Page 3 of Marc (Men of Forbidden Temptation #2)

MARC

Staci is late.

She’s never late to a photoshoot, so something must be wrong.

The assistant, Kat, walks over to me with a small smile on her face. “Staci should be here soon. I’m sorry we are holding you up.”

I’m the last photoshoot for today, so technically no one is holding me up.

I love being the last one. I get to spend extra time with Staci and make an excuse to stick around to watch her work.

Staci rushes through the door, slinging her camera bag off her shoulder. “I’m so sorry I am late. Just give me a few moments to get the equipment running and I’ll get started right away.”

Her apology is sincere, but she seems frazzled like she has a million other things on her mind.

Kat whispers something to me, but I’m not paying attention. All of my attention is on Staci’s flustered face.

I laugh, pretending I know what the hell Kat just whispered in my ear.

After a few moments, I walk over to Staci’s desk and stand beside her, putting my hand on her arm. “Is everything okay?”

Normally, I wouldn’t touch her, but something propels me to.

She finally speaks after a moment. “Yeah. Everything is fine.”

I can tell she is holding something back, despite her telling me everything is fine. I’ve looked at her more times than I can recount over the past few months, so I know when something is bothering her.

“Alright. Who’s first?” She asks loudly.

The new guy, Kelly, walks towards us. “Me. I’m Kelly.”

He’s nervous, but I don’t think it is about the photoshoot. His gaze looks over Staci’s long bare legs.

Yeah, she’s hot, but he needs to remember the contract. Specifically, line number eleven. There is absolutely no fraternization with photographers, make up artists, assistants, and other models.

“First time?” Staci asks, her voice empathetic.

Kelly seems embarrassed despite our chat earlier. “Is it that noticeable?”

I internally roll my eyes at him flirting with Staci. “Don’t worry, man. Staci is the best. ”

We were all hand picked to be in this new ad and we don’t need a weak link.

“She gives great pointers, too.” Adam replies from the couch as he stuffs the entire danish in his mouth.

Fucking idiot.

He’s risking getting crumbs and jelly on these nice clothes.

Staci gives Kelly a smile and walks him over to the backdrop. “Just relax and enjoy today. There is only one first professional photo shoot, and I promise you will be happy with the way the pictures come out.”

I join Adam on the couch while thinking about my first professional photoshoot.

It was completely opposite to Kelly’s. My photographer was strict and non communicative. I wasn’t nervous at all that day until the photographer didn’t have any feedback- good or bad.

Staci has been a godsend.

She lets us know what we are doing right as well as what we need to improve on. She gives us pointers and if we still don’t get it, she takes her time to show us what she wants.

“You think he has a chance?” I ask Adam while watching Staci position him how she thinks is best.

“With her? No way. If anyone has a chance, it’s you. I see how you go out of your way to make her laugh and how she spends extra time with you. I’m just waiting for you to fuck it up so I can have a real chance. ”

Adam laughs at my shocked expression.

“What about the contract?” I remind him.

Adam scoffs. “What about it? Do you really think someone can tell us who we can and cannot date? Especially if it is after hours on our own time.”

“Uh, yeah, because we signed the paper that said we wouldn’t date any of the other models, assistants, or photographers and if we do, then we are in breach of the contract and will be fired.”

Adam looks unaffected, like this is just another job that he can easily replace.

A sigh escapes and I continue. “If we get fired from this well-known brand, then we will be blacklisted and won’t be able to find another modeling gig.”

Adam grabs another Danish, shoving half of it in his mouth. “Dude, you need to lighten up.”

I stare at him in disbelief. “You need to be more serious. We are just starting our careers. We need to kiss a little ass now, so we can tell them all to fuck off later.”

“You’re right. We do need to kiss a little ass. It just so happens that the ass you need to kiss is right over there.” Adam points towards Staci.

My eyes follow his finger and see she is currently bent over and adjusting the legs to the tripod.

Holy shit.

Her ass is perfect and round. I’d love to sink my teeth into that .

The contract.

The tiny voice in my head reminds me of my obligations.

“I wish, but I can’t.”

Turning away from the temptation, I get my mind focused on the reason I am here. I need this job right now and can’t jeopardize my career because my dick wants her.

Staci calls out to us. “Hey, I need you two. Can you join Kelly? I think the three of you will look great together.”

Adam brushes the danish crumbs off his fingers and follows me to the plain backdrop. I stand on the right side of Kelly as Adam stands on the left.

Staci takes a few photos in different poses before walking towards Adam.

“Can I touch you?”

Her voice is soft and causes my dick to twitch despite the fact that she’s not talking to me.

Wait, what?

I raise an eyebrow and turn to look at Adam, knowing shock is all over my face.

Adam’s eyes widen as a grin stretches across his face.

“Sure, touch me wherever and whenever you want. No need to ask.” Adam gives me a smirk while Staci rolls his sleeves up and unbuttons a button.

Staci walks over to me. “Since you two are dressed similarly, I think we should style your shirts the same and since this is resort casual, rolled sleeves fit.”

For a moment, I forget to breathe. Her vanilla scent reminds me of cupcakes, and I want nothing more than to have a little taste of her.

“That makes sense.” I reply like a dumbass.

“So, can I?” She gestures to my buttons.

“Oh, uh, yeah.” My heart beats faster, like it wants to beat out of my chest and be touched by her, too.

Time seems to slow down as her fingers unbutton the top two buttons. As soon as she walks away, I miss her closeness.

I do the only thing I can; I pose hard for her. Flexing my muscles, my eyes lock onto her, completely ignoring the camera.

She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Over the past few months, I have learned a lot more about her.

The way her forehead crinkles when she looks deep in thought is just as sexy as the way she bites on her bottom lip.

She sends Kelly home, wanting to get some shots of just Adam and me. Luckily, Adam is a great friend and we vibe well in photoshoots.

And as a bonus, our energies complement each other.

Staci sends me to the couch so she can get some shots of just Adam. I watch as he flirts with her.

Emotion bubbles up inside me.

Is it jealousy ?

Or something different?

Staci’s cheer causes me to glance at Adam.

“Yes! This is exactly what we need. You’re good to go.” A giant smile forms on her face as she turns my way.

“Awesome! See you tomorrow.” He jogs to the dressing room and changes before I can even make it to the backdrop.

I guess he has somewhere important to be.

He gives us a wave before heading out the back door.

“Do you need any makeup touch ups?” Kat asks me like I would know.

I don’t stare at myself in the mirror.

“Uh.” I look at Staci, hoping she can help me out.

“No, he should be good.” She yells.

Kat hesitates for a moment before asking, “Care if I call it a day?”

Staci toys with her for a moment, bringing a small smile to my face. Even though she is dealing with something, Staci still finds a way to have fun and enjoy work.

“Nah. Enjoy your night.”

Kat smiles as she hangs up clothes, packs up her makeup, and carries the case towards the back door.

“Thank you.” She gives Staci a wave as she walks outside, leaving the two of us alone.

This is the first time I have been alone with her.

Sure, not that big of a deal, but the conversation with Adam earlier floats to the front of my mind .

Why shouldn’t I pursue a relationship with Staci?

She’s caring and sweet, honest and kind, and gets my blood pumping. She’s everything I have ever dreamed of and more.

“How do you want me?” I ask, ignoring my thoughts for the time being.

She seems lost in thought, but manages to mumble, “Whichever position is most comfortable for you. We can always adjust if the pose isn’t right.”

Time stands still as I get lost in her hazel gaze, not realizing the absurd amount of photos she has taken in such a short amount of time.

“Great! I believe we got it.” She gives me a friendly smile before walking over to the computer.

“That’s because you are the best.” I join her at the computer to look at the photos she just took.

I hmm my approval as she scrolls through the photos. Most of them are identical because I was lost in my thoughts and didn’t move.

After viewing the last photo, she scrolls back to one of the first ones. “This one is my favorite.”

It just so happens to be my favorite as well.

“Mine too.” I admire her work. “And it was one of the first ones. You are extremely talented.”

My voice is quiet as we lean in towards each other, our faces inching closer.

Before anything can happen, I pull back and blurt out, “I should change.”

I instantly regret my decision to pull away .

Staci looks disappointed, which makes me want to turn around and kiss her, but I know I shouldn’t get romantically involved with her.

Not now.

Not ever.

Never.

I have the contract to uphold and can’t risk putting my job, or hers, in jeopardy.

As I am changing back into my casual workout clothes, I hear the front door bang open.

I can barely hear what is being said, but I catch Staci saying this person shouldn’t be near her.

This can’t be good.

Throwing on my shorts and slipping on my flip-flops, I make my way back to Staci, quickly observing the situation.

Staci looks scared for her life. Her unusually pale face is as alarming as her wide eyes.

My gaze moves to the man standing in the doorway. His dark hair is disheveled like he just rolled out of bed, his bloodshot gaze darts around the studio, and his hands are tight fists, held tight against his ripped jeans.

Who is he?

Why is he here?

And what did he do to Staci?

Staci’s voice is shaky, like she is holding back tears. “It’s over. It has been for a year now.”

This must be her ex. He looks like a grade A douche.

What did she ever see in him ?

Because from the looks of things, she is way better off without him.

His voice is softer, but still full of menace. “You can leave your job and come back to me. We can be a family again.”

I really hope she doesn’t fall for this very blatant ploy. Besides, what kind of man wants his woman to leave a job she loves to become a housewife?

Staci stands taller. Her voice is firmer. “No. That will never happen.”

I smile and feel proud of her. Clearly this guy is bad news, but she is holding her own.

Staci looks my way, frightened and uncertain, and I realize her firm voice was just a facade. Her look is begging for me to help her.

I do the first thing that pops into my mind- pretend to be her boyfriend. I say in an ultra sweet voice. “Honey, who’s this?”

“Honey?” Her ex looks from her to me. “You’re the one dating Staci?”

I smile wider than I ever have in my entire life. “Yep.”

A frown forms on his face. “I’ve never heard about you.”

Shrugging, I reply, “Well, it’s new and given our situation, we are keeping it private for the time being.”

He huffs and turns around, leaving the door open behind him.

I walk over to the open door, close it, and lock it before making sure I pull the blinds closed .

Turning back to Staci, I see her hand shake as she saves her work and shuts down her computer, all the while continuing to glance towards the front door.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” I offer, trying to erase the fear that is flowing through her.

“Thanks,” she says quietly.

When we make it outside, I see her car is parked right next to mine. She walks towards her car but doesn’t make any moves to get inside and drive away.

“Do you want to join me for dinner? I know a casual place with great food.”

She shouldn’t be alone right now, especially since her ex is clearly violating a restraining order.

I hear her stomach growl in response.

It is the only noise right now and echoes off the dark, quiet buildings.

She explodes with laughter, causing me to join in.

“I’d love to.” She replies as she wipes tears from the corner of her eyes.