“Of course not,” he said innocently. “Unless you want to.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“I got some videos of you in the water,” she added. “I could post one.”
“Oh, such a dedicated partner already. I love that for us. Show me.”
He stepped beside her, slipped an arm casually around her shoulders, leaned down to her ear. “We’re in public. Might as well start warming up to each other.”
Her body stiffened, then relaxed just slightly. She didn’t push him off.Progress.
Sofia unlocked her phone and started scrolling through the videos. He kept his arm draped over her shoulder, fingers resting at the curve of her upper arm.
“Wow. You’re a great photographer.”
And he wasn’t lying. She had captured through photos and videos very good shots that many photographers spent years even aiming for.
“One of my many talents,” she replied, trying to sound light.
“Can’t wait to find out the rest, habiba.”
She shot him a warning look, and added, “I wouldn’t be a content creator if I didn’t know how to use a camera.”
He hummed in agreement, letting their bodies brush together for just a second longer than necessary.
“Don’t exaggerate,” she muttered.
He let go.
“Post what you want,” he said. “But now we need pictures of us together.”
Her cheeks colored again.
“Do you have plans this afternoon?”
“I should be working.”
“Then let’s call this work. You’ve been paid two hundred thousand euros,” he said, winking.
Before she could answer, his phone vibrated with a call from Jamie. He put her on speaker.
“Sofia, I’m glad you two have already caught up. TerraVive wants the first post live tonight.Doesn’t matter what, just make it public. The more attention it gets, the better. Be sure to wear something with our brand on. I already spread the word about what Steven said to Ilias to some European and US media. So, people are watching. Make us proud.”
“Don’t forget African media too, I’m Moroccan, and that could help Azul to get back on the radar of local families who want to teach their kids how to surf.”
“On it. Post something tonight.”
Jamie hung up without letting them speak.
Sofia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I really should be working.”
“Let’s go work, then.”
She pointed to a green Jeep nearby. “Follow me. I’ll park near my place. Then we’ll grab something at Nereid. That's okay?”
“Whatever you say, habiba.”
12
