The sound of camera shutters filled the air like rhythmic applause. Wes stood barefoot on the warm, sand-colored studio floor, the soft crash of recorded ocean waves looping through the speakers. Gone was the earlier scene of resort casual wear, now he wore only a pair of fitted board shorts, droplets of mist sprayed across his chest and shoulders to make his skin glisten under the lights. A surfboard rested under his arm, completing the illusion of a tropical sunrise by the sea.
Mina sat off to the side with Lisa, the director's chair feeling too big for her as she watched Wes pose effortlessly for the camera. Every movement looked fluid and natural, one moment serious and intense, the next smiling with that disarming charm that made everyone on set pause.
Lisa leaned back in her chair, her legs crossed, eyes following Wes with a faint, knowing smile. "You see what I mean?" she said softly to Mina. "He doesn't even have to try. Half the time, he just stands there and the camera falls in love with him."
Mina nodded, unable to look away. Wes looked completely different now, confident, commanding, every muscle in his body sculpted and alive under the lights. "He's… amazing," Mina said quietly, half to herself.
Lisa's lips curved into a sly grin. "He's always been like that. It's not just the looks. It's the way he carries himself. Quiet and controlled, you don't meet a lot of men like that anymore."
Mina tilted her head, curious. "You've known him a long time?"
Lisa's gaze lingered on Wes for a beat longer before she answered. "A very long time. We've worked together since before my agency even took off. Back then, I was still hustling for clients, trying to get anyone to believe in my company." She gave a soft laugh. "Wes didn't need the exposure, but he said yes anyway. Said it was a 'favor for a friend.' That's just who he is."
There was a subtle warmth in Lisa's tone, something that hinted at shared history, perhaps something deeper. Mina caught it immediately.
"You sound… close," Mina said cautiously.
Lisa's expression softened, though her eyes remained on Wes. "We are. Let's just say Wes has been there for me more times than I can count. I owe him a lot." Then, turning to Mina with a teasing smile, she added, "You must've made quite the impression on him if he brought you here. He's usually very private about his life."
Mina felt her cheeks warm. "I'm not sure why, honestly. He just… asked if I wanted to see what modeling was like. I think he thought it might help me figure out what I want to do."
Lisa studied her for a moment, then smiled approvingly. "You have a good presence. Natural grace. You'd photograph beautifully, Mina. If you ever want to try, I can set up a test shoot. No pressure."
Before Mina could reply, the photographer called out, "Lisa! We're switching to the beach bonfire setup next. Can we get Wes a quick touch-up?"
Lisa nodded, standing up smoothly. "You'll excuse me for a second," she said, before walking over to the set, heels clicking softly against the studio floor.
Mina's gaze followed her, the long legs, the effortless poise, the quiet authority that everyone on set respected without question. Lisa leaned close to Wes, fixing a strand of his damp hair and adjusting the angle of his surfboard for the next frame. The two shared a brief laugh that seemed intimate in a way Mina couldn't quite define.
For the first time, Mina felt a strange tug of emotion, curiosity mixed with something else she didn't want to name.
Then, as the lights reset and the next round of flashes began, Wes caught Mina's eye across the room. He gave her a small, reassuring smile, the same one he used when they shared coffee in the kitchen or when he teased her about her messy handwriting.
The final flash faded, leaving only the soft hum of cooling studio lights and the murmur of crew members packing up equipment. The ocean sound loop clicked off, and for a moment, the silence felt heavier than it should.
Wes handed the surfboard back to one of the assistants and grabbed a towel, wiping away the spray mist still clinging to his skin. The defined lines of his chest and shoulders moved under the light. Precise and unhurried, the quiet efficiency of someone used to discipline.
Lisa approached, clipboard in hand, a satisfied smile on her lips. "That's a wrap for today. You saved me again, Wes."
He chuckled softly, slinging the towel over his shoulder. "You say that every time."
"Because it's true every time," she said, stepping closer. "You were perfect. I'll buy you that fancy dinner you asked for sometime this week as a proper thank you."
Wes gave a faint smile but didn't answer. Instead, his eyes drifted past her toward Mina, who was standing by the corner of the prep area, pretending to scroll through her phone while trying not to stare.
Lisa followed his gaze, her expression flickering briefly before she turned back to him. "Your niece seems to have enjoyed herself."
"She did," Wes said evenly. "It was good for her to see what it's really like."
Lisa's lips curved into a half-smirk. "You always had a soft spot for helping people find their path." She paused, her tone softening. "Don't let her get too lost in this world, Wes. It's not always as glossy as it looks."
Wes met her eyes. "I know."
Lisa gave a light pat on his arm, then turned away to talk to the makeup crew, leaving Wes to make his way over to Mina.
"Hey," he said quietly as he approached, his voice carrying that easy calm she had come to recognize. "You okay?"
Mina looked up, smiling. "Yeah. That was… amazing. I didn't know you were that good in front of the camera."
He laughed. "That's because you've only seen me in the kitchen."
Mina blushed a little. "Still, I didn't expect you to look like… that."
Wes raised an eyebrow, teasing. "Like what?"
She fumbled for words. "Like someone out of a movie. Or an ad campaign. You just looked… different."
He smiled at that, warm and modest. "That's the lights and angles doing the heavy lifting." Then, gently changing the topic, he added, "What did you think of the whole process? Still interested?"
Mina hesitated. "I don't know. It's… exciting, but also kind of intimidating. Everyone here looks so confident."
"They weren't always," Wes said. "The first time I modeled, I froze up in front of the camera. Lisa had to crack jokes for an hour before I relaxed."
Mina laughed softly. "Really? You? I can't imagine you freezing up."
"Everyone starts somewhere," Wes said, glancing toward the set. "If you ever want to give it a shot, Lisa's offer stands. But no pressure. You go at your own pace."
Mina looked thoughtful, her eyes falling to the floor. "Maybe. It would be nice to try something new."
Wes nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit."
They started walking toward the exit, the air outside the studio shifting from the bright glare of lights to the muted gold of late afternoon. Mina glanced at him again, at the quiet confidence in his stride, the way he seemed comfortable anywhere, whether in a kitchen, a boardroom, or under blinding lights.
"Lisa really admires you," she said casually, testing the waters.
Wes gave a small shrug. "We've known each other a long time. She's a good friend."
Mina nodded, but part of her wasn't sure that was the full story.
Outside, the SUV was waiting in the lot. Wes opened the door for her, ever the gentleman. As Mina climbed in, she caught one last glimpse of the studio behind them. The laughter, flash of lights, and the sound of Wes' name being called still echoing in her mind.
Something about it all felt like a world she had just stepped into, one that she wasn't ready to leave just yet.