I can’t tear my eyes away from Collin’s full lips as our foreheads meet. “Still okay?” I check, voice softer than I expected as I make sure I’m not pushing him too far, even though he’s going willingly.
“Yeah,” he repeats his earlier answer, licking his lip again.
We’re touching now, but to me, it still isn’t enough. I want to pull him into me, to eliminate any space between us, but instead of doing that, I tentatively move my arm that’s hanging by my side and place it on his shoulder.
“Can I?” I check, not clarifying what, because I’m not exactly sure what I’m asking, but he must be feeling the same way because he gives me a small, trusting nod.
I slowly move my hand even higher, up to his neck. He exhales, shoulders dropping as he relaxes into it. His body is just as responsive as his handsome face, and every reaction feels like a reward. We might have only just met, but I’m already hoping that this connection between us will lead to more than some pictures and a cool story.
Collin laughs quietly, and I already find it so endearing. “You know, I didn’t think this photoshoot would end up this… intense.”
“Intense, huh?” I arch a brow and smirk.
“Maybe intimate is a better word?”
“Whatever the word,” I say, “I’m not complaining. I’m really enjoying myself. Sadie did an excellent job selecting us.”
His laugh comes easier this time, that open sound that makes my stomach tighten. The desire to make him laugh again is now my sole focus.
Sadie lowers her camera slightly, smiling at us. “This is great. Keep talking, whatever this is—it’s perfect.”
Collin flashes her a look before looking back at me. “You hear that? We’re naturals.”
“Or she’s just trying to distract us from how awkward we actually look,” I tease.
“No way is this awkward,” he says, pretending to be offended as he reaches out to grab my side. “It’s way too hot for it to be awkward.”
“Glad I’m not the only one who thinks it’s hot in here,” I say quietly, eyes bouncing back to his lips, and I notice a blush creeping up his face.
“Do you want to try some on the couch next?” Sadie checks.
I inhale deeply and force myself to pull my forehead back from his and give him a questioning look.
“Yeah, that works,” Collin confirms and walks over to the green velvet couch set up for us in the studio.
He sits first, letting one leg hang off the couch while he tucks his other one in with his knee up, draping his arm over the back of the couch as he turns to face me. I drop onto the open spot beside him, mimicking his position. The couch is small enough that even trying to leave an inch of room between us feels impossible, which is perfect because I don’t want any space from him. My arm touches his, and I want to let my fingers trail down his shoulder, but I don’t do that yet.
“Okay, serious question,” he says, a smile already tugging at his mouth. “Are you a dog or a cat person?”
“That’s tough,” I say, pretending to think it over even though his knee is brushing mine now and my brain has officially stopped functioning. “I love them both, but I’d say I’m more of a dog person.”
He looks at me and smiles like I’ve answered correctly. “Another point for you, Eli.”
“Oh, we’re keeping score?” I laugh.
“Obviously,” he says, leaning just a little closer. “You tell me something, and I’ll decide if it’s a green flag or red. Don’t pretend you’re not doing the same thing.”
“And being a dog person is a green flag?” I tease.
“A massive green flag,” he says, eyes flicking down to my mouth for a split second. “Cat person would’ve been fine, but I’m a dog person, and my dog, Bear, will be glad to hear you’re already a fan of him.”
My stomach does a full somersault at the thought of him wanting to tell his dog about me… even though I know his dog will have no idea what he’s saying.
“Good to know,” I say softly, nudging his knee with mine. “And you named your dog after a different animal?”
“Sure did. He’s a black lab, and he reminds me of a little bear cub.”
Sadie murmurs something about lighting adjustments, but it barely registers.
