Hate You, Henley: An Enemies To Lovers Sports Romance (Brooks University Book 3)

by Hannah Gray

  His brother is his best friend—besides me, of course. Weston needs to make things right with him. And Dane needs to make things right with Weston too. But my fear is once the truth comes to the forefront, they’ll never get the relationship back they once had. And I’ll be to blame. And the reality of that blows.

  twenty-seven

  Weston

  We sit at a fancy restaurant with my parents and Henley’s parents. Celebrating her kicking ass today in every event she was in.

  She placed first in breaststroke, first in butterfly, and first in freestyle. The crowd was mesmerized by her, and it was nice to see her back where she belongs, doing what she loves.

  Her eyes are clearer now—the way they used to be. They aren’t dark or angry from hate. And they no longer look dazed and unfocused, like they did the times I saw her out at parties. She looks like her. And she acts like her. It’s a gift, and I plan to treasure every second of it.

  The thing with Henley is, I know she loves me. And I know she doesn’t want to hurt me. But she could. She could bring me down to my knees and make me wish I’d never met her. She holds the control when it comes to me. And I guess that’s why I like to control her when I fuck her. Because at least then, I can dominate her in some way. She’s such a good girl for me too. Especially when her moans grow louder as I slap her ass or talk dirty to her. She’s secretly my filthy girl. And I love it.

  “So … I hate to pry, but when did this happen?” My mom waves her hand at us. “I’m thrilled, by the way. We all are.”

  “How did this happen, is what she means.” Andy chuckles. “Last I knew, Henley couldn’t stand your punk ass.” He says the words, but I know it’s all in good fun. He’s smiling as he watches us. I know he’s happy.

  I lean toward her and kiss her hair. “Just happened, I guess.”

  Allison opens her mouth to speak, but before she gets the words out, she’s interrupted.

  “Christ, this place must be hard up for business. Look at these clowns.”

  I hear a voice I instantly recognize. It also automatically has me gritting my teeth and clenching my fist.

  “Dane!” my mother screeches, leaping out of her seat so fast that the chair falls backward. She doesn’t notice, too engrossed in seeing her other son. “I didn’t know you were coming in tonight!”

  “Bus just got here an hour ago. Once we got to our rooms, I snuck on over.” He looks at my dad and jerks his chin up. “Surprised he could keep a secret from y’all.”

  For once in my life, I sort of want to punch my own dad.

  He fucking knew Dane was coming here and didn’t even give me a heads-up.

  Henley looks like she could pass out as she glances up at Dane.

  After our parents all hug him and make him feel like he’s God’s fucking gift to this earth and shit, he looks down the table at me and Henley. His eyes stay on us as he looks at how close we’re sitting next to each other.

  “Well, hello, brother. Ready for the game tomorrow?” he says, pulling a chair up. Directly across from Henley. “Hey, Henley.”

  “Hi,” she says softly.

  And I instinctively reach under the table and grip her thigh tightly, making her flinch.

  “Oh, we’re ready,” I say coolly.

  “Oh good.” He winks. “I’d hate to embarrass that quarterback of yours. What’s his name again?” He pretends to be thinking, but I know damn well he knows his name.

  I breathe out a laugh. “Oh, please. Cole Storms sure as shit won’t be embarrassed by you. That’s for damn fucking certain.”

  “Weston,” my mother hisses. “Language.”

  “Sorry, Ma.” I keep my eyes on my brother. “You should be the one who’s ready. Because you’ll all be headed back to Florida with your tails between your legs.”

  “I’m always ready.” Dane’s head tilts, and his eyes shift to Henley. “Isn’t that right, Hen-Hen?”

  Without thinking, I stand up and reach across the table, grabbing a fistful of his shirt. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Enough with the cryptic shit. If you have something to say, fucking say it. Stop being the little bitch that you are.”

  “Weston!” my mom cries. “Stop it. Right now!”

  I hear the gasp from Henley’s parents before my father’s deep voice warns me, “Enough, Weston. Enough.”

  Dane glares at me but doesn’t fight back. His gaze flicks to Henley for a moment, as if trying to silently communicate with her or some shit, and then he looks back to me. “Nothing. I’m just trying to ruffle your feathers, bro. Calm the fuck down.”

  My chest heaves, but eventually, I let his shirt go and sit back down. My back teeth grind together as I’m forced to sit across from someone I’ve grown to hate. I ignore the glares being shot at me from my mother.

  “Weston,” Henley whispers in my ear, “can you be nice? He came here tonight, knowing you’d be here.”

  I put my arm around the back of her chair and send her a warning look that if she’s going to defend someone, it sure as shit isn’t going to be him.

  The strength of my touch has her sitting straighter. But I don’t miss the goose bumps that erupt on her arms either. Anything that includes me dominating her turns her on. Which is downright sexy.

  I don’t know what went on between the two of them, but my brother’s comment makes me think it was more than just a friendship. And if that’s the case … then we have a problem.

  A big fucking problem.

  I’d stand by her till hell froze over. But there’re certain things that would be deal-breakers. And her being with my brother? Yeah, that’d be one of them.

  Henley

  Dinner was going well. Until Dane strolled in, a shit-eating grin on his face, cocky as ever. Weston’s whole demeanor changed, and the energy at the table shifted. To say I’m grateful that we’re all gathering our things and leaving this restaurant would be an understatement. I need out.

  Not to mention, Dane saying that stupid comment. “Isn’t that right, Hen-Hen?”

  He’s never been a malicious person a day in his life. When he said that, I was shocked. If we’re going to tell Weston—or I should say, when I tell Weston—we need to do it with grace. Not whatever shit he just tried to pull.

  “Thanks for dinner,” I say as I hug each of my parents. “And for being here. It means a lot.” I look at Weston. “To both of us.”

  “Wouldn’t have missed it, sweetie.” My dad hugs me again before releasing me, nodding at Weston and then Dane. “Good luck tomorrow. Both of you.”

  “Thanks,” they both mutter at the same time, in the exact same tone.

  I lace my fingers with Weston’s and start walking toward the door. “See you guys in the morning,” I call back to the others.

  Both our parents are staying at a hotel a few miles away. I’m hoping Weston will let Dane’s comment go, just so that they can get through their game tomorrow without Weston wanting to slaughter his own brother. But something tells me I won’t be that lucky.

  His hand doesn’t grip mine quite like it usually does. And something feels off.

  I think you feel it … before the storm hits. The air shifts, and the noise dies out. They call it the calm before the storm. And right now, that’s exactly how it feels.

  I open the door to his truck and climb in. And when he gets behind the wheel, he doesn’t so much as look my way as he turns the truck on and pulls out of his spot. Not until we get away from the restaurant, that is.

  “Talk, Henley,” he growls low. Anger deeply laced in it.

  “About what?” I play dumb, looking out the window at the streetlights passing by.

  My heart hurts. I’m going to lose him. I’m going to lose him after just getting him to be mine.

  “The comment he made. What the fuck was that?”

  I turn my head toward him to find his eyes glancing at me. They are darker than ever and almost foreign.

  “Weston …”

  “Just say it,” he
mutters so quietly that I almost don’t hear him. “Just fucking tell me.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea—”

  “Jesus Christ, Henley, just fucking say it!” He slams his fist against the wheel. “Why dance around the truth? We can’t avoid it forever.”

  “I wish we could.” A tear runs down my cheek.

  “Well, we can’t. And I’m tired of looking like a damn fool. Stop lying. Be honest for once in your life.”

  “That isn’t even fair.” I point at him. “I didn’t lie. I just never came out and said the truth.”

  “Whatever helps you sleep at night, sweetheart.” He sounds bitter. “Go on. Ruin my fucking life. Tell me what you did.”

  I’m quiet for a moment. Knowing I’ll break his heart and my own. Getting hurt sucks. But hurting your favorite person in the world? Yeah … ten times harder. I’d rather take a stake in the heart any day.

  “It was just once, I swear.” I’m crying now. Unable to keep my voice from breaking.

  “What just happened once?” he asks flatly. His breathing loud and intense.

  My stomach turns, and an acidic burn in my throat for what I’m about to say hits me. “We … had sex.”

  His eyes fly to mine, dark and angry.

  I put my face in my hands, ashamed. “I just … I wanted revenge.”

  “For what?” he roars.

  “Because of the text messages. I … I wanted to hurt you the way I hurt. I thought if your best friend slept with your brother, you’d feel my pain.” My voice breaks. “It was horrible. And I’ve regretted it every second since.”

  “So, you fucked Dane.” He doesn’t say it like a question, but more of a statement. A hurtful, degrading statement.

  “Yes,” I barely squeak. “I’m so sorry.”

  He doesn’t answer, and within minutes, we’re pulling in front of the sorority house.

  “Get out,” he says, slamming the truck in park. “Get the fuck away from me.”

  “Weston.” I try to reach over and touch him, but he pushes my hands away. “Get the fuck away from me, Henley. We’re done. Maybe I never asked, but you should have fucking told me anyway. He’s my brother. My twin brother.” His face grimaces. “I can’t even look at you right now.”

  “You promised me, Weston!” I grab his forearm like a crazy person. “In that locker room, you promised me that you wouldn’t run.”

  He pulls his arm away from me. “Yeah, well, that was before I knew you let my brother stick his dick in you.” His eyes are near black. “Things change.”

  My hand connects with his face before I can stop it. A sting on my hand starts, intensifying instantly. I’m not helping my case, but the anger inside of me is growing with each passing second. Whether it’s anger toward him or myself, I’m not sure. Either way, it’s there. And it’s ugly.

  “I’m sorry.” I rub my hands together. “I know I messed up. I understand why you’re angry, but you still cannot say things like that to me.”

  “Go home, Henley.” He hits the unlock button on the door, causing a clicking noise. “At least you’re not hammered tonight, so you should be able to actually find your way inside.”

  I sigh, blowing out a long breath. Getting close to him again blew up in my face. Just like I had known it would.

  Reluctantly, I push the door open. But before stepping out, I turn toward him. “Now, you know why I was a miserable bitch. I never wanted to hurt you, and I knew I would. I didn’t want to let you in again.” My voice cracks. “But you pushed and you pushed, and eventually, you broke me down.” I climb out of the truck. “I let you in again, and look where it got us.”

  He doesn’t answer. And when he stares straight ahead, ignoring me, I finally shut the door. And my heart shatters inside my chest when he drives away. Squealing his tires as he does.

  Love builds you up. But it also breaks you down. And this feeling right now makes me question if it was worth it.

  twenty-eight

  Weston

  “You all right, man?” Cole comes next to me as we jog onto the field. “I know there’s a lot on the line today.”

  “I’m good.” I keep my eyes trained on anywhere besides the bleachers. Not wanting to accidentally see Henley.

  “You talk to your brother at all before the game?”

  Yeah … when he made a comment that later brought to light the fact that the girl I was secretly with had fucked my only brother.

  “Not really.” I spot Dane immediately. And even on the opposite end of the field, I can feel his eyes on me through his helmet.

  “Just keep your head in the game today, brother. All right?” Cole smacks my helmet. “We’ve got this. We’re the better team.”

  “No shit,” I say coolly. I’m being a dick to my best friend, and I feel bad. But I can’t help it. I can hardly stand myself right now because I’m so pissed. “You don’t have to worry about me. If anything, my fire has been fueled. I’m here to fuck shit up.”

  He glances over at me with a concerned look on his face but eventually nods. “Well then, all right. Let’s fucking go.”

  He bumps his fist against mine, and as my eyes lock with my brother, who betrayed me, knowing what Henley meant to me, a memory hits me that only amps me up further, making me want to embarrass him even more.

  “You all packed?” Dane said, leaning against my doorframe. As always, a carefree smirk on his face.

  “Just about. Can’t believe you aren’t coming.” I tipped my chin up at him. “The hell you decide not to anyway? You got a chick or some shit?”

  It was just days after school let out, and in the morning, I was headed to football camp. Wouldn’t be returning until just a few days before school started back up.

  “Nah.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I just want a summer off from ball—that’s all.”

  “Summer off from football?” That was one thing I never wanted. I loved the game. The game was life. “You got a fever or something? You’re talking crazy.”

  He laughed lightly and looked down. “Have fun. I gotta run. Have some shit to do today. I guess I’ll see you at the end of August?”

  I zipped my duffel up and tossed it next to the door. “Yep. Listen, bub. I need you to do something for me. Look after Henley. Just make sure she has a good summer, deal?”

  His face looked weird for a second, but finally, he nodded. “Yeah. Of course.” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “You’re really into her, huh?”

  “That girl will be my wife one day.” I bumped my fist against his. “Mark my word on that, bro.”

  He got another look on his face that I didn’t recognize. And I thought I had probably made him uncomfortable because I usually wasn’t that deep with my feelings. I sure as shit didn’t shout them from the rooftop. But I meant what I’d said. I thought she’d be my wife.

  He held his hand up and backed away from my door. “See you in a few months.”

  When I told him to take care of her, I meant to look after her. To not let anybody give her shit. Give her a lift if her car broke down. Make sure she didn’t spend the summer sad and missing me.

  I sure as hell didn’t think he’d take that as the green light to take her virginity.

  I guess I was wrong.

  “Dude, I know you said you were twins, but seriously?” Knox looks stunned as we pull our helmets on after the national anthem. “Your brother looks just fucking like you.”

  I look at Cole. Silently sending him a message to take care of Knox’s nosy ass for me.

  “Okay, that’s enough.” Cole keeps his voice low enough for only Knox and me to hear. “We aren’t going to worry about that shit right now. Right now, we have a game to play.”

  “Exactly.” I nod and hit the back of each of their helmets. “Let’s get to work.”

  “Fine.” Knox stalks behind us as we walk toward Coach. “But later on, I have questions I want answered!”

  “We talked about it,” Cole jokes. “Guess I’m
his best friend.”

  “Not cool, man. Not fucking cool.” Knox practically pouts before turning to me. “I’m a little offended.”

  “I promise, Foxy Knoxy, you’re my main man too.” I throw my arm around his shoulders. “Steak dinner to make it up to ya, big boy?”

  “I’ll think about it,” he answers, and despite how shitty I feel, I can’t help but laugh.

  With this shitshow of a life I have going on right now, I’m thankful to have these two. And I’m really glad to have the game I love. The game of football.

  Yet again, Henley’s inflicted pain in my life. And I still can’t get my mind off of her.

  How fucking pathetic does that make me?

  She’s sitting somewhere in here tonight, my nuts proudly tucked away safely in her pocket. Probably watching me, thinking I’m pitiful. And she’s right. My brother had been inside of her, the same way I was. And I still want her. I still need her.

  But I can’t have her. And that’s crystal clear.

  Henley

  I escape my parents just long enough before the game to find Layla and say hello. My parents kept talking to Weston’s parents about how great it was that we smoothed things over.

  Yeah, Mom and Dad … about that …

  I couldn’t take it anymore, so I left to find the one person I knew who would make the stabbing pain feeling subside, even just a tiny bit.

  “Figured I’d sneak up here real quick,” I say when I reach her, where she sits with her huge-ass popcorn.

  “You needed a break. From … reality,” she says matter-of-factly, patting the seat beside her. Also known as my usual seat. “Come … sit.”

  I slide next to her, taking a few pieces of popcorn and mindlessly stuffing them into my mouth. I’d rather it was chocolate. Well, actually, that isn’t true. I’d rather it was a shot of tequila. But I’m trying to adult these days, and so far, I’ve been doing pretty darn good. Still, I can’t dull that feeling inside, itching to party tonight, to pump my veins full of crap that’ll make the past twenty-four hours hurt less.