Her Best Friend's Proposal #SYTYCW15 #Special Edition Suzanne Swartz

Chapter 9 #SYTYCW15 #Specialedition

Considering the fact she didn't get much sleep the night before, Tess was surprised she was able to pull herself out of bed a little past seven. Her appointment was scheduled to arrive around eleven, and she still had to prepare for the shoot which the couple had indicated they wanted to revolve around a spring theme.

After she gulped down her morning caffeine infusion and stuffed a bagel with cream cheese down her throat, Tess spent the next two hours setting up the studio with the props and equipment she'd need for the engagement pictures. She had a few ideas mulling in her head for unique poses and settings, and she hoped the couple would play along.

By one o'clock, the session was completed, and Tess had enjoyed herself more with Daryl and Cassie than she'd anticipated. They'd thoroughly enjoyed the ideas she'd suggested and once the more serious pictures were taken, they'd delved into her props for some more candid and playful shots.

They'd all had so much fun they were out of breath from laughing when the last photo was snapped. If they hadn't had an appointment with their caterer at one thirty, Tess didn't doubt the couple would have stayed longer for more silly and lighthearted fun with the camera.

It was nearly three when Tess had restored the studio to order and organized the props into their designated drawers, closets, and containers. Although part of her wanted to pop the memory card into her computer and begin the editing process right away, there was another itch she thought she'd rather scratch.

And it didn't have a blessed thing to do with memory cards or pictures.

As if on cue, her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. "Hey you," she greeted and was assaulted by a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. She felt like a giddy teenager for Pete's sake.

But it felt good, Tess had to admit.

"Hey yourself," Jack returned the greeting. "How'd your shoot go?"

"Excellent," Tess answered with a smile. "They were a fun couple. I can't wait to see how the prints turn out."

"Let me guess, you're at your computer right now getting ready to slide into editing mode."

"I had considered it, but there was something else I thought I'd like to do better."

"Yeah? What might that be?"

"Oh, I don't know," she drawled, a smile easing into her cheeks. "There's this guy, and I thought maybe I'd drop by his place a little later."

"Oh really?" Tess could picture him arching his brow. "Anyone I know?"

"You might," she teased.

"Well, I was thinking about throwing some steaks on the grill. But if you have other plans."

"Is that an invitation?"

"It's more like a need," he answered bluntly. "To see you."

The butterflies were really dancing a jig in her stomach, dipping down and awakening an ache in the deep recesses of her being. "What time's dinner?"

"I'm thinking six, but feel free to come for appetizers anytime."

"I have a few things to finish up here, plus I have to shower and change. Let's just say I'll be there by six," she replied purposely not wanting to seem too overly eager. Jack's ego certainly didn't need any extra boosting even though she would like to be there curled around him right now.

Jack chuckled. "I'm available if you need any assistance especially with the shower."

Tess's lips curved as her breath momentarily caught in her throat. "Thanks, but I think I can manage."