Page 1 of Hard Hearts

Chapter One

FRANKIE

“You got a date too?” There is no missing the excitement in my mom’s question. I snap closed the compact I was using to make sure all my freckles were covered and put it back down onto my vanity.

“When do I ever have a date?” Quickly I swipe on my peachy lip gloss before going in search of heels.

“You went on one a bit ago with some football player.”

“I went and left.” My date with Kaden Gunner, Pro Bowl quarterback nursing a torn rotator cuff, had barely lasted five seconds before I was rushing out the door. It was a date I never should have gone on, but in a moment of weakness, I had agreed.

I had far too much fun with Kaden. Arguing with him had been stimulating. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was different than when I fought with others, which I often do in my line of work. It’s a required skill set as a lawyer. But when I bickered with Kaden, it felt intimate. It was almost as if we were engaged in some kind of foreplay. I had no idea that arguing with someone could be erotically charged.

“I googled him. He’s a good-looking man.” That’s an understatement. Kaden is beyond good-looking. The man was once on the cover of GQ. He could moonlight as a model. I don’t even want to start thinking about his body. The way he’s lean with muscle but thick in all the right places. Don’t even get me started on his thighs.

“It’s not happening.” I grab my black Tom Ford heels. They’re comfortable, and I have no clue how long tonight is going to go. I already spent the whole day in the office wearing heels.

“Then why are you getting all dolled up to go out?”

“It’s a work thing.” If I was only going to meet the girls, I’d throw on jeans and pull my hair up. I was happy that my last meeting of the day got out early so I had time to prepare for tonight and freshen up.

We’re meeting a potential new customer the company I’m working for is trying to acquire. Elite Motors is in the market for a steel production company, and we’re trying to land that contract. Things have been going back and forth between them and us. My boss is foaming at the mouth for this deal, and I’m happy that I was selected to be on the team to make it happen. It can be hard to get picked for some projects when you’re not in the boys’ club.

“The man I’m seeing has a son.” I glance over at my mom. Now she is all dolled up. It’s still hard to believe I came out of her. She’s tall and slender with hair so shiny you’d think she spent thousands on upkeep. She also has flawless skin. There isn’t a freckle in sight.

I’m the polar opposite; my father’s genes are running fully through me. I have wild red hair that takes far too much time to control. Freckles cover my fair skin, which I struggle to conceal.

I truly wish I could have gotten my mom's height. Instead I've had to train myself to wear killer heels so that I don’t get lostin the mix. It's either that or you fall to the back. I work with all men, and they would all tower over me if not for the four inches I can get out of a pair of heels.

“Mom, no.” I wag my finger at her. She’s always trying to set me up with someone.

I adore my mom, but she is a romantic at heart. I have seen her fall in love so many times only to get her heart broken. I have to give it to her, though. She always dusts herself off and puts herself out there again.

“Fine.” She lets out a little huff. I’d never tell my mom this because it would hurt her feelings, but she is a part of the reason I stay away from dating. I have no time for that kind of drama in my life. I imagine it’s exhausting to spend your nights worrying about what a man is up to or if he will return your texts or calls. That’s not a position I ever want to be in.

“You look gorgeous, though.” Mom has a wrap dress on, showing off her slim figure.

“Thanks.” She walks into the room, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I have an early shift I picked up for one of the girls at the hospital.”

“Have fun,” I tell her before she is out the door.

Quickly I switch my purse over to a smaller one before grabbing my phone off the charger. I notice I have a few missed texts. I order a ride before I check them.

The first one is from Luna, one of my best friends. I already know what I’m likely to see when I click it. No surprise, she sent me five pictures of different bridesmaid dresses, asking which I like.

I heart a couple of the images, knowing if I don’t respond, she’ll be calling. This wedding is on the fast track. Both my best friends are now in serious relationships. It’s always been the three of us since college. Things are going to change. I can feel it. If I’m being honest, it makes me a little uneasy. Although I’mmore than happy for them, I hate that an era is ending. They’re moving on in a sense, and I’m kind of left behind.

My alert goes off that my car is almost here. I give one last look in the mirror before I head out of my apartment and downstairs. I get there right as the car pulls up. I hop in before checking my other texts.

Another is from my boss telling me to be on time. I roll my eyes, wanting to message back and ask when I have been late before, but I’m sure it’s just a stereotype he holds in his head about women always taking forever to get ready and go out.

It’s at a lounge. It's a luxurious and high-end one. I would never get in the door without my boss. That’s for sure.

The last text I have is from Kaden. My fingers itch to click it. My heart gives an excited flutter that I’m going to pretend is heartburn from that hot dog I ate in the park during my short lunch break.

That’s why I clear it out without even reading it. I have to keep Kaden Gunner as far away from me as possible.

Too bad for me the man is quick on his feet.

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