Page 23 of Sweet Redemption
Chapter Twelve
Charlie
Talking Mike out of beating the heck out of Markus was a big undertaking. But after the mechanic cooled down and took Markus’s apology in stride, I explained to Mike where I was going and to not to worry about me.
“Are you sure, Charlie?” Mike asked, rubbing the back of his reddened neck. He leaned in and whispered, “How do you know you can trust him? You just met him yesterday, girl.”
I touched his arm. “Don’t ask me why, but I do,” I admitted. And it was true. I couldn’t explain why but only felt the conviction deep in my heart. A swell of adulation rose and I wasn’t afraid to face the fact that I liked Markus, even though I barely knew the man. Then Nana’s words echoed in my head.You know when you know. I hope you’re right, Nana.
Mike stepped back, turned to Markus and pointed to his chest. “You take care of her or I’ll find you and grind you down to dust.”
Markus raised his hands in surrender. “I will. I promise,” he said with certainty. His face held no contempt for the mechanic’s warning.
“Come on. I’m not a child.” I frowned, waving my hand at Markus. “Let’s go.” I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked toward his car. After a quick farewell to Mike and to the lonely library, I leaned back in the seat and let this adventure start.
Neither of us talked until we were about a few miles outside of Valentine.
“Since we’re stuck in this car for a while, tell me something about yourself, Markus.”
Markus shook his head slightly and let loose a small smile. “Sometimes, I like the quiet. I can think in quiet,” he said without hesitation.
I studiously stared at Markus, hoping to get more detail about him. He was such a handsome—no, gorgeous—man but that was surface stuff. I wanted to know what was behind those beautiful green eyes. In a small town like Valentine, the men were few. But hot looking men were a true rarity. What was more rare were men who had integrity and honor.
He glanced over at me with a contemplative stare and frowned. I couldn’t look at him any longer and stared out the window. “I’m sorry if I’m prying. I guess this time would give me a chance to get to know you better.”
“You’ve seen me naked.” He was sidestepping but that wasn’t going to work on me.
“Markus,” I gasped in mock horror. “Seriously though, stop with the evasiveness.”
He eyed me with annoyance but quickly turned his attention back to the road.
“Then how are you going to explain me to your family?” I knew I should stop while I was ahead but I had to know what he was thinking.
“Do I need to explain?” Markus shrugged. “They don’t need to know my personal life. But,” he raised a finger to quiet me. “If they ask, I’ll tell them you’re my girlfriend. Keep it simple.”
Markus’s statement stunned me. “Well…” Simply, I wasn’t expecting that. I stayed quiet, because what he said made me almost leap out of the car with joy but at the same time slightly leery. This situation seemed like a perfect dream but I wasn’t sure what was lurking in the shadows.
“Charlie.” My name drew me out of my thoughts. “This is my mother’s funeral. Most likely, I won’t be noticed. I don’t have tons of family and besides, I don’t care what anyone thinks about me or who I bring.”
I shifted in the seat, so I could get a better look at him. “Why?” That simple question popped out of my mouth.Charlie, don’t push.
There was a moment of pause before Markus spoke. “Because I left Chicago two years ago to start fresh,” he said with a gulp. I heard the pain in his words.
“But why don’t you care? This is your family.”
“Because my family—my father was nothing but a self centered asshole who never gave a shit about his kids or his wife. And at some point my mother became just like him.”
“That makes me sad, Markus.” I knew how he felt. My parents were worse when it came to showing love for their daughter.
“Promise me, you won’t get angry if I tell you something or try to jump out of the car,” he said with trepidation.
I let out a huff of laughter but stopped immediately when Markus raked a hand through his hair. This was serious. He wasn’t joking. “I promise, I won’t jump out of the car.” I crossed my heart.
“I didn’t actually fuck over my brother by sleeping with his fiancé…” His words fell off.
Markus let out a heavy breath before he continued. “Truth is that I didn’t actually sleep with her. Don’t get me wrong, Brittany tried many times but by the time I was about to relent, my brother walked in on us.”
I couldn’t help but be bug-eyed at what he’d confessed. “Does your brother know that?” I reached out and touched his hand.
