Page 2 of Marc

Needing the caffeine as soon as possible, I gulp it down without sugar, and quickly get ready.

My shower is short since I am already way behind schedule. I choose comfort over style this morning to ease my post nightmare emotions, opting for a pair of denim shorts, t-shirt, and my favorite pair of summer ankle boots.

Not having time to really do my hair, I pull it up into a long ponytail before grabbing my purse and heading to my car.

Thankfully, I only live a few minutes from the studio and traffic is usually non-existent at this time of day.

I park in the only available parking spot which is around the back of the building in the narrow alley before rushing inside, whispering my apologies to everyone waiting.

Our make-up artist, Kat, is busy making sure the guys are flawless while her assistant is pairing khaki pants with silk polos.

Today's photoshoot is for a very popular clothing brand that has just released their first collection of men’s casual resort wear.

Nervousness turns my stomach because today’s photoshoot can make or break this new line and Iam feeling more responsibility and pressure than ever before.

Khaki pants and polo shirts aren't my definition of casual. If I’m relaxing at a resort, I want to be comfortable in a sundress or linen shorts and a tank top.

The clothing might not be my cup of tea, but it helps pay the bills and since there are only three models, today should be pretty easy.

Laughter draws my attention to the back corner of the studio where the changing rooms are. An unexpected smile forms on my face as I see my favorite model, Marc, laughing at something Kat just said.

Marc is charismatic, kind, and flirtatious; not to mention extremely fit and attractive. He is everything my ex-husband isn’t, including younger than me.

I’m quickly approaching my thirty-third birthday and after some digging, I found out he is only twenty-four.

Sure, the age gap isn’t a deal breaker according to society’s standards, but I can’t imagine someone like Marc who has his whole life ahead of him choosing to be with a divorcee that continually has nightmares about her past.

If that isn’t enough to deter this fantasy relationship, I can always count on my moral compass to lead the way.

He is the client and completely off limits.

Shaking my head, I walk over to my standingdesk and power on the computer. I don’t have time to think about fantasies. Right now, there is a lot I need to do to make sure I can get everything done early tonight so I don’t oversleep tomorrow.

While the computer is loading, I turn on the box lights, fix the white muslin backdrop, reposition my tripod, and attach my camera to the top.

Heading back over to the computer, I open the software program that is linked to the camera.

Remembering that I was supposed to grab the extra camera cable from home this morning, I mumble to myself. “Shit.”

It’s times like this that I am so grateful for bluetooth connectivity.

Changing the settings on my camera to connect wirelessly, I take a few photos to check the presets I have the camera set on.

Almost instantly, the photos pop up on the computer monitor. Walking back over to the desk, I look over them and see the settings are good.

Marc walks over to me and stands beside me. He smells amazing, as usual.

I glance over his attire and nod approvingly at his butt hugging white linen dress pants, light blue button up long sleeve shirt with the sleeves folded up his forearms, and dark brown leather flip flops.

His voice is like velvet. It’s smooth and alluring. “Is everything okay?”

My body melts as his hand lightly touches my arm. I want to confide in him and tell him all about my past and the recurring nightmares that Ihave been having since I left my ex-husband, but I don’t.

Instead, I lie. “Yeah. Everything is fine.”

He doesn’t need to be burdened with my issues.

I glance towards the models that are lounging on the couch and speak loud enough for everyone to hear. “Alright. Who’s first?”

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