25. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
Scarlett
When I step onto the sidewalk, it’s to find Steven holding the door to The Bleacher Bean open. His green eyes are bright, and the uneven grin on his face sets my insides tumbling.
My gaze drops to his mouth just as the words leave his lips, “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” A slow grin spreads across my face, warmth flooding my chest. Walking up to him at the entrance, I let my hand rest on his arm, then gently press my lips to his cheek. A performance for our audience, and not because I want to touch him. “What did you do last night?”
He slides his hand against my lower back, heat from it making my breath catch. It takes every part of me not to lean into his side and slip my arm around his waist.
Steven's breath sends shivers down my spine as he leans down and whispers in my ear. “After dinner with my brothers, I came home and filled out your questionnaire.”
“Oh.” Falls from my mouth in a whoosh, and the smile on my face wobbles. “Great.”
Steven’s brows knit together, his green eyes hold mine, steady and searching. “That is what you wanted, right?”
My heart rams against my chest. The sound thunders in my ears, making it hard to focus.
This is what I want, right? Maybe? But it is what I promised.
Mentally shaking away the uncertainty, I step toward the counter. My fingers grip the edge. Forcing a smile, I nod. “Yes.”
I can feel Steven’s gaze studying me. The corner of my lips dip, my interior warring between loyalty to his dad and the longing to be held in this man’s arms for the rest of my life.
His hand pulls me closer. The warmth staves off the chill that comes with knowing I’ll stay true to my word. This time, instead of keeping my distance, I let myself lean against him.
Right now he’s mine, even if we’re just pretending. I plan on taking full advantage of every moment. My chest tightens at the thought. Even if that means getting my heart ripped out and shredded into a million pieces once he starts dating someone else.
“How are my two favorite people doing today?” Steven’s mom’s upbeat tone is like cold water being thrown on my already raw nerves. She slides two cups across the counter. “I figured you’d want to spend a little bit of time together, alone, before starting your day.”
“Thanks Mom.” Steven leans over the counter and kisses her on the cheek. “You know the way to my heart.”
He gives me an extra squeeze, and the smile I’m straining to keep on my face shakes. “Thanks Mrs—”
“Becca, Scarlett.” She reaches over the counter and nudges my chin up with her finger. “Call me Becca.”
My throat tightens. “Yes, Mrs—” She gives me a mock glare. “Becca. Sorry. It’s going to take some time to break an old habit.”
Her eyes soften, slight crinkles around the corners, before they dance. “You can always call me ‘Mom’ if that’s easier.”
I chuff out a nervous breath, making Steven squeeze my waist.
Resting his chin on my shoulder, he says. “She’s only teasing.” Then his head snaps up. “Right, Mom?”
“Of course.” Becca grins, wiping down the counter. Turning away, she murmurs. “That can wait until after you're married.”
Guilt hits me hard, pressing down on my shoulders.
Steven rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “We need to get going. I’ll talk to you later.”
He slides his hand from my waist and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze before turning toward the door.
Tears burn the back of my eyes. I blink hard, thinking of all the people I’m going to disappoint with the lie Steven and I told them.
Standing in front of the bakery door, Steven gently grabs my chin and pulls up, dragging my gaze to his. “Scar, you’re not alone in this. We decided to lie together, and we're going to tell them the truth together. Okay?”
Staring into my best friend's jade-colored eyes, everything in me is screaming to be honest. My throat closes. I want to call his mother ‘Mom’. I want his family to be mine, not just because I’m his best friend, but because my heart has been his since elementary school.
Heaving out a heavy sigh, I tilt my head in acknowledgment.
“Can I stop by later to see what ideas you have about this whole matchmaking thing based on my questionnaire?”
Pushing the corner of my lips up, I dip my chin. “Sure. Call or text me when you get home from practice.”
Leaning in, he presses his lips to my cheek, brushing the side of my mouth before he heads to his car.
My body is humming as I watch him walk away, but then an icy weight settles in my chest. Before sliding into the driver’s seat, he turns to me and beams. I feel the pressure increase, causing my throat to tighten, but I force myself to smile and wave back.
Watching until he’s no longer visible, I finally unlock the door to Duncan’s Donuts For Dogs.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dial my new confidant. Only to get voicemail.
“Hey Miles. It’s Scarlett. Can you call me when you have a few minutes? I need to talk.”
Throwing my pink apron on, I focus on the only thing I can change…work.
A few hours and some mind-numbing work later, ‘Who Let the Dogs Out?’ barks blast from the speakers. I glance up to find Miles with his hand resting on his chest, fingers splayed, and a horrified expression on his face.
For the first time since this morning, a real grin breaks free.
“Funny, huh?” I shrug, trying to control the laughter that’s bubbling up. “Seriously though, who thought that would be a good idea?”
“Most of the customers love it. Even Uncle Dunky gave it a thumbs up.”
“Most, not all?” Miles narrows his eyes as he strides toward the counter.
“Apparently professional athletes tend to be jumpy.” I jut my chin at him. “Or maybe it’s just the Bennett brothers.”
Miles’ eyes widen, and he stares at me, gawking, but there’s a twinkle in his gaze. “I come here to help you, and you laugh at me.”
One of my favorite things about the Bennett family is that they know how to laugh at themselves. At the same time, it also means that teasing anyone and everyone is never off the table.
His brows knit together.
“I needed a good laugh? So thank you?” I lift a shoulder, pressing my lips together. Pulling two trays out of the display case, I consolidate the cookies to one. “And I’m so grateful you’re here. But I honestly thought you’d just call me back.”
“Surprise.” He teases, and I’m pulled back to him and Wyatt at my parents' house when fake dating my best friend became ‘real’. “So what’s up?”
Squeezing the dog treat I’m holding before placing it down on the tray, I huff out a breath. “Steven told me he filled out a questionnaire for Emma last night.”
Miles’ brows shoot up. “That’s good, right?”
Sliding one tray back in the case, I pull out two others. “It was what I wanted.”
“Was?” Miles repeats back, leaning against the counter. Watching me. “Is that not what you want anymore?”
“I’m not sure.” Turning away from the counter, I bring the two trays to the back room and then head back up front. Miles is still there, watching me silently. “Maybe it’s too late to change the plan.”
“Scarlett, you’re always reading the defense, adjusting to their every move. Constantly calling audibles. This could be your audible.” Miles slaps the counter, the Mavericks QB shining through.
His pep talk is so full of enthusiasm, I can’t stop the corner of my mouth from pulling up at his football analogy.
He’s right.
I’ve just been going with the play that the Offensive Coordinator called without adjusting to the defensive scheme showing up. This play calls for an audible. “But I don’t know what play to call.”
“Yes, you do,” He says softly. “How do things usually work with your clients? Do you give them numbers, share emails?”
“Normally I have them create new emails, and let them take it from there.
“Perfect. Create an email for yourself, pick a name, and then get to know each other. You can even tell Steven that you’re using a fake name until you get to know him a bit better.”
Nibbling the inside of my cheek, I think about what he’s saying. “But isn’t that deceptive?”
A smirk crosses Miles' face as his head cocks to study me. “Yeah, because being upfront and honest is what’s gotten you here.”
Dropping my head in my hands, I groan. “What if he likes her? This person?”
“He’s going to,” Miles says like I’m an idiot. “It’s you.”
“Is this smart? And do you honestly believe your dad was talking about Steven and me?”
“To answer your first question, It’s your life. Only you can decide what is or isn’t a good idea. If you’re in love with my brother—and I’m pretty sure you are—you can just tell him, or you can try this. How you handle it is up to you. I’m just giving you some ideas.”
The thought of setting Steven up with someone else makes my gut curl. I swallow hard. But so does the idea of going against Mr. Bennett’s wishes.
“As for the answer to your second question.” Miles' gaze is intense and sincere. “I’m positive my dad was talking about the two of you.”
Squeezing my hands together, I try to push away the doubts coursing through me. But I can’t deny the tinge of exhilaration mingled there too.
“So what do you say?”
Gripping the counter, I meet his gaze.
I can feel fear gripping my chest, the nausea swirling. What if Steven doesn’t feel the same way? My fists curl. What if Miles is wrong and I am betraying his father’s final wishes?
But then my chest tightens at the thought of watching the person I’ve been in love with since I was eight years old with someone else.
That final thought pushes me forward, and I nod. “I’m in.”