Page 13 of Hard Hearts
“You can admit you’re into him,” Luna adds.
“I don’t date.” Not really. In a moment of weakness, I agreed to the one date with Kaden, but it doesn’t really count. It ended quickly. As soon as I found an excuse, I used it to distance myself from him.
“Well, that works because you’re not dating. You’re getting married,” Nat points out. I pick up my drink and finish it before ordering another.
“Guys, seriously. At most, he’s using this to kind of date me.”
“Do you hear yourself? That he’s after dating you and nothing more? He’s Kaden Gunner,” Nat says.
“You had no clue who Kaden Gunner was before I told you,” I point out.
“This may be true, but I’m sure most other people around here know. He’s not only a fancy football star, but he’s also got money and is not bad on the eyes. He doesn't need to force anyone to date him. Kaden wants a date withyou.” Nat has a point there.
“It’s because I said no and ignored him. Now it’s a challenge.”
“Whatever.” Nat lets out a sigh. “Anything I say, you’ll come up with a counter.”
“Habit. It comes with the job." I pick up my drink and make a mock toast with it before I take another sip.
“All right.” Nat holds up her hands in defeat. “But why don’t you enjoy the Kaden ride while you’re on it? You might find that you like it." She wiggles her brows.
I bet it is a very enjoyable ride. One many girls have had themselves and would love to have another. My chest grows tight at the thought. I pick up my drink and polish it off.
Then, I do the thing they never tell you to do while drinking. I text my supposed fiancé, letting him know that while we're engaged, he better not be giving out rides. We do, after all, have an image to maintain.
Because I'm, of course, not jealous. Why would I be? I can't stand Kaden… right?
Chapter Ten
KADEN
Frankie’s mom isn’t anything like I expected. Timid isn’t the right word. Maybe weak? When she put out her hand for a shake, her fingers felt like they might break off if I touched them the wrong way. She had leaned in for a kiss, but I don’t know her like that, so I backed off quickly. It might have been too quick because the lady is now sitting halfway across the room with a slight frown on her face as she takes in my apartment.
I live in a high-rise with a lot of security. It’s not the penthouse but a place on the fifth floor. It’s big but not the biggest in the complex. When you don’t come from money, even the smallest luxuries seem big.
Plus, one thing those financial people tell you during rookie camp is that the average lifespan of a football player is around five years, and that’s also about the same amount of time that it takes for a football player to lose all his money.
I’m abiding by the Gronk rule, which is no spending any contract money. Every penny I earn playing ball goes into investments. Some of my teammates are putting money intojunk bonds or AI tech, but I figure, why should I be guessing what the market is going to do when my expertise is in throwing a football?
That’s what Graham is for. He knows how to make one dollar into ten, so I just buy what Graham tells me to buy. It’s been a good strategy because my bank account is fat, and some of my teammates are having to sell themselves to shit teams because they need the big contracts to pay off debt.
While my contract money reaps returns, I spend my endorsements on the apartment, the ranch back home, a car, and some games. Other than that, I live a simple life. It might be too simple for Mama Lodato, though.
“I’m sorry that my cupboards are kind of bare. I don’t eat much at home.” When Mama Lodato arrived, I went to look for something to serve her, but all I have in my fridge is water, Pedialyte, and eggs.
“That’s all right. I came by unannounced. The children’s drink you offered is intriguing. Do you have children?” A thin eyebrow arches up.
“No, ma’am. It’s to replenish my electrolytes. It helps me stay hydrated and keep from cramping. There are other drinks out there that do that, but the kid’s stuff has a lower sugar concentration, and I’m careful about what I eat and drink, although not so much now because we’re in the off-season. How about I order something?” Damn, I’m rambling. Frankie’s mom makes me nervous as hell. I rub my hands together and wonder when she’s going to get here.
“Do you want kids?”
“Of course.”
“Frankie’s not interested in parenthood.”
It’s my turn to be surprised. “Ah, really?”
Mama Lodato crosses her arms. “She didn’t discuss this with you? She likes kids, but she doesn’t want to have them herself. In fact, she’s against marriage altogether.”
