Page 17 of Marc (Men of Forbidden Temptation #2)

STACI

Being sated, sore, and exhausted from an all-nighter isn’t as much fun as one would imagine when you have to wake up early for work the next day.

Thankfully, I have all the coffee my heart could want and then some.

It's back to work as usual, despite wanting to lie in bed and cuddle with Marc all day.

Last night was the best sex I've ever had, and Marc made sure I had a night to remember, but that doesn't make my ever growing to do list or my mountain of photo edits disappear.

As soon as the sun started to rise this morning, I looked up the best private security company in my area that I could hire on such short notice to watch for Jared as I focus all my attention on today’s photoshoot.

I've got more important things to worry about. I don't need to be constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering if Jared is going to make an appearance while I work today.

I straighten out the muslin backdrop and get my camera turned on.

Marc has a meeting with his agent this morning, so he isn’t here at the photoshoot right now, but I promised him I would take my time and wait for him to get here.

Kelly and Adam are here, though. Kelly is currently looking at his reflection in the full-length mirror while Kat is helping Adam get into his suit jacket.

I love formal wear photoshoots.

They seem to transform the guys from their normal goofy selves to rugged, handsome men.

I bet Marc will look delectable in his suit.

Shaking my head, I toss those thoughts out and inhale the coffee aroma coming from my cup. I need to stay professional right now. I have a job to do.

Adam walks towards me first as I take a huge gulp of coffee.

"The tan suit looks great. It really compliments you."

He grins like I told him he was the hottest model here.

"Really?"

“Yes, but don't let that compliment go to your head.”

Kat is incredible at choosing outfits. She paired the tan suit with a simple white button up and a silk cream tie .

I gesture to the backdrop and help him pose.

Stepping behind the camera, I get into the photoshoot.

“Smile a little. Make all the women want you.”

He grins wider. “They already do.”

I can tell he’s already letting his model job title inflate his ego. That didn’t take long.

Kelly stands off to the side, waiting for his turn. "Don't be an ass, especially to Staci."

Adam looks at Kelly and frowns. “I was just kidding, man. My ego isn't that inflated.”

I mentally roll my eyes before giving Adam more feedback.

“Let's try putting your left hand in your pants pocket and turn a little towards the front door.”

Adam does what he is instructed.

I don't know where the shy and unsure of himself Adam went, but I'm happy to see him more confident this time around.

I snap a few pictures before looking at them on the computer. Kelly walks over to join me at my desk.

“So, where's Marc?”

“Oh, he said he will be here later. He has a meeting.”

The corner of Kelly's lips curl into a smirk. “Oh, cool.”

He seems like he is up to something, but I don't have a clue what it could be.

Changing the subject off Marc, I say, “Why don’t you go join Adam? ”

Kelly's traditional navy blue suit, light blue shirt, and patterned tie compliments Adam’s non traditional tan suit.

Kelly is a natural. He instructs Adam, and they get settled into their first pose.

I call out from behind the camera. “Hey, Kat?”

She yells back from her makeup chair. “Yeah, boss?”

“You are incredible at making the guys look so damn good. There's no way I could do this without you.”

“Thanks, but I'm going to remember you said that because when you become rich and famous, I’m going to demand a raise.”

I laugh and take a few more photos before heading back to the computer.

“If I had it my way, I would keep you and the guys forever.”

Kelly mumbles, “Especially Marc.”

I wave my middle finger in his direction. He lets out a loud laugh in response as he follows Adam to the couches.

I get started on the photo edits as Marc walks through the front door carrying lunch.

He places the bag of food on my desk in front of me.

“I figured you might be hungry after working all day.”

His dark, lust filled eyes remind me of the way he stared at me last night.

“I’m starving. ”

I mean that in more ways than just literal. My body feels starved for his caresses.

He grins before taking a few steps back. “I have good news.”

It must be about the meeting he just came from with his agent.

“Oh yeah?”

I want to give in to my desires and kiss him, but I resist. I still need to be professional while we are working.

“I’m yours forever.”

My smile is replaced by confusion. “What?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Kelly and Adam playfully slap one another.

What is that about?

And what does Marc mean he is mine forever?

Marc ignores the guys and explains. “I’m exclusive. My agent was able to get me a solid five-year contract.”

Five years is a great contract for a model.

“That’s amazing! I'm so happy for you!”

Before I can walk towards him and give him a hug, he says, “That’s not all.”

There’s more?

“What else is there? That is pretty awesome by itself.”

He doesn't answer my question.

He makes me wait.

I stare at him and bat my eyes, waiting for him to fill me in.

“You are now the exclusive photographer for AJ Brands, including every travel photoshoot in the future.”

My heart skips a beat as my eyes get wide. That is a lot of guaranteed work, which means that is a lot of money.

“Really? How did you manage that?”

I haven’t heard anything yet, so I’m not getting my hopes up, but I don’t think Marc would lie to me, especially when it is something as big as this.

“I didn’t do anything. It was all my agent’s doing.”

Why would his agent do this for me? I haven't even met the guy, so why would he be doing me favors?

I check my phone for any missed calls.

Nothing.

No calls, texts, or smoke signals.

My smile is replaced by a frown. “They haven’t called me yet.”

Marc's hand wraps around mine. His touch is comforting and soothing.

His voice is soft and reassuring. “They will call, trust me.”

I don't hesitate to say, “I do trust you.”

We share a quick look that holds promises of another great night together. After all, the news of his contract is worth celebrating.

I stretch my neck from side to side and get back into photoshoot mode.

“Now go get changed, so I can eat my delicious smelling lunch. ”

Marc changes in lightning speed, giving me hardly no time at all to eat the cheeseburger and fries he brought me.

Kat has him wearing a solid black suit with a black button-up shirt and a silk black tie.

Kelly and Adam join Marc in front of the camera.

I take another bite of the cheeseburger before taking a few pictures of all three men together.

“Damn, you three are smoking.”

Adam and Kelly grin while Marc gives me a wink.

After several more poses, I send Adam and Kelly home.

“Thanks guys, you two can leave. I think I got more than enough to work with.”

Adam nods. “Thanks Staci. Once again, it was a pleasure working with you.”

Kelly whispers something to Marc before turning his attention to me. “I'll see you tomorrow bright and early.”

Kelly follows Adam to the dressing rooms to change out of their suits.

I turn my attention to Marc, who is watching me intensely.

“Ready for your close up?”

“I'm always ready for you.”

My insides melt into goo as my heart pounds in my chest.

I mumble. “Photoshoot now, other thoughts later. ”

After several poses, I finish with Marc.

“All done. I got several really good ones that you should print out and add to your portfolio.”

“Great. You can show me them later. I'm going to get changed.”

Adam is the first to hand his suit to Kat and leave. Kelly leaves a few minutes after him.

Kat packs up her makeup and looks out the back door, like she is wishing she could leave, too.

“You can leave if you want, Kat. I'll make sure Marc's suit gets hung up when he is done.”

She looks unsure if she should stay or leave.

“Seriously, it's no big deal. The photoshoot is over and I'm going to be here for several more hours editing photos from this shoot and the last one.”

“Well, if you're sure.”

“I am. Enjoy your night.”

She grabs her makeup bag and heads to the back door. “Okay, thanks, boss. I'll see you tomorrow.”

True to my word, when Marc steps out of the changing room, I hang his suit on the rack with the others.

I slowly gaze over his muscular body.

He changed into his athletic shorts and fitted shirt.

A sexy smirk forms on his face. “Like what you see?”

“More than I am willing to admit.” I confess.

His smile grows as large as the tent in front of his shorts. “How about I admit how great last night was?”

Now that is something I can admit. “Last night was great. The best.”

My face flames as I realize I said it out loud.

Marc’s eyes darken as he steps closer to me. “The best, huh?”

“What can I say? I’m a middle-aged divorced woman who didn’t have mind blowing sex until last night.”

Marc’s arms wrap around my waist, his hands grab my ass and pull me closer.

“You’re going to inflate my ego even more than you did last night.”

“How about I do it again tonight? After I finish my work?”

His gaze locks with mine. “That sounds perfect.”

I place a chaste kiss on his cheek before heading back to my desk. I speak over my shoulder. “So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the day for you?”

“Well, I figured I would hang out with you either here or at the house. Maybe cook us some dinner a little later.”

“That sounds great. I need to try to get this work done tonight.”

“I won’t interfere with your work. I can head to the gym or something, but I don’t want to leave you here alone. Not so soon after the break in.”

I turn my gaze towards the couches where Marc is sprawled across one of them .

“I have the security guy watching the place.”

“Even with security, I don’t want to take any chances.”

“I don’t think he will try anything so soon after or this early in the day when there are people out and about, but I do feel safe at your house. I can bring my laptop and camera and just work there.”

Marc stands up. “Only if you want to. I don’t want to pressure you.”

“I don’t want you to be bored here and having to sit on the couch while I work.”

Marc walks over to me. “Then let’s go home.”

My heart leaps as my mind registers that once again he doesn’t call it his house. Of course, I know it is his house, but my heart doesn’t let my mind correct him.

I turn off my camera and power down my laptop before placing them in their bags.

Marc makes sure the back door is locked before turning off the lights.

The front door is opened and the private security guy comes inside.

“I saw the lights turn off, so I was making sure everything was okay.”

“Thanks. We are just closing up and heading home.”

He nods. “No one showed up front or back. I think you are safe.”

“Thank you. It was a huge peace of mind having you here. ”

“No problem. I’ll be around all week.” He turns around and heads back outside.

Marc carries my camera and laptop bags while I grab my forgotten lunch, set the alarm, and lock the front door.

Neither of us speaks as he drives the few miles to his house.

With the still visible tent in the front of his shorts, I’d guess that work will come later.

Hopefully, I’ll be the first.