Allure: The Arranged Hearts Series

Chapter 1

I satacross from my sports agent, Marcus, in his sleek, modern office, the Marina Bluffs skyline stretching out behind him. The room was filled with a tense silence as he stared at me, his eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation.

“Niko, are you absolutely sure about this?” Marcus asked, his voice laced with concern. “Retiring from the Marina Knights is a huge decision, and you’re at the peak of your career. The team is offering you an incredible contract renewal.”

I leaned back in my chair, my decision unwavering. “I’ve never been more sure of anything, Marcus. I’ve given my all to football, and I’ve had an amazing run with the Marina Knights. But it’s time for me to start a new chapter in my life.”

Marcus sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I understand, Niko. But have you considered the financial implications? The contract they’re offering is substantial.”

I nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “I have, and I’m grateful for the offer. But money isn’t everything. I’ve been given an incredible opportunity to become an anchor on So Sports, and I can’t pass that up. It’s a chance to share my love for the game in a whole new way.”

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Does Big Reg know about this? You know how he feels about you leaving football behind.”

I tensed at the mention of my father, the legendary hall-of-fame player who had been trying to control my life since I’d first picked up a football. “No, I haven’t told him yet. And honestly, Marcus, it’s not his decision to make. This is my life, my career, and my future. I need to do what’s right for me.”

Marcus held up his hands in surrender. “I get it, Niko. I’m just trying to look out for you. If you’re certain about this, I’ll stand behind you and decline the contract renewal.”

I glanced at my watch, realizing I had to leave soon for my interview at Arranged Hearts. It was a secret I had been keeping from everyone, even Marcus. I knew that seeking an arranged marriage would raise eyebrows, but I was ready to find a partner who understood and supported my dreams.

“I appreciate that, Marcus. And yes, I’m certain. It’s time for me to take control of my life, both on and off the field.” I stood up, extending my hand to shake his. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better agent and friend.”

Marcus stood and shook my hand firmly. “It’s been an honor, Niko. I know you’ll crush it in whatever you do next. And don’t worry about Big Reg. I’ll handle the fallout.”

I chuckled, grateful for his support. “Thanks, man. But when he finds this out, I doubt there is anything you or anybody else will be able to do. I appreciate the offer, though.”

As I left Marcus’s office, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I was ready to embrace this new phase of my life, to find love and happiness on my terms. The future was uncertain, but I was excited to see where it would lead me.

I hopped into my car and headed toward the Arranged Hearts office, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew that some might question my decision to seek an arranged marriage, but I was ready to take a leap of faith. I had always followed my instincts on the field, and now it was time to trust them off the field as well.

As I navigated the busy streets of Marina Bluffs, I couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in my life, I felt truly in control of my destiny. I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store.

In no time, I was parked in front of the Arranged Hearts headquarters. I was early because being on time was just like being late in the NFL. That was why showing up late did nothing but get you fined. I walked inside and I couldn’t help but notice how dope the space was. They had art on the walls. It was the first thing that caught my attention before I settled on a beautiful older woman at the front desk.

The moment I stepped in front of it, she smiled up at me, making me more comfortable.

“Hi, I’m Ni—” I started, and she interrupted.

“You don’t have to tell me, honey. If I didn’t notice your face, my husband would have my hide. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Lockwood,” she said, then smiled.

Moments like this never got old but only when the person on the end was nice about it.

“Mr. Lockwood is my father, call me Niko,” I told her and reached across the desk to shake her hand.

She gladly allowed my hand to envelop hers before I released it.

“Now that we have gotten that out of the way, Niko. I will let your agent know you’re early to see if she can take you in the time we give you,” the older woman said.

I nodded and turned to find a place to sit before she returned with an answer. I leaned back in the chair I chose closest to the door she had gone through. I reached into my pocket and my notifications were blowing up. I had a few missed calls from my older sister and brother, my mom, and even my dad called. I didn’t need to check social media to find out why they were calling or why my notifications were going crazy.

News that I would be retiring early had hit every blog site like wildfire. I knew it without taking a look, but I also knew that would be the case the moment I had my agent decline their offer. I silenced my phone and put it back into my pocket. I knew I would have to deal with the fallout of all this but it wouldn’t be now.

Not the moment before I took yet another step toward the freedom I had been needing in my life.

“Mr. Lockwood—I mean, Niko—if you will follow me to the back,” the pretty, older woman asked.

I stood from where I had been sitting, then followed her through the doors until we made it to the office in the back. The moment we stepped inside, a woman with the deepest set of chocolate eyes and the brightest smile stood with a warm presence. If you felt any nerves before walking in here, her demeanor would help to soothe you.

“Hi, Mr. Lockwood. I am Joy, and it is beyond my pleasure to meet you. My husband would be so jealous if he knew I was meeting you today. But we keep all our records and meetings here confidential, even with pillow talk,” she said with a smile.

I nodded and reached a hand out to shake hers, then glanced around the room to find a place to sit.

Joy gestured toward the chairs in her office. “Please, make yourself comfortable. You can choose any seat you like.”

I decided on the chair closest to her desk, settling in as Joy took her seat across from me. She picked up a clipboard and pen, her warm smile never wavering.

“Mr. Lockwood, I want you to know that this is a safe space. We’re here to get to know you better and to understand your hopes and dreams for a future partner. There are no judgments, only an open ear and a desire to help you find the love you deserve.”

I felt my shoulders relax, appreciating her candor. “Thank you, Joy. And please, call me Niko.”

She nodded. “All right, Niko. I’m going to ask you a series of questions. Answer them as honestly as you can. We’ll use your responses to help find the best possible match for you.”

I leaned forward, ready to begin. “I’m an open book. Ask away.”

Joy started with the first question. “What are the most important values you look for in a partner?”

I thought for a moment before replying. “Honesty and loyalty, without a doubt. I need someone who will always keep it real with me and have my back, no matter what.”

She jotted down my answer before moving on. “Which three qualities are absolute must-haves in your ideal match?”

“Independence, confidence, and a great sense of humor,” I said without hesitation. “I want a woman who knows who she is, goes after what she wants, and can make me laugh until my sides hurt.”

Joy smiled, seeming to appreciate my answers. “Do you have a preference for your partner’s education level or career path?”

I shook my head. “Nah, as long as she’s passionate about something and has drive, that’s what matters. I respect ambition and hard work in any field.”

She continued asking questions, covering topics like my ideal first date, my thoughts on having children, and how my friends would describe my personality. I answered each one openly and honestly, feeling more at ease as the conversation progressed.

After the final question, Joy set down her clipboard and looked at me. “Thank you for your honesty, Niko. These answers will help us immensely in finding your perfect match. Now, let me explain a bit about our process.”

She detailed how Arranged Hearts conducts assessments based on the questions, as well as background checks, STD testing, and mental health evaluations. “We want to ensure that both you and your potential match are ready for a committed, healthy relationship. It’s not about finding perfection, but about finding compatibility and the potential for a lasting love.”

I appreciated their thorough approach. “That makes sense. I’m glad you guys take this so seriously.”

Joy leaned forward, her expression sincere. “Niko, we can’t promise a perfect match, but we can promise you a real shot at finding love. Our goal is to bring together two people who have the potential to build a beautiful life together. It may take work, but we believe in the power of love and the importance of finding a true partner.”

Her words resonated with me, and I felt a sense of excitement and hope. “You couldn’t have said it better. I trust that you will be able to bring along the woman I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”

I stood from my seat and smiled up at Joy. I walked over feeling more comfortable and hugged her.

She squeezed my arm gently before pulling back. “And that’s what we’re here to help you find. We’ll be in touch soon with potential matches, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, Niko.”

As I left Joy’s office, I felt a sense of excitement and determination. I knew the path ahead might not be easy, but I was ready to face it head-on. With Arranged Hearts guiding me, I was one step closer to finding the love and partnership I had always dreamed of.

Once I made it to my car and turned on the radio, the news host spoke loud and clear.

“Yo, yo, yo! This is your boy, DJ Spinz, and I’ve got some wild news for all you football fans out there. Niko Lockwood, the lightning-fast running back of the Marina Knights, is hanging up his cleats and calling it quits. The league’s gonna miss this superstar, but we wish him nothing but the best in his next play.”

My phone buzzed incessantlyin the passenger seat, reminding me of the unanswered calls and messages I had received earlier. The news of my retirement had broken just before my interview, and my family had been trying to reach me, undoubtedly full of questions and concerns.

I sighed, knowing that I would have to face their reactions sooner or later. My decision to retire and pursue a new path had not been an easy one, but it was a choice I had made for myself. With the upcoming changes in my life, including my search for a life partner, I knew I would need the support and understanding of my loved ones more than ever.

As I navigated the familiar streets of Marina Bluffs, I steeled myself for the conversations ahead. I had always faced challenges head-on, both on and off the field, and this would be no different. With a deep breath, I reached for my phone, ready to embrace the new direction my life was taking and to build the future I had always envisioned.