Fumbled Hearts (A Tender Hearts Novel) Page 11

  Once he’s settled, he scoots his body next to mine so our arms and thighs are brushing each other. His body is warm, blanketing me with the simplest of contact.

  “Is it alright if I swing us?”

  My smile is wide, but I still don’t open my eyes. “Please.”

  We sit, swaying together ever so slowly, as the sun dances lower on the other side of my eyelids.

  Thoroughly relaxed, I release an appreciative sigh. Turning, I find Nate’s glossy eyes open and on me.

  “Have you always lived in this home?” I murmur.

  He nods and I shift my torso toward him, bringing my knees up to rest my chin against them.

  “My parents have been together since high school. Prom king and queen, and all that.” He rolls his eyes. “She told him what she envisioned in a home and family, and he didn’t stop until he got everything he thought she deserved.”

  “They’re good people?”

  He smiles. “Yeah. They’re like the poster couple for what a marriage should be. My mom always says they probably love each other more now than they did then.”

  “So, you’re not your typical ‘bad boy from a broken home’ then, huh?” I tease.

  He chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. “Nah. Not a ‘bad boy’ at all, just like to have fun.” He sighs. “Too much sometimes, I’ll admit, but I know that’s eventually what I want - what they have. When I have my girl, I’ll be good to her.” He holds my gaze, his voice earnest.

  Not sure why, but I believe him.

  “Did you sit here a lot, on this swing, with your parents?”

  Unblinking, he nods.

  “I would have, too.” My words are spoken in a tone I don’t recognize.

  I think about looking away, but his lazy gaze holds mine. There’s a message his eyes are trying to convey that I can’t quite catch, but it prompts me to reveal. “I live by myself.”

  I have no idea why I just said that, but my heart’s not racing and my eyes aren’t fogging because of it. I’m not getting lost in my own head and preparing for paralysis. No. My pulse spikes and my pupils dilate because this playboy in front of me is looking at me like he never wants to look away.

  Nate’s fingers come up and skim across my cheek, leaving a trail of fire behind them. Gently, he tucks my hair behind my ear, sliding his hand down until the piece slips from his fingertips.

  My skin begins to tingle.

  “Kalani…” he trails off, his body leaning toward mine.

  His eyes are fervent and open, and I gotta go...

  I hop up so fast I have to squeeze my eyes tight for a few seconds to regain stability.

  I don’t look back at him, and he doesn’t follow.

  Like a true godsend, Parker walks around the corner right then.

  “Ready?” he calls out, cutting Nate a curious glance.

  “Yep,” I answer, walking past him.

  Right when my hand reaches the handle of Parker’s truck, Nate calls out, “I’ll catch you later, Kalani.”

  My body denies me of the breath I need once I process his double meaning.

  Hopping into the truck, I slam the door, earning a glare from Parker and a laugh from Nate.

  Let’s pray the quarterback can’t catch as well as he can throw.

  Tomorrow night is the last playoff game, the one that will determine if the boys go to the Championship, so we all decided to have dinner together at my house.

  We’ve been talking football, going over their game plan, for the last twenty minutes and apparently, our sports talk isn’t entertaining enough for Mia because she takes the first opening she can and changes the subject to what to do after.

  “Shawna’s having another party,” Mia informs us, her eyes flitting between Nate and me.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Nate go still. “Yeah, and she’s gonna keep having parties until the main attraction is open for rides,” Austin says, earning a laugh from me.

  “Seriously, Nate, put the girl out of her misery already,” Parker adds, grinning.

  Nate frowns at his plate. “I’m not interested.”

  “Why not?” I ask. “She can’t be that bad. She’s got a nice ass and she’s pretty. Kinda got a Rachel Bilson look going on. Girl next doorish, but she’s got a bit of crazy.” I tear off a piece a bread and pop it in my mouth.

  While the others laugh, Nate turns his frown on me. “Like I said,” his eyes tighten around the edges, “I’m not interested.”

  Mia scoffs from her side of the table. “Not anymore,” she mutters into her cup, looking away when Nate’s eyes flash to her.

  And suddenly it all makes sense.

  “Oh, my God!” I laugh. “She’s looking for seconds, huh?” I ask, bumping his shoulder playfully.

  The table shakes and everyone freezes when he jumps to his feet. Looking down at me with hard eyes, his jaw tightens. “I am not. Having. This conversation with you.”

  My head pulls back as my brows climb. “Uh…” I cut quick glances at the others. “Okay?”

  His nostrils flare before he drops his chin to his chest on a curse.

  Not a second later, Austin pops up. “Dinner was awesome, Lolli, but we better head out.” Walking around the table, he slaps a hand on Parker’s shoulder. “Big game tomorrow and all.”

  I nod, half-focused on what he said, half-wondering what the hell Nate’s problem is.

  “You need some help cleaning up?” Nate asks, looking everywhere but at me.

  I can’t help but laugh at his weirdness. “Thanks, but I got it.”

  Parker leans in and places a chaste kiss to my temple. “Thanks, Lolli Bear.”

  “Your welcome, Hero.” I give him a one-armed hug.

  Austin gives me a quick hug, before wrapping an arm around Mia’s shoulder. “Bye, Lolli.” He salutes me on his way out, Parker hot on his heels, leaving Nate standing in front of me.

  His chest inflates as his strangled gaze finally returns to mine.

  I tighten my lips to keep from grinning. “You alright?”

  A deep sigh leaves him, and he nods, heading for the door. Pulling it open, he murmurs, “Goodnight, Kalani,” and walks out, without looking back.

  And I’m left standing here wondering why I expected more.

  The second the door clicks shut, I dig my fingernails into my palm to keep from opening it again, pulling her in my arms, and biting down on that buxom bottom lip of hers until she begs me to stay.

  Once I’m seated in the Hummer, I let out a frustrated sigh. “Fuck.” Running my hands down my face, I drop my head against the headrest.

  “Interesting evening,” Austin teases, from the seat beside me.

  Not at all shocked to see him sitting there, I put the truck in reverse and pull out of the driveway. “Where’s Parker?”

  “Told him to take my truck home.” I glance at him, and he grins. “Figured it best if I rode with you instead.”

  He’d be right. I was one hut away from choking Baylor’s ass out for putting his lips on her. Again.

  “So, what’s up, man?” Austin shoves my shoulder. “Let’s hear it.”

  “I fucked Shawna.”

  Austin howls in laughter. “Shit, I didn’t think it happened yet. Thought for sure she’d get you tomorrow, though.” He grins. “Guess that’s done with now, huh?”

  I frown at the road ahead of me.

  “Wait. You’re thinking about going at it again?” He hits the dash on a howl. “Damn-”

  “What?!” I cut him a glance. “No! I didn’t plan to the first time. I…” A groan leaves me.

  “What?”

  I look at my best friend. If I can be real with anyone, it’s him.

  “I threw up after,” I tell him, as we pull up to Parker’s house.

  A grin starts to grow on his face, but when my expression doesn’t change, his lip lowers back down. “Alright,” he urges me on.

  “When I left Kalani’s house last weekend, Shawna called.” I shrug. “Figur
ed, why not. Nothing else to do.”

  Austin nods.

  “It was fine at first, but then she kept rubbing on me and her catcalls were fake as shit, and I… Fuck, I don’t know, man.”

  “Sure you do. Out with it.”

  My hand comes down and smacks the steering wheel. I turn back to him and narrow my eyes. “Don’t give me shit.”

  Austin lifts both hands, letting me know there’s no judgment.

  “It felt…fucked up, wrong. I was disgusted with myself after.” My stomach starts to turn at the thought. Shawna was desperate and…easy.

  “That’s new, huh?” He tries to keep his tone neutral, but I’ve known him long enough to know when he’s tripped the fuck out.

  I nod.

  “Was it Shawna ... or …?”

  That’s the million-dollar question.

  “I don’t know, man.” I rub the back of my neck. “I have a feeling it has absolutely nothing to do with Shawna and everything to do with-”

  “Your dark haired, blue-eyed wonder?” he too eagerly supplies.

  I nod my head, looking out the front window. “Yeah. God,” I huff on a laugh. “I sound like a chick.”

  Then it dawns on me what he said.

  My.

  I look over to find him grinning like the fool he is. “My wonder?”

  “Dude. You pissed on her the second you seen her at school.” He laughs. “She’s yours, man,” he says, before shrugging. “She just hasn’t figured it out yet.”

  “Hmph, yeah, no shit.” I roll my shoulder so it doesn’t lock up on me, then I ask him something that’s been bugging the shit out me. “You think Parker plans on making a move?” I ask, glancing at Parker’s house. “They seem real close.”

  Too close.

  “Man, get out of here with that shit. Parker’s your friend, and yeah, maybe he and Kalani started some friendship before we all started hanging out and all, but he sees it. Shit, everyone sees it but you two.” He laughs. “You guys got some serious something brewing between you. I mean, look, you’ve barely had your hands on her, and you already can’t stick your dick in anyone else without getting sick.”

  When I glare at him, he laughs even harder, reaching over to shove me. “I’m fucking with you, dude. Chill. But, seriously, you don’t need to worry about those two.”

  When he sees I’m unconvinced, he nods.

  “Trust me, Baylor knows it’s a loss.” His voice is adamant. “A helluva loss,” he finishes, looking out his window.

  I put the truck in gear. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He nods and hops out.

  Right before he shuts the door, he pops his head back in. “Go home, Nate.” He holds eye contact until he knows I’m catching his drift. Once I nod, he heads for Parker’s door.

  As soon as I get home, I strip down and lie back in my bed. Pulling out my phone, I text Kalani.

  Me: you were right.

  She responds a minute later.

  Kalani: I usually am.

  I smile at her response. Only Kalani wouldn’t care to ask what about. I like that. I take a deep breath and type out my next text.

  Me: I slept with Shawna.

  Kalani: ha! I knew it! Ten points for me…

  I frown at my screen.

  She texted back instantly. What the fuck’s up with that?

  She didn’t even need a few seconds of contemplation? Of rereading my message and processing her thoughts, or feelings of whatever the fuck girls normally do in this situation?

  She was completely unfazed by my admission, like she expected it. That, or she just doesn’t care.

  I’m not sure how I feel about that.

  Unsure of what else to say, I end the conversation.

  Me: Night, Kalani.

  Kalani: Night, QB.

  Tossing my phone on the bed beside me, I turn and groan into my pillow.

  She doesn’t care I hooked up with Shawna. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t bother me.

  That thought alone is the confirmation I’ve been waiting for, everything I need to know.Things become instantly clearer to me in this moment.

  I smirk into the darkness. “Game on.”

  “Come on, Lolli,” Mia whines as we exit the field gates. “Come to the party with us.” She links her arms with Alyssa and Ashley, who are wearing matching grins, both nodding at Mia’s invite.

  “Not tonight, Meems.” I smile and catch her keys when she tosses them to me. “Next weekend.” I wink.

  “Yeah, yeah.” She rolls her eyes and they walk off to hitch a ride on the party train.

  “Bye, Lolli,” the twins say in unison and I wave in return.

  Once I get home, I strip down to my chones, throw on an old Nickelback t-shirt and head into the kitchen to make something to eat.

  I scan the fridge.

  Tacos it is.

  I throw chopped chicken in a pan, heat the oil for the tortillas, and grab the fixings from the fridge. I set them on the bar, frowning when the doorbell rings. After a quick toss to the chicken, I run to answer it.

  When I swing it open, I come face to face with Nate.

  “Uh, hey.”

  His eyes narrow and he nudges me inside, closing the door behind him.

  “Wha-”

  “You can’t answer the door in a t-shirt,” he chastises me. “I could have been a murderer or something.”

  I roll my eyes and walk back into the kitchen. “Know of many murderers in Alrick, Handsome?” I shoot him a grin over my shoulder. “What are you doing here anyway?”

  “That’s not the point.” He ignores my question. “Look out the window or, better yet, put pants on before you answer your door. For anyone.”

  He’s still frowning.

  “Fine. If it bothers you, I’ll put pants on.” I turn to face him, jutting my hip out. “Here,” I hold the spatula out. “Come stir and I’ll go get dressed.”

  He smirks, edging toward me. “I said, before you open the door.” He steps in front of me, so I have to tilt my head back to look in his dark brown eyes.

  “I’m already inside,” he whispers, and my dirty mind takes flight. “No need for pants now.” He winks, taking the spatula out of my hand.

  It just got real warm in here.

  Suddenly in need of air, I lean over the sink and push open the window. When I drop back down to my feet, I look at Nate, who’s frozen in place, spatula midair, eyes zoned in on my lower half.

  With a smirk, I walk right up to him and snatch the spatula back.

  He shakes off his dazed expression and hops up on the counter to my right.

  The oil is now good to go, so I start crisping the tortillas.

  “Tacos?”

  “Yes. You hungry?” I smile up at him.

  “Starving,” he admits.

  “You come over here expecting me to feed you?” I raise a brow.

  He holds my gaze for a few seconds, then says, “Just wanted to see you.”

  I laugh at that. “Man, it’s no wonder girls just hand it over.” I pull a cutting board out of the cabinet behind us, rushing back to make sure the tortillas don’t burn. “You’re a smooth talker.”

  He huffs and hops down. “That wasn’t a line.”

  “Make yourself useful and cut the veggies.”

  He chuckles and walks to the other side of the kitchen to start.

  “You know how?” I ask him, not bothering to turn around.

  “I can cut lettuce, Kalani.”

  I bite back a grin. “Just checking.”

  Once everything is cooked and ready to go, we decide to eat in the living room. Setting everything up on the coffee table, I pop in a movie and we settle in on the floor.

  “Rookie of the Year?” He quirks a brow, amused.

  I nod and take a bite of my taco. “Love me some Rowengartner.”

  He laughs and wipes his mouth with a napkin. “You know, for the football girl you seem to be, you sure have a thing for baseball movies.” He reaches fo
r another taco shell.

  My face pinches for the shortest of seconds, and I wait for my body to tense, but it doesn’t happen. I look up at Nate and see he’s focused on eating, his eyes flicking back and forth from the TV to his food. He’s not expecting an explanation, or anything for that matter.

  I’m not sure what propels me to say it, but it happens anyway. “Football was a huge part of my life growing up.” Cutting a quick glance at Nate, I find him now hanging on every word.

  Clearing my throat, I continue, “My grandpa was a coach. After a loss or a shit day of practice, he said he needed to clear his mind so he could go into the next day with a clean slate and build off that.” I pick at my napkin. “So, when he needed to find a new strategy or make adjustments that weren’t obvious to him, we’d watch baseball movies. Rid the house of football altogether.” I shrug and take a drink of my water, then finally look over at Nate.

  He gives me a soft smile, his eyes earnest. “That’s a good idea. I never would have thought of that.”

  “Yeah.” I hop up onto the couch and he follows. “It worked for him.”

  Grabbing my hand, he traces my fingers with his and I let him. “Did you live with him? Your grandpa?”

  “He, uh,” I take a deep breath, “stayed with me a lot, but his job had him on the road, so it was never completely permanent. At least, not for long.”

  “You don’t talk about your family much, do you?” His voice is cautious.

  I look up, finding he’s staring at our hands in fascination.

  “Never,” I whisper, a crease forming in my brow at his perceptiveness.

  Now he looks at me. “Why did you tell me?”

  I swallow and look away, but he doesn’t allow that. He places his hand on my chin and turns my face back to his. He stares at me, giving a small tip of his chin.

  “I have no idea,” I breathe.

  His gaze flicks from my eyes to my mouth and back. “Kalani...”

  I scurry off the couch.

  “Are you full?” My voice is tight and obviously shaking, but I don’t care. It’s self-preservation at this point. Something about Nate throws me off my game and my defense slips. And I’m a defense girl.