Any Given Snow Day

by Marie Harte

  “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. He won’t talk 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.

  “Maybe nothing. Maybe he’s fine and it’s my overactive imagination. But I’d feel better if someone else who knows him gave me their opinion. I can watch Simon for you if you’re weird about leaving him alone.”

  “No, he’s going to sleep over at a friend’s house tonight.”

  Deacon nodded. “I hate to impose, but it would mean a lot. Mitch and I don’t trust too easily. Price of fame, unfortunately.”

  She understood. How difficult it must be to share yourself with others who often had an agenda. “You’re not worried I’m out to use your brother?”

  “No.” He smiled. “After meeting Nora, it’s clear. Anyone who can handle that she-shark—her words, not mine—has to be a genuinely nice person. And then there’s Simon.”

  “What about my son?”

  “Not a thing. That kid says what’s on his mind. I like his honesty, and he says he gets it from you.” He chuckled. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. Mitch is home right now. He texted me a few minutes ago about a play we’re working on, but he won’t respond to anything personal. That’s not like him.” Deacon frowned. “I mean, Becca, he’s not even helping us with the coaches’ meetings this week.”

  She hoped she hadn’t done something to hurt him. What if she was the reason Mitch hadn’t been himself? Did he feel dejected because she’d slept with him then hadn’t called? “I’ll head right over.”

  Deacon looked relieved. “Thank you. I owe you.”

  “Remember that the next time my son mouths off.”

  Once Becca locked up the shop, Deacon walked her out to her car. After she’d driven away, he grabbed his cell phone and dialed. “She’s headed out. You owe me. Don’t forget.”

  “If you think about it, I’m actually doing you a huge favor. She’s awesome.”

  “Yeah, well, so is he. Anything happens to him because of her, you’ll be doing sprints from here until next year.”

  Nora laughed. “Good luck with that, Coach. He’s got the hots for her. You know it. I know it. And she’s hot for him. Now if they don’t screw it up by being idiots, we might just have solved this particular puzzle.”

  “Puzzle?” Man, he hated that he found her laugh sexy. As sexy as those smokin’ curves he’d been helpless to stop staring at the other night. Nora in a bathing suit should be illegal. He’d been forced to stay in the water for most of the evening so as not to show much he appreciated that suit.

  “Puzzle. Of how Simon could see what’s right in front of all of us, but it took me a while to catch up.” She disconnected without saying goodbye.

  Deacon called the boy.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s done. Kid, you’d better pass that physics test with flying colors. Or make no mistake, I’ll bench your ass until you’re a senior.”

  Simon laughed. “Sure thing, Coach.”

  “And make sure Nora knows she owes me. Big. I plan to collect at some point.”

  Simon snorted. “Good luck with that.” Like his aunt, he disconnected without saying good-bye.

  Deacon shook his head. Why was it “good luck with that” seemed to be a Bragg family catch-phrase?

  Chapter Nine

  Mitch heard the doorbell ring and frowned. He glanced at the time. Who the hell could be visiting at seven on a Wednesday night? The sky had gone pitch black, the twinkle of stars and a half moon giving bits of light in an otherwise unforgiving darkness.

  The weather remained clear and crisp, and it made swimming under the stars a luxury. Since making use of the pool the past weekend, he’d gone swimming or sat in the hot tub each night since.

  It made dealing with sleep easier, because hell if he could close his eyes in that bed without remembering the ecstasy—hell yes, ecstasy—of coming inside Becca Bragg. The same woman who had professed to not liking him, then screwing his brains out and ending with a mild thanks.

  He couldn’t believe she hadn’t contacted him since. Nothing. Not a word, a text, not even a message from her kid. As if she’d had her way with him and left him on the end of a wham, bam, thank you, man.

  He wished he didn’t feel so hurt over the fact. What kind of pussy minded when a hot woman banged him into an orgasm?

  Still, he was giving her until Friday. Then he planned to march himself to her side and have a conversation long overdue. Like, when would she consent to letting him have her again?

  He fished himself out of the pool, quickly dried himself as best as he was able, then threw a robe on. Best not to open the door stark naked. He grinned at the thought. Between the inevitable shrinkage, making his manly parts less than they should be, and the uncomfortable cold, walking around the house without clothes on in November wasn’t something he wanted to do. Not unless he had Becca around to warm him up.

  He swore as he stalked to the door. It had to be Deacon, the only person he could think might approach. Unless… He slowed down. What if Linda Madison or one of the other pushy moms had his address?

  The doorbell rang again. He tightened the sash on his robe and told himself to man up and deal with his visitor.

  A glance through one of the sidelights had him taking a second look. He opened the door. “Becca?”

  She blinked at him. “Um, hi.”

  The stood in silence, each staring at the other. The breeze wafted past his cold feet and up his legs. “Come in.”

  He closed and locked the door after her, not sure he wasn’t still fantasizing. “Becca?”

  “Sorry. I probably should have called.” She bit her lip.

  He wanted to kiss the sting all better. Instead, Mitch cleared his throat. “Want something to drink?”

  “No. Well, maybe.”

  “Here, give me your jacket.” He took it from her and hung it in a closet too big for just one man.

 
Not liking his sudden sense of loneliness, Mitch turned and walked to the kitchen to gather his thoughts. “How about something warm?”

  “Do you have hot chocolate?”

  “That I have.” He put a kettle on the stove to heat, then stared at her, the kitchen island between them. “To what do I owe the honor?”

  She looked adorably sweet. Beautiful, sexy, and flustered as she watched him. “Are you okay?”

  He frowned. “Should I not be?”

  “Well, I heard you’ve been missing practices and kind of down. And I wondered… If maybe…” She audibly swallowed. “Did I do something to make you feel bad?”

  Flummoxed, Mitch could only stare. What the hell was she talking about? He hadn’t missed any practices, and she’d done nothing but send his hormones racing any time she so much as breathed.

  “I’m good. Was just swimming, actually.” He took note of something else. “Where’s Simon?”

  “He’s sleeping over at a friend’s house. They have a test tomorrow, and he’s studying.”

  “Ah.” She had no reason to rush home. He smiled.

  She gave a hesitant smile back. “You’re okay then? I think your brother was worried about you.”

  Deacon, you sorry bastard. I owe you one. “Well, I have been feeling a little neglected. See, this hot chick came over to my house the past weekend, stripped naked, nearly made me come from staring at her, then used me for a good minute or two. I came so hard so fast I can’t remember.”

  Her face continued to pinken.

  “Then she never called. I think maybe I got a thank you. That’s it.”

  He parted his robe and stared down at himself, not surprised to be erect with Becca around. “Now I can’t stop getting hard when I think about it. But I must not have been any good because the chick won’t call me.” He sighed. “They never call after they have what they want from me.”

  She kept staring at his cock. He wanted to laugh.

  She not only appeared mortified, she didn’t blink. “Uh, I, uh… You see, I would have called. But then…”

  “It’s mesmerizing, isn’t it?”

  She whipped her head up. “You’re an ass.”

  “No, honey, I’m a dick. A big one.”

  She burst out laughing. “Okay, I had that coming to me. And don’t say it!” she warned before he could make a terrible twist out of “coming to me.”

  The kettle whistled, and he retied his robe, then prepared each of them a cup of hot cocoa. He set a can of whipped cream on the counter, then thought of a better use for it later on.

  She focused on her mug and took a sip. “Oh, this is good.”

  “I don’t skimp on my cocoa.”

  “Nice.”

  He watched her lick her lips and withheld a groan. “So, you’re here to cheer me up because I’m down?”

  She set her mug on the counter and scowled. “Your brother came to me with a sob story about you being depressed.” She stopped and studied him. “Are you okay?”

  “Kind of.”

  “What’s wrong?” She was so cute, so concerned.

  “Well, I’d have to show you.”

  “What?”

  He couldn’t wait any longer. “I was going to give you until Friday, but since you’re here, come with me.”

  She let him lead her down the hallway. “I wondered if you were tending your flowers.”

  “I read some gardening books. I’ve been trying, and they’re still alive.” He continued to his bedroom and walked inside.

  She followed him like a lamb lead to slaughter—or in her case, seduction. “What did you have to show me?”

  “This.” He dropped his robe. “I can’t stop thinking about Saturday night. It was too quick. I want a do-over.”

  She gaped. “A do-over?”

  “Yeah. I’ve replayed the scene and there’s a flag on the play. First down all over again.” He grinned.

  She grinned back. “Seriously? Football references for sex?”

  “Becca, it was too fast. I didn’t get to kiss you much. No sucking your nipples into hard points, no fingering that soft pussy, no licking you until you scream.” He smiled, pleased her eyes grew darker. “Are you telling me you haven’t thought about Saturday?”

  “Maybe.”

  “And you didn’t wonder what it would be like if we did it again? Hell, maybe that first time was a fluke. Let’s see if we can make it even better.”

  “How do I know you haven’t already tried to make it better with someone else?”

  He could see her regret the comment the moment it came out. The woman sounded jealous. For once, he liked the possessive sound.

  “Not that I care,” she hurriedly tacked on. “But I’m all about safe sex.”

  He nodded, playing along, conscious of her stiff nipples under the thin sweatshirt she wore, of her increase in breathing, and her concentrated stare that played havoc with his cock. He felt her gaze like a warm breath all over his body.

  “Fine. Let’s have ‘the talk.’” He loved that she couldn’t seem to stop staring at him. “I haven’t been with a woman in over six months, not since I broke up with my last girlfriend before retiring. I’ve only ever used condoms with my exes, and I don’t cheat. I’m not a fan of infidelity, no matter if I’m married or dating or whatever.” He figure he might as well tell her the whole of it. “Deacon was married to a user who cheated on him, and it hit him hard. Hit me hard too. It’s tough to know who to trust when you have money and fame. Not bragging; it just is.”

  “I understand.”

  “I think you do.” He paused. “You didn’t tell anyone about us, did you?” He didn’t see her using him as a stepping stone of any kind.

  She shook her head.

  “I didn’t either. And for the record, I haven’t been depressed mooning over you.” It surprised him to feel angry over the lie. “But apparently you haven’t been mooning over me either. What the hell, Becca? Do you jump every guy in a bathing suit, then leave him with nothing but a thank you?”

  She looked less embarrassed than angry. “No. For your information, I haven’t been with anyone in over a year. And the sex was awful, if you must know.”

  Shocked, he asked, “With me?”

  “What? No, you were amazing,” she snapped. “I just… I don’t know. I was in lust with you. There. I said it. You made me—I mean, I had an orgasm in two seconds. It’s embarrassing, okay? I liked having sex with you. It was raw and dirty and fast. And I loved it.”

  “So did I,” he growled, not sure why he felt so angry when he was hearing what he’d wanted. “But I don’t know why we can’t do it again.”

  “We can. I guess.”

  She didn’t seem convinced. “You guess?” Mitch slowly approached, and with each step, Becca seemed to grow tenser. “How about I persuade you?”

  “H-how?”

  He reached her, tilted her chin up, and kissed her until neither of them could breathe. His dick was so hard it threatened to snap off, and an image of her going down on him nearly had him taking himself in hand.

  Once he’d broken from the kiss, he murmured, “Now why don’t you get naked and get in that bed, and I’ll show you exactly why you should let me inside you again. And yeah, I’ll wear a condom. You don’t have to worry about babies. No diseases either. I’m clean.”

  “So am I.” Her breathy voice had him kissing her again.

  He was cupping her full breasts as they parted, the need to feel her flesh under his palms overwhelming. “Take off your clothes.”

  Becca paused. Did she want him to beg? Because he would do anything to have her again.

  Then she put her hands at the base of her sweatshirt and waited. And watched.

  Becca wasn’t sure what had happened. Mitch didn’t seem to know why she’d arrived, but he wanted a repeat of Saturday night. And he seemed irritated that she hadn’t called.

  That annoyance made her feel worlds better about their time together. Apparently, he’d been
just as done in by their sex as she’d been. But why hadn’t he called her?

  She stripped down to her bra and panties and asked.

  “Why? Because I was trying to be a gentleman and let you lead. But fuck that. I want you naked.”

  Becca shivered and slowly removed her bra.

  Mitch’s gaze stripped her completely bare. Despite her panties and the blush she couldn’t help wearing around him, she felt naked. Vulnerable.

  The feeling accompanying her arousal, the intense emotion for a man she didn’t know as well as she should… She didn’t know what to call it, how to label their association.

  But right now that had to wait, because Mitch slowly knelt at her feet, planting kisses on her belly and lower. He nuzzled the front of her panties, then dragged them down to her ankles.

  She stepped out of them at his prodding and widened her stance. “What are you—Mitch!” She threaded her fingers in his hair and moaned as he kissed her between her legs, his tongue seeking that taut bud, licking and sucking.

  She teetered on the verge of orgasm before she knew it, and when he thrust a thick finger inside her and teased with his mouth, she came.

  The burst of sensation had her dizzy. Then Mitch carried her to the bed and moved over her, his hard body caging hers.

  He kissed her, and she tasted herself on his lips.

  “You’re sweet,” he whispered and tongued her ear.

  She arched into him, amazed to feel herself readying to go again, so soon after that explosive orgasm. He massaged her breasts and thumbed her nipples, and the shocking pleasure had her curling her toes.

  “You’re beautiful, Becca.” Mitch stared into her eyes, the connection one she couldn’t ignore.

  She stroked his cheek. “So are you.”

  He didn’t say anything more. But his kisses told her what he wanted. More pleasure. Drugging desire. The man’s mouth was lethal. She kept brushing against his shaft but couldn’t get him to come inside.

  “In me, Mitch.”

  “Not yet.” He played with her, his hands large and callused and so damn good over her body.

  There was nothing but Mitch for her here. No worries about the future or the past. Just sexy Mitch and his hot body taking control, holding her on the precipice of painful pleasure. The need to climax hovered so close…