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He crossed the room and pressed a kiss to her cheek, ignoring the pinch she gave his arm. “Meeting was fine. Sorry I’m late.”
“Oh, not at all.” The blonde assured him, holding out her hand. “I’m Diana, and this is June.”
The photographer gave him a quick once over while she slipped the camera strap over her head, which had Viv pinching him again. He gave her a sharp squeeze on her hip. Despite what Viv might think, he hadn’t slept with anyone else since Declan had announced the engagement. An uncharacteristic change in behavior he’d decided not to think about too much.
“Are we ready to get started?”
“Almost,” Diana said. “We’ll finish getting some lights set up, and then we’ll be ready to go, I think.”
“Perfect.” Viv smiled. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Some water would be great.”
“I’ll help you,” Aidan offered when he caught the look in her eye.
“Could you possibly rein it in, lover boy?” Viv hissed once they were out of earshot of the living room. “I know it's out of character for you, but it's bad form for you to flirt with the photographer.”
“Dear God. I was not flirting with the photographer. She smiled at me. I had no idea you were such a jealous person.”
She yanked open the refrigerator door with such force it nearly smacked him in the forehead, and he had to put out a hand to catch it.
“I am not a jealous person. I am a pissed-off one. You were supposed to be here an hour ago.”
“I know. I lost track of time. What are you worried about, princess? That I’ll embarrass you?”
She shoved two bottles of water at him, eyes flashing. “No, Callahan. That you’ll disappoint me. Although maybe I should get used to the sensation. I imagine I’ll have to live with it often enough for the next several decades.”
He glared at her back when she stalked off down the hall. Well, someone was in a mood. Clearly the only way to shut her up would be to put on a very convincing show.
Smoothing his features, he followed her back to the formal living room, handing a bottle of water to both women and taking a seat on the couch next to Viv, who felt stiff as a board. The photographer had set up big umbrella lights and was taking test shots that had the lights strobing brilliant white. Jesus, he’d be blind by the time the damn thing was over.
“Relax,” he whispered against her ear while the interviewer took out a notepad and the photographer snapped candids.
She twitched at his side, but her posture didn’t change much, so he slid his hand up her back and cupped the back of her neck, rubbing circles over the spot just behind her ear. No doubt she’d give him hell for it after, but if she didn’t relax, she was going to blow this for both of them, and then he’d have sat through this torture session for nothing.
“Well, a Callahan wedding is always big, exciting news,” Diana said, smiling at Aidan. “I was so happy when your sister-in-law called and asked me to come interview the two of you. If you’re ready, we can get started.”
“Whenever you are,” Aidan said.
Diana’s gaze slid to Viv, whose spine was still rigid. “It’s normal to be a little nervous, so I always like to start with some easy ones. How did the two of you meet?”
“Through a mutual acquaintance,” Viv said smoothly, and Aidan gave her neck a light squeeze, moving his hand to rest on the back of the couch.
Well, it wasn’t a lie, and it wasn’t the whole truth. Somewhere in between. A perfect tone for an article that would gush about a blissfully happy engagement between two near-total strangers.
“It was pretty unexpected,” he agreed. “I don’t think either of us saw it coming.”
Viv laughed, and the photographer snapped a quick photo. “That’s an understatement.”
“Sometimes those are the best love stories,” Diana said. “The ones that catch you by surprise. Here’s another easy one. Where did you go on your first date?”
“To dinner,” they said in unison.
“At Scarpetta,” Viv added, relaxing a little more, though she still clenched her hands in her lap. “The veal pappardelle was delicious.”
“I think dessert was the best part,” Aidan said with a cheeky grin that flustered Viv just enough to give them the wrong idea.
Diana cleared her throat to hide a laugh. “Okay, last little icebreaker. What’s something you learned about the other person that first night that surprised you?”
