Page 21 of Hard Hearts

The news of my engagement to Kaden quickly spread throughout the building. I swear a couple of the men I worked with gave me a few glances. I'm sure they were wondering why Kaden Gunner was engaged to me. I ignored it all.

"I might have missed you." There was no might about it. I have missed him, and it irks me.

"Good, because I have plans for us."

"Are you calling it plans? Because if you say date, I might run."

Kaden smirks, letting me know I'm right. "You can try and run," he says playfully, but I see a glint in his eyes, as if daring me so that he can chase. It sends desire firing through my veins.

"Not in these heels." Kaden holds the passenger door open for me. I slip inside. "What do you have planned for us?" I ask when he takes off from the curb.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Surprises aren’t really my thing.” Well, they never have been before Kaden, but I can’t help the little spark of excitement that flutters in my belly.

“I wanted to take my woman out.”

“So you planned a date. Just for me?”

“I did.”

“You’re not going to tell me?”

“Are you a curious kitten?”

I snort a laugh.That’s really sexy, Frankie. I am curious. I haven’t been on a ton of dates. Hell, only a couple, if I can recall, and they might not have been full dates but more friends hanging out. Who knows? They have always been sporty dates to the batting cages or go-karts. Which isn’t the worst thing. Sure, it can be fun, but men put me in this box of the tomboy. I know I don’t help with that, but it does burn.

"Fine, I'll be surprised."

"That's the hope." He reaches over and places his hand on my thigh.

I'm more curious when he pulls up to the Bloomem Court at The Plaza. This place is super fancy. There is luxury shopping on the first three floors. The fourth and fifth floors house a spa, while the top floor features The Gilded Teapot.

"Not sure if I'm dressed for this place." Here, I wanted to be taken somewhere different, and now I'm complaining about it.

"That's part of it." He squeezes my thigh. "Stay put, Kitten." Kaden hops out of the vehicle, jogging around to open the door for me. I take his hand. He pulls me into him, dropping another kiss on me.

"Mr. Gunner." Kaden steps back, tucking me into his side. An older woman in a breathtaking Chanel tweed quilted suit greets us. Yes, I can spot designers. Luna is, after all, my best friend, and maybe I enjoy the pretty suits that are a touch more feminine than what I wear every day.

"Mrs. Metzer?" he asks, tossing the keys to the valet as he passes.

"That's me. Is this her?" The woman swings her attention to me.

"Hi." I try to give a little wave, but the woman rushes me, kissing both of my cheeks.

"A redhead." The woman beams at me. "Redheads are my favorite." She winks at me. "Don't tell anyone that, but there are so many colors that just simply work best for you."

"Okay," I say, not sure how else to respond. "I'm sorry, can I have a moment with my fiancé?"

"Of course!" The woman steps back. I grab the front of Kaden’s button-up shirt and yank him back a few steps.

“Did you bring me here for a makeover?” I glare up at him.

“If I’m giving you a makeover, Kitten, it would only be me stripping you naked and wiping off that powder you put on your face that covers up your freckles.” I find myself melting into Kaden.

“Then, why are we here?”

“I thought we could get you something to wear. The Gilded Teapot has a weird-ass dress code. I don’t quite understand, but Ms. Metzer here told me she’s got it covered.”