi.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

On the way to her apartment, she seemed shy again. I hoped I didn’t intimidate her, or make her nervous. It was so hard not to stare at her, as I realized I wanted her to be with me. I needed this sweet, pretty girl to actually be mine.

I’d dated younger girls before. They were absolutely exhausting. Heavy drinkers, going out every night. I was positive that wasn’t Chelsea. She was truly sweet, and seemed incredibly thoughtful.

“Can I get your number so we can meet up Monday and go over the shots together?” Her eyes lit up. I’d never seen eyes that light brown before. She told me her number.

As the cab slowed down, I reached out to hold her hand for a moment. “Chelsea, it was amazing to meet you, and I can’t wait to see you again.” I placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

Her perfect lips hung open for half a second before she whispered, “Thanks for the ride. Nice to meet you too.” I watched until she was safely inside.