Page 3 of Hard Hearts

“Oh, hell no,” I say.

The host stops. “Is something wrong?”

“How many are in the party?”

“Without you, um, five.”

“In that booth?”

“It seats eight,” the host explains.

“We’re going to need a table. Two of them. Five at one and me at another.”

“Kaden,” Frankie starts.

“I’m not at your meeting. I just happen to be having dinner at a table nearby.”

The host looks at both of us awkwardly. “Should I set another table?”

“Yes,” I answer for both of us.

“Fine. I’m only saying this because I know if I don’t agree, we’ll still be arguing over it when my boss shows up.”

I hand the host another hundred. He snaps his fingers, and two servers come over. Together they get the tables set up just as I asked. “You sit here.” I point to a chair at the end and wait until Frankie settles in. I hold up a white napkin that is large enough to serve as a shawl. “Would I be pressing my luck to say you should wear this?”

“Yes, actually, and I would say no and then scream that you’re assaulting me, and the headlines tomorrow would beFormer State Raiders quarterback seen harassing a poor woman at a fancy restaurant.” She snatches the napkin out of my hand and spreads it across her lap.

I concede this fight. “Why former State Raider and not current Mavericks quarterback?”

“Because everyone knows that the State Raiders are a bunch of delinquents, so hearing that one of them was involved in dubious deeds would be very believable.” She gives me a fake smile.

“You’re only saying that because we beat you so many times in football. What was my record against State?” I tap my chin, pretending like I don’t remember. “Oh right, a perfect four and oh.”

“This is why we aren’t dating, Kaden. You’re way too arrogant.”

“But we are dating. We’re in the same restaurant, having dinner, dressed all nice.” I pat my chest. “I’ll even buy you dessert if you’re a good girl.”

She glowers, but the rest of her party shows up so she can’t respond. I smile as I take a sip of my water.

Chapter Three

FRANKIE

As I greet everyone, all I can think about is how Kaden is staring a hole into me. I don’t have to glance his way to know it’s happening. I can feel his stare like a touch. I do my best to shake off our interaction and focus, but that is never easy when it comes to that man. He has a way of getting under my skin, and I can’t get him out.

I think he was already driving me nutty when I was still a teen, and I’d watch his college football games. The man was a legend in college, and I’m sure he’ll be one in the NFL too. He might have had a shitty fumble once, but don’t we all?

Even back then, when he was kicking my favorite team's ass, he was pissing me off. Especially because I had this weird crush on him. He was the boy that made my mind start to wonder about the opposite sex. Before him, I'd been living blissfully male free. He ruined it for me. Before I knew it, I was noticing things like thighs, biceps, and washboard abs.

“Ms. Lodato, it's a pleasure to finally put a face to a name.” Mr. Parker holds out his hand for me to take.

“The pleasure is all mine.” I give him a firm shake. I swear I hear a growl coming from the direction of Kaden’s table. I don’t even bother to give him a dirty look. My attention needs to stay focused on my business, not on the drop dead gorgeous man behind me. “Call me Frankie.”

“And call me Jasper.”

Jasper Parker is in his sixties. I know for a fact he used to be a heartbreaker. I would have only guessed him to be in his fifties if I hadn’t used Google to dig up everything I could about him. He’s well over six feet but on the lean side. His black hair is turning gray at the sides. It works well for him.

Back in the day, he ruled the NASCAR world. It was never a sport I got into. I was born and raised as a city girl. I have never even owned a car, and if I do end up having to drive, I pray for everyone. My internet sleuthing informed me that Mr. Parker won over one hundred Cup Series before he retired and started dabbling in building cars himself. I have no clue what that actually means, but it sounds impressive.

---