What Ashley apparently wants is tension. Whit holding my arms while looking at me like I’m impossible, and me looking back at her like I enjoy being difficult.
Judging by the nonstop camera clicks, we’re delivering.
I’m mostly just trying to remember how normal people stand without clenching every muscle in their body.
Eventually, Whit lets her hands fall away from my arms as Ashley shifts to capture us from another angle.
“Zach,” Ashley says. “We need a few shirtless shots now.”
I exhale slowly through my nose.
I knew this was part of the shoot. I was just hoping they’d forget about it or at least have done it before I had lunch.
I tug the vest over my head, tossing it to one of the assistants to the side. The cold bites instantly against my skin, but after years of football in November weather, I barely react.
Whit stills beside me while adjusting her outfit, her gaze flicking upward toward my chest before meeting my eyes.
Her expression barely changes.
“Cold?” She asks me.
“Surprisingly, no,” I say.
“Hm.” She looks down. “Your nipples say otherwise.”
I glance down at her. “You looking that closely?”
Whit raises an eyebrow. “They’re impossible to miss.”
“Right,” Ashley says, heading toward us. “I need this specific position.” She grabs my hips and turns me to face the camera straight on. Then she guides Whit to my left side and lifts her hand onto my chest. Whit’s front is pressed to mine as she looks over her shoulder to the camera.
“Perfect. Just like that.” Ashley steps back. “Whit, chin up. Zach—”
“Jaw,” I say, already trying to relax it.
She nods. “Thank you. Yes. And hold it there.”
Click.
Whit’s thumb shifts over my chest.
“Did a bee save your life once, and now you’re in debt?” she mutters so quietly, I barely hear it.
“What?”
“Maybe you’re allergic and think if you commit to the bee aesthetic strongly enough, they’ll spare you.”
“That would be a better story than the truth.”
She turns back, just enough for our eyes to connect for a second. “And the truth is?”
“Stay there,” Ashley says before whispering something about ‘insane chemistry.’
I hold Whit’s gaze for a second, then look back at the camera. “None of your business.”
Her mouth twitches, and she looks to the ground, trying to hide her smile.
“See?” she says lightly. “Youcanrelax.”
