Page 15 of Marc

Chapter Four

MARC

The longer ittakes Staci to answer, the less hopeful I feel.

I should tell her there’s nothing sexual about my offer. It’s just me being friendly and wanting to help any way I can.

She glances towards her ex’s car before turning her gaze back to me. “What? I can’t do that.”

Why can’t she?

Does she think I am expecting something in return?

“I insist. You will be safe and he won’t be able to find you.”

I know I am playing unfair, but I can’t let her stay here tonight. My gaze locks onto hers, and I give her a pointed look, knowing she will eventually give in.

The softest sigh comes from her lips as she gives in. “Fine, but only if you are sure you have the room.”

A grin stretches across my face as I put the car in gear and drive away from her street. “You will have your own bedroom and bathroom.”

“Thank you.” Her voice is soft and barely above a whisper.

Neither one of us speaks as I navigate home. The drive only takes ten minutes, but it feels a lot quicker.

Reaching up, I click the button for the garage. “Home sweet home.”

After parking in the garage, I once again click the button on the remote before getting out.

I show Staci around my small two bedroom, two bathroom house before leading her to the guest room.

Realizing that she doesn’t have any clothes, I offer her a temporary solution. “If you need a sleep shirt, I can give you one of my spare ones.”

“That would be great, since I don’t have any clothes here. I guess I should keep a spare bag in my trunk from now on.”

She could keep some clothes here.

My mouth opens to speak, but my mind refuses to voice the thought I just had. It’s probably for the best. I don’t want to scare her away or make her think I want more.

Even though I would be the happiest man alive to have a relationship with her.

I shake those thoughts away and get back to the situation at hand. “There are towels in the bathroom and spare toiletries in the drawer.”

When Staci’s eyes widen, I chuckle so she doesn’t get the wrong idea. “I always keep it stocked for when my sister comes to stay with me. She likes to fly with only a carry on, so she only packs clothes.”

She steps closer to me and looks up into my gaze. “That’s pretty smart and very kind of you.”

I can smell her perfume and it stirs something inside of me.

Want, need, desire.

I need to put distance between us before I do something I’ll regret in the morning. “Well, you know where to find me if you need anything. Sleep well.”

I turn to walk out the door, but Staci’s hand wraps around mine and pulls me back.

Our gazes meet, my breathing gets shallower, and I want nothing more than to kiss her, but I don’t.

I can see the lust in her eyes, but she doesn’t act on it either. She smiles and says, “Thank you for everything.”

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