Page 20 of Marc (Men of Forbidden Temptation #2)

MARC

Staci is up to something, but whatever it is, I don’t have a clue.

What I do know is she’s a temptress.

Today’s photoshoot is formal wear part two. We had our solid suits photoshoot and now today is all about patterns.

I just hope Kat doesn’t give me a crazy pattern to wear because that will be way out of my comfort zone.

I get to the studio and park around the corner. If Jared comes here looking to start some shit, I don’t want him seeing my car parked here.

Walking through the back door, I see Kat is already here and getting suits together.

She looks surprised to see me. “Wow, you’re here early.”

I shrug. “I figured since I was already up, I might as well head in a little early. ”

She looks back at the rack of suits. “I was just trying to pick out the best suits for today.”

She turns back towards me and holds up a gray plaid suit with a matching vest. “What do you think of this suit with a black shirt and a light gray tie?”

I don’t know how she does it, but that would be the perfect combination for that suit. “I think you are exceptional at what you do.”

“Well, then you can wear this one.”

It’s a bold pattern, but not as crazy as I thought it was going to be.

“Sounds great.”

I sit in the makeup chair and let Kat work her magic on me. I used to think it was weird that I had to have a little makeup applied, but now it doesn’t bother me.

As long as I’m not the one applying it.

I chuckle to myself as Kat uses a giant brush to apply something to my face. The bristles are soft and ticklish.

When she is done applying whatever makeup she deems necessary, she rubs some beard balm into my scruffy beard and says, “All done. You can get changed if you want, or you can wait for Adam and Kelly to arrive.”

I take the offered suit and head to the changing room. This suit fits me like it was made for me. The length is perfect, and the fit is flattering.

Reaching into my gym bag, I dig out the pair of dress socks I put in there this morning. I slip them on before getting into the pair of black dress shoes .

If Staci thought I looked good in my last suit, I can’t wait to see her reaction to this one.

After tying the tie, I throw my clothes in my gym bag and head out to the studio to see if Staci has made it yet.

No one is here except me and Kat.

“Where is everyone? Kelly is usually here early.”

Kat shrugs as she matches up another suit.

I carefully sit on the couch and drop my bag next to my feet before grabbing my phone to call Kelly.

He answers on the first ring. “Hey man, what’s up?”

“Just wondering what’s taking you so long. You’re normally here by now.”

“Adam and I were called to another shoot downtown.”

Another shoot?

Why would there be another shoot at the same time?

“So, is this shoot postponed? Staci hasn’t said anything.”

I think she would have mentioned it this morning if it was postponed.

“Not that I know of. Let me know if that changes. You know I love when Staci shoots me.”

He means he loves flirting with Staci because she’s the hottest photographer around. I can’t blame him because I feel the same way.

“Yeah. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

I hang up the call and throw my phone in my bag just as the front door is opened and two young guys walk in.

One guy looks around and says, “Are we in the right place?”

How are we supposed to know where they are supposed to be?

Kat walks towards them. “Are you here for a photoshoot?”

Both guys nod, but don’t speak.

Kat turns around and heads back to her work station as she speaks over her shoulder, “Then you are in the correct place. Come on. We have lots to do before Staci gets here.”

The guys follow her and introduce themselves to me as they pass.

The shorter of the two men waves and says, “I’m Ben, and this is my first ever photoshoot.”

“I’m Luke and same for me too.” The other guy says.

He is tall and slim. It’s a good thing today is suits because he wouldn’t fit the brand for swimsuits.

I give them a friendly head nod. “Marc. Nice to meet you two.”

Kat, not wanting to feel left out, says, “And I’m Kat, your designer and make up artist.”

The guys take their seats and Kat gets started on Ben.

Ben comes out of the changing rooms wearing a fitted navy blue suit with light gray pinstripes. His shirt is white and navy blue striped and paired with a gray tie.

Why couldn’t I have been assigned a simple suit like that?

Ben joins me over on the couch as Luke comes out of the changing room.

Luke is wearing the crazy pattern suit I was afraid I’d end up with. His suit is a black suit with a silver paisley pattern. It is paired with a silver shirt and a plain black tie.

The silver pattern really pops against the black, but I don’t see how it will work with my gray plaid and Ben’s navy blue pinstripe.

Luckily, Staci is an expert, so she will figure out the best pairings.

Speaking of Staci, where is she?

I’m about to call her when she walks through the back door.

She looks scared and anxious, like something happened to her. Her eyes look red and a little swollen, as if she was crying. And her makeup looks a little different than it did when we separated this morning.

Where did she go and what happened?

Staci glances at the two newcomers, and I know she is wondering what happened to Adam and Kelly.

So, I answer her unasked question.

“Kelly and Adam were called to another shoot, so Luke and Ben are here for their first ever professional photoshoot. ”

Her eyes narrow as she looks over at the two new guys. I recognize the anxiousness in her gaze. It’s the same look she had when Adam started.

But I don’t blame her because newbies usually require more direction, which means a longer photoshoot and more work.

After dropping her bags at her desk, Staci walks over to the guys on the couch and introduces herself.

“Hey, I’m Staci.”

“Ben. Nice to meet you.”

Ben stands and holds out his hand and shakes hers before she turns her attention to Luke.

Like Ben, Luke stands and shakes Staci’s hand and says, “I’m Luke.”

Staci smiles and says, “Nice to meet you.”

She walks back over to her desk to set up the camera before addressing all of us.

“I’m sorry I was late, but if you can give me a few more minutes, I will be set up and ready to start.”

Before the other guys can say anything, I speak up. “Take your time. We aren’t in a rush.”

Staci rushes to get her camera hooked up, the lights turned on, and the backdrop smoothed out.

“Ben? We can start with you.”

Ben awkwardly walks towards her. She takes her time and helps him get into position before returning to her camera.

This might be his first professional photo shoot, but appears to be a natural .

Staci snaps a few shots before frowning. “Can we change it up a little? Maybe unbutton your jacket.”

He does what she suggests, and she snaps a few more before calling Luke over.

“Luke? Can you come over?”

She gestures to Ben to stand off to the side while she takes a few solo shots of Luke. After a few minutes, she gestures for Ben to come back.

The two of them pose together for several minutes, and I can’t help but to stare at Staci. She’s amazing at what she does, and it’s clearly evident that she loves doing this.

When she’s confident she got a good shot with both of them, she motions me over.

“Your turn to join them.”

I take the scenic route past Staci and her camera to join the others.

After getting into my first position, I give Staci a wink and watch as she smiles and forgets what she was doing as if she was remembering our encounter this morning against the wall.

She shakes her head and gets back into work mode.

With a quick, gentle twist of the camera lens, she makes a few adjustments before proceeding.

Several poses, expressions, and minutes later, she finishes with the three of us.

“Ben and Luke, you're all good. If you write down your email addresses, I can send you some shots for your portfolios later. ”

Ben looks as happy as a dog playing fetch. “Really?”

She lets out a chuckle that makes Ben smile wider. “Yes, really. I enjoy being able to help in any way that I can.”

Luke claps Ben on his back. “Are we the two luckiest guys or what?”

Ben raises an eyebrow, causing Luke to have to explain.

“We got the nicest photographer for our first time, who not only is quick as shit, but is also going to help us further our career.”

Ben's eyes widen as he turns to glance at Staci. “Oh, yeah, man.”

Without another word, Ben walks towards the back of the studio to change.

Luke follows Ben into the other changing room.

When Staci turns her sultry gaze on me from behind the camera, I ask, “Do you still need me?”

Not letting the double meaning go over her head, she whispers, “Always.”

Time has no relevance as we gaze into each other's eyes.

We are at an impasse. Neither one of us is willing to look away.

There’s so many things I want to do and say, but I am reminded of where I am and what is expected of us as Kat’s makeup case slams closed.

Staci glances at Kat before turning back towards me. “I’ll snap a few different poses and then you can call it a day. ”

I nod before getting into my first pose. After a few moments, I change my pose and unbutton the suit jacket.

After a few more moments, I stick my hand in the trouser’s pocket and get into a more casual pose.

I smirk as she snaps a few more.

“Great! I think I have more than enough to work with.”

She brings her camera to her desk as I head towards the changing rooms.

Luke is the first one out of the changing room. After handing his suit to Kat, he walks towards Staci as I take the now empty changing room.

Carefully, I take off the suit and change into my casual clothing before hanging the suit back on the rack.

Staci is staring at her computer screen as I walk closer to her. She’s making minor adjustments to the lighting before saving the pictures.

She doesn’t seem to notice me.

I lean across her desk and flirt with her. “Are you going to send me a copy of my pictures, too?”

She lets out a tiny gasp as she looks up into my eyes. “Would you like them emailed to you?”

I make her wait a few moments before answering.

“Nah. I’m yours, so I don’t need to keep up with a portfolio anymore.”

That’s not true, but I don’t want to make her work harder. I’ll get them if I ever need them in the future.

When she doesn’t respond, I continue, “Are you going to stay here and work on the past photoshoots too, or are you going to come home and work?”

She turns her head and glances towards the back of the studio where Kat is cleaning up.

“I was planning on staying here and getting it all done, but I like the idea of getting comfortable and working on it later at your house. I should probably stay here until Kat leaves to make sure everything is locked up.”

Kat, having heard our conversation, yells from her corner. “I’m heading out now.”

A grin forms on Staci’s face. “Okay, enjoy the rest of your day.”

Kat turns off her vanity light before heading to the back door. “Thanks! You too.”

As Staci saves her work and packs everything up to bring to my house, I lock the front door.

“Your security guy is parked right in front of the studio.”

A chuckle comes from Staci, who is bent over and putting her laptop in its bag. “Yeah, he said he was going to be in the open to see if Jared risks getting caught.”

I can’t keep my eyes off her round ass. She stands up and smirks. I can only grin in response at being caught checking her out .

“That doesn’t seem productive. Jared isn’t going to come around with him being this blatant.”

“Well, it seems to work, so I’m not complaining.” She changes the subject. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

I frown, but I knew something was going on with her. I know her expressions all too well by now for her to keep me in the dark. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, but it’s part of the reason I was late this morning.”

If nothing is wrong, then why was she scared and crying?

“Okay.” My statement comes out sounding more like a question.

“I have decided to sell my house. I don’t feel safe there and it will never be the same as it was before. So, I was wondering if the offer to move in with you still stands?”

My heart tries to leap out of my chest. I stalk over to her and pull her into a tight embrace.

Now is my chance.

It’s the perfect time to let my feelings out and tell her how I really feel.

“Of course, my offer still stands, but I’d like you to move in with me as my girlfriend. My real girlfriend. Not my fake dating one.”

My heart skips a beat as I wait for her answer.

“Really?” She’s breathless, like she just ran a marathon.

A grin forms on my face.

“Yes. I want to be able to tell people about us and mean it. I want to be able to kiss you no matter the time or place. And most of all, I want you in my bed each and every night.”

I pause as she tries to process everything I have just said.

“So, will you be my girlfriend?”

She doesn’t hesitate this time.

“Yes!” she screams.

I pull her to me and crash my lips into hers as emotion swells in my heart.

I knew it was a possibility to get her to move in with me, but I never thought we would be living together and be in a real relationship.

She breaks the kiss and slightly leans back. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”

Her happy, playful mood changes in an instant.

She doesn’t wait for me to say anything, she just blurts out, “Jared shattered my window with a brick while I was home. There was a letter with it that just said you’re mine.”

I try to keep my cool, despite the rage building inside of me. “I guess it’s a good thing you are moving in with me.”

It should be easier to keep shit like this from happening again.

Staci stands on her tiptoes and places a soft kiss on my cheek. “Moving in with you as your girlfriend.”

That’s very true and I couldn’t be happier. I kiss her neck like she likes and am rewarded with a soft moan .

“Before I move in with you, I have a request.”

I playfully wag my eyebrows in a suggestive manner. “Oh, yeah?”

“Well, make it two requests. That one will have to wait until we are home.”

Thinking about home and what I’m going to do to her causes my dick to jerk in my shorts.

“Just name the time and place. I am more than happy to make that happen, but what is the second request?”

Staci grins wider and says, “Bring me back to the diner.”

I wrap my arms tighter around her waist and lean in close to where our lips are almost touching. “Deal.”

Picking her up, I practically jog to the back of the studio. I put her down so she can lock up the studio.

When we are outside, she looks around for something.

“Where’s your car?”

The question gets lost in the air because both of our gazes lock on the same sight- her slashed tires.