Page 68 of Marc

My heart leaps as my mind registers that once again he doesn’t call it his house. Of course, I know it is his house, but my heart doesn’t let my mind correct him.

I turn off my camera and power down my laptop before placing them in their bags.

Marc makes sure the back door is locked before turning off the lights.

The front door is opened and the private security guy comes inside.

“I saw the lights turn off, so I was making sure everything was okay.”

“Thanks. We are just closing up and heading home.”

He nods. “No one showed up front or back. I think you are safe.”

“Thank you. It was a huge peace of mind having you here.”

“No problem. I’ll be around all week.” He turns around and heads back outside.

Marc carries my camera and laptop bags while I grab my forgotten lunch, set the alarm, and lock the front door.

Neither of us speaks as he drives the few miles to his house.

With the still visible tent in the front of his shorts, I’d guess that work will come later.

Hopefully, I’ll be the first.

Chapter Sixteen

MARC

I’ve heardthat trauma can cause emotional outbursts, but I wasn’t prepared for Staci’s emotions to flip like a light switch.

Staci loads the dishwasher with our breakfast dishes as I put the extra waffles in a storage container and place it in the refrigerator.

She lets out a long sigh. “I need to call everyone and reschedule today’s photoshoot to tomorrow.”

Her voice has been extra quiet since she decided to take the day off from work.

This morning, waking up next to her was great. We shared some kisses and touches before sharing a sensual shower together.

She was bubbly and in a great mood, but that didn’t last long.

Until her third bite of waffles, to be exact.

It was like a light switch flipped and her mood took a one-eighty.

I offer to help her. “I can let Kelly and Adam know if you want to call Kat.”

She doesn’t crack a smile or chuckle lightly, like she normally would. “That would be great. Thank you.”

I reply, “You’re welcome” as I pull my phone out of my front pocket and send the two of them a group text, letting them know the change of plans for today.

Staci calls Kat and explains her need to reschedule the photoshoot today. She apologizes to Kat several times before finally hanging up.

Something seems different with Staci this morning.

She suddenly had this burning feeling in her gut and a renewed urgency to clean up the mess that Jared left behind.

I turn off the kitchen light and follow her to the garage where our cars are parked.

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