She clears her throat. “Perhaps you should model instead. You’re the romance expert.”
“Or,” I lean close enough that my breath warms her ear, “you could imagine Baron’s lips against yours, his hands making you forget everything but the way he makes you feel.”
I step back and catch her eyes widening, cheeks flushing. “That shade of pink suits you,” I whisper, moving aside.
Click, click—the camera fires rapidly. I watch her pulse flutter at her throat, and the faint parting of her lips makes my own breath hitch.
“Perfect!” the photographer exclaims. “Exactly what we needed. The camera loves this look on you.”
She blinks, as if remembering where she is, and her features slowly transform back to professionalism. But the photographer is already adjusting angles, trying to freeze the last traces of warmth in her eyes.
“Don’t move,” he instructs, circling her. “Whatever you’re thinking, just keep thinking it.Please.”
I see panic flash across her face—she realizes she’s been filmed looking like a woman utterly enchanted by whispered words, and that image will end up on calendars. Perfect.
“Maybe lean forward a bit,” the photographer suggests. “And Mr…” He glances at me.
“Singleton,” I offer.
“Mr. Singleton, stay right there. She’s responding beautifully to your presence. Whatever you said worked.”
Shit. Minji is going to rip me a new one later.
I look at Caleb. I’m not supposed to be here—yet he’s clearly thrilled. “Stay, Aaron. This is so much better.” He nods. “This will be the best calendar yet.”
Minji’s eyes find mine again, and I can see the internal struggle on her face. Yep, she’s going to yell at me later.
“How about a few with a genuine smile?” the photographer presses, oblivious to the crackling tension.
I step closer, voice low. “Think of that elderly couple you helped and how happy you were when you got their postcards. That will get you out of this chair faster.”
Her smile blooms, real and warm. The camera clicks immediately—I know that’s the shot they’ll use.
“Magnificent!” the photographer declares. “One more—look straight at the camera this time.”
Minji shifts her gaze away, but the warmth stays.
“And we’re done!” The photographer scrolls through his shots, grinning. “These are fantastic. Ms. Lee, you’re a natural when you let your guard down.”
She stands quickly. “Thank you.”
Caleb claps his hands together. “Excellent! Now, Thomas, you’re up next.”
“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” I ask as we walk towards the door.
“It was horrible. Didn’t I tell you not to say anything? Don’t answer that. Please remember you’re a shadow while you are in this office and shadows don’t speak.”
“I’m sorry about that, but I must say you looked breathtaking in there.”
She glances at me, then checks to make sure no one is within earshot. “This is exactly what I was afraid of.”
“What? That someone might see you as more than the formidable Minji Lee?”
“That you might blur the lines between professional and personal.” She stops walking, turning to face me directly. “Just because of that silly dinner.”
“A silly dinner you orchestrated.”
“Whatever. I agreed to let you shadow me, not whatever this is becoming.”
