by Hannah Gray
I pull my helmet off, cursing myself for agreeing to this damn deal. That loss hurt. Any loss hurts. But we only lost by one point. And at the end of the day, I know my team gave it their all. We knew it was going to be a hard game. The Patriots are a solid team with some real talent. But next time, we’re sending their asses home as losers.
“I’m blaming it on the cold,” I tease him. “Had this been in Florida, we would have whipped your asses.”
“Right.” He rolls his eyes and dramatically puts a hand on his side. “Tell you what. We’ll come down there and whip your asses, and then you’ll owe me another year of steak dinners.”
“Easy, big boy. I’m just playing.” I smack his stomach. “You won. You won. Calm your pickle.”
His serious expression cracks, and he starts laughing before strutting off, looking back at me. “You’re a dick sometimes—you know that, right?”
After he leaves, someone taps me on my shoulder. When I turn around, my hot-as-hell wife smiles up at me. Looking sweet, all bundled up like we’re in the North Pole. This loss probably hurt her more than it did me.
“Good job, baby.” She smiles, putting her arms around me. “It was a great game.”
I put my hand on the top of her head, tilting it up. Her nose wrinkles, and I laugh.
“You can say how you really feel. How bad does it hurt?” I ask.
“Like hell,” she mutters. “Can you imagine Knox? Poor Sloane. I love her, but I had to hightail it out of there between her and Trent’s girl celebrating.” She shakes her head. “But you really did do good. And you guys still have a shot at the Super Bowl. Don’t lose hope yet.”
“You saying those words to me or yourself?” I wink.
Losing sucks, but it isn’t the end of the world. Besides, when I lose, she usually gives me a special treat after. And my dick is twitching, just imagining what it might be.
She widens her eyes. “You, of course. I can take loss gracefully.” She forces a smile. “See … look how good of a sport I am.”
I laugh and kiss her lips. She still smells of sweet strawberries. “I’ll go deal with the press. Then … you and I are getting out of here.”
“Feeling sad suddenly?” She eyes me over suspiciously. “Need cheering up?”
I grip her ass, not caring how many thousands of people are watching. “Definitely.”
She kisses me. Not softly either. And when she pulls back, she smirks. “More of that to come later, lover boy.”
“Can’t wait.” I release her and walk backward. “See you soon, sweet cheeks.”
“Can’t wait,” she mimics me and stuffs her hands in the pockets of her puffy, long jacket.
She looks adorable in her snow gear. But my favorite look is when we’re back home and she’s in less clothes.
Win or lose, I have her to go home to. And that’s all that really matters.
Weston
The Next Day
The light coming through the windows wakes me up. I always tell Henley we pay enough for the hotel rooms when we travel, so we should use the blinds. But she hates them. She says there’s nothing like waking up, feeling the sunlight hit your skin. I beg to differ right now because after fucking her in every way possible, I only got a few hours of sleep.
I glance over at her to see the sunlight hitting her bare back. She lies on her stomach with the sheet only covering her ass down. Her dirty-blonde hair spills over the pillow and around her face as she snores softly.
Unable to help myself, I start at her neck and slide my hand down her back. When I reach the sheet, I push it down. Exposing her pert, perfect ass. I cup her ass cheek, giving it a soft squeeze. And even though I was up all night with her, my dick rises. Giving her ass a standing ovation.
She stirs slightly, pushing her hair out of her face. “Morning.”
I lean over, planting a kiss on her shoulder. “Good morning, beautiful. You sleep good?”
She flips onto her back and stretches her arms over her head, yawning. “I did. Aside from my horny husband, who wouldn’t keep his hands to himself.”
I touch her chin. “I remember it differently. I think it was you who backed your ass up, rubbing it against my dick in the middle of the night.” I dip my head down. “You mess with the bull, you get the horns.”
“That’s sort of a gross way to put it.” She scowls. “But … I guess I had missed you. You’ve been so busy, training.”
Climbing over her, I tease her by sliding the head of my cock between her legs, nudging her opening. “I’m here now. Ready to service you anytime.”
“That’s cheesy.” She leans her head up and kisses my neck, running her tongue over my skin before biting me gently. “But … I’ll take it.”
Moving her hips off the bed, she urges me inside. Leaning up on my forearms, I push my dick into her, making her moan. As I move back and forth, she reaches around, cupping my balls.
“Fuck, you always feel so good. No matter how many times.” I look down at her, shifting my eyes to her bare tits. “And, Christ, you look so hot.”
Our eyes burn into each other as I pound into her over and over again. Her hands move to my back, and she digs her nails into my flesh. Damn near drawing blood. But I don’t mind. It’s fucking hot.
“Yes. Oh my God,” she cries. “Right there. Right in that spot. I’m … oh my …”
I pound into her once more, and that’s all it takes for me to feel her squeeze around me. And the sound of her moans and the look on her face as I bring her to her release send me over the edge too. Just like always.
I will never tire of this. I will never tire of her.
I come back in the room with an iced coffee for my wife and tuck it away in the fridge to surprise her later.
While she showered—a shower she told me I wasn’t allowed in because she was too damn sore to have me tempt her again—I ran out and got her favorite thing.
Henley combs her hair out in front of the mirror. Not a trace of makeup on, and yet she still takes my breath away.
“What’s your week look like?” she says, turning toward me. “Let’s go over our schedules.”
Something we do a few times a month is look at our schedules and find time to see each other. Even if it’s dinner at a nice restaurant or running out to get groceries between her teaching swim classes and my grueling workout and training schedule.
Walking out to the kitchen in the large hotel room, we take a seat across from each other, both pulling out our phones.
“You first.” I cock my chin up at her phone. “I’m all ears, babe.”
“So, tomorrow, I have swim classes mostly all day. Wednesday, I have morning classes only. And Thursday, I have a class at two thirty.” She pauses, flicking her eyes up at me. Looking a little uncomfortable. “I had to take the morning off to go to an appointment.” She moves her eyes back to her phone. “And then Fri—”
“Appointment?” I scowl. “For what? Are you okay?”
“Yep … it’s for an ultrasound.” She smiles slightly. “Are you free that morning for a bit?”
“Ultrasound? For what?” My head rears back. “Why didn’t you mention this before?”
Slowly, she pushes her chair back. The bottom of it scrapes along the tiled floor. Circling the table, she sits in my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Because I wanted to see the doctor by myself first to make sure everything was all right. And that it looked like a healthy pregnancy.”
My eyebrows shoot up, and my heartbeat speeds up, giving me what feels like a fucking heart attack. “What? Pregnant?” My hand slides to her stomach. “You’re pregnant, babe?”
She nods, kissing my cheek. “I am. And I’ll be honest … I’ve already had one ultrasound.” She cringes. “And some bloodwork. I just …” She looks down. “I didn’t want to tell you and get your hopes up until I knew he or she was okay.”
“And … is he or she okay?” I hold my breath.
Tears stream down her face. “He is perfect.”
&nbs
p; “He?” My head starts to spin. “It’s a he? We’re having a boy?”
She kisses me. “Because of my history, I wanted to make sure everything was okay. At ten weeks, I had the blood test that checks for any abnormalities, and it also detects gender.” She pauses. “I had an ultrasound, too, and I just found out that everything looks good. And … it’s a boy.”
“How far along are you now?”
“Almost twelve weeks.” She leans her forehead to mine. “I’m so sorry I kept a secret like this, baby. I just … didn’t want you to be disappointed. I couldn’t stand the thought of seeing you upset if he wasn’t all right.”
I throw my arms around her. “I’m going to be a dad.”
“Yes, you are.” She giggles, but I hear the emotion in her voice. “We’re going to start our family. And … it’s perfect. Timing is perfect.” She cups my cheeks. “You are perfect.”
I kiss her before my eyes widen. “Wait … was I too rough last night?” My heart sinks. “Fuck, I shouldn’t have—”
“Stop,” she says, putting a finger to my mouth to quiet me. “You were fine.”
“And the iced coffee—what a dumb idea.” I point to the fridge. “I got you one and put it in there. You probably can’t even have it.”
“I can have one a day. My doctor even said it’s okay.”
I smile at the fact that she already asked that. She loves her coffee. Especially iced coffee. The thought of her not being able to have it is actually frustrating. One time, on our way somewhere, I was supposed to stop at a Dunkin’ Donuts, and I drove by and forgot. Let’s just say, she turned into a damn monster, and I’ll never make that mistake again.
“This is what you want, right?” I can’t help but ask her.
All I have ever wanted is for her to be happy. If she did something only for me, I’d feel like shit.
“It is,” she assures me. “I was just scared that I couldn’t. And of feeling the pain of another loss. But in a way, I know I was meant to be a mom.” Her soft lips press to mine, making a smacking noise. “And I know you were made to be a dad.”
“Weston the second? Is that what we’re going with?” I say seriously.
“Hell to the no.” She scowls. “No offense, but … no.”
“So, what are you thinking then?” I ask.
“Carver.” She smiles. “Carver Brooks Wade … but that’s just one option.”
Carver, for a significant place from our childhood. A place where we grew up. A place where we reconciled and I forgave her and a place where we vowed to love each other forever. And Brooks. A place where we both found a new beginning that also brought us back together.
“I love that,” I say honestly.
“You do?” Her eyes light up. “Because it’s okay if you don’t. He’s your baby too. Even if you won’t be … you know, carrying him for nine months. Or getting fat. Or having leaky nipples. Or pushing him out of a tiny hole.” She shrugs. “Still yours.”
“Damn straight.” I grip her thighs. “I played that important role. Obviously, my swimmers are strong. But … I love that name. And everything it stands for.”
“I love you.” She attacks my lips. “You have made every single dream I never even knew I had come true. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” She kisses me again. “He’s going to be a lucky boy.”
Carver Brooks, you already have the best mama in the world.
“We should call our parents. And all our friends,” she says excitedly. “Now that I know things look good.”
“And Dane and Layla too, right?” I pick up my phone. “Fuck, do you think … Dane will be weirded out by everything?”
She gives me a look that tells me I’m being crazy. “Weston, it’s been a long time. We all have come a long way. And he’s happier than a pig eating shit now.” She grips my face and kisses me. “He’ll be so happy for you.”
Somehow, I know she’s right. My brother might have disappointed me with his actions, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. We all fuck up. It’s what we do to prove ourselves after that counts. And the past few years, he’s proven he’s still one of my best friends.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you any part of this journey has been easy. Because I’d be flat-out lying through my damn teeth.
There were many times where it would have been so much easier to walk away. To not follow her or try to save her. To save myself the heartache and start new. But what would have been the point? It would always come back to her. And thank fuck for that.
I can’t take credit for rescuing her. I’m no Superman. And Henley Hayes sure as hell never needed a knight in shining armor. Even if she thought she did.
I know we wasted time that we can’t get back. But when I think about it, I realize that it wasn’t time wasted because it built us as people, making us better lovers to each other now.
I’m not the smartest man. Or the most talented. I make mistakes daily, and I can be a stubborn bastard at times.
But I know one thing to be true.
I was built to love her.
The End
CURIOUS ABOUT TRENT KADE AND LANE RIVERS?
CHECK OUT THE NE UNIVERSITY SERIES HERE. AVAILABLE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED.
OTHER BOOKS BY HANNAH GRAY
NE UNIVERSITY SERIES
Chasing Sunshine
Seeing Red
Losing Memphis
BROOKS UNIVERSITY SERIES
Love, Ally
Forget Me, Sloane
Hate You, Henley
playlist
“@ my Worst” by blackbear
“Not Afraid” by Eminem
“feel like shit” by Tate McRae
“Memory” by Kane Brown and blackbear
“WYD Now?” by Sadie Jean
“that way” by Tate McRae & Jeremy Zucker
“Look After You” by The Fray
“Chasin’ You” by Morgan Wallen
“You Found Me” by The Fray
“Broken” by Lifehouse
acknowledgments
Whoa. We’ve completed the first set of books in the Brooks University series. But stay tuned … you might see this campus again in the near future.
This one felt a little emotional for me. Never in my life did I think I’d have six published books. But truthfully, I have an incredible team behind me. And without them, I couldn’t have done it. This industry is always changing, and it can be daunting at times. Okay … a lot daunting. But with the group of badass and extremely knowledgeable ladies surrounding me, I know I’ll be okay.
Autumn … Autumn … Autumn. There aren’t words I could write to express my gratitude for you. I truly couldn’t be an author if I didn’t have you on my side. You are such an asset to so many authors. And I hope you know how much I’ve grown to value you, not only as a teammate, but also as someone I consider my friend. And someone I even go to for mom advice. You, Autumn Gantz, are the definition of a godsend. I love you!
Jovana Shirley. Six books now … so many more to go! And I will forever return to you at Unforeseen Editing. Your brain amazes me each and every book, and I’m so grateful to work with a true badass boss like yourself. I love you, lady. Here’s to all the future stories we will craft! Thank you for being patient with my messy writing tendencies.
Sarah Hansen at OkayCreations. Thank you for bringing my visions to life. I am still obsessed with these covers in the Brooks University series! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My girls … Charlotte, Carter, and Ava. Mommy loves you more than I could ever write. Being your mom is my very favorite part of life. You make my world go round!
My husband. Thanks for putting up with my crazy ass. We make a pretty good team, and I’m so thankful for you.
My mama, who is hands down my biggest cheerleader throughout life. I love you more than words could ever say. You have no idea how incredibly special you are. You make the world a better place.
My trusty friend and beta reader, Tatum Hanscom. Thanks
for always talking me off the ledge when I get in my head and doubt my own work. I love you and am so grateful to have you on my team.
My readers. Each and every one of you plays a part in what pushes me to keep writing. When I get a message that you read a book of mine and it brought joy to your life, even if only for a few minutes, it shows me I am doing what I set out to do. You all make the book world a better place. Thank you for reading my words.
about the author
Hannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night—okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed—because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them—she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom—and she certainly does love it—reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he’s been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he’s her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
