Page 142 of Dream Chaser

Asher nodded, unclasping the watch, and placed in back in its box. “Thanks, Nova. I need to run or I’ll be late for training.”

“No problem. Take care.”

He said goodbye to us and Victor.

Once Asher left, Victor turned to me. “Can I see the photos?”

“Sure.” I handed him the camera. “We’ll do an outdoor shoot next week as planned.”

Victor scrolled through the gallery. “These are really good. You know, Lilian’s really happy with how Asher’s content fits the brand’s vision. Expect an email from her soon.”

Lilian was Aeterno’s creative director. I only talked to her in person once, but we emailed back and forth about the campaign.

“Regarding the photos?” I asked.

I glanced at Alejandro, who smiled, winking. My cheeks warmed. Weeks of sleeping in the same bed almost every night, and he still made me flustered with one look.

“She’ll tell you.” Victor gave the camera back to me. “Don’t worry, Alejandro, we’re not going to steal Nova from you.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you tried,” he said. “She’s excellent at her job.”

“No doubt about that.”

I slipped the camera into its bag. “Thank you, Victor.”

He clasped my hand. “No, thank you. And you, Alejandro. I’ll review everything you sent and get back to you this week.”

“Awesome. Looking forward to it.”

“Oh.” Victor held his index finger up. “Before I forget, this is our gift for you.”

He grabbed two bags with Aeterno’s logo and handed them to Alejandro and me. Even before I peeked inside, I already knew it was a watch. Less than a year ago, I couldn’t imagine I’d do photoshoots for Aeterno, let alone be gifted a delicate timepiece with a mother-of-pearl dial and rose gold seamless bracelet.

We thanked him, said goodbye, and left the store.

The sidewalk teemed with people. Alejandro wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his embrace. “I’ll bet anything you want they’ll offer you a job.”

“Aeterno?”

He hummed, kissing my forehead. “If they do, that’s a great opportunity for your photography business. You’ll kick it off with a huge collaboration.”

“And you wouldn’t mind?”

“I’ll be thrilled for you. As long as you don’t overwork.”

“I won’t, and I’m not going to leave the agency, Ale.”

He slid a thumb under my chin, lifting it. “I know. Now kiss me. I need something to get me through the next three meetings.”

I ran my fingertips over his jaw. “You’re coming for dinner later, right?”

“I’ll be there. You don’t need to cook. We can order something.”

“I want to make something for you,” I said. “Okay?”

“Fine.” His lips met mine in a soft, unhurried kiss, like he wasn’t running late. He cupped my face, and I leaned into his palm, soaking in the tender moment.

Then I kissed him once more. “Go, boss,” I whispered. “I’ll see you later.”