For Emery

by J. Nathan

  Grady’s eyes lifted over my shoulder. A cold calculated grin—nearly concealed by his pathetic attempt at a beard—tugged at his lips. “This don’t concern you, Brooks.”

  “Leave her alone,” the quarterback warned.

  Grady laughed wickedly before his eyes shot back to mine. “Don’t get your hopes up, sweetheart. Brooks ain’t nobody’s Prince Charming. He’d fuck you then ditch you in a matter of seconds.” Grady downed the water and tossed the bottle to the ground as he lumbered away.

  I didn’t turn around. I knew who Caden Brooks was. I’d known before I even arrived on campus. Junior star quarterback. His conquests epic, making his way from his home state of California to Alabama in grand-freaking-style. And his looks…well, he certainly was pretty. If football didn’t work out, his dirty blond hair, blue eyes, and body people bowed down to would be gracing underwear billboards in Times Square in no time. But the last thing I needed to see was Brooks waiting for a thank you. Waiting for me to fawn all over him like every other girl.

  Not a chance in hell that was happening.

  “You okay?” Brooks asked from somewhere behind me.

  My head whipped around, my dark ponytail slapping me in the face. My eyes locked on his sweaty face, his eyes prominent in the bright afternoon sun. “I could’ve handled it,” I scowled.

  His head recoiled, the lack of appreciation catching him off guard. “Yeah, looked like you were handling it.” Of course he recovered. Guys accustomed to people kissing their asses always recovered, never letting anyone see them falter. As if on cue, his features sobered. I watched it happen. I watched him realize I wasn’t worth his time.

  I wasn’t. Nor would I ever want to be. I hated Caden Brooks. I hated him with everything I had left in the world.

  “No worries,” he said. “I won’t make that mistake again.” He turned and walked toward the other end of the sideline.

  I didn’t need him.

  I didn’t need anyone…

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  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read Grady and Emery’s story. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I hope I did all you Grady fans proud. I didn’t want to let you down!

  To all the bloggers and readers who have continued to spread the word about my books. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you. Without you, no one would be reading my books. Thank you so very much!!!!

  To my wonderful beta readers: Dali, Neilliza, Suzanne, Megan, Renee, Kim, Kerrie, and Heather. Thank you for taking the time to read For Emery when it wasn’t at its best. Your feedback is always appreciated. Do not think for a single second that I do not know how very lucky I am to have all of you supporting me. Thank you!!!

  To my editor Stephanie Elliot. Thank you for always giving it to me straight and for fixing words like eyes, dropped, smile, blonde, and all right. Maybe by book ten I will have them down! LOL!

  To my PA Renee. Thank you for all you do, and for giving me honest feedback but tempering it with lots of glitter gifs. I appreciate your insight and assistance with…everything. Please know I’d be lost without you!

  To Letitia at RBA Designs for creating yet another beautiful cover. Thank you for being so wonderful to work with for the past five years!

  And last, but certainly not least, to my husband and son. Thank you for your support. Honey, I could not do this if you didn’t take soccer practice duty half the time to give me the time to write. You know I love writing, but you two always come first!