Back to Me (Carolina Rebels 1)

“We really don’t.”

“We’re going and you’re going to enjoy it,” I tell him firmly.

“Okay. Whatever you want, Meredith.” He flashes that grin at me. If I wasn’t in love with Noah, between that smile and his voice, I would definitely have butterflies. It isn’t until now that I realize how nice his voice sounds.

“How come you don’t have a girlfriend?” I blurt out.

Marc glances at Noah and then back to me. “What kind of question is that?” he hesitantly asks.

“Just curious. Have you just not found one or is there some crazy hidden in there? Because it’s not like you’re lacking in looks or personality. Where’s your woman, or are you just going to pine after me for the rest of your life?” I tease.

Noah snorts and Marc grins. “I’m telling you, I’m making her all hot and bothered.”

“Shut up and answer her,” Noah says gruffly while kicking him under the table.

Marc sighs. “Haven’t found one. Happy?”

I’m not. Marc is a great guy, and I want him to be happy. Maybe I should tell Sylvia she needs to go ahead and introduce him to that friend of hers. “Sure,” I lie. “Let me walk Leo and then we can go.” I smile sweetly at Noah. “Put away and clean my dishes, yeah?”

He laughs. “Yeah.”

“I’ll walk with you, Meredith.”

“Don’t hit on my woman, Marco,” Noah orders as Marc stands.

“What kind of man do you take me for? I only hit on her when you’re around to see it,” I hear him say, causing me to laugh while I grab Leo’s leash and attach it to his collar.

“Come on, Marco Polo,” I say to him.

We head outside without saying much. Then, Marc says, “You don’t mind me hanging around and getting on Rams’s nerves, do you?”

I look at him with confusion. He seems genuinely concerned. “What? No.” I link my arm through his. “I like having you around. Why are you asking?”

He shrugs. “No reason.”

“Come on,” I push. “You can tell me. I can keep a secret.”

“Even from Noah?”

We stop walking as Leo finds his favorite spot and I face Marc. “Yeah,” I begin softly. “I’ve kept secrets from Noah before.”

“Like what?” He raises an eyebrow at me, and I know he doesn’t believe me at all. There’s a little bit of surprise. Not that I expect Noah to tell Marc certain things, but I did think he would vent or discuss some things about our relationship with Marc.

I take a deep breath. “Like how I quit my PT early. How Vance essentially broke up with me because he knew I wouldn’t be able to play again, and how he thought I was lying when I told him I was pregnant.” Marc’s eyes widen as mine water. “Like how it took me a while to tell Noah I had a miscarriage, and I was tempted to not tell him, or Vance, at all.”

“Fuck, Meredith, I’m sorry.” He hugs me. I imagine if I had a sibling, his hugs would feel like this. There’s nothing but comfort here.

“What do you want to talk about?”

My question causes him to let me go. I’m a little thrown off to see him completely serious for a change.

“Birthdays aren’t my favorite.”

“Why?” I whisper. I don’t know why, but now I’m a little scared of finding out. Maybe I’m not prepared for whatever he has to say. Honestly, I’m not sure I like serious Marc. It’s odd to see him without a smile on his face, or without one waiting to spring into place. His blue eyes seem to be lacking life and happiness. Whatever’s on his mind isn’t pleasant in the least. This isn’t the Marc I know, and I’m scared to get to know the person standing in front of me.

Marc must decide not to tell me. “Family stuff is all. Let’s go back inside to grab your man before he comes looking for us. He might think I’ve kidnapped you or convinced you to have a quickie with me.” There’s that grin again, but this time, I’m not so sure it’s genuine. On the way inside, Marc puts his arm around my shoulder and says, “Happy to spend my birthday with you and Rams.”

“Me too.”