Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 29168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29168 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
I’ve always been the smart girl who ignored my frizzy red hair in high school. It was the least of my worries. Back then I couldn’t care less. I was all about making good grades and finding a career.
I love my mom, but I didn’t want any part of myself to follow in her footsteps, whether it be financially or because of the heart longing to have the love of a man. It sounds terrible, but I needed to succeed to have security for myself. So I kept my head down and focused on my own success. I didn’t have time for men. In my experience, they caused more harm than help.
Sure, my mom has her career. She’s been a nurse her whole life, but her pursuit of love has been a painful one, even when she’s trying to hide her heartbreaks from me.
I’m not sure when exactly, but I’d fallen into the tomboy role. Now, when I actually want to get dolled up, I usually get strange looks, and it makes me oddly self-conscious. I loathe that I care what others think, but I can’t stop it.
"It suits you," Luna says. Nat nods in agreement.
"It really does."
"Are you two fucking with me?" Why aren’t they asking me a million questions and telling me this is crazy? I mean, that’s what I did when they started falling for their men.
"Frankie." Nat rolls her eyes. "We know you better than you think." The server comes over and places a martini in front of me. I pick it up and take a healthy swig.
“It’s all for show.”
“But is it?” Nat asks. “I mean, the man has been trying to date you from that first day. Even while you were busting his balls.” I smirk, thinking about that night.
“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 with you.” 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 into junk 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?