At the hotel, we got changed and got our hair and makeup done. It felt like I had time-travelled back to before the wedding, except of course none of my bridesmaids were there. They were also surprisingly quick. We were poolside in less than an hour, watching the resort staff pour fresh rose petals into the water.

"Are we ready?" The photographer Patricia asked, strutting past us to adjust a rogue flash head, "Let's get started on something simple. Scoot closer to the edge for me and dip your legs in."

I rested my hands on James's shoulder and smiled at the camera.

"Good skinship! Now James, I need you to put your hand on her thigh. Lean into it! And Claira, I love your smile, but let's actually have you turned away from the camera."

James gave me a peck on the temple as I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Smile!" Patricia laughed. "Not like that! A peaceful one. You're in paradise with the love of your life! You have no worries. I'm going to try another angle."

I tried to calm down and look into the distance, but James had slid his hand up my bare waist. My breath caught in my throat.

"Are you ticklish?" he teased.

We then moved to the shallow side of the pool where the palm shade was so dark they had put up a string of lights that reflected off the water's surface.

"Can I get a kiss?" Patricia asked as her camera clicked.

James was leaning back on his elbows while I sat on his thighs with my hands on his shoulders.

"Actually, scoot forward first. You're looking a little stiff."

I reluctantly slid into James's lap and let my hands fall naturally onto his chest. I squirmed for a second to get comfortable before I noticed it between my legs. He was blushing and wouldn't meet my eye. The rise and fall of his chest seemed suspiciously fast. My eyes widened.

"Sorry," he whispered when his gaze finally met mine.

"Alright! One last pose before I set you free for the evening. Let's bring over the drinks."

James and I clinked glasses. Then he leaned into kiss my neck, his breath lingering on my scantily-clothed chest.

"Claira, tilt your head back, and James, go lower and look into the camera--"

Before Patricia could finish her thought, my head jerked over to share a look with James. "Um! We're actually not comfortable with that much PDA."

Patricia lowered her camera. "Really?"

James and I nodded fervently.

Patricia shrugged. "I mean it's up to you, but if you aren't comfortable with this, how are we gonna do the nude shoot?"

"Nude?!"