The Kicker: A New Adult Sports Romance ~ Nico (The Rookies Book 4)

by Zoë Lane

  At least we both agreed that the ring was over the top. “Nico’s the one with expensive tastes. I’d imagine losing his money would be harder for him than me.” Much harder. “I grew up in a family that didn’t have a lot of money. I’m used to making my own way.”

  “I respect that, Veronica.” She slapped her thighs as though declaring the topic officially finished. “You must lock him down quickly.” She gasped, and her eyes went wide with excitement. “Do you have a dress yet? I will take you dress shopping tomorrow.”

  “Oh, no, tomorrow’s not a good day. I have work.”

  “You have a lunch hour. And it will be my gift to you.”

  I shook my head rapidly. Nico had already purchased an expensive ring. I would not let his mother buy my wedding dress. “You can’t. That would be too much—”

  “It’s okay. And it’s not too much. You have to have a dress to match the ring at least. It will be your wedding day! Other than the honeymoon and kids’ college, nothing will be as expensive.”

  Great. Those three things and the house and—

  Wait! Veronica, you’re not actually marrying this guy.

  “I want to at least shop for it while I’m here. Can your mother come down from New York?”

  My heart twitched in an uncomfortable spasm. “My mother died last year.”

  A shaky hand went to her mouth. “I…I’m so sorry. Nico didn’t tell me.” She closed her eyes in frustration. “That boy of mine…”

  “He has a habit of that,” I mumbled.

  Her eyes opened, full of compassion. “How? If you don’t mind my asking.”

  “Cancer. It happened quickly, so she wasn’t in a lot of pain for long.”

  Mrs. Langetti shook her heard. Her shoulders slumped and her mouth tipped downward. “I’m so sorry. I know cancer can be terrible on the body. It’s a blessing she didn’t suffer long.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “Which is all the more reason why I should be the one to shop with you for the dress. You don’t have a mother. I”—she placed a hand over her heart—“would be honored if you’d let me.”

  How could I say no to that? My insides twisted with guilt. Now I understood why Nico had eagerly offered to help. His mother was a saint. A tough cookie…but a saint nonetheless.

  “Of course,” I gurgled out. “I would love that.”

  “Then it’s settled.” She stood abruptly. “I think I will go watch the rest of the practice. We’ll go tomorrow at lunchtime. By then, I’ll have a list of the best shops so we’re not wasting our time with the cheap stuff. Do you know what style you’d like to wear?”

  “Um…”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll figure that out, too.” She kissed both my cheeks and hurried out of the office.

  First a ring, and now a dress.

  I groaned. I couldn’t pay a deposit for an apartment. An expensive wedding dress? If the mother’s tastes matched her son’s then how would I pay Nico back?

  11

  VERONICA

  The chauffer parked the car in front of the first dress shop on Mrs. Langetti’s list of three. I couldn’t see us finishing here in an hour, let alone gettin to all three. On the drive over, Mrs. Langetti explained everything.

  “It won’t be a problem. I spoke to the doctor. Since no appointments were scheduled today, she said to take all the time you needed.”

  “You spoke to her? You spoke to my boss.” A sweet saint, but one who took over your whole life.

  “She didn’t even know you were engaged! What, are you two keeping it a secret?” She laughed.

  ’Cause I’m not actually engaged? “I hadn’t met you yet, so it didn’t seem right to announce it.”

  “That is so considerate of you, Veronica. Then I understand why.”

  My eyes took in four wedding dresses in the display windows. A whimsical style, and a mermaid one, and two others with one featuring a scoop neck, and another in a sleek modern style without any flair. I had thought about my style the whole night and had barely slept.

  My fake future mother-in-law gripped my shoulders and said in my ear, “Which one do you like?”

  The whimsical one. I didn’t have to think for a moment. Although my style of everyday dress wouldn’t have matched it at all—I liked my clothes to fit snugly—the flowing chiffon and lace of the dress reminded me of a photograph of my mother and father on their wedding day. They’d gotten married at the courthouse without their parents’ approval. She’d worn a simple flowing dress that had matched her wild child personality.

  “That one,” I breathed, pointing to my dress of choice.

  She squeezed my shoulders. “Then let’s go try it on.”

  In twenty minutes, I stood on a platform in front of a three-way mirror. I could hear Mrs. Langetti’s compliments and sounds of pleasure. I held the skirt in my hands and stretched my arms out wide.

  I looked…like a bride.

  “Incredible.” I heard the sound of a camera phone—on shutter mode.

  “It’s only the first one,” I said stiffly, ignoring the feeling of satisfaction and giddiness. I wasn’t getting married. This relationship was fake. All of it…everything happening right now would be for nothing.

  Except…I did look incredible. “Let’s try another one.” I quickly stepped off the platform and rushed into the dressing room. I had the afternoon off. Might as well.

  “Do you need help?” Mrs. Langetti asked.

  “No, thank you!”

  I yanked the zipper down my back. I sucked in a breath the moment the dress fell away from my chest. Finally. Air. I didn’t know how much I had needed it. I took several long deep breaths, filling my burning lungs. I could do this. I could fake it till we made it—and have a little fun along the way.

  The next dress was something my sister would wear. Strapless, formfitting, and it fishtailed at the bottom. I could barely move my legs and had trouble stepping onto the platform.

  “Ooh! Look at your body. Nico will have trouble keeping his hands off of you! I like this one very much.”

  I couldn’t deny how well the dress accentuated my hips and breasts. The thought of Nico’s hands on me… I snapped a quick picture and sent it to him before I could argue with myself about the consequences.

  “Please do not tell me you sent the groom a picture of the dress!” Mrs. Langetti cried.

  I chuckled. “This isn’t the one. It’s okay.”

  She smiled slyly, her eyes giving me a knowing look that had my cheeks turning bright red.

  In the dressing room, my phone buzzed.

  You look incredible. If you want me to stay on the floor tonight, don’t send me any more pics.

  My heart beat faster.

  Unless…

  I locked my phone. I wanted him on the floor. Of course I did. My heart hammered against my ribs, a shot of desire tunneling deep in my belly. No more pics.

  You can send them anytime.

  I groaned, and ignored his text.

  The third dress hung off the shoulders in a simple, straight design. I’d wear it to the reception. Mrs. Langetti declared she would hate it if I picked it for the wedding ceremony. My eyes went to the whimsical dress I had first tried on.

  “I think the bride has made a decision,” the clerk said with a smile. “You usually know when you put it on.”

  “It fit perfectly,” I whispered.

  “Try it on again,” Mrs. Langetti said. “Just to be sure.”

  Eagerly, I put the dress back on. When I stepped onto the platform. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, I collapsed to the floor. Mrs. Langetti and the clerk cried out and rushed to my side.

  I sobbed and sobbed while they helped me out of the dress.

  “This is definitely the one!” Mrs. Langetti said with a smile that contrasted sharply with her worried eyes. “Tears of joy?”

  I couldn’t speak.

  “My dear, what is wrong? Nico is going to love it. You will be stunning.”

  “Mama.”
I cried into her shoulder. “She’s not here…”

  Mrs. Langetti held me for a long time, stroking my hair and whispering what I figured were Italian phrases of love and encouragement in my ear. When at last the tears no longer came, I wiped my eyes and apologized for her shirt.

  “It’s only a shirt. I’ll get Nico to buy me another one. He likes to spend money on me.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said again.

  “Oh, dear, not as sorry as I am.” She smoothed back wisps of my hair that had come undone from burying my head into her shoulder. She cupped my cheek. “Your mother would be so proud of you. I know you miss her. I can’t say how happy I am to have been here for you. Every bride deserves to have a mother to share this experience with.”

  I sniffed. Would my mother have approved of Nico? Probably on sight alone, but likely not. My parents’ love had been true. Nico…loved all women.

  I forced a smile. “Thank you for this.”

  “Oh, you’re welcome. I will be here for you every step of the way. Now I understand why you two haven’t planned the wedding. It must be too much for your heart to do it alone—so soon after your mother passed.”

  Uh, no, because I wasn’t actually engaged to Nico.

  But actually…yeah. If Diego had proposed, I would have had to do all of this without Mama. Sure, I’d have my sister and girlfriends, but a dark cloud would loom over us.

  My heart fractured more.

  “When we go taste the cakes, please try not to cry. I mean, I’ll understand, of course…”

  We both giggled. “I’d hate to waste a good cake.”

  “Exactly.” She kissed my cheek. “Now, put on your clothes and I’ll be at the front.”

  My heart dropped. I hadn’t looked at the price tag. She was about to spend money on something I’d never wear.

  I quickly put on my clothes. By the time I’d gotten to the register, she had completed the purchase.

  “We’ll see you here in a few weeks for any alterations. The dress looked absolutely amazing on you. Excellent choice,” the clerk said.

  I nodded while Mrs. Langetti gushed over me and the dress.

  We took our seats in the car, and the driver took us back to Rhinos HQ. “We should’ve taken my car. Nico didn’t have to hire a driver.”

  “Let my boy be the sweet one that he is. He enjoys doing nice things for the people he loves.”

  Well, he didn’t love me. Obviously he’d been thinking of his mother. I smiled in response and thanked the driver anyway with a tip.

  “Have a lovely rest of the day, dear. I think I’ll probably head back to the house and put my feet up.”

  “You haven’t stopped going since you got here.”

  She chuckled. “I like to keep moving. Makes me feel young.”

  “Mrs. Langetti, you are not old.”

  “Old enough for grandchildren.”

  I cringed inwardly . They wouldn’t be mine and Nico’s. How did he plan on telling his mother about our broken engagement? It would crush her.

  I gave her a fierce hug. It wouldn’t substitute for an apology. “Thank you for being my mother today,” I whispered. My eyes stung and I blinked back the tears.

  “Oh, dear, you are so welcome.” She too had moisture in her eyes. “I’m going to love having another daughter. Finally a married one,” she ended dryly. Then she smiled warmly. “Call me Mamma.”

  Guilt pierced my heart. This woman didn’t deserve to be lied to like this. She had too much love in her heart, and when she found out that I didn’t love her son and wouldn’t be marrying him…

  “Mamma,” I whispered, reciprocating her smile.

  Nico’s sister wasn’t married. Check. I’d have to ask him for more information on his sister so if she made an unexpected visit in a week, I’d be ready.

  12

  NICOLAS

  The elevator doors opened, and in the center stood Veronica.

  My breath caught.

  She wore a red dress that hugged every curve. Dark hair hung in glorious waves around her shoulders. Her smoky eyes looked effortlessly sultry, and her bright red lipstick matched her dress.

  She was doing this on purpose. She wanted me in bed with her tonight. If she didn’t, she would’ve worn a sack.

  I offered my arm. “Ready to go?”

  She looked me up and down, but her eyes remained veiled. “You had that suit in the locker room?”

  I’d decided on an off-white suit with a red shirt. Something had told me to wear red.

  “And…we match,” she said less than enthusiastically. She took my arm.

  “I always have several suits here. Never know what I’m doing or where I’ll be going after a game. And we should match, right? We are engaged.”

  “No, we’re not. And congratulations, by the way.”

  “Thanks. Did you watch?”

  Her cheeks tinted. “Yes, I did watch.”

  “Good. As my woman, I’d like it if you watch all my games.”

  She gave me a dirty look, and I laughed, even though her watching pleased me. “I’m kidding.”

  She huffed. “I doubt it.”

  She was right.

  I told the driver the location of the restaurant, and Vero and I settled back in our seats.

  Vero’s hands caressed the leather of the seat between us. “You didn’t have to send a car for us today, but we appreciated it.”

  “Of course I had to. Why would you drive when you can be driven?”

  She gave me a slanted look. “Money going to your head, is it?”

  “No. But I’m not going to be shamed for using it.”

  She sighed and crossed her legs away from me. I would’ve appreciated the view if her body language hadn’t said I annoyed her.

  “When you don’t have money, it’s easy to order your priorities. See what really matters.”

  “I can agree with that.”

  “Your mother and I talked about you and whether or not I was with you because of the money.”

  I snorted. “You’re with me because of me, obviously.” I had hoped to get a slight rise out of her and maybe some playful teasing in return, but she avoided the trap.

  I gazed at the side of her face while she stared out the window, her lips tipped downward. I instantly made it my mission to see her smile. “What’s wrong? Did you have a good time at the dress shop? Mother told me she bought a dress that’ll make me cry at the altar.”

  Her eyes held pain that made me fidget. “What are we doing, Nico? When she finds out the truth, she will cry. I don’t want that on my conscience.”

  I slid close and took her hands in mind. They were cool and shaky. “Relax, Vero. Trust me. It’s not like we’re actually going to get married. I’ll make something up after she leaves and that’ll be it. She’ll get over it. I’m twenty-two. It’s unrealistic that I’d get married now. The only reason she’s pushing it is because my sister called off her wedding last year. She’s five years older than me. Mamma was looking forward to it.”

  “Then why did you tell her you were engaged? Why not just tell her you want to wait?”

  I shrugged. “Wanted to make her feel better.”

  “Ugh!” She snatched her hands away. “You took the easy way out. That’s so immature,” she muttered.

  I blasted out a breath and slid as far away from her as possible. Part of me felt there were more to her words, like maybe I was immature because I was so young. But that wasn’t it at all. Fine. So it was easy to say whatever my mother wanted to hear and she was far enough away that I didn’t have to face the consequences—until now. “Maybe, but my heart was in the right place.”

  After a few moments of silence, “I didn’t want her to buy the dress, but…”

  “You can’t say no to my mother, I know. Look, I forgot to break things off. I could’ve told her before she came, but then she would’ve been mad this whole trip and I don’t need that right now. The team is back on track and my friends are going through some st
uff…” I ran my hands through my hair, and it fell back over the side of my face. Not enough gel tonight. My thoughts were elsewhere—like on how sexy Vero looked in that wedding dress.

  Vero nodded and offered the tiniest of smiles. “I know your heart was in the right place. It’s overwhelming. With my mother gone…” She wiped underneath her eye. I offered her a handkerchief. She chuckled. “You carry one of these?”

  “Why not? Every gentleman does.”

  She arched a brow. “You? A gentleman?”

  Now she wanted to tease. I closed the distance between us. “Who punched out your asshole boyfriend?”

  She held my gaze. “You did.”

  “Who offered you a place to stay when your asshole boyfriend kicked you out?”

  She sighed. “You did. You’ve made your point.”

  “Damn right I did.” I leaned in and took her lips, pinning her to the seat with my chest. Her lips clung to mine. My hand splayed across her thigh, traveling upward around her hip. I wanted to touch her. Slowly. Savor the feel of her beneath me.

  “That dress,” I breathed. “The one you wore earlier.”

  “Mmm…”

  “You don’t know what that did to me.” I raked my teeth across her neck. She gasped and arched into me. I planted soft kisses on her tender flesh.

  “Nico…we can’t.”

  “Why not?” I whispered into her ear and suckled on her lobe.

  “This…is not real.”

  “My hands are very real.” My left hand had reached the curve of her right breast. She put a hand overtop, and tried weakly to pull it away.

  “Tell me to stop.” I kissed her mouth. “Anytime, Vero.” I kissed her again, this time taking her hand with mine as I crested the mound. She moaned into my mouth.

  “It doesn’t have to be fake…”

  “We’re here—oh, sorry.” The driver rolled the window back up.

  Vero froze and shoved me away.

  Good thing, too, because I’d been distracted by my own admission. What did I mean, this didn’t have to be fake? I liked Vero; she was beautiful and dedicated to her job. But I had decided long ago that I wouldn’t be constrained like my father. Marriage wasn’t right for me, no matter what my mother believed, and a relationship was just as bad.