Page 13 of Marc

“All of my friends left me because I wasn’t allowed to leave the house. My family disowned me. I literally had no one- just my ex-husband.”

I learned a long time ago that people don’t change. Sure, things might be better for a few days, but eventually they revert to their old self.

Marc’s eyes furrow with concern. “I am so sorry you went through that. No one, especially a caring woman like you, should have to go through that.You are incredibly strong to up and leave after enduring months of abuse.”

“To be honest, it still haunts me to this day. My nightmares are very realistic. That’s why I was late this morning, and because I stayed up entirely too late editing pictures.”

A small smile forms on my face. I’m a workaholic.

Marc’s gaze locks onto mine. “I could tell something wasn’t right, but I wasn’t going to pry.”

“The nightmares take so much out of me. I always feel emotionally drained after having one. Luckily, I love my job, so it helps keep my mind off of my shitty past.”

I take another bite of my burger. There’s no way I want it to go to waste.

Marc pops a fry into his mouth. “Well, if I have to guess, I’d say that you will have a very successful and happy future.”

Something in his gaze makes me believe him. If only I can get rid of my ex-husband and my recurring nightmares.

Marc shoves another fry into his mouth. He looks adorable doing it. I can’t help but to laugh. “How about a happier topic? How did you get into photography?”

“Since I wasn’t allowed to work, I needed a hobby during the day, so I started a rose garden. I wanted to be able to look back at my roses and smile. I didn’t have a camera, so I bought a cheap beginner one and the rest is history.”

“Now look at you. You have your own studio and great companies wanting your business.” Marc looks proud of me, like he was in my corner the entire time.

Ever since his first photoshoot, he has been in my corner.

He praises me to other models every time there is a new one in the studio. He has even posted his praise on social media.

I saw it one day while looking at his profile.

I finish my burger and take a sip of my now semi-melted chocolate milkshake. “It’s kind of surreal to think how far I have come in such a short time.”

The sweetness of the chocolate compliments the savory burger, just like Marc said it would.

I change the conversation off of me. “So, enough about me. How did you get into modeling?”

“Besides my obvious good looks?” Marc grins like he just told the best joke ever.

“Humble too, I see.”

Marc grins wider, causing me to laugh. Eventually, Marc joins in.

“The idea and passion started in high school. I was your typical scrawny computer nerd who wasn’t very good looking.” Marc explains.

He is so buff and hot that my mind refuses to picture him as a nerd. “There is no way. I can’t picture you as a scrawny nerd.”

“Believe it. I have pictures at home I can show you. Anyway, I hated how the jocks bullied me andthe girls laughed at me, so I changed. After graduation, I spent all my spare time at the gym every day and eventually bulked up.”

My gaze wanders over his biceps. Yeah, he bulked up in all the right places.

He continues, oblivious to me checking him out.

“I worked in my dad’s office as a part time IT support to earn some money. Adam and I met at the gym one day and immediately became friends. He told me all about his modeling gigs and asked if I was interested.”

Ah, so Adam is responsible for introducing Marc into my life. I should thank him one day.

The softest sigh comes from Marc as he takes a trip down memory lane. “I still help my dad at the office to supplement my income until I become more famous.”

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