Page 78 of The Last Saturday In July
Jess stepped carefully into the shot and Gemma hurried over to fix her dress around her.
‘I wonder if those candles might be a bit close?’ Jess pulled a bit of the train slightly closer to herself.
‘Any further away, Zoe won’t get the look she needs.’ Gemma straightened up. ‘Come on, put your shoes back on.’
Adam steadied her elbow, and Jess tried to ignore the tingle that ran through her, as she stepped into the stilettos again.
‘Let’s get started.’ Zoe walked over and turned Adam slightly towards Jess. ‘Look slightly away towards the camera and tip your head slightly down. Now just put your left arm around Jess’s waist.’
As Adam’s hand rested on her back, Jess tried to ignore the ripples of warmth that travelled right to the pit of her stomach. Was Zoe doing this deliberately, because she knew about her and Adam? ‘I’ll kill her.’
‘Sorry?’ Adam pulled his arm away.
She’d said that out loud? Heat flashed to her cheeks. ‘Nothing.’
Zoe cleared her throat loudly. ‘Jess, turn towards Adam, put your right hand on his shoulder and look towards that shoulder. No, don’t turn your head too much … that’s it.’
‘Try not to move, either of you.’ She ran back behind her tripod and snapped a few photos before taking the camera in her hand and moving around them, taking some more shots.
‘You sure you’re all right?’ Adam whispered.
Jess blinked and met his eyes. ‘Yes.’
‘Jess, turn your head back,’ Zoe said.
Jess moved her head back into position, grateful to have an excuse not to look at Adam for too long. It felt too intimate, standing like this, the heat of his hand on her back, burning through the silky material of the dress.
Zoe’s voice cut through her thoughts.
‘Gemma, can you get the others in for the rest of the shot?’
Gemma reappeared a few minutes later with three female andthree male models, the men in dark suits, the women insophisticated, deep purple bridesmaid dresses.
Jess rolled her eyes. ‘Why isn’t one of the models the bride, Zoe?’
‘It’s good to get a real look,’ Zoe deadpanned. ‘Okay, line up beside our happy couple. Girls beside Jess and boys beside Adam.’ The models stepped quickly into place. ‘Right, Jess, Adam, turn to face each other and hold hands.’
Jess turned stiffly towards Adam, who took hold of her hands.
‘This is ridiculous,’ she said in a furious whisper, aware that her face was probably blazing red. ‘There’s so much other stuff we could be doing!’
‘It won’t take long,’ Adam whispered back.
‘Jess, Adam, can you smile adoringly at each other, please?’
Zoe was enjoying this way too much.
‘Okay, last shot.’ Zoe approached Jess and Adam. ‘I’m going to need you to kiss.’
Jess whipped her head around to Zoe.
‘It’s not real,’ said Zoe hurriedly. ‘I’ll show you how.’
‘I know how,’ Adam said.
Zoe glanced at Jess. ‘If that’s okay with Jess?’
Adam dropped his voice so only Jess could hear. ‘Trust me.’
