It was interesting watching her sneak sideways glances as I peeled off my shirt and slipped the blazer on.
“He’s right,” she finally said. “That’s a good look for you, and a lot of the indie guys can’t pull it off nearly as well.”
“Translation – she thinks you’re hot,” Kyle laughed. “Now, move it.”
As I got into position, Corina’s hands fluttered over me, adjusting the collar, and pushing my sleeves up to show off my watch. Her attention to detail was admirable, but I also adored the feeling of her fussing over me. When she stepped back, I couldn’t tear my gaze from those magical eyes, and the way she stared at my chest.
“Corina, I need you to get back here, right beside me,” Kyle said quickly. As soon as she was directly beside the camera, he said, “Now blow him a kiss.”
I realized what he was going for before she did. Pouring every ounce of emotion into my expression, I smiled very slightly as Corina’s lips puckered. I wanted her so badly that I was tempted to ask Kyle to leave and give us a moment.
“Perfect,” Kyle muttered, snapping wildly. “Now shoot that expression right at the lens.”
The second I did, Corina gasped, looking at the display panel. “Wow. That’s the one.”
“Damn straight,” Kyle chuckled. “We have a winner.”
He packed up his gear as I threw my first shirt back on, and Corina checked her phone. “Hey,” she asked, “When is the next time you have rehearsal with your band?”
“Tonight at five. Why?”
“We need some shots with your whole band, but those could be lower resolution and natural.”
As Kyle lugged a camera bag out the door, I grabbed her wrist. “Are you saying that you’re going to come to my rehearsal tonight and take the photos yourself?”
“Well, that would definitely be the most expedient way to get them done immediately,” she said, but I noticed the twinkle in her eye.
“Perfect. Then you can both meet the guys, and check out my apartment.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“Our drummer, Skippy, is a bartender, so he has to leave at nine. Why don’t you come by at eight-thirty?”
“Sure – text me the address.”
I helped her tidy up the room, then watched as she clearly became more nervous. She was likely concerned that I would try to give her a hug goodbye in her workplace.
“Thanks so much,” I said, extending my hand to her. “I’ll help Kyle carry his gear out, and speak with you soon.”
“Perfect,” she said, breathing a sigh of relief.
As soon as I had carried the backdrop to Kyle’s van and jumped into my car, I grabbed my phone.
Me: You want to be professional in the workplace, I get it – don’t worry, I’ll manage to behave. Thanks for a great photo shoot.
Corina: Thank you for understanding. I’ll be sending you emails all day. Sorry for the information blast, but we need to get things straightened out as quickly as possible.
Me: You’re amazing. Do you know that?
Corina: You’re silly.
Me: You’re gorgeous. It was so hard not to kiss you, angel.
Those three little dots hovered in my phone, making me laugh.
Me: It’s OK. You don’t have to respond to that. Can’t wait to see you tonight.
5