Chapter 8
EIGHT
Groaning, I slump in my chair. My eyes are starting to ache, and it’s only then I realize my office is dark. I’ve been so focused on editing photos for Noah and Starfire, I didn’t realize how much time passed.
Grabbing my coffee, I take a sip of the cold brew with a wince.
My phone buzzes, and I pick it up, my hands sore from editing.
I expect it to be Evan or an update on one of my jobs, but it’s an Instagram notification.
Usually, I ignore them, since I’m tagged a lot by magazines and such using my photos, but this one catches my eye.
I open it and stare. I followed him on my work account after we met, telling myself it was for professional purposes.
I sent Noah some photos yesterday and haven’t heard back, but on Mackie’s Instagram feed is a picture I took.
It isn’t one of the official ones, but a behind-the-scenes shot I couldn’t resist sending since he looked so cute.
He’s in Skylar’s headlock again, laughing while Skylar grins at him. The sun hits them just right, and it looks so perfect. Mackie must have agreed.
Gotta thank @CONANPHOTOGRAPHY for this epic shot of me and the idiot @SKYLARISTAKEN. It might be one of my new favorites.
I can’t help but grin, and I’m one of the first people to like it. I type out a comment, even though I never do.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: It’s easy when your models are so naturally photogenic. One of my favorite shoots ever, thanks to you.
I hesitate but hit enter and lean back.
I share the picture on my story, uncaring that everyone will be shocked since I never do. The only reason I use social media is because of work connections, but otherwise, I post nothing.
It dings in my hands as a message comes through, and I scramble to open it.
MACKIE88: I mean it. I love that photo. Thank you. I might have to print it and frame it. Don’t tell Sky though.
Grinning, I sink deeper into my chair and hit reply.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I meant what I said as well. It was such a fun shoot. Usually, I’m just behaving and snapping pictures, but you guys were fun. I’m glad you like it. Have you seen the others yet?
MACKIE88: Not yet. Noah is still going through them, but we snuck this one. Hope that’s okay.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: Of course, I can send you any others you want as well.
He doesn’t reply for a moment, and I watch my screen as I walk over to the machine and start to brew another coffee. I want to get these photos done tonight purely for Noah, no other reason.
Is it rude to double message? I’m not sure.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: Hope your headache is gone.
MACKIE88: I’m fine now. Sorry for bugging you so late. Thanks for replying.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I’m still working. Probably will be all night.
I’m so focused on waiting for Mackie’s message, I don’t notice the coffee is overflowing until it’s too late.
I grab the mug and burn my hand.
When my phone vibrates, I forget all about the burn, however, and open the message, juggling my phone in my clumsy grip.
MACKIE88: I can’t sleep either. Want me to keep you company?
MACKIE88: Virtually, of course.
My heart soars for a moment, and despite the fact that I always lecture my team on how I need peace and quiet to work, I reply.
CONANPHOTOGRAPHY: I’d love that. I’m bad at using this app though, so how about I text you?
Is that too much?
A moment later, a number comes through with a smiling emoji, and I add it to my contacts.
Conan: Hey, it’s Conan.
So fucking lame. I sit heavily in my chair and wait . . . and wait. Did he give me a fake number? What if he’s second-guessing his decision?
Biting my lip, I debate texting again when my phone starts to vibrate with a call.
Sunshine
I realize it’s FaceTime, not a normal call, and panic winds through me.
I grab my mirror, wipe my face, push back my messy hair, and button my shirt a little before hitting answer so it doesn’t cut off.
“Hey,” I say awkwardly as the screen loads.
Mackie is sitting up against what seems to be a headboard, and my eyes widen as he smiles. “Hi, I figured this was easier. Hope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all.” I try my best to not look at his built, bare shoulders.
“So, you’re still working?” he asks, and I nod before clearing my throat. I turn my phone to show my office, and he whistles.
“Nice office. Are those our photos?”
“Yes, I’m finishing touch-ups,” I admit.
“Don’t let me stop you,” he responds before rubbing his face. “Or is this a distraction?”
“No, no, not at all,” I reply, and his wide smile makes me grin. “I can work and talk.”
Lies. I usually scream at anyone who tries to talk to me, but I don’t mind if it’s him.
“That’s good.” His room is dark, but I can still see his soft, beautiful smile.
“Why can’t you sleep?” I ask as I sip my fresh coffee.
“Ah, just a new place. I always struggle.” He turns his phone, and I see a dark, almost empty room. “I just moved.”
“Oh, congratulations, I didn’t know,” I say before wanting to smack myself. Why would I know? I’m terrible at this. Luckily, he doesn’t seem to care.
“Eh, it wasn’t my choice, but it’s nice. I need to go furniture shopping, but I suck at shopping.”
“Really? I’m great at it,” I reply with a lazy shrug.
“Then you’ll have to go with me one day.” He offers it casually, so I don’t read much into it, even though my heart skips a beat.
Setting my phone down against my screen, I start to work again, shooting him looks every few seconds, so he laughs. “I’m fine, just work.”
Nodding, I focus on the photos. It must be boring for him, but he doesn’t seem to mind, and I don’t realize how much time has passed until I look at the clock.
I see Mackie is now lying on his side with his covers up to his chin, his bare arm hugging it as he stares at me through the screen. I have never wanted to take a picture as badly as I do right now.
“You’re cute when you’re concentrating,” he murmurs, and my eyes widen as he chuckles. “You wear a little frown, and when you aren’t happy with something, you suck on your cheek.”
“I do?” I ask, and he nods, adjusting his head on his pillow. “I’m sorry. I’m keeping you awake.”
“No, not at all. I like it. Keep working, and if you don’t mind, I’ll keep you company.” He yawns.
“I don’t,” I admit. He’s the first person I haven’t felt annoyed by while I’m working. Focusing on the pictures, I keep editing, noticing the mannerisms he mentioned, and my smile widens when I realize he really must have been watching me.
“Done,” I declare, only to soften and stop. Mackie is asleep. His eyes are closed, and the phone is slightly tilted to the side.
Biting my lip, I pick up my phone and stare since he can’t catch me.
Putting it down, I grab my camera and take a quick shot, capturing his beauty and the fact that he’s in my space with me.
Lifting it once more, I walk over to my couch and lie down.
I should go home, but my phone would connect to my car and it might wake him, so instead, I curl up on my side like I’m facing him and stare at his face until sleep claims me.
“Boss man.” Evan’s voice rouses me, and I blink my eyes open. I can’t have slept more than few hours, but sunlight streams into my office. “Did you fall asleep here again?”
“I worked late,” I say with a yawn as he moves around, putting breakfast on my desk and tidying up. It isn’t part of his job, but he does it anyway. That’s when I remember. I search for my phone and find it on the floor.
We aren’t on FaceTime anymore, but there’s a text.
Sunshine: Did you know you talk in your sleep? It’s cute. Have a good day at work.
I do?
Shit, what did I say?
I stare at the text before typing one of my own.
Conan: Did I say anything interesting?
Conan: And thanks, you too. Hope you managed to get some sleep.
“Earth to boss man.” Evan sighs, and I look up as he hands me a bottle of water. “We have a shoot on the east side in two hours.”
“Got it.” I nod. “I’m prepped. Are you?”
“Of course.”
“Good, because I want you to lead it,” I say as I stretch, and when he gapes, I grin. “You’re ready, Evan. You’re an incredible photographer with the ability to catch what others miss. In all honesty, you could start your own company now.”
“Thank you!” He swings me in a hug before hurrying out, already on the phone with Alek.
When he returns, I’ve changed into spare clothes I keep here and I’m heating the breakfast he brought. He sits opposite me, still smiling widely in excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever been that excited for a shoot before or felt that nervous energy.
Okay, that’s a lie.
I did with Mackie, but no one else.
I eye Evan. I have no one else to ask. “Evan, what does it mean if someone starts talking to you on Instagram?”
His eyebrows rise. “Did someone slide into your DMs, or did you slide into theirs?”
“That’s important?” I frown.
“Hell yes. Whoever did it first is the one who wants something, usually dick—I mean a relationship of sorts on Instagram.” He coughs to cover his words, and I sit back.
“You are sure?”
“Usually, or they want to get to know you.” He grins, leaning forward like we are sharing secrets. “Who is it?”
I ignore him for a moment, playing with my keyboard. “And if they call and text you?”
“Even more interesting.” He props his chin on his hands, grinning at me. “Who is it? Do I know them?”
“It’s a hypothetical question,” I add.
“Uh-huh, sure, well, hypothetically, I’d say that person is trying to be part of your—I mean that person’s hypothetical life and get to know them,” he replies. “When you say talk, do you mean WhatsApp, Snapchat, or text?”
“What the fuck is Snapchat?” I mutter.
Evan laughs. “You’re so old school.”
“Is that a bad thing?” I ask.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen you nervous about anything,” Evan teases, “but no, it’s not a bad thing at all. Some even prefer it. You’ve got game, Conan, hypothetically.”
“It’s not like that,” I defend. Mackie likes Noah, doesn’t he? Besides, that’s not why I want to be in his life, but maybe if I get to know him better, I can help him and Noah. I also like talking to him—as a friend, of course.
“Whatever you say, boss man.” Evan stands. “I’ll leave you to get ready.” He hesitates. “You should ask them out. I’ve never seen you like this before. Take a chance. You never know. Even if you don’t end up dating, it’s always good to have the experience and meet new people.”
“Doesn’t asking them to meet signify something?”
“Yes and no.” He shrugs. “But you’ll never know until you try.”
He flits from my office, and I glance back at my phone. I don’t mean to cross that line with Mackie, but maybe Evan is right. It couldn’t hurt to get to know him. That’s it, the only reason, no other.
Grabbing my phone, I navigate to his texts to see he hasn’t read them yet. He’s probably working. He mentioned they are practicing a lot. I don’t know what that entails, but it’s clear he loves his job and takes it very seriously.
Taking a chance, I type out a text.
Conan: I meant my offer by the way. Want to go furniture shopping for your new place? I can pick you up after work.
Sitting back, I wait for his answer, feeling nervous and excited in a way I haven’t been for years.