Page 47 of Marc

“The guys she overheard at school were planning on pranking the junior varsity football team, so when she snuck into the barn she slipped in the mud, grabbed a rope to try to pull herself back up, and ended up tipping a bucket of honey and feathers on her head.”

Marc’s laughter is contagious, and I can’t help but join in. “That sounds like an epic prank. It justsucks that your sister was the one that sprang that trap.”

I laugh at the memory. “Oh, it was. She was pissed for a few minutes, but we all ended up laughing and helping her clean up. We all went to the local burger place to eat afterwards.”

My laugh falters, and my smile slowly fades. “Actually, where we ate was very similar to the diner that you brought me to. Teri even played songs on the jukebox and sang along as she danced.”

Marc looks like he doesn’t know what to say, so I add, “I know you didn’t know the story, but that night meant a lot to me and I really appreciate everything that you have done to keep me safe.”

Marc waves me off. “It’s really no big deal.”

To him, it’s no big deal, but to me, it was him taking away the fear and stress of Jared returning.

“Sure, it is. You fed me and offered me your spare bedroom in my time of need.”

A grin starts to form on his face. “Not to mention exploited your situation to fake date you and bring you on a relaxing beach getaway.”

“Now that is something I can get behind. Exploit away!” Laughing, I fall back onto my pillow and stare up at the painted swirls on the ceiling before turning my gaze to Marc.

He lays down beside me. Our bodies touch ever so gently, but it’s enough for me to feel comforted by him.

He turns his head towards me and locks his gazewith mine. “Thank you for telling me about your past and your sister.”

The way his eyes linger on mine seems almost soul piercing, like he’s trying to get inside my mind, heart, and soul.

It could also be my hopes of being with him misreading things.

Feeling overwhelmed at all the different emotions flowing through my body, I turn my body towards him and lean forward to press my lips to his.

The kiss is slow and gentle, but sends tingles down my spine. His hand cups my face as he deepens the kiss.

I close my eyes and let the kiss sweep me away. Like our last kiss, passion, arousal, and need flow through my veins, leaving me craving more of him.

I should be apologetic for the unexpected kiss, but I’m not. This is just what my body needs right now.

To forget the pain and just live in the moment with Marc.

He breaks off the kiss and pulls away before whispering, “Do you want to go for a walk on the beach with me?”

That is not what I was expecting to hear him say, so I just nod my head. “Yeah, sounds good.”

I feel rejected and denied like I’m the only one that wanted a kiss, but it’s for the best. We aren’t in a real relationship. This is only pretend until Jaredleaves me alone, and there is no point in me acting on impulses.

I quickly head into the bathroom to change into my bikini. Coming back into the room, I see that Marc has already changed into his trunks.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen him shirtless, but this time feels different. I unabashedly ogle his perfectly sculpted abs and his strong arms.

Grabbing the bottle of tanning lotion, my gaze meets his. “Do you care to rub some lotion on my back? I can return the favor and do yours.”

“Not at all.”

He takes the offered bottle of tanning lotion, clicks the lid open, and squirts some lotion into the palm of his hand.

He carefully rubs it into my skin while being careful to not get any lotion on my bikini straps.

I laugh as his fingers tickle my sides and moan as he massages my tight shoulders.

Feeling relaxed and turned on, I take my time rubbing the lotion on his back.

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