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

Chapter Six

Abby

We’re about ten miles from my family’s home on Ogunquit Beach when I realize I haven’t said a word, and my palms begin to sweat.

“Hey, this is going to be a great day, bright eyes. Stop worrying.” Kade taps my leg, his touch igniting a warmth that I immediately miss as he pulls his hand back to the steering wheel.

It’s uncanny how he senses what I’m feeling. “You don’t know my family,” I sigh, unable to shake the tension coiling in my chest.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks, glancing at me with concern.

I stare out the window, the landscape blurring past as I weigh my words. I’ve never opened up about my family before. “I’m the black sheep.”

Kade is quiet for a moment, then reaches for my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, grounding me.

“My parents are neurosurgeons. My sister, Cathy, is a thoracic surgeon. Paula’s a vascular surgeon, Paul’s a plastic surgeon, and Carl’s a cardiothoracic surgeon. I’m the weak link—the only one who couldn’t hack medical school.”

“Did you go to medical school?” he asks gently.

“Four years at Harvard,” I reply, meeting his gaze. “I hated every minute of it. Honestly, I think my family would have been happier if I’d just... disappeared. And to add insult to injury, I’m the only one who’s not married and the only one without kids. In their eyes, I’m the consummate failure. That’s why I can only stand to see them once a year.”

Kade tightens his grip on my hand. “Sweetheart, first off, there’s something seriously wrong with your family if they can’t see just how incredible you are. Second, you are not a failure. You’re the best. And third,” he adds, a sweet smile lighting up his face, “I’m grateful you’re not married. If you were, I wouldn’t be sitting next to the most beautiful woman in the world, holding her hand, and you definitely wouldn’t be wearing my ring.”

My heart swells, caught between disbelief and joy. Kade truly gets me. I want to weep with gratitude, feeling truly seen for the first time in my life.

How will I ever let him go?

I shake that horrible thought off. I made him a promise, and I intend to keep it. Kade deserves my loyalty. He deserves everything I have to give.

“We’re here, bright eyes.” He parks his BMW behind a sleek black Lexus with the vanity plate SURGON3 .

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. “We’re here,” I sigh, feeling the crushing weight of anticipation settle over me.

“Hey.” He cups my jaw, gently turning my face toward him. “I’ve got you, Abby,in every sense of the word. When I got down on my knee and vowed to protect and cherish you, I meant it. No one is going to hurt you. They’ll have to get through me first if they want to try.” His thumb sweeps across my cheek. “I’m your fortress, baby. Understand?”

Emotion wells up, tightening my throat as I fight back a surge of intense feelings. As his eyes search mine, I recall all the harsh judgments I’ve cast upon Kade—how I’d labeled him a misogynist, convinced he’s all ego and no substance. But he is nothing like that. He’s sweet, kind, and loving. How did I miss this side of him?

“I understand.” I leap across the seat, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had.”

He pulls me close, the scent of his cologne enveloping me. “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

“Why?” I sniffle, my voice catching.

“Because with you, everything feels easy, natural. You inspire me to be a better man, bright eyes.” His whisper sends a thrill through me.

“Kade…” I melt into his embrace.

“Now kiss me like I’m the last man on earth, baby. We’ve got an audience gathering on the lawn. It’s showtime.” He chuckles, his eyes sparkling.

I trace my fingers along his jaw, the sunlight glinting off his diamond. “With pleasure.” I pull him in, devouring his mouth with mine.

When we finally break apart, laughter bubbles between us.

“Ready?” he asks, his gaze steady.

“Ready.” I nod, my heart racing.

“Your family is going to fall in love with me, bright eyes.” He opens the door to step out but turns back at the last moment. “And if I’m lucky, you will too.”

As he shuts the door, my heart soars like a rocket. I’ve spent so long closed off that I’m not sure I even know how to love. But if there’s any chance of breaking down those walls…if I’m lucky enough to love…I want it to be with Kade.