That bothered her, the thought of him and other women. It shouldn’t. She hadn’t done more than thank him for an orgasm. But still. She didn’t like the thought of him with anyone else. As if any other woman should be responsible for that cute dimple that appeared on his left cheek sometimes…
“Hey, Becca, you busy?”
She yelped and jumped three feet in the air.
Her assistant, Ruth, laughed. “That’s a no, then. I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving. Oh, and two messages for you. Simon is staying over at Landon’s tonight. They’re going to study for a test, and it’s a hard one.”
Since Landon and Simon had often studied together and achieved high marks, she had no problem with that. “Thanks. The other message?”
“You have a visitor.” Ruth lowered her voice. “And he’s hot.”
Becca knew without question who awaited her. She did her best to show no reaction except mild curiosity. “Okay. Send him back, would you?”
“Sure. And I’ll lock up as I leave.” Ruth winked at her.
Becca crossed her eyes at the young woman, who hooted with laughter as she left. But the man who entered the kitchen was not the one Becca expected.
“Deacon?”
Mitch’s brother took a whiff and sighed. “Oh man. Mitch was right. It smells so dang good in here.”
She smiled and handed him a broken cookie.
He ate it in two bites. “I don’t suppose you have any more you crushed? I’m happy to eat crumbs.”
“Ah, no, sorry. But you can have a few whole ones.”
“How much?” He reached for his wallet.
“Free. For not strangling Simon all season.”
“That’ll cost you at least three dozen then,” he said drily.
She laughed and handed him a cookie. “Not that it’s not nice to see you, but why are you here?”
“It’s my brother.” Deacon finished the cookie and sighed. “Amazing.” Then he frowned. “But, it’s… Hell, Becca. This is awkward.”
She had a bad feeling he knew what she and Mitch had been up to. Had Mitch blabbed? Heat emblazoned her cheeks.
“I’m worried about Mitch. He won’t talk to me.”
“Wait. Worried?”
“He’s been acting strange lately. He won’t talk to me. Won’t open up. And I think he’s depressed.”
“Mitch? Depressed?”
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but Mitch is kind of at a crossroads.” He seemed intent on studying her as he spoke. “His life in the NFL is over. He never wanted to be big and famous. He’s just good at football. But now he doesn’t know what to do with himself. You’re the only other person in town he’d call a friend. Sounds like I’m making that up, but I’m not.” Deacon ran a hand through his hair. He looked tired.
“What did he say that has you so worried?”
“That’s just it. Hewon’ttalk to me. He looks dejected when no one’s around. And he missed practice yesterday and today.”
“He did?” Hadn’t Simon mentioned Mitch the other day? Perhaps she’d misunderstood.
“Yeah. Look, I know it’s an imposition. But would you mind talking to him in person? He’ll ignore his cell, or I’d ask you to text him. I know this isn’t your business, but he’s a good guy. I want him to be okay.”
“I don’t know what I can do.” She worried for the man.
