Page 35 of Marc

“Of course,” I chuckle before continuing, “but I love that you spend time with her and keep her mind off recent events.”

Plus, a part of my ego inflated when I found out I was one of her favorite models. I have to admit that it makes me feel damn good.

Better than I felt prior to coming over here.

“I’m sorry. I should have asked permission first.” She is really being hard on herself.

“I don’t mind. A part of me likes that you show us off.”

Not just a part of me. A huge part of me.

Changing the subject, I ask, “You have the next two days off, right?”

“Yeah, it’s the weekend. Well, technically I’m off. I still have work to do. Why?” She’s confused.

“Come to the beach with me. I know I can use a mini vacation right about now, and it appears you do, too. Plus, it is normal for couples to vacation together, and it is supposed to be a really nice, warm weekend.”

“That does sound nice. Especially since Jared called me seven times while I was driving here. I eventually gave up and turned off my phone.”

She doesn’t seem scared that he called, just defeated.

“Why don’t you change your number?” That seems like the most logical thing to do.

She answers like she’s already thought thisthrough. “I can’t. I have too many professional contacts.”

“Block his number.” I counter.

Sitting up straighter and turning her body towards me, she says, “I have many times. He just gets new burner phones. I don’t even have a personal voicemail set up because he said he likes to hear my voice.”

Rage consumes my every thought. Who the hell does he think he is? She’s not his girl anymore.

Then another thought pops into my mind.

Am I being possessive?

She isn’t really my girl, so I have no right being this upset.

But if she were mine, I’d treat her the way she deserves.

I reach out and grab one of her hands. “So, will you come to the beach with me for the weekend?”

“Like a couple's getaway?”

“Oh, um, yeah, I guess a fake couple's getaway. A relaxing, enjoyable, stress-free miniature vacation.”

My heart pounds erratically as I wait for her answer.

I want her to agree to come with me. I want some alone time with her, away from work and away from the other models.

Time to just talk as friends and get to know one another.

Her eyes narrow as if she is contemplating the pros and cons of this trip, so I add, “No stringsattached. Just time for us to get away and enjoy the sun, sand, and other people cooking for us.”

Her eyes light up as a grin stretches across her face. “Then yes, I accept. Let the fun-filled weekend begin.”

I breathe a sigh of relief as my nerves start to settle down. For a moment there, I wasn’t sure that she was going to agree to my impulsive adventure.

It would have been a huge hit to my ego- one that I wouldn’t want to verbally admit.

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