Page 37 of Marc

“I am still cautious, but think I’m moving in the right direction.” He gives me a wink that leaves me guessing if he is hinting at more than what is obvious.

“Like the saying goes, time heals all wounds. Hopefully, in time, we both can heal and have the relationships we want.”

He hums and flips the radio station as the silence drones on.

Not wanting to sit the rest of the car ride in silence, I turn to face him. “Let’s talk about our hobbies. You already know that my hobby is gardening. What’s yours? And I don’t consider working out to be a hobby because you do that for your job.”

He glances over at me and smiles. My stomach flutters with excitement.

“Believe it or not, my hobby is cooking. I have to admit that I initially took cooking classes in college to impress the ladies.”

I laugh because that is a great way to impress me. I’m not a very good cook, so if a guy can cook, then that is a huge brownie point.

“I found that I actually loved using my creativity to come up with different meals. My nutrition classes taught me how to bulk up in a healthy way in addition to going to the gym, so it was a win-win situation.”

“So, if I asked you to cook paella, you could?”

“Sure.”

“What about roast duck or a rack of lamb?”

“Lamb is my signature Easter meal for my family gathering and I make a mean goose for Christmas.”

“Damn, that is impressive. I might just have to keep you around.”

“I’ll cook for you whenever you want.”

Is he referring to in general or for the holidays?

I wouldn’t dream of interrupting his family holidays to try his lamb or goose, but the idea of spending another holiday alone doesn’t appeal to me.

Conversations surrounding hobbies turn into funny anecdotes from our childhood. Our conversation makes me crave more of him. I want to know more about him, what he likes, what he dislikes, and everything in between.

I turn in my seat to face him and leaning onto the center console. Occasionally, my hand touches his arm, sending electricity through my body.

Even though we have several years of an age gap between us, we actually have a lot in common. He is very mature for his age and knows what he wants for his future.

Conversation stops as he pulls up in front of the beachside hotel. People linger outside to enjoy the sun and sea breeze.

Noticing my gaze on the beach, he says, “We can take a walk on the beach after getting settled in, if you want. Later, we can enjoy a nice sunset dinner on the balcony or see if the restaurant here has outdoor seating.”

Marc looks like he wants to say something else, but shakes his head.

“That sounds wonderful. All of it, especially dinner on the balcony.” I smile as I already feel more relaxed and safer than I have in several days.

This beach trip is exactly what I need to de-stress and forget about things for a while. After the receptionist checks us in and hands over our room keys, Marc carries our bags to our room.

Opening the door, my gaze immediately goes to the crystal blue water of the ocean.

“This view is amazing.” I head straight to the sliding glass door to enjoy the ocean breeze.

“You skipped right over the room and went back outside.” Marc teases.

“Look at this view! Can you blame me?” Turning around, I take in the entire room. “You booked a suite with a hot tub? This is very romantic and promises to be relaxing.”

Marc places my bag on the bed before putting his bag next to the couch.

“Honestly, it was the only room available, but I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend.”

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