Offside Desires: A four part sports romance

Kaya POV 

They say heartbreak makes you stronger, whoever said that never had to build a robot from scratch.

It takes a few sleepless nights and a whole lot of coffee, but I get it done, and I complete my design.

A hyper-realistic robot stands in front of me, Tom 2.0, six foot four, shoulders like a linebacker carved from steel and synth-skin, messy brown hair, and a chiseled jaw that could stop traffic.

He opens his eyes when he senses me. "Welcome back, Sweetheart," his voice says softly and smoothly

My cheeks tint pink at the sudden compliment and then I remember I programmed him to do exactly like that.

I shake my head trying to concentrate, "Run diagnostics," I order, ignoring the way my pulse skips every time he speaks.

He closes his eyes. "All systems are nominal. Training module ready."

I swallow hard. Because this isn't just code or metal. Tom 2.0 is my revenge weapon, built to destroy Tom where it matters most on the field and in his pride.

"Tom 2.0, what is your mission?" I lean on the table, my glasses hovering over my eyes.

He blinks, his blue eyes seem to be drilling into my soul, "I have several missions Kaya, which would you want me to review?" 

My heart thumps in my chest, it's hard to believe this is a robot, his smooth voice scratches my heart, it almost feels like meeting a new man.

I lean back, taking a few steps forward, "List all missions" I order 

"First mission, to destroy Tom Whinley on the field"

"Second mission to make Tom Whinley jealous by making you my girlfriend" his eyes turn to me, blinking once.

He stares at me, like he is trying to read my soul or my brain.

I shake my head, stepping back, "We are going to go on a test drive Tom 2.0...a dinner" I turn around to my table packing up the last of my documents

"From henceforth, you will be Flynn Fetcher, hot, charming, charismatic, and the best football star to grace this planet" I remove my lab coat turning back to him, "I will send you the details, prepare" I turn around about to leave but the sound of his voice stops me.

"Dress sexy Kaya, you will have the room spinning" This cool voice sends shivers down my spine

I frown, turning to him. I want to be worried about my programming. Anything and everything could go wrong with this but I have to trust my guts and my skills.

I say nothing leaving to dress up, he's right, if we are going to test run this, then we have to do it properly.

I stand outside of the mansion, I had given Tom 2.0 the coordinates and the exact mission for today, The cold air blasts my skin, and goosebumps appear

I turn to the time, we were to meet at 7:30, and it's 7:20 with no signs of him.

"Did I program him wrong? What if he's out there killing people?"

Anxiety grips me by the throat and before I can officially start panicking I hear the drum of an engine.

The sound attracts me to the entrance of the mansion and the color of the car catches my eye first. 

My heart stops as the red sports car comes to a stop at me.

"Where in the hell did you get this?" I whisper-yell yell pulling open the door before he can open it

"You should have let me open the door for you, that's part of my programming, remember?" his fingers clutch the car steering, he turns to me, a smile shamelessly displayed on his face

"F that.. Where did you get the car? I didn't program you to steal" I click the seat belt and he clicks on the glass pedal throttling us forward 

"But you built a smart robot... and, the Bitcoin market is too easy to slip into" he sends me a side smirk the car speeding up

For the first time, I notice his clothes, his sculpted body is now covered in a black and white tux, a bow tie wrapped around his neck.

"You hacked it? That's unbelievable... What else can you do? I turn to him, my brows scrunch in a frown.

I guess I have to keep you guessing" The car comes to a stop and for the first time I look outside and realize we are at the location.

He's swift, but careful, and he pulls open my door allowing me to step out.

The red dress I wore clings to my skin, the rest flowing on the floor, his eyes follow my every move and the door closes with a bang.

"You look outstanding Kaya" he winks circling my arm. He leads me into the restaurant and I watch the crowd's reaction.

He interacts with the waiter really well and we are escorted to our seat, Nobody turns to look at him weirdly, only adoration and hung jaws are on the floor.

"A private booth please," I tell the staff and we are led into the private booth.

"He swiftly makes our orders and turns back to me, "Should I activate small talk for dinner or a long conversation about our interests and career?" he blinks at me

At this moment it reminds me I am out with a robot, I want to reply but the loud sound of laughter catches my ears.

"Tom" my head snaps up at the sound, my eyes scan the room from the private booth and they land on Tom and Riley.

I want to feel anger at his betrayal, I want to go over there, smack his face, and make sure he knows he hurt me but I don't. His revenge is sitting right in front of me.

My eyes fill with hurt and I turn back to concentrate on my table just as Riley and Tom pull out an engagement cake, celebrating loudly for everyone to hear and see. I cast my eyes down at the table, not allowing my tears to fall but something strange happens.

Tom 2.0 tilts his head, almost... thoughtful.

"Kaya," he says softly, "are you... all right?"

I frown, It's impossible, his programming doesn't include empathy.

I stiffen. "Run diagnostics again," I snap, covering the sudden shake in my voice.

He pauses, then answers in a perfect calm voice, "All systems nominal."

I force a nod and turn away from him, but for the first time since this plan began tonight, fear curls cold under my ribs.

Because I didn't program him to care.