Just then, Alex entered the office with his camera bag and equipment. The receptionist greeted him and pointed him in the direction of Aria and Natalia. Aria caught Natalia's crazy eyes as she realized who he was.
Alex had worn his hair down like he did the night at the gallery. His simple, white button-down shirt, jeans and scuffed black combat boots made Aria’s heart stutter.
“Oh. Oh wow, you're here. You're Alex. Sorry, I'm a little out of sorts this morning,” Natalia said, clearing her throat and trying to act professional. “Good morning, I'm Natalia Hannan, editor-in-chief. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm a big fan of your work,” she continued as she thrust out her hand.
Taking her hand and shaking it, Alex answered, “It’s so nice to meet you, Natalia. Thank you, that’s verykind of you to say.”
He then turned toward Aria. “Good morning, Aria.”
“Good morning, Alex.” Turning to face Michael, she said, “Alex Rossi, this is Michael Benson, our author I’ve told you about.”
“Nice to meet you, Michael. Can’t wait to read the book. I’m sure we’re going to have a great shoot,” Alex replied as the two men shook hands.
Thomas suddenly looked up, shocked at the man standing in front of him.
“And this is his agent, Thomas Nola.”
“Alex Rossi? You’re the photographer? I guess I had nothing to worry about signing with you, Aria,” Thomas said excitedly, shaking hands with Alex.
“Alex is a friend and we’re all grateful to work with him,” Aria said with a warm glance at Alex.
“Happy to be here,” Alex answered, his eyes not moving from hers.
Aria and Alex looked around, finally realizing there were, in fact, other people present.
“Yes, sorry. Okay. Um, yes Thomas, Michael, Alex is up to date on your ideas. We’ll do the studio shots first, then head out to the beach for some candid shots.”
Alex clapped his hands together and added, “Okay. Let's get started then.”
The studio shoot went flawlessly and was over quickly. When everyone packed up to leave for the beach nearby, Alex moved closer to Aria.
“Would you like to go together?”
Looking up at him as she gathered her things, Aria answered, “That’s a great idea. Thank you.”
Turning her attention to everyone else, she said, “Alright, Michael, Thomas. You have the location, so we’ll see you out there.”
Thomas shoved his phone in his pocket and followed Michael out of the office.
“See you both out there then,” he called behind him as they left.
Once in the parking lot, Alex helped Aria into his car before climbing into the driver’s seat.
As he pulled out into traffic, he asked, “How do you think it’s going so far?”
“Michael was nervous, but you put him at ease, just as I told him you would.”
“And how did you know that I would do that? You’ve never seen me work before,” Alex teased.
“Let’s just say I had a feeling,” Aria answered softly, making Alex turn quickly to look at her before facing forward again as he drove.
She regretted how that might have sounded as nervous tension filled the car. Luckily, where they were going wasn’t far and she avoided his gaze as she guided him to their destination.
“Michael loves this beach, but it will be difficult to find a quiet spot. I’ll run interference as much as I can,” Aria said as he helped her out of the car once at the spot for the shoot.
“Well, luckily the lighting is great this time of day so it shouldn’t take too long,” Alex answered as he gathered his equipment from the back seat.
Waving to Thomas and Michael, Aria walked alongside Alex until they found a portion of the seaside that had the lowest amount of foot traffic.
