Page 116 of A Simple Reminder
“I’m going to kill you,” I growl, my frustration mounting.
Lucas raises an eyebrow, clearly unbothered. “Trust me, this wasn’t my first choice of things to do today. I’d much rather not have this scene etched into my mind for eternity. But you made your decision and the photographer is ready.”
Sophie peeks out from under the pillow, her face flushed from embarrassment and laughter. “Photographer?” she manages between awkward giggles.
Lucas points toward the living room. “Yes, photographer. And there’s a makeup artist and hairstylist waiting for you. Your wardrobe is laid out.”
He turns to leave, pausing at the door to glance over his shoulder. “And Liam? Before you head out, maybe take a shower. You smell like,” he smirks, “a very…productive morning.”
The door shuts behind him, and I swear under my breath, staring at the spot where he stood.
Sophie is still laughing, her body shaking with mirth as she sits up, her hair a mess and her cheeks glowing. “That was…mortifying.”
“You think?” I mutter, but the sight of her like this—so carefree and unbothered—makes it hard to stay mad. Instead, I lean in, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. “He’s lucky we actually have to leave. Otherwise, he’d be a dead man.”
“Come on,” she teases, nudging me with her foot. “Let’s make ourselves presentable before your brother has an aneurysm.”
FORTY-FIVE
SOPHIE
The camera blinds me with its relentless flashing lights. We've been at it for what feels like hours. We’ve done all the typical poses for an engagement shoot: theOh my God, look at my handwith Liam holding my fingers delicately, and the more serious:Look at me foreverintimate gaze into each other's eyes.
Now, Liam’s arm is casually draped over the backrest of his chair, exuding effortless confidence, while I perch on the armrest beside him, my legs crossed, one shoe barely dangling from my toes.
I’m wearing a white satin dress with a daring slit that runs high up my thigh, the fabric clinging to me in all the right places and gliding like water over my skin. My hair is blown out into soft waves, tossed back over one shoulder, while the other side frames my face perfectly. I asked for a Hollywood look and that’s exactly what I got.
A three-carat princess-cut diamond sits on my ring finger, sparkling under the bright lights. It’s beautiful—stunning, even—but it doesn’t feel like me. Lucas had it arranged for the shoot, efficient as always, knowing there wouldn’t be enough time for Liam to get one. It’s not the one I’d have chosen for myself, but I didn’t say anything. This isn’t the time to make waves or be picky, not when everything’s happening so fast.
And yet, as I glance at the ring, something twists inside me. It’s a reminder that this isn’t truly real, not yet. Even though Liam and I have feelings for each other, even though I know this could happen in the future, it feels strange. Surreal. Like stepping into a dream that’s not entirely mine.
Liam’s hand tightens on my waist, drawing me back into the moment. His warmth seeps through the delicate fabric of my dress, grounding me. When I look at him, his dark eyes meet mine, filled with an intensity that makes my breath catch. He looks at me like this is more than just a photoshoot. Like this is real for him. And maybe that’s what I need to hold onto right now—the possibility, the promise.
“You okay?” he murmurs, his voice low and for my ears only.
I nod, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. Just a lot to take in.”
His lips twitch into a half-smile, and his thumb brushes lightly against my waist, a silent reassurance that makes my heart stutter. Maybe it’s not the ring I would’ve chosen, but the man holding me like I’m his whole world? He’s the only choice that’s ever mattered.
The man in question, however, is the real distraction. He’s wearing a dark blue suit so impeccably tailored it’s practically sinful. The way it molds to his broad chest and powerful shoulders has my thoughts wandering far from professional. If we weren’t surrounded by people, I’d already be finding ways to tear it off him.
His hand rests possessively on my thigh, his fingers brushing against my skin as if he’s staking a silent claim. Just enough to set my skin alight, and the photographer eats it up, his cameras clicking like a symphony. When I shift slightly, his grip tightens, and I realize he’s holding the slit of my dress captive, keeping it from slipping and revealing too much. The casual intimacy of the gesture sends a shiver through me, but I can’t let it show.
I glance at him through my lashes, and he smirks, leaning in slightly.“Behave, Sunshine,” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only I can hear. His tone is teasing, but his dark eyes are filled with unmistakable heat.
Behave? How can I when he’s looking like sin incarnate? My heart races, my cheeks warming. We’re really doing this. The realization sits heavy in my chest and light all at once. A tiny part of me feels the weight of the façade we’re putting on, but the other part—the part wrapped up in how Liam keeps stealing glances at me when he thinks I’m not looking—can’t help but feel something else entirely. Thisisreal.
The photographer clears his throat, his tone light but insistent.“Alright, one last shot. Liam, I need you to pull Sophie closer—yes, just like that. Sophie, tilt your head toward him—beautiful!”
Liam’s hand slides up to my waist, and I fall down on his lap. I lean into him, my hand resting on his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat. His lips brush my temple, and I swear the entire room fades away for a moment. It’s just us.
The flash goes off again, but I don’t even flinch. I’m too caught up in the way he’s making me feel.
“Perfect,” the photographer announces. “I think we’ve got what we need.”
I exhale a breath, leaning back slightly. Liam doesn’t let go, though, his hand lingering on my waist as he murmurs, “You sure you’re okay?”
I nod, forcing a small smile. “Yeah.”
