Marked. Part II: Becoming Noah Baxter

by J. M. Sevilla

  Jay slams the door shut behind him, a huge smile plastered over his face, removing his shirt while he yells out to me, “Babe, I need you. Right now!”

  I say good-bye to my mom on the phone, having just let her know I'll be returning home today.

  I watch Jay kick off his shoes while he's unzipping his pants.

  He barrels into me, lifting me off my feet, face diving into my neck to devour it. The minute I fall onto the bed, he pulls back enough to raise my nightshirt over my head.

  “It's happening,” his lips are traveling all over me. “We finally get to go home and start our lives together.”

  He's a completely different kind of possessed than he was yesterday. This time he's a man about to explode with happiness. I haven't seen this playful side of him since we were back at his place across the street from mine, except it's amplified like he's had one too many shots of espresso.

  “Slow down, Jay,” I try getting him to come back up to me because his mouth's all over my body, unable to decide where to go. “You're overwhelming me right now.”

  He comes up on all fours and hovers over me, “What do you mean?”

  “Look at you now, then look at you yesterday and the days before that. You're elevated to the extreme, bouncing all over the place.”

  His lips begin sucking all along my collarbone, “I know, but I've never experienced what it's like to have something to look forward to. It's making my whole body come alive. I thought adrenaline highs were the best, but I was wrong. Being crazy in love and knowing I get to stay that way, never having to say goodbye and getting to start a life with you...Christ, Lily,” he buries his face in my throat. “It's insane how good it feels.”

  “Tell me what happened with Vault,” I encourage, having been anxious all morning to find out.

  His smile gets bigger. It's a smile so big I didn't think Jay would have been capable of it. It shines in his eyes and glows from his skin, “I'm buying the old racetrack! It's not official yet, but the owner agreed. The fucker made me offer way too much for the place, but it's worth it; this is what I want.”

  “What are you going to do with a racetrack?”

  “God, I love your mouth,” his lips come crashing down on mine.

  “Jay, focus,” I mumble along his lips.

  “Right,” he shakes his head as if to clear it. “I want to start a drifting school. A place people can safely learn and have amateur races for the pure fun of it.”

  I ponder for a minute, taking in what he said before exclaiming, “I think that is an excellent idea!”

  “Yeah ya do!” Jay lifts his hand and I high five it, laughing.

  “Who are you and what have you done with Jay?” This guy's too playful and lighthearted.

  His only answer is to attack my mouth with his.

  I turn my head, not finished with our conversation, “Not to be mean, but you're not really a people person. How are you going to handle that side of things?”

  “Malik, he's going to help run it. I called him this morning and he couldn't say yes fast enough. You haven't really gotten to know him, but he's one of those guys that seems to be everybody's friend.”

  I believe it. I remember how at ease and comfortable he made me feel when we first met, and how he has the kind of smile that instantly makes you like a person.

  “I want in,” I blurt out before having really put any thought into it.

  Jay tilts his head, “Really?”

  The more I think about this, the more excited I'm getting. It has potential to be a lot of fun, “Yes, I want to be a partner. I want to help run it.”

  He rolls off me and onto his back to stare at the ceiling, “Like a family business?”

  I turn to my side, wanting to see his eyes and what he truly thinks about the idea, “I think I would be really good at marketing and the overall business aspect of it.”

  “Lily?” He whispers and my stomach drops, expecting him to reject my proposal.

  “Yes?”

  In the same hushed tone he replies, “I think you'd be good at it too.”

  “Why are you acting hesitant then?”

  He turns his head to me, “I'm not, I'm just a little shocked at how perfectly things are fitting into place.” He rolls back on top of me, “I can't imagine a better person to run a business with than you.”

  I smirk, “Good, because I wasn't going to give you my money unless you agreed.”

  Jay laughs, “Now that that's settled, I need to exert some of this energy I have bottled inside me before we head home.”

  Home. I like the sound of that.

  I smile into his shoulder, my excited energy about to rival his.

  Chapter 29

  1:24pm

  “I wish you guys would stay here and work for the bank,” Arianna sniffles into my hair as she hugs me harder.

  A part of me wishes that too. I love the people I've met and the mystery that surrounds them.

  I try pulling out of the hug but Arianna won't let me.

  “You're the first girlfriend I've ever had and I feel like I'm losing you.”

  “You're not,” I reassure her. “We can talk all the time on the phone and visit–” Jay coughs to let me know that's not a good idea. “–or you can visit me,” I slyly look over to Jay to make sure this suggestion is acceptable. He reluctantly approves.

  She sadly lets me go and turns to Jay, “I hope we can be friends too. We have a past, but I'd rather start fresh. Do you think that's possible?”

  “It's more than possible,” Jay affirms.

  Arianna beams at us both, giving me another hug before exiting Vault's office.

  I twist Jay's ring on my middle finger, “I can't believe this is all over. You're really not worried about others looking for you?”

  Jay takes hold of my hand, giving it a squeeze, “Vault got the word out that The Marker's dead. We killed one another inside his office.”

  I look over to Ben, “Will people believe that?”

  “That's why Vault was the one to get the word out. Whether they believe it or not, if Benedict Cole makes a statement he wants everyone to know, you better listen,” Jay answers.

  Ben gives a nod of agreement.

  “So is this really it? You're finally free to live your life?”

  Jay swipes his hand across his head, staring off, “I think it finally is.” He looks to me, his eyes big and wide, almost not believing it himself, the moment too surreal, “Shit, Lily, I'm still overwhelmed with how awesome it feels. That heaviness I have always felt isn't so strong anymore.”

  Before I can join in his newfound happiness I have more questions to ask, “Really?”

  He pulls me into him, “Yeah baby, it really is. And nobody will go against Vault.”

  “You're really not worried?” I can't seem to wrap my head around his freedom, needing all the reassurance I can get.

  “I didn't say that. I'll always worry, but it's different now; it's not so consuming. I can tolerate the amount of worry I will have for you – for us – but as the years go by, they will forget about Jay Lincoln. They will forget about Link.”

  I look to Ben for confirmation, not that I don't believe what Jay says to be true, but it will help ease my mind to get a second opinion.

  Ben nods his head, understanding what I'm asking without me having to say it, “I couldn't agree more with Noah. Nobody will go looking for him, and if they do,” he hands me a business card, “You call me and it won't be a problem anymore.”

  My eyebrows lift, “Noah?”

  “Didn't you hear?” Ben asks, a mischievous smirk indenting his left dimple, “Jay Lincoln is dead.”

  I'm processing this, coming to terms with the fact that Jay can finally be the man he was born to be. He can finally be Noah Baxter.

  Ben hands a manila folder to Jay/Noah (I'm not sure what I'm supposed to call him), “This is all of Noah's stuff. Your father had wanted it kept safe here. It's just a birth certificate, social security card, boring t
hings like that.”

  Jay swallows as he stares down at the envelope.

  “You ready for my plane?”

  “I think I am. More than ready. Thanks, Vault,” Jay gives him a smile, the first I think he's ever given him.

  “I'm not Vault to you anymore. Noah would only know me as Benedict Cole,” he looks to me and winks, “or Ben if I like you.”

  I smile at this, a little sad that it could be the last time I ever see him; I've come to care about him. I decide to share this with him, not wanting any regrets, “I don't want this to be the last time I see or talk to you.”

  “It won't be. After all,” Ben taps the card still in my hand, ”my bank is in charge of your assets.”

  I look down to find he had handed me his personal business card, with the direct line to his office. This has me wanting to cry.

  “Call it any time, Lily,” his tone of voice lets me know that it doesn't have to be for business purposes, and all I can think to do is hug him – and by hug, I mean squeeze the shit out of him.

  Ben awkwardly pats my back, not being very comfortable with affection. I let go before I start crying and make us all uncomfortable.

  “I hope you know what you're getting yourself into by giving that to her,” Jay warns playfully. “You can expect her to call that number just because.”

  Ben gives me a genuine smile, “I'm expecting you to. I want to hear what's so great about the other side.”

  Okay, it's time to leave before the tears come falling down. I'm glad that Jay knows me so well and begins leading us to the door.

  “Hey, Ben,” Jay stops to turn around. “I'm sorry about Susanna. I mean really, truly, incredibly, sorry.”

  They both swallow at the same time, both their eyes appearing more moist than they should.

  “I know,” is all Ben says in return, but there is a silent conversation that transpires between them for a few seconds after. I can't begin to translate what I can't read, but whatever it is has Jay – I mean Noah's – shoulders dropping a few inches, accepting that Ben means it.

  Noah nods, not expecting forgiveness, just thankful that Ben knows the remorse and guilt he will always suffer from Ben's wife being murdered.

  “Make it worth it,” Ben adds as we start to leave through the office doors.

  Noah turns his head, “I plan to.”

  We leave Cole Private Bank and Trust, hand in hand, ready to figure out a life together.

  Finally.

  Chapter 30

  Friday, April 4

  6:02pm

  I look at the clock on the stove to see it's two minutes past the time I told Noah to arrive. I'm surprised he's not here yet; he was so nervous about making a good impression.

  The story I had told my family was that Noah got hurt at his new security job working for Cole Private Bank and Trust. The doctors didn't think he would make it and that's why I had to fly down there, needing to say goodbye and to make sure he knew that I loved him. I then explained to them that when Noah had left the first time, it's because I couldn't openly share how I was feeling, so he had accepted the great job opportunity thinking I didn't feel the same. Now that Noah knows (and survived), he has moved back to give us another chance. I have no clue if my family and friends believe all that, but nobody is saying they don't.

  I take a peek out of the kitchen window to find him sitting in the car he bought the day after we returned (I thought he'd get a truck but he told me he doesn't have a need for one anymore, he's not going any where), staring out the front.

  What the hell is he doing?

  I text him but he doesn't respond, doesn't even move to acknowledge he heard it. (Yup, he also got a cell phone, wanting me to be able to always get a hold of him. He said I wasn't allowed to give him shit for it, but I most definitely will.)

  I leave my house and head to him. His body is rigid, expressionless, and his legs are lightly bouncing. I rap on the driver side window. It takes me three times before he snaps out of his thoughts and realizes I'm there.

  He rolls down the window, “I can't do this, Lily.”

  “It's just dinner, Jay,” I realize my mistake after I say it, but I don't correct myself.

  “No, it's not. It's your family sizing me up to see if I'm good enough for you.”

  I open the door and hold out my hand, “Give them a chance.”

  Noah swipes his head before accepting my hand and following me inside. His hand has a death grip over mine as we enter. You wouldn't know anything was wrong looking at him; if anything he's giving off a “don't fuck with me” vibe.

  My mom is the first to greet Noah, throwing her arms around him in a big hug, “It's so nice to finally meet you. Lily goes on and on about how wonderful you are.” She tries tightening her squeeze but can't from how huge he is. She laughs, “You are a big guy.”

  She then takes his hand to lead him to the dining room, “I'll show you where you'll sit. Lily made a special dinner for you.”

  Noah looks back, lifting his brows and motioning with his head for me to follow.

  “I'll join you in a second, I just have to finish in the kitchen.” I hold in a giggle as the color washes away from Noah's skin. I have no sympathy for him. If I can survive his world, he can survive mine.

  I continue chopping the vegetables for the salad, listening to my mom introduce Noah to my dad, brothers, and Jill. I kind of wish I was in there to see how uncomfortable he must be. I bet it's hilarious. My dad and Jill are the friendliest couple. I don't think there's a person they can't make a life long buddy out of.

  “Your boyfriend's kind of scary. You know that, right?” Cody's voice makes me jump, having not heard him enter the kitchen.

  “He looks scary, but give him a chance. He's a really good man.”

  He comes over to help me finish chopping, “I know. I have a good feeling about him.”

  I pause, “You do?”

  “Yeah. I didn't with the other douchebag, but I never said anything. I'm sorry, Lily,” his apology comes out like he blames himself for what happened.

  I gently nudge him, “Hey, it's over and done. We all learned from it, okay?”

  He hangs his head down in shame and mumbles, “I'm your brother. I should have protected you.”

  I place my hand on his shoulder, “You're an amazing brother. This was something I had to learn on my own.”

  Cody wipes his eyes with his shirt and sniffles. “Onion,” he explains.

  Onions aren't a part of dinner.

  I pull him in for a hug, “I love you, Cody.”

  He pushes me away and makes a disgusted face, “Please don't get all mushy on me.”

  “Keep making the salad and I won't.”

  “Remember to come to me if this guy is ever a jerk. I'll put him in his place.”

  I try to keep a straight face, because Cody is completely serious and I love the fact that he would attempt to fight Noah for me.

  “Some girl's going to be lucky to have you one day.”

  Cody sets down the knife, “That's it, I'm done. I warned you: No mushy.”

  I laugh as he goes back to join everyone else.

  As I'm pulling out the main dish from the oven the doorbell rings. Seth hollers that he'll get it. I freeze when I recognize my two best friends' voices.

  Great, they better not be here to interrogate Noah.

  I wipe my hands on my apron and pull them into the kitchen.

  “I know why you two are...” I trail off when I notice their conjoined hands.

  Noami sees my astonishment, “I took your advice. We're taking things slow.”

  “We're having our first date on Friday,” Stevie informs me, glowing.

  “I expect a full report from both of you. I want all the juicy details.” I point a finger at Noami, “Be romantic. Stevie deserves romance.”

  Naomi smirks, “I think I can manage that.”

  Stevie tugs Naomi's hand, “Come on. Let's go meet...Noah, right?”

  I nod that
she's correct, “Did my mom invite you two?”

  Stevie shakes her head, “We invited ourselves. We had to meet this guy.”

  Perfect.

  “Be nice. Please? For me?”

  “I'll keep her in line, don't worry,” Stevie reassures me.

  Now my stomach is in knots about how everyone will treat Noah, and nervous about him liking the special dinner I've cooked. I'm worried I made the wrong choice, that I stepped over a line I'm not allowed to cross.

  I guess it's too late now.

  I bring out the side dishes, happy to see that my dad and Seth are carrying most of the conversation. Noah's body is stiff, but at least he's softened his expression a bit. His eyes light up when he sees me and I take a moment to get lost in him, a goofy grin on my face, wanting to pinch myself that we are finally together like this. He returns my same look. Everything and everyone around us becomes forgotten. I'm not sure how long we stare at each other, but it's long enough for my dad to clear his throat.

  That's when I become aware that everyone around the table is staring at us.

  Embarrassed, I swiftly turn around to get the main dish.

  My steps back to the dining room are slow. I really wish I had chosen something else to make. At the time it seemed like a good idea, but now I regret it.

  I set the dish on top of a hot pad, nervously glancing at Noah.

  His eyes are wide, staring down at it, “Is that macaroni and cheese?”

  I swallow into my now very dry throat and nod, too nervous to speak.

  “Lily's been working on it all day,” my mom proudly informs him. “She must have searched a hundred sites trying to find what people believed to be the best recipe.”

  Noah doesn't respond, his expression giving nothing away as he continues to stare at the dish.

  Shit. This was a bad idea.

  Everyone seems to notice the sudden tension, making the moment even more uncomfortable.

  “We don't have to eat it. We can order pizza or something,” I quickly blurt out, hating the tears that threaten to come out.

  Noah finally looks up, his gruff voice returning, “No, it's perfect.” He gets up and closes the gap between us, cupping the back of my neck and bringing his lips to mine, giving me a tender, sweet kiss. “I love you, Lily,” he breathes into my mouth. “I can't believe you would do this for me.”