The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

“How about some commemorative photos?” he continued his pitch. “Got all the equipment, fair prices. Big day like this, you gotta have something to remember it by, right?”

I stared at those props, another scene suddenly flashing through my mind.

I’d imagined that scenario before. Us standing in some carefully arranged studio, Nicholas in a crisp suit, me in a white dress. We’d pose

in various ways–him cupping my chin, me leaning on his shoulder, or holding hands while gazing into each other’s eyes.

Sweet, intimate, love–filled photographs.

But this was Daniel.

I glanced at him sideways. He stood beside me, posture impeccable, expression calm.

I can’t imagine him cooperating with those kinds of photos.

The exaggerated, overly staged, slightly juvenile memorial shots. That wasn’t Daniel Prescott’s style.

“We’re fine, thank you,” I said politely, preparing to decline.

“You’ll regret it later if you don’t capture this moment,” the photographer persisted, clearly unwilling to lose the sale. “This is a day worth

remembering. Just a few shots, won’t take long.”

I was about to refuse again when Daniel spoke.

“May we have a moment to consider?” His tone remained courteous yet firm.

The photographer nodded immediately. “Of course, I’ll be right here whenever you’re ready.”

Daniel turned toward me, leaning slightly closer so only I could hear.

“Would you mind accompanying me for one photo?” he asked quietly. “As a keepsake?”

I blinked, momentarily stunned.

He wants to take photos?

My heart gave a traitorous leap.

But I’d just declined the photographer’s offer moments ago. If I suddenly acted enthusiastic now, wouldn’t that seem… strange?

Inconsistent?

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M

10:59 Sat, May 2 M…

Chapter 38

I forced my expression to remain neutral, adopting what I hoped was a casual tome.

“Well,” I said, “if you’d like to, then… I suppose we can take one.”

So casual. So unaffected.

Daniel’s lips curved into a small smile–gentle, knowing.

“Thank you,” he said, gray eyes holding mine.

That subtle amusement in his expression, the way his gaze seemed to see straight through my carefully constructed my

Heat crept up my neck. I looked away quickly, pretending to adjust my handbag strap.

“It’s nothing,” I muttered.

Five minutes later, we stood before City Hall’s entrance steps while the photographer fussed with his camera anglo

My hands hung stiffly at my sides, completely unsure how to pose. Around us, other newlyweds embraced enthusiastically, asong

striking various intimate poses.

And we-

We stood like strangers, and looked constrained, awkward.

Nothing like newlyweds should look.

“Relax!” the photographer called out. “You’re newlyweds! Look happy!”

This is our first photo together.

My heart hammered against my ribs. I tried to arrange my expression into something natural, but my face felt frozen.

nervousness..

Daniel’s hand suddenly brushed my lower back.

“May I?” he asked quietly.

I nodded, uncertain what he intended.

His arm curved around my waist, drawing me gently against his side. Not a tight embrace–a gentlemanly, proper position. rested at my waist, our bodies barely touching directly, yet appearing sufficiently intimate.

“Look at the camera,” the photographer directed. “Good, perfect. Groom, move a bit closer yes, like that. Bride, relax your shoulder

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M

10:59 Sat, May 2 M…

Chapter 38

I tried following his instructions. Daniel’s presence made me nervous, but simultaneously offered a strange sense of security.

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