Page 36 of Marc

But I have nothing to worry about, because I am about to spend two whole days with my fake girlfriend.

My girlfriend.

My heart leaps at that thought.

I’m already waist deep into this fake relationship.

Shit.

I’m royally fucked.

Chapter Nine

STACI

I’m giddierthan a kid on Christmas Day.

Marc surprising me with this trip, was just what I needed to get away from Jared and let the fear of him being back go away.

The spontaneous road trip to the beach takes less than two hours.

Marc and I talk the entire time and really get to know each other. I tell him things that I’ve never told anyone, not even Jared.

It should scare me how trusting I am with him, but I’ve never felt this comfortable, this fast, with someone before.

Changing the topic off of me, I ask, “So, you know about my ex, what about yours?”

A frown forms on his face. “To be honest, that is a touchy subject.”

I know all about touchy subjects when it comes to an ex. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“After everything you have shared with me, it’sthe least I can do. Especially since mine isn’t as horrible when compared to yours.”

I don’t want him to think his situation with his ex is invalidated because mine was worse.

“Just because my ex-husband was worse, doesn’t mean that your story about your ex doesn’t matter. You also don’t have to feel pressured to share your story with me just because I shared mine with you.”

“That is just one reason why you are an amazing woman.”

Something in his voice makes me believe he wanted to say more, but stopped.

Keeping his eyes on the road, he takes a deep breath and shares his story.

“I used to think my ex-girlfriend was the one. She was bubbly, adventurous, and I was ready to propose to her until I found out she was cheating on me with my former best friend.”

“Wow, I am so sorry you had to deal with that.”

I can’t imagine losing the one you were ready to spend the rest of your life with, as well as your best friend at the same time.

He continues. “That relationship messed with me, and I lost trust in everyone. It’s been over a year, but it’s still hard to trust.”

“What about Adam? You two seem like great friends.”

“He is a great person and someone I consider a friend, but I’m also not dating anyone and neither is he. He’s a huge flirt and reminds me of my formerbest friend. I’m not sure I would trust bringing a girlfriend around him.”

I am surprised that he opened up to me about his ex and his insecurity about trust.

“That is understandable and obviously it takes a lot of trust to have relationships and friendships. I hope one day you will find someone you can trust like you did your ex.”

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