Rookies (Lane)

I'm Nico Langetti-Richmond Rhinos kicker, professional pressure-eater, and the guy who can hit from fifty… as long as nobody asks me to commit.Because I don't do relationships.My father taught me freedom is the only way not to get hurt. And I've lived by that rule like it's gospel-no strings, no promises, no messy feelings that can blow up in your face.Then my mother texts me one sentence that ruins my life:I'm coming tomorrow. I want to meet your fiancée.My fiancée-who doesn't exist.Until Veronica Tirado walks into my world looking like she's one bad day away from shattering. Smart. Proud. A nurse for the Rhinos. And freshly wrecked by the kind of man who doesn't just break hearts-he breaks boundaries. He drained her bank account, tossed her life onto a lawn, and left bruises where love should've been.So I make her an offer.One week.One fake engagement.One tiny little lie to keep my mother off my back.In exchange, Veronica gets a safe place to stay, a lock on the door, and a break from the chaos chasing her.Simple. Controlled. Temporary.Except fake kisses for Mamma Langetti feel a little too real.So does the way Veronica fits in my space… in my bed… in my head.And her ex? He doesn't take losing well.I can buy security. I can throw money at problems. I can protect her body.But what about her heart-when she doesn't trust men anymore?And what about mine-when the only rule I've ever had is never fall?Because the more we pretend, the more I realize I don't want to let her go.And the most dangerous lie of all?Is the one I tell myself-that this isn't real. THE KICKER is a new adult sports romance packed with fake engagement, forced proximity, grumpy/guarded hero, damaged heroine, caretaking/protective hero, found family vibes, slow-burn tension, and danger from her past that makes their "pretend" relationship feel a little too real.