by Hannah Gray
She laughs lightly. “Okay, what game?”
“A question for a question. I answer something for you; you answer something for me.” I don’t even recognize myself lately, wanting to open up and shit like that. I’ve never been that guy. Usually, I avoid feelings and all that crap.
“All right,” she breathes out, not sounding thrilled about this game.
I’ve come to realize she doesn’t open up easily.
Before I can form a question, she practically shouts out, “But only if I can ask the first question.”
I nod, gripping the steering wheel with one hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Red.”
I glance at her. She used to despise the nickname, but she now allows it. I like it. It suits her.
She ponders it for a moment. Thoughtfully placing her finger on her chin. “Why are you so stuck on keeping it a secret that you and Maverick are brothers?”
I tap on the steering wheel, preparing myself to answer. “Jeez, getting right to the good stuff, huh? No skirting around for you. You’re diving right in.”
She shrugs. “You going to answer it or what?”
“Well, honestly, I think I have always just kept it a secret because I wanted to come to NEU as my own person. I didn’t want to be compared to that tool. Besides, Maverick and his mother have always been embarrassed of me. I’m the family’s dark secret. The black sheep of the bunch. We decided it was for the best.” I sigh. “Also, when I first arrived here and met all of the football team, I realized quickly that Trent fucking hated Maverick. Literally couldn’t stand him. I didn’t want him connecting the pair of us and holding it against me. I didn’t want any reason for him not to want to work with me.”
She stretches in her seat, setting one leg up on the dash. Damn, she’s sexy. In her black leggings and oversize T-shirt, she might as well be in lingerie for as good as it looks on her.
“Why would he be embarrassed of you? You are a star athlete, like him. And popular. It doesn’t make sense.”
I shake my head. “Because of the fact that my dad knocked up two women so close together. It looks bad. I’ve always been my father’s dirty little secret.” The air grows serious. Too serious. I turn to her with a grin, shrugging my shoulders. “Plus, bitch-boy Maverick knows I’m twice the athlete he is. Also, way better-looking. So, yeah, he’s jealous. Obvs,” I joke.
She’s not buying me pretending it’s all a joke. Her green eyes fill with pity. I fucking hate pity. Her sexy voice speaks, only more caring this time, “Well, I say, fuck ’em. You’re not a dirty secret. And you sure as hell are not an embarrassment.”
“Plus, my dick’s bigger than Maverick’s, right?” I pretend to be serious.
She bursts out laughing and then stops, eyes wide. “Way bigger.”
“My turn to ask you something.”
“Shit, I was hoping you’d forget.”
“Not a chance. We’ve got about ten more minutes left on this trip; I’m asking a damn question.”
“Ugh. Fine. Go ahead.”
“You aren’t the same girl you were, back in your sophomore year at the dinner at my dad’s house. When you were with Maverick and I met you for the first time. You aren’t that same girl by a long shot.”
“Not really hearing a question there, lover boy.”
“What happened? Which one is you? Do you have boring, long, dark hair? Or is your hair that sexy dark red tone? I’m a dude, so I don’t know the correct term for that color.”
“Burgundy,” she answers bluntly.
I continue on, “And do you miss your Audi? Or do you like that cool Jeep? And you switched to graphic design. Back then, you were going to be a doctor. Did you change, Anna? Or were you hiding behind all of the shiny things back then, pretending to be someone else?” I’ve always wondered what made her change so much in such a short time.
She’s quiet for a moment. Then, she takes a deep breath and lets it out. “My parents. They are all about that type of stuff. My dad comes from old money, and my mom, well, she likes social status. They pushed me to go to school for premed because it would sound better to their friends and people they saw at fundraisers. Also, to any future suitors they deemed fit for me.” She pauses again. “They didn’t care if I actually used my doctorate degree as long as I married into some hoity-toity family. Like yours, to your brother.” She shakes her head. “My hair is actually brown. But I like it this color. It’s wild and unique. It doesn’t fit the mold. And my Audi? I despised that car. It was too fancy for a college chick. My Jeep? I call her Willow, and she’s the best. It’s edgy and badass.”
I smile, looking straight ahead at the scenery. Knowing this trip is going to end soon. Too soon. “Like you,” I answer.
“I don’t know if I’m actually a badass. But, yeah, I guess I’d like to think so. Or at least, I like to appear like one.” She finishes her sentence right as we pull into her dorm parking lot.
I’m actually bummed out that the ride is over. Usually, I can’t wait to get back. I wonder what it will be like for her and her parents when she moves back home. If she moves back home. I can’t believe I never asked her. The point of asking seems moot though. We both know I’m heading into the world of professional football and I won’t have much spare time. This is my time to shine, and I need to take it.
“Want me to help you carry your things in?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Thanks for the offer, but that’s okay. I don’t want to make Cameran think of Trent when she sees you. Though I know she already thinks of him all the time.” She sighs. “I just don’t want to make her sad. I know their split was hard on her.”
I nod. I get it. These two girls are good to each other. I know Trent has always been really glad that Cam has Anna. He knows Anna will always have her back. With Anna around, no one will fuck with Cam. Probably because they are scared of the feisty redhead. I know I am.
“It was hard on him too. It still is. I’m not sure if he’ll ever be the same,” I answer honestly about Trent. But I’m wondering if I’m also talking about myself as well.
She doesn’t respond, just nods.
I lean in and press a kiss to her forehead. “I had a lot of fun this weekend with you.” I mean it too.
This was one of my favorite weekends to date. Hanging out with Anna is just so … easy. Most girls are nothing but drama. Not Anna. She’s different.
She smiles. Making her eyes squint. Something I have realized only happens when she really smiles. “Me too. Thanks for taking me away from”—she motions around—“everything really.”
“Anytime. You just say the word.”
I don’t even know what I’m saying. I’m leaving for New York soon. It isn’t as if I can follow her to Maine or wherever the hell she’s headed. If I’m being honest, I can’t even see a girl like her living in a state like Maine. She should be somewhere like Boston or New York City even. Making her mark on the world. Making it her bitch. But I’m sure she’ll end up in Maine, where she grew up, so I choose not to tell her that.
“Thanks. So, I’ll be talking to you?” she questions shyly and very unlike herself.
“Absolutely.” I say sincerely.
I might not be able to give her a relationship right now, but I still want to be her friend. Maybe her friend with a helluva lot of benefits? I’d give up sleeping around if I could have her every now and then. She’s that good.
She climbs out and gives me a small wave. I watch her make her way into the dorm. Her red hair is pulled into a ponytail with pieces falling out, framing her face. Her leggings show off her toned legs and perky ass. She’s so fucking beautiful. I’ve never been this guy either. I don’t think girls are beautiful. I see a nice set of tits and a hot face, and I decide then that I want to fuck them. That’s it.
What the fuck is going on with me?
Shaking my head at myself, I back up and head home. Not looking forward to facing Trent. Knowing he’ll have a pissy attitude with me for ditching him and L
ane on graduation day.
But I know one thing: spending an entire weekend with that girl is worth dealing with my best friend’s shitty attitude. That’s for damn sure.
But just like I knew would happen, I’m now like an addict, and I’m already fiending for her again.
twenty-four
Mason
I mentally prepare myself to deal with my best friend, who can occasionally be a little bit of an asshole. Putting my truck in park and turning her off, I jump out and walk up to the house.
Pushing the door open, I hope like hell I’ll luck out and maybe he’s passed out in his room or something. I know Lane won’t give a shit. He’s flaked on us too many times to count. So, he knows better than to call me out.
“Dude. Where the fuck were you?” Trent stands up from the couch and fires at me before I even get the front door shut.
No apparent such luck that he’s asleep or gone.
Lane struts around the corner, no shirt, per usual. A grin on his face. “For real, dude. You best have some grade-A excuse. I’m talking, jail, hospital, or maybe J. Lo asked you to spend the weekend with her.” Then, he bursts out laughing. “We all know that didn’t happen.”
In my head, I debate on telling them a bogus excuse, making up some story that isn’t true. But decide against it. They are my best friends, and they deserve the truth.
“Check it out. When I was leaving lunch with the old man, I saw Anna with her family, eating at the same place as we were. She was crying and really upset. I mean, like, fucking hysterical, you guys, and you know that isn’t how she is.” I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and take a drink. Then, I continue, “I asked her if she wanted to get away for the weekend, and she did. So, we went away for the weekend. It’s not a big deal, fuckers.”
Trent’s eyes narrow. “Just you and Red?” No doubt, he’s wondering in his head if Cameran was there too.
I nod. “Yep. She needed someone, man. And besides, I’ve always liked hanging out with her—you know that. She’s cool as hell.”
Lane leans on his elbows against the kitchen bar. A mischievous grin playing on his face. “Did you bang her?”
“Fuck off,” I grumble. “That’s none of your business.”
“Oh shit! He finally did!” Lane jumps up and smacks my back. “Usually, when we used to ask, you’d say you were just friends or something along the lines of that. This time, you’re all defensive and shit. Congrats, man. Long time coming!” He looks at Trent, eyes wide. “Fuck, should we get a congratulations cake or some shit? Maybe some balloons. Seems like a big day for our boy here.”
I walk toward the stairs to go up to my room. Holding my hand above my head, I flick them off. “I’m getting my shit for the gym. I need to get a workout in.” I hope they might stay back, so I don’t have to endure the annoying comments and can enjoy my workout in peace.
“I’m coming with you,” Trent says, following me up the stairs.
“Count me in too, fuckers! I want the details!” Lane yells from behind.
Great. This should be fun.
The ride to the gym was filled with lots of questions from Lane along with some annoying jokes and jabs. I’d expect nothing less from him though. I know it’s all in good fun when it comes from him; it’s just who he is.
Trent attempted to sneak in a few questions about Cameran, and I told him exactly what Anna had said, which was nothing. We had been too busy ripping each other’s clothes off to talk about other shit. And I wouldn’t have asked Anna anyway. I’m not trying to get in the middle of the Trent-Cameran shitstorm. Fuck. No.
We’re headed home from the gym and pulling into our house when Trent grumbles, “What the fuck is he doing here?”
My eyes look up from my phone to see none other than Maverick standing in front of the house. Great. Just fucking perfect.
I finally told the guys the truth about Maverick and me a few months ago. Their minds were blown that they’d never put two and two together. I knew I could trust them not to tell anyone else. Lane didn’t seem to care that I had kept it a secret so long. Trent, on the other hand, seemed hurt. We’ve all been fairly open with each other, so I think he felt blindsided. Not that I can blame him.
“I have no idea,” I mumble back. My jaw tightens, and my heart pounds. This ought to be good.
We all climb out of the truck. My adrenaline is already rushing through my veins. Knowing whatever the fuck he is here for, it’s going to piss me off.
“Maverick. What brings you here?” I plaster on that carefree smirk that I know pisses in his Cheerios.
He hates that he can’t get under my skin. All the pokes over the years, I’ve always just pretended like I don’t give a fuck what he’s saying. He wants to call me the bastard child? Oh fucking well. When I was younger, the digs did bother me. But once I hit fifteen, I didn’t give a fuck what he said.
He gives me a fake-as-fuck smile while walking toward us like he’s the man or some shit. Cockiness oozes from him. “What, brother, can’t just swing in to say hi?” he drawls.
My answer comes out immediately. “Nope, actually, you can’t. You’re a big hotshot pro baseball star now, so why the fuck are you coming back to my campus? So, just spit out whatever the fuck you showed up here for, so I can get on with my day.”
His eyes narrow for a second. But he nods and swings his arms a few times, causing his hands to smack together. He’s trying to appear comfortable. It isn’t working. I can see right through it.
“Rumor is, you’ve been spending some time with Anna.”
I tilt my chin up and widen my stance. “And?” I shrug.
“Well, you see, that’s going to be a problem. I speak with Evelyn and Harvard often. And you want to know something, my brother? They aren’t okay with a guy like you being around their daughter.” He barks out an arrogant, obnoxious laugh before continuing, “You see, they want her to be with someone better, someone richer, someone who comes from a good family. Someone … well, someone like me perhaps.”
Trent laughs. “Same fucking family, you dumb motherfucker.”
Maverick’s eyes shift to Trent before they find their way back to mine. As much as I hate it, that smirk gets under my skin. It’s the same as mine, which irritates me more. “Well, maybe they would think that if I didn’t let them know that you are the bastard child. And that you grew up with your mom. Who owns …” He rubs his fingers on his chin. “What is it, Mase? Oh, right, a café.” His laugh hits my ears again. Causing me to begin breathing like a fucking coyote that’s about to take down its dinner with no regard.
This pisses me off instantly. My mom works her ass off to run a successful business. Maybe she isn’t a billionaire or even a millionaire. So fucking what? My fists clench. I have been so good at behaving since I got signed into the NFL, but I’m about to say fuck it and pound his face into the pavement.
Lane steps up, getting in his face. “You want to watch yourself, homeboy. You are about five seconds from getting meals through a straw. For life.”
Maverick glares at Lane. “Is that a threat?”
Lane shoves his chest, making him take a few steps back. “It’s a fucking promise.”
Trent’s voice is calm yet chilling to the bone. “I can tell you, you stupid fuck, this won’t end well for you.”
Shaking my head, I snap back to what matters. It’s all of our careers in the NFL. Not kicking the snot out of this dumbass. I know how he works too. He’s got a lot of fans and followers; he’ll spin this on us. Injuring our careers and names before they even begin.
Pulling Lane back, I step in front of Maverick. A guy who looks so much like me, yet I hate him so fucking much. “It’s all right, guys. He’s just being a jealous little pussy. She didn’t want him anymore, so now, he’s afraid she’s with me. Guess what, brother.”
His nostrils flare. He doesn’t answer. Just stands toe to toe with me, eyes narrowed.
I let out a small laugh and smile, recollecting the memory bef
ore sharing it with him and pissing all over his day. “I fucked her in your bed yesterday. Bent her right over the side of it and pounded into her until she was screaming out my name and taking fistfuls of your fancy sheets. I mean, I would have felt bad, doing it to you, brother. But she wanted it. Bad. I couldn’t make the girl beg.” I instantly feel like shit for saying it. Not because of his reaction—no, that almost makes it worth it. Almost. But because of the fact that I said something so private regarding Anna. Somehow, I think she will forgive me. I hope she will anyway.
Fuming, his face turns red. The veins in his neck get more visible by each passing second. I certainly struck a nerve. But what comes out of his mouth is something I didn’t expect.
“Oh Mason. What a complete dumbass you look like. They are cutting her off completely if she talks to you anymore. So, sleep well at night, knowing you are fucking her entire life up just to get your dick wet.”
“Fuck you,” I spew. “That’s some story you’ve put together. All just to keep me from fucking your ex.”
“It’s not a fucking story, man. Honestly. Her parents are … well, they can be difficult people, as I’m sure she told you. Don’t make it more difficult, Mason. Not if you care about her at all.”
Trent goes to charge him, but I put my hand up. “Not worth it, man. He’s not worth it. He’s trash. Get the fuck out of here, Maverick.”
He gives me a satisfied smile and walks to his Escalade. Getting in it, he turns toward us with the door still open. “Take care, brother.” And with that, he shuts the door and backs out, spinning out of the driveway.
“I’m sure he’s just bluffing, man.” Trent comes next to me.
I shake my head. “No, I saw the way they looked at her this weekend. He’s not. She has dropped little hints that her mom is a certain type of way. Guess she wasn’t exaggerating.”