It was just another day. Just starring at the computer, looking at numbers, running reports, and working on spreadsheets, this was my life. Just you run of the mill accountant. It was a Monday, and the office was quiet. Most would think it would be busy, but ever since Covid, the company had us working from home most days, and we split time in the office – half of us here on Monday, the other half on Wednesday.

I was going through another set of financial statements when I heard a familiar voice from behind me.

“Jacob.”

I turned to see Tatiana standing at my cubicle. Her hazel eyes catching mine. Tatiana, arguably the most beautiful woman in the office. She was Russian-American, with a beauty that is sometimes hard to put into words. Most men put women in classes, a straightforward label: “hot,” pretty,” “beautiful.” I certainly did the same, and to me, Tatiana was all these, but particularly “sexy.”

Her features were sharp and elegant, with high cheekbones, full lips, and long, dark-brown hair that always seemed to cascade perfectly down her shoulders. She turned heads, and mine was no exception.

“Tatiana, hey,” I said, offering a smile. “What’s up?”

She leaned against the partition of my cubicle, looking a bit hesitant, which was very unusual for her. Tatiana was always confident, composed. She was never unsure of herself. This time, she looked, I don’t know, different.

“I need a favor,” she said.

“Of course.”

“I know you’re into photography,” she started, “as a hobby.”

I blinked. My cheeks warming as I blushed a little. Photography was something I loved, but not too many people at work new about it. I mean, how did she even know? Maybe she’d seen some of the pictures I’d posted online.

“Yeah, I mess around with it, nothing serious,” I said, trying to downplay it. “Why?”

She shifted her feet, then pulled her hair over her shoulder. “Well, I’ve been working on my modeling portfolio, but honestly, I haven’t been happy with any of the photographers I’ve worked with so far. They’re too... I don’t know, professional.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Too professional?”

She nodded. “Yah, like, they’re too focused on getting the perfect lighting, and making sure they have the right angles, things like that. But they’re not getting me. Does that make sense?”

“Sure,” I agreed, “like it’s staged.”

“Exactly!” she said, flashing that beautiful smile. “Staged. I want something more natural, something that is more… real. And I thought, maybe you could help.”

I didn’t know what to say. Tatiana wanted me—an amateur—to take photos for her portfolio? Take photos of her? I didn’t know what to say.

“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t have any experience in shots like that, like those guys. I don’t even have all the equipment that I probably should have,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

“That’s exactly why I want you,” she replied with a smile. “You’re not gonna be focused on trying to get that perfect shot, just... capturing the moment. Capturing the real me. And besides,” she added with a playful smirk, “you’ll be cheaper than the pros.”

I chuckled. “I guess I can’t argue with that.”

“So, you’ll do it?” she asked, with hope in her tone.

Again, I blushed. Damnit. I paused briefly, considering it, I mean, it was a lot of pressure, especially since she obviously knew what she wanted in her portfolio. But then the thought of photographing her... it was hard to say no.

“Yeah, I’ll do it,” I said finally.

“Oh great!” she said, her radiant smile on full display.

“When did you want to do it?” I asked.

“Do you have time this weekend?”

“I have some free time,” I replied, “so that works for me.”