Page 40 of Marc

Marc is already laying on the couch in a makeshift bed. He looks like the hulk laying in a toddler bed.

The sight makes me laugh.

Once I regain my composure, I say, “It folds out to a larger bed.”

“Oh, it does?” He picks up the covers and pillows before throwing them on the floor next to the couch.

I show him how the bed pulls out of the couch before helping him make the bed.

“Thanks.” He climbs in, making me wish I offered to share the bed in the first place.

Turning off the light, I snuggle between the sheets, unable to fall asleep. I feel energized, like an electric current is traveling through my body.

I lay here and contemplate grabbing my laptop to get started on the editing when Marc throws his pillows and covers on the floor.

“Are you okay?” I whisper while sitting up.

There is enough light coming through the curtains that I can see his outline sit up and turn to face me.

“Sorry to wake you up.” His voice is husky and full of sleep.

“You didn’t wake me up. I just can’t sleep. I was actually thinking about grabbing my laptop to work, but I didn’t want to wake you up. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” He tries to pretend that everything is okay, but I know better.

Why else would he throw his pillows on the floor?

The bed must be uncomfortable. I remember the one time I had to sleep on a pullout. It was the worst night of sleep I’ve ever had. My back was sore for a week.

“You can share the bed with me if you aren’t comfortable. It is big enough for the two of us, and I promise to behave.” Maybe, I mentally add. “Plus, it has to be more comfortable than that thin mattress.”

“Only if you are sure.” He seems hesitant, but it isn’t fair for him to not get rest this weekend when we have a big bed that is comfortable.

“I’m sure.” I say confidently, even though I am freaking out inside.

There’s nothing to it.

He will sleep on his side and I will sleep on my side. In the morning, I will laugh at how unreasonable my freak out is right now.

Marc positions his pillows ever so carefully on the other side of the bed and crawls under the covers, laying on his back. I never noticed how bulky he really was until right now.

He takes up over half the bed.

His bare torso disappears under the covers, tempting me to take a closer look. His bulging arm muscles almost graze my breasts.

My body arches closer, wanting to rub along his arm like a cat.

Before I can embarrass myself, I roll over. “Goodnight.” I whisper into the darkness.

“Goodnight, Staci.” He whispers back.

I have a feeling the night is going to be good, but I may not get any sleep if my hormones don’t settle down.

Maybe if I give in to my desires and get Marc out of my system, I’ll be able to keep things platonic.

What happens on vacation, stays on vacation, right?

Chapter Ten

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