Page 106 of Dream On

“The pictures,” I lie. “I’m used to unstructured photos, like when I’m onstage performing. In the moment. This feels different.”

He nods, guiding me forward. “You’ll be fine. Ava is a pro.”

We travel over to the backdrop, where a flurry of assistants are adjusting lights and arranging props. The set is meticulously designed—a minimalist scene with soft lighting and muted tones to contrast our outfits. I’m wearing a long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder mermaid-style dress, painted in Hollywood red, while Lex dons a dark-gray suit and a burgundy silk tie. He’s stunning, straight out of a magazine ad.

Ava, a tall woman with sharp features and a tight bun, steps forward with a clipboard in hand. “Stevie, Lex.” She greets us with a bright smile, her eyes shifting between us with the practiced gaze of someone who’s seen it all. “We’re going for a modern, chic look today. Think timeless but intimate. We want to capture the connection between you two.”

Lex glances at me. “Perfect.”

Ava nods, satisfied. “Great. Lex, let’s start with you standing behind Stevie, hands resting on her shoulders. We’ll work through a few poses, and then we’ll move to some candid shots.”

I position myself in front of the backdrop, the white canvas stark against the bloodred color of my dress. Lex steps behind me, his hands gently settling on my shoulders. I feel the warmth, the butterflies, as his fingers brush lightly against my collarbone.

“Perfect,” Billy calls out from behind the camera, adjusting the focus. “Stevie, tilt your head slightly toward Lex, like you’re about to share a secret.”

I follow the direction, angling my head just enough to catch Lex’s eyes with my own. His gaze is steady, a little dark, doing nothing to ease my tension.

A flashbulb goes off.

“Beautiful.” Billy takes one more shot. “Now, Lex, lean in a bit closer, like you’re about to kiss her on the cheek. Stevie, close your eyes.”

Lex’s breath is warm against my skin as he leans in, his lips just a whisper away from my cheekbone. I close my eyes, surrendering, letting the camera capture what feels like an intimate, stolen moment between two lovers.

The setup shifts as the session progresses with Billy directing us into more relaxed, playful poses, trying to harness the chemistry the world is eager to see.

“Let’s get some levity,” Billy directs. “Lex, make her laugh.”

Lex hesitates for a second. The reaction is slight, brief, but I notice.

It’s almost as if he doesn’t know how to make me laugh.

His hand slides to my waist, thumb digging into my abdomen.

An amused smile quirks on my lips, but I don’t laugh.

He assumes I’m ticklish; I’m not.

Lex’s eyes slant with dismay, and he tries again, wrapping a full palm around my hip, digging his thumb harder into the sensitive part of my belly.

Nothing.

His fingers shimmy up both sides of my torso, still determined. A stifled giggle slips out, more from watching his futile effort and less because it tickles.

Flashbulbs brighten the room.

Lex makes a face. Crosses his eyes.

I snort.

“Excellent,” Billy says. “Again.”

Dipping his head, Lex blows a hard breath directly inside my ear, causing my skin to prickle and another laugh to slip as I squirm in place and try not to instinctively shove him away.

More cameras go off.

He maintains the position, lingering, his palm sweeping up my spine as he whispers softly, “You’re not ticklish.”

“Nope.”