Page 10 of Marc (Men of Forbidden Temptation #2)
STACI
I’m giddier than a kid on Christmas Day.
Marc surprising me with this trip, was just what I needed to get away from Jared and let the fear of him being back go away.
The spontaneous road trip to the beach takes less than two hours.
Marc and I talk the entire time and really get to know each other. I tell him things that I’ve never told anyone, not even Jared.
It should scare me how trusting I am with him, but I’ve never felt this comfortable, this fast, with someone before.
Changing the topic off of me, I ask, “So, you know about my ex, what about yours?”
A frown forms on his face. “To be honest, that is a touchy subject.”
I know all about touchy subjects when it comes to an ex. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“After everything you have shared with me, it’s the least I can do. Especially since mine isn’t as horrible when compared to yours.”
I don’t want him to think his situation with his ex is invalidated because mine was worse.
“Just because my ex-husband was worse, doesn’t mean that your story about your ex doesn’t matter. You also don’t have to feel pressured to share your story with me just because I shared mine with you.”
“That is just one reason why you are an amazing woman.”
Something in his voice makes me believe he wanted to say more, but stopped.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he takes a deep breath and shares his story.
“I used to think my ex-girlfriend was the one. She was bubbly, adventurous, and I was ready to propose to her until I found out she was cheating on me with my former best friend.”
“Wow, I am so sorry you had to deal with that.”
I can’t imagine losing the one you were ready to spend the rest of your life with, as well as your best friend at the same time.
He continues. “That relationship messed with me, and I lost trust in everyone. It’s been over a year, but it’s still hard to trust.”
“What about Adam? You two seem like great friends.”
“He is a great person and someone I consider a friend, but I’m also not dating anyone and neither is he. He’s a huge flirt and reminds me of my former best friend. I’m not sure I would trust bringing a girlfriend around him.”
I am surprised that he opened up to me about his ex and his insecurity about trust.
“That is understandable and obviously it takes a lot of trust to have relationships and friendships. I hope one day you will find someone you can trust like you did your ex.”
“I am still cautious, but think I’m moving in the right direction.” He gives me a wink that leaves me guessing if he is hinting at more than what is obvious.
“Like the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Hopefully, in time, we both can heal and have the relationships we want.”
He hums and flips the radio station as the silence drones on.
Not wanting to sit the rest of the car ride in silence, I turn to face him. “Let’s talk about our hobbies. You already know that my hobby is gardening. What’s yours? And I don’t consider working out to be a hobby because you do that for your job.”
He glances over at me and smiles. My stomach flutters with excitement.
“Believe it or not, my hobby is cooking. I have to admit that I initially took cooking classes in college to impress the ladies.”
I laugh because that is a great way to impress me. I’m not a very good cook, so if a guy can cook, then that is a huge brownie point .
“I found that I actually loved using my creativity to come up with different meals. My nutrition classes taught me how to bulk up in a healthy way in addition to going to the gym, so it was a win-win situation.”
“So, if I asked you to cook paella, you could?”
“Sure.”
“What about roast duck or a rack of lamb?”
“Lamb is my signature Easter meal for my family gathering and I make a mean goose for Christmas.”
“Damn, that is impressive. I might just have to keep you around.”
“I’ll cook for you whenever you want.”
Is he referring to in general or for the holidays?
I wouldn’t dream of interrupting his family holidays to try his lamb or goose, but the idea of spending another holiday alone doesn’t appeal to me.
Conversations surrounding hobbies turn into funny anecdotes from our childhood. Our conversation makes me crave more of him. I want to know more about him, what he likes, what he dislikes, and everything in between.
I turn in my seat to face him and leaning onto the center console. Occasionally, my hand touches his arm, sending electricity through my body.
Even though we have several years of an age gap between us, we actually have a lot in common. He is very mature for his age and knows what he wants for his future .
Conversation stops as he pulls up in front of the beachside hotel. People linger outside to enjoy the sun and sea breeze.
Noticing my gaze on the beach, he says, “We can take a walk on the beach after getting settled in, if you want. Later, we can enjoy a nice sunset dinner on the balcony or see if the restaurant here has outdoor seating.”
Marc looks like he wants to say something else, but shakes his head.
“That sounds wonderful. All of it, especially dinner on the balcony.” I smile as I already feel more relaxed and safer than I have in several days.
This beach trip is exactly what I need to de-stress and forget about things for a while. After the receptionist checks us in and hands over our room keys, Marc carries our bags to our room.
Opening the door, my gaze immediately goes to the crystal blue water of the ocean.
“This view is amazing.” I head straight to the sliding glass door to enjoy the ocean breeze.
“You skipped right over the room and went back outside.” Marc teases.
“Look at this view! Can you blame me?” Turning around, I take in the entire room. “You booked a suite with a hot tub? This is very romantic and promises to be relaxing.”
Marc places my bag on the bed before putting his bag next to the couch.
“Honestly, it was the only room available, but I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend. ”
“Are you hungry, or do you want to wait to eat?” I ask while setting my laptop on the desk.
Marc doesn’t wait to think about his answer. “I could eat the entire menu right now. Plus, it might take a little while to get food since they are so crowded.”
“Then let’s order some room service.” Grabbing the menu off the desk, we sit on the couch and choose way too much food.
Marc uses the hotel room phone to order room service. After he hangs up the phone, he says, “They said it will take close to an hour. Do you want to try out the hot tub while we wait?”
“Yes!” I practically scream while grabbing my bikini out of my bag.
Even though I run to the bathroom and change in record time, Marc is already in his trunks and filling the hot tub up with hot, steamy water. I let my hair down and head over to the corner of the room where the hot tub is.
Marc helps me climb into the hot tub before joining me.
The hot water stings at first before easing some tension in my tight muscles. Closing my eyes and leaning my head back against the headrest, I let out a content sigh.
When I open my eyes and look at Marc, I see him staring back at me. I almost lose the courage to say what’s on my mind, but rationalize to myself that I have the rest of the weekend to watch Marc stare at me like he is right now .
“I need to confess something.”
Marc stares at me like he is expecting me to confess to a crime I committed. The sight makes me want to laugh.
“After I received the call from Miss Edith, I told everyone at the studio that we just started dating and they would probably see us together a lot more and that I needed to check on things since you were with my elderly neighbor.”
Marc looks surprised, but elated.
“Okay.” He replies nonchalantly despite his face showing emotions.
“You’re not mad?” I ask since I didn’t discuss it with him before putting our lie out there for everyone to know.
“Nah, it makes it easier to explain weekend getaways like this if everyone thinks we are dating.” His smile is contagious, and I find myself smiling along with him.
His gaze lingers on mine, and I feel drawn to him.
I want to kiss him, but I don’t want to overstep the boundaries of our fake relationship again. If only we were really dating, then I wouldn’t have to worry about feelings getting mixed up.
To be honest, my feelings are already mixed up. Marc makes me feel beautiful, desired, and safe.
“Do you want a massage? I can work some magic on your neck and shoulders to help relieve some stress and tension.” Marc offers .
“Oh, umm, sure, that sounds great.” I turn so my back is facing him.
He gently sweeps my hair to the side. His fingers graze my neck and send shivers down my spine.
His hands are pure magic. His thumbs knead my neck as his fingers massage my tight, overworked shoulder muscles.
I let out a long moan as he applies more pressure. “Damn, that feels so good.”
“You’re so tight, it’s not healthy. You need more frequent massages to keep your muscles loose.” Marc’s voice is low and husky.
Not thinking before speaking, I blurt out, “Well, I’ve got you now and your hands are always welcomed to touch me.”
Of course, my mind immediately thinks of other ways his hands can touch me, causing my face to turn red.
Hearing a knock at the door, Marc climbs out of the hot tub, wraps a towel around his waist, and greets the room service attendant.
While he tips the man and carries the trays inside, I turn off the jets and dry off before joining Marc at the small dinette table.
“The food smells incredible.” My stomach growls in agreement.
“It looks just as good as it smells.” Marc adds.
We both opted for a surf and turf entrée with steamed broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes. Marc also ordered us each a dessert. He ordered tiramisu for me and turtle cheesecake for him.
Breaking the silence, Marc asks, “How was your childhood? I know you said your family disowned you, but were things always like that?”