Page 32 of Hard Hearts

It’s probably all the girly stuff Kaden has been encouraging me to do. If I’m being honest, I think I’ve always been this way; I was just waiting for the right person to bring out this side of me.

“You made me cry.”

Kaden shoots to his feet, his eyes widening. “I made you cry?” His hands cup my face as he searches for the tears from the past, as if he could travel back in time and make it right. I bet he’d try.

“Almost. It was close,” I huff. “And I never said I love you. Where did you get that idea?” I do love him, but I’ve never spoken the actual words out loud. I mean I’ve thought them a lot, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“You love me.” He says it matter-of-fact.

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes. Kaden fights a smile. “Don’t smile.” I poke his chest. “It’s not as though you’ve said it to me.”

“Kitten, you know I love you. I love you more than anything in this whole fucking world.”

“Do you love me enough to become a State Raider fan?” His brows lift.

“I, ah?—”

“I’m fucking with you.”

“Oh thank God.”

“But—” I point my finger at him. “You do have to wear a State Raider shirt when you take me to the next game.”

“The next game.”

“Front row.”

“Any other demands?”

“Kiss her!” someone yells, intruding on our private moment. I want to give them a piece of my mind, but I keep my mouth zipped shut. I mean, if Kaden is willing to lay himself bare in front of all these people, who am I to stop him?

“Did she say yes?!” People continue shouting random things.

“I love you,” Kaden declares loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Then kiss me.” I smirk. “Everyone is watching, so make it good.” I don’t have to ask Kaden twice. His mouth comes down onto mine in a claiming kiss. I moan into his mouth, sinking my fingers into his hair. I can hear the cheers of the people, but I don’t give a shit. That is until Kaden dips me, his mouth still on mine.

“Kaden!” I hiss when I break the kiss. “Your arm.”

“Your love healed me.”

“You’re full of shit.” I laugh.

“Come on before I fuck you in the middle of the street and we’re all over TMZ.”

“TMZ?”

Kaden takes me by the hand, leading me back to his car. “Yeah, they can be a pain in the ass.” He opens the door for me. I grip his face and pull it down for another kiss.

“You’re a pain in the ass too, but I love you.”

Kaden’s whole face goes soft. “Love you too, Kitten.”

“No more fighting.” Kaden lifts a brow. “Okay, no morerealfighting. Bickering is our foreplay.”

“I do enjoy riling you up.” I do too, especially when he then brings me back down.

“I missed you.” I know it was only a few hours, but I had.

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