The Square Up (F*** On The Court)

Chapter Two

Abigail

I roll over, crack an eye open, and can’t believe I spent the night on Kade’s couch. I don’t know what came over me.

I sit up and see Kade Nash standing in the middle of his tricked-out kitchen, flipping bacon with a pair of silver tongs. It’s a sight to behold. I’ve never seen him as anything other than a client. However, now that we’re going to be an “item,” I slowly allow my eyes to roam over his six-foot-seven frame. He has broad shoulders that are lean and full of power. His legs are strong and sturdy, harnessing intense strength. He’s a force to be reckoned with on the court. And by his looks, I am one thousand percent certain the man is a powerhouse in bed.

Disturbed by my thoughts, I yank the blanket over my head. What has gotten into me? I’ve been dumped before. It’s not like it’s the first time. Not only that, I’ve been showing up to the Roberts’ Annual Family Reunion solo for as long as I can remember. What makes this year different?

I sigh as the answer to my question slaps me across the face.

I turned forty a month ago.

I’ve never been married or engaged, and I've only had two relationships that lasted six months.

I am an extremely successful professionally. I am rich. I am self-reliant. And yet I can’t hold a man to save my soul.

Maybe I’m broken.

I flip onto my back, releasing a heavy sigh.

“Abby, you’re awake,” Kade says, holding up a mug. Are you a coffee or tea person?”

“Coffee if you have it.”

“I have Jamaican Blue, Hawaiian Kona, and Valhalla Java. Which do you prefer?”

I sit up, pulling my hair back. “Coffee is coffee. You pick. And by the way, no one calls me Abby.”

“Your fiancé does,” he winks.

“About that,” I sigh. “I appreciate you for being so kind. But I’ll go to the reunion alone just like I do every year and endure the jokes and laughter. I’m used to it.”

“Not gonna happen,” Kade strides into the living room with a cup of steaming coffee. “Here, I added some fat-free vanilla creamer.”

“Perfect,” I take the mug. “I’ll drink the coffee and head home.”

“You’ll have breakfast with me, and we’ll talk.” Kade gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m going to help you, and you are going to let me help.”

“Why do you want to do this for me? You hardly even know me.”

“You have been my agent for seven years. You’ve negotiated unbelievable contracts for me, endorsement deals, and the list goes on.”

“That’s what you pay me for,” I take a sip of my coffee. “Holy cow! This is delicious.”

“Coffee isn’t coffee,” he winks.

“I guess not.”

“Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes. I put some fresh towels and a brand-new toothbrush in the bathroom down the hall for you.”

“A new toothbrush? Who keeps brand-new toothbrushes?”

“I do. You never know when you might have unexpected company.”

“Ewwww…you keep them for your conquests, don’t you?”

His cheeks turn pink. “You mean dates.”

“No,” I roll my eyes. “I mean conquests. See? That right there is another reason why it’s a bad idea for you to pretend to be my fiancé. Anybody who follows professional basketball knows you’re a player. I’ll get laughed at for that, too.”

“Honey, you will not be laughed at for that. In fact, you’ll be looked at as a miracle worker. The woman who turned Kade Nash into a one-woman man has to be pretty spectacular.”

I think about that for a second. “Maybe.”

“Not maybe. It’s a definite,” he holds out a spatula. “Now go freshen up, shower, whatever makes you comfortable. Then meet me at the kitchen table. We’re going to spend today getting to know each other.”

“What?” I scrunch up my face. “Getting to know each other?”

“Honey, you’re going to be my girl. I’m going to be your guy. We need to know everything about each other. We’re going to do this right.”

I fold the blanket, set it on the couch, and stop at the kitchen counter before heading for the bathroom. “I didn’t know you were such a nice guy.”

“Nice?” He shakes his head. “I’m not so sure about that.”

“I am.” I nod. “You’re very kind, and you’re very nice. I’m going to owe you for this.”

“We’ll square up later,” he grins.

For a second, our eyes lock.

My heart races.

And the strangest feeling floats through my chest.

I don’t know if I’m making a deal with an angel or a devil.

Whichever it is, for the first time in my life, I’m relinquishing control…

And I think I like it.