“Idiots,” Skylar mutters.
EIGHT
Groaning, I slump in my chair. My eyes are starting to ache, and it’s only then I realize my office is dark. I’ve been so focused on editing photos for Noah and Starfire, I didn’t realize how much time passed.
Grabbing my coffee, I take a sip of the cold brew with a wince. My phone buzzes, and I pick it up, my hands sore from editing. I expect it to be Evan or an update on one of my jobs, but it’s an Instagram notification. Usually, I ignore them, since I’m tagged a lot by magazines and such using my photos, but this one catches my eye.
MACKIE88 tagged you in a post.
I open it and stare. I followed him on my work account after we met, telling myself it was for professional purposes. I sent Noah some photos yesterday and haven’t heard back, but on Mackie’s Instagram feed is a picture I took. It isn’t one of the official ones, but a behind-the-scenes shot I couldn’t resist sending since he looked so cute.
He’s in Skylar’s headlock again, laughing while Skylar grins at him. The sun hits them just right, and it looks so perfect. Mackie must have agreed.
Gotta thank @CONANPHOTOGRAPHY for this epic shot of me and the idiot @SKYLARISTAKEN. It might be one of my new favorites.
I can’t help but grin, and I’m one of the first people to like it. I type out a comment, even though I never do.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: It’s easy when your models are so naturally photogenic. One of my favorite shoots ever, thanks to you.
I hesitate but hit enter and lean back.
I share the picture on my story, uncaring that everyone will be shocked since I never do. The only reason I use social media is because of work connections, but otherwise, I post nothing.
It dings in my hands as a message comes through, and I scramble to open it.
MACKIE88: I mean it. I love that photo. Thank you. I might have to print it and frame it. Don’t tell Sky though.
Grinning, I sink deeper into my chair and hit reply.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I meant what I said as well. It was such a fun shoot. Usually, I’m just behaving and snapping pictures, but you guys were fun. I’m glad you like it. Have you seen the others yet?
MACKIE88: Not yet. Noah is still going through them, but we snuck this one. Hope that’s okay.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: Of course, I can send you any others you want as well.
He doesn’t reply for a moment, and I watch my screen as I walk over to the machine and start to brew another coffee. I want to get these photos done tonight purely for Noah, no other reason.
Is it rude to double message? I’m not sure.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: Hope your headache is gone.
MACKIE88: I’m fine now. Sorry for bugging you so late. Thanks for replying.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I’m still working. Probably will be all night.
I’m so focused on waiting for Mackie’s message, I don’t notice the coffee is overflowing until it’s too late.
I grab the mug and burn my hand.
When my phone vibrates, I forget all about the burn, however, and open the message, juggling my phone in my clumsy grip.
MACKIE88: I can’t sleep either. Want me to keep you company?
MACKIE88: Virtually, of course.
My heart soars for a moment, and despite the fact that I always lecture my team on how I need peace and quiet to work, I reply.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I’d love that. I’m bad at using this app though, so how about I text you?
