A/N: This is a short chapter, apologies. I felt that I wanted to get their first kiss established as soon as possible. After all, this trip isn't very long!
This is so cool! I can't believe I'm getting a one on one session with Mark Jefferson!
'So, when you have a limited space to shoot in, you're going to want to use a wide angle lens, like this one,' Mark said, showing Max before fitting it to his camera. 'It's impossible to get an impressive shot with a regular lens in a built up area like this.'
He handed Max his camera so she could take a shot herself. Just don't drop it, girl! This is expensive equipment, not like a Polaroid!
Max lined up the camera and took the shot of the Golden Gate bridge. It was such a beautiful sight. The day was cold and crisp, almost a poster child for October. Max remembered Ms. Grant saying that the way the leaves changed colours was her favourite part of the season and she had to agree.
'Great! Let's check out that shot Max,' Mark took the camera and viewed the photo. 'Very nice work, it could be a little tighter, but that's a fantastic start.'
Max beamed, she'd had a great day so far, wondering around all the tourist spots, taking pictures. Mark had also taken some more urban grunge photos of graffiti and run down buildings. He said that while he usually focused on portraiture rather than landscapes, but it was fun to take a different path now and then.
'I could really do with a coffee now,' Mark said, putting his camera away. 'How about you?'
'Sure!' Max replied, smiling up at him. They'd been walking around for hours since leaving the gallery, and she was feeling pretty beat.
The exhibition had been wonderful – Max had stood in front of her photo (enlarged to such a degree she was nearly embarrassed) and the other patrons had stepped aside to allow her through.
'There she is.'
'Great work, I love it.'
'Makes me want to dust down my old camera!'
Max had smiled at the comments and felt a glow of pride when she looked at her entry. Turning her head, she'd spotted Mark leaning against a wall, arms folded, staring at her. When their eyes met, he'd gave her another little wink. Max had felt another little frisson of excitement run through her.
So here they were, having spent the whole day together, now going to have coffee. Is it wrong that I'm super excited? I feel so at ease with Mark now.
Throughout the day there had been little gestures that made Max feel like Mark was more interested in her as person, rather than a student. A hand on her arm, a lingering glance, a few shared jokes. She wasn't really sure what to think until she asked Mark whether he'd mind if she took their picture.
'For prosperity,' Max said, 'And my social media account!' Victoria is going to freak out when she sees this.
'Well, I'm not really a fan of selfies myself, but for the star? Anything.'
Max pulled out her phone and stood closer to Mark. He surprised her by putting his arm over her shoulder and pulling her into his body. Oh! That feels nice, he's so comfy to lean into!
She snapped the photo then moved away and looked up at him. He had a curious expression on his face, almost confused.
'Are you okay?' she asked, frowning a little. What's wrong? Did I piss him off by taking that selfie? He did say yes.
'Yes, I'm fine Max, I-I just-' he trailed off, sighing and taking off his glasses to rub his face. Replacing them, he came a little closer to her and said, 'I'm going to do something now.'
Max's heart started to beat a little faster and she was sure that familiar pink blush was creeping up her face. Mark leaned into her and gently took her face in his hands. Hardly daring to breathe, she looked into his eyes and saw his desire. He pulled her towards him and pressed his lips against hers. She felt his hand move from her jaw to tangle within her hair, the other moving to the nape of her neck.
She responded to the kiss, parting her lips slightly to allow his tongue to caress her lower lip. She didn't want it to stop, but he pulled away and looked flushed.
'I'm sorry Max, I hope I didn't cross a line there,' he said, looking at her with concern, 'I know I shouldn't but I...just can't help myself.'
'It's okay, Mark, I...enjoyed it. I've always admired you, I never thought something like this would ever happen though.'
'As long as you're all right,' he said, taking a step back. 'Why don't we go for that coffee now, I think we could both use a breather, right?'
