15. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Scarlett
“He visits every day she’s working, I think.” Sliding back the glass, I slowly place one tray at a time in the display case. “But I’m not completely sure.”
“Why else are you asking about them?” Steven leans against the case, watching me intently.
Heading back into the kitchen, I open the containers with some remaining tennis ball treats and place them on a tray. “Millie filled out a questionnaire. When she described her match, it was Declan to a T, minus being considerate. Can you imagine Dec being considerate?”
“Why are you yelling?”
The cookie in my hand flies behind me and shatters upon impact. Steven stands at the door, laughing. My brow knits together. “How long were you standing there?”
“The last few minutes. I figured it would be easier to hear you.” I raise my hand to my chest, working to calm my racing heart. “And to answer your question, no. There is no way that Graham’s even the least bit considerate. Or capable of it.”
My palm presses harder into my chest. Steven only knows the competitive side of Declan, the player who will do anything to win, no matter the cost. But the version I’ve seen around Millie recently is different. Still arrogant, sure, but almost…human.
Chewing the side of my lip, old memories surface. Dec going after Steven when his dad was sick, exploiting the one weakness he could find. It was cruel. And I haven’t forgotten what it did to Steven. But what if there was more to the story?
Walking to the other side of the room, I sweep up the broken treat and dump it in the trash. Returning to my workstation, I find Steven continuing where I left off.
Something soft and familiar blooms in my chest at the sight of him here, helping me. I’ve missed this. Him at the bakery, working next to me. The way he smells, the kissing—
Wait what?!
Where did that come from?
Heat creeps up my neck, and I shake my head.
That I didn’t miss, maybe wanted, hoped for, but never acted on it because, well…a promise.
And it’s definitely a bad idea. The worst. Because I’m liking it way too much. Not to mention being with him, even after having kissed him, is just so easy, natural—
No. This is not about you and Steven, or how you feel. Focus on Declan and Millie.
Moving next to him, but making sure not to touch him, I open another container. “And yet you noticed how he is with her. He’s actually likable.”
Tearing a fresh piece of parchment paper, I line the tray before pulling out the paw print dog treats.
“I did notice.” Steven shivers. “And it kind of creeped me out.”
“Right?!” My eyes pop open, and I tap him on the arm. “Around Millie, he actually has a sense of humor. And he’s self-deprecating."
“Is that why you were laughing at his corny joke?” Steven mumbles as he pulls the top from another container filled with bone-shaped treats. He smooths a sheet of parchment paper onto the tray before lining them up.
“It wasn’t corny…wait. You weren’t in the coffee shop yet. You couldn’t have heard what he said.” I watch as he keeps his gaze focused on the task at hand, not even glancing in my direction. His lips pull into a straight line, and my cheeks pull up. “Are you jealous?”
“What? Of Graham? HA! Don’t be silly.” His face is expressionless, his focus completely on what he’s doing. “He may be good-looking. Okay, male model type good looks. But he’s one of the worst humans I’ve ever met.”
What Steven’s saying sounds logical, but his actions say something entirely different. The way he walked into the coffee shop, how he looked at me…possessively. His strides were purposeful, full of intent. It was clear he only had one thought on his mind.
And it thrilled me.
His hand brushing my face, his thumb on my lips, then his lips—
“You okay over there, matchmaker?”
“Huh?” My head whips toward him, my face hot. “Yeah, fine. Why do you ask?”
“Because I was telling you that if Graham seems different around Millie, making fun of himself even, he’s still not the type of guy to set her up with.”
“But what about the fact that she’s his best friend’s cousin?”
Steven holds the fire hydrant he was getting ready to put down mid-air, thinking before he shakes his head. “Even worse. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of that.”
“Hmm. Fair point.”
“But I haven’t convinced you?” He picks up all but two of the trays and brings them up front. Grabbing the remaining ones, I follow.
Moving in front of the display case, he rests his trays on top, while I head behind. Sliding the doors open, I place the trays inside. Reaching up, I grab the rest and repeat the process. “Let’s just say, the jury’s still out.”
“Scarlett.” His brows are furrowed, and his eyes reflect concern.
“I know, I know.” I put my hands up. “Dec has done a lot of things that should make this questionable. But I need to trust my instincts.”
“Well if it—”
Both of our heads whip toward the front door as it opens. My father and Uncle Duncan walk in. Both of them are wearing expressions that tell me exactly why they’re here.
They’ve heard the rumors, and are here to interrogate us.
“So what’s this I hear about you dating my daughter?”
Steven’s face loses all of its color, and when he turns his eyes to me, wracked with panic, I can’t help it; I giggle.
Leaning over the counter, he whispers, “Are you going to handle this or let your father and my coach murder me?”
“They aren’t going to murder you. They love you.” I wave my hand, completely dismissing the idea, which has his brows shooting past his hairline. “He was just helping me out.”
“With his lips?!” My father growls.
“See,” I grumble. “I told you you went overboard with the kissing.”
Steven blinks before his expression shifts to one of frustration. “Yeah, not a good time to bring that up. And you kissed me first. In fact, if I recall correctly, you threw yourself at me.”
My mouth falls open, and I blink. “That sounds so bad when you say it like that.”
For a moment Steven’s eyes dance with humor, but the panic quickly returns.
“It’s not really that big of a deal, Daddy, Uncle Dunky,” I say, doing my best to bring the temperature down. “I got stuck in a bit of a tangle, and well, Steven…”
“Helped you untangle it?” My Uncle says, quirking an eyebrow. He’s still wearing that intimidating scowl, but I could swear his lip just twitched.
A huge breath I didn’t know I was holding falls from my lips, and I grin. “You could say that. Really, he’s the hero in this story.”
“Hero?” My dad scoffs, rolling his eyes.
Uncle Duncan coughs. “And you’re the damsel in distress, Red?”
“Oh, I don’t like that term.”
All three men turn to me with their mouths agape.
“What?” I shrug, “I don’t.”
Glancing at the clock, I notice the time. Picking up a cloth, I start to wipe down the display case. “Do you think we can wrap this up quickly? I’m opening in five minutes.”
My dad’s eyes narrow, Uncle Duncan shakes his head, and Steven…well, let’s just say Steven is looking like he’s getting ready to have a heart attack.
“Steven,” my father says sternly. “I want you at my house tonight. Seven sharp for dinner and a thorough explanation of what’s been going on.”
“Yes, sir.” Steven pulls his shoulders back, and I’m waiting for him to salute.
“Bennett, get out of here and go to practice.” Uncle Dunky throws a thumb over his shoulder.
Steven all but runs for the exit when he’s just about to escape; my father yells.
“Say goodbye to my daughter.”
“Bye, Scarlett.”
When he’s running down the sidewalk, laughter erupts from both of them.
“That was more fun than I thought it would be.” Uncle Duncan slaps my dad on the back.
“Such a good idea, Dunc.” He wipes a tear from his eye. “Good times.”
“Daddy.” I roll my eyes. “Is torturing Steven really necessary?”
“Yes,” they both say.
“And don’t think you’re off the hook, miss. Your mom and aunt are anxious to talk to you.”
I love my stepmom Cat and my Aunt Ava, but my gut plummets at his words.
“Oh, and Cat called Steven’s mom. The entire Bennett/Thornton clan will be there tonight too.”
Dropping my head on the display case, I groan. “Terrific.”
Uncle Duncan musses my hair, and I swat his hand away.
Chuckling, Uncle Duncan heads for the front door. “See you two later. Gotta head to the arena.”
When my dad looks at me, he grins. “You’ll be fine. It’s not gonna be that bad.”
Following him to the door, I flip the sign to open. And give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for the words of encouragement.”
Waving goodbye, I hold the smile on my face until he’s in his car. He has no idea what he’s talking about.
Miles and Wyatt are going to be merciless, and Steven and I need a plan.
And guidelines. Definitely guidelines first. Then a plan.