Andy's right pinkie bore far more weight than it could handle. The muscle twitched, weak and aching, and the taut leather handles slipped. Four expensive Prada sample handbags slid sharply downward. Their balance gave way, and they teetered on the verge of crashing onto the New York sidewalk.
Andy knew exactly what was at stake. Every bag was an exclusive couture sample from the current season, unavailable for sale. If they hit the ground and got dirty, scuffed, or damaged, she would face steep cleaning costs and compensation. Worse, she would throw off the magazine's entire shooting schedule for the day and have to answer to her boss.
Her pupils contracted. She cried out instinctively and forgot the call she was about to answer. Lunging forward, she reached for the falling bags.
But the more she panicked, the less control she had. Magazines, accessories, lanyards, and gift boxes that she had barely managed to keep in place began shifting with her. Several small accessories slipped free and threatened to fall. In an instant, she was flailing, with everything going wrong at once.
Just as the entire load was about to scatter, a tall, composed figure entered the edge of the frame.
A large, steady hand shot out, its movements quick and precise, without a trace of wasted motion.
His fingers caught all four Prada handbags, supported their falling weight, then lifted and drew them in. The valuable samples were safe before they could touch the ground.
The whole movement flowed effortlessly, gentle and restrained. It matched the camera's rhythm perfectly and brought the chaos under control at just the right moment.
It was Steve, played by Henry Cavill.
He stood tall, looking at ease in understated, upscale city workwear. He fit the role of a distinguished alumnus turned urban professional