Page 14 of Hard Hearts

I nod, absorbing this information. A good offense starts with an understanding of the defense. Avoid the stronghold, find the weak spots, exploit the holes. If she’s against marriage, then we don’t marry. Not officially, and then one day, we’re in Vegas and we pop into a chapel, and it’s over before she knows it.

“Maybe that’s why you like her? Because you know there’s no chance of commitment?” Mama Lodato doesn’t seem to like me much, which is an oddity because women generally love me. Being a quarterback is its own aphrodisiac. “I’ve known a lot of men in my time. I can read you like a book. One foot is halfway out the door before the clothes even hit the floor.”

“I feel like you’re judging me on my lack of food, but me being a bad cook is the reason for that, not because I’m poor husband material.” And, not that I’d say this to Frankie’s mama, but a Super Bowl ring wouldn’t drag me away from her naked body.

“Frankie’s very?—”

The doorbell rings before Mama Lodato gets her sentence out. “Hold that thought.” It’s definitely Frankie. She bangs on the door noisily. “Mom? Don’t say anything! Kaden, let me in.”

“I’m coming, Kitten.”

“Kitten?” echoes Mama Lodato.

Over my shoulder, I send a wink toward the sofa. “We’ve got pet names and everything. This is the real deal.” I toss open the door and hold out my arms for a hug. “Missed you.”

Frankie ducks under my outstretched arms and speeds over to her mom. “What are you doing here?” she demands.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mama Lodato tuck a piece of hair behind her ear before answering, like she’s trying to figure out the best response. She and Frankie don’t see eye to eye on things, I’m guessing.

“Why are you here?” Her mom asks her.

“Because Kaden texted me and said you surprised him.”

Mama sends me a narrow-eyed glare. “Called for the calvary, did you?”

“Sure did.” I close the door.

“I told him you didn’t want to marry or have kids,” Mama Lodato informs Frankie.

The huge diamond on her finger sparkles as she throws up her hands. “Good, because I don’t.”

“Then why are you wearing an engagement ring?”

“It’s a long story, Mom.”

“This is about work, isn’t it? You can’t marry a man because you’re married to your job. I told you, honey: Men have needs, and unless you start putting them first, you’re going to be all alone.”

Frankie bites her lip, and I can tell she wants to say something that she’s going to regret. I jump in because my job as Frankie’s man is to smooth her path, even if the bump in the road is her relationship with her mom. “This is Frankie’s first time here, too, so she doesn’t know the sad state of my fridge. Kitten, I don’t have any food, which is why I think your mom isn’t as perky as she could be. Should I order in or do you want to go out? Brooks can probably squeeze us in.”

Frankie has a hand on her mom’s elbow. “We’re not hungry.”

Her mom shakes her off. “Speak for yourself. Let’s order in. Something light, though. I’m watching my figure.” She rubs her hands down her sides.

“Mom, stop,” Frankie hisses.

I pretend to be absorbed in ordering some food.

Frankie’s mom is here. She needs food or I’m doomed. Please save me.

Allergies?

Gaining weight?

On it

“We’re good to go. Food will be here shortly. In the meantime, care for some electrolytes?”

Chapter Eleven

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