Page 20 of Marrying a Spy

When he stepped into the backroom, he had to squint. Bright lights shone from stands that surrounded a large, white backdrop. Sophia was standing in front of a mirror, adjusting her hair.

Jordan appeared next to him. “It’s really good to see you again,” Jordan said.

Noah turned and smiled at him. It was nice that not everyone felt as hurt as Sophia did. “It’s good to be back.”

“Hey, and congrats on the money. That’s awesome.”

Noah didn’t even blink. Maybe it was because he was so used to telling lies in his profession. If it kept people safe, then he’d say it. And keeping the town away from James and his employer was the best way to keep everyone safe. “Thanks.”

Jordan nodded and then waved toward the middle of the backdrop. “You guys can head on over there.”

Noah followed his gesture and so did Sophia. Soon, they were standing next to each other in front of the white screen. Realization dawned on Noah. They were about to take engagement photos. In all the photos he’d seen, the couple normally looked really happy as they snuggled into each other. Which meant…

Crap.

“All right guys, stand like you like each other,” Jordan said and then chuckled.

Noah glanced down at Sophia. She was chewing her bottom lip and looking very unsure. Noah took some pleasure in the fact that she was just as nervous about this as he was.

“It’s okay,” he said and then cleared his throat. He hadn’t meant his voice to come out so deep.

Sophia glanced up at him, and her expression morphed into cool confidence. “I know that.”

He tried not to scoff at her. She was just trying to protect herself. And as much as he wanted to her to forgive him, he knew that it was just his selfishness shining through.

“Let’s take some closeups first,” Jordan said as he slung his camera over his neck and walked up to them.

Noah nodded as he waited for Jordan to instruct them. There was no way he was going to just take Sophia into his arms. Even though being with her was as familiar as breathing, he wasn’t going to be the first to make a move.

“Face each other. Noah, wrap your arms around Sophia’s waist.”

Noah swallowed as he stepped forward and reached out his arms. His fingers tingled as he touched the smooth fabric of her shirt. He could feel her warmth as he slipped his hands to the small of her back and rested them there.

He cursed his stupid heart for picking up speed at the fact that this felt so right.

“Sophia, bring up your hands and rest them on his chest, just below his shoulders,” Jordan said, pointing where he wanted Sophia to move.

She hesitated and then followed his directions. Noah’s head swam. Every point of contact sent jolts of electricity racing through his body. From the warmth of her hands to the pressure of her body as Jordan insisted they move closer together, Noah was sure he would start on fire.

It took all his strength not to close his eyes and breathe in her sent. It amazed him that ten years later, she still felt familiar. And at this moment, that was all he wanted.

“Great. Now, Sophia, lean into Noah like you like him,” Jordan said.

Noah tensed as he felt Sophia’s hesitation. For a moment, he doubted that she would listen. But then, almost in slow-motion, Sophia leaned into him.

His heart hammered in his chest, and he prayed that she couldn’t feel it. Then he felt foolish. There was literally no distance between his body and hers. She had to know. She had to feel it.

“Like this?” she asked. Her voice came out breathy, and Noah wondered, perhaps, if it was because of him.

And he couldn’t help but hope that was true.

“Perfect,” Jordan said.

Flashes went off as Jordan moved around, snapping photos. After a few minutes, Noah began to relax. Holding Sophia felt right. Like it was something he was meant to do.

He even allowed himself a few genuine smiles.

“Now, give her a kiss,” Jordan said as he took a moment to fiddle with his camera.

---