Prologue
Corbin
Wow.
I can’t help but stare, despite the fact that if Kyle catches me, he may just split my balls in half. I don’t care though. For this, it’d be worth it.
She’s beautiful.
I’ve known Hayley and her brother, Kyle, since my family moved next door to theirs over a decade ago. Hayley was six. Kyle and I were the same age and quickly became best friends; we’ve been that way ever since.
Out of all her brothers, Hayley was closest with Kyle by a long shot. Which only worsens this betrayal of mine and Kyle’s friendship. She saw me as a brother in all but blood, and Kyle trusted me to protect her against all the guys. But instead, I was one of those guys.
Wherever Hayley went, Kyle went, and wherever Kyle went, I went. Hayley’s favorite thing to do on the weekends while growing up was spending every free minute at the local playground. Kyle and I took turns pushing her on the swings to see who could push her higher.
In eighth grade, we protected her when she skipped ahead a year and joined our class. Then, in ninth grade, we spent the entire year copying off of her homework.
We’d been a close trio up until last year. Despite Mine and Kyle’s best efforts at keeping guys away from Hayley, one managed to slip through.
Mark.
I watch closely as Mark, Hayley’s straight-A, student council boyfriend, wraps his arm around her waist. His hand rests too low in my opinion, but it’s the reality that it’s on her at all that has me wanting to reach over and rip his arm clean off his body.
I hated being in such close proximity to Hayley while he was around. I hated having to watch them coupling. It made me sick.
He wasn’t good enough for her. But would anyone ever be?
Except maybe me.
I had been there with Hayley and Kyle through it all and as I look at her now, just months before graduating high school, I can’t help but wonder where the hell the time went. It seems like only yesterday that she used to look up at me with that look of wonderment. It’s like everything changed overnight.
We’d decided long ago that we all wanted to attend Preston University. It was both convenient and a top college. For me, the football program was what attracted me. For Hayley and Kyle, Preston was their parents' alma mater.
It used to thrill me that I’d be close to both my best friend and my Hayley. But the more we grew up, the more she grew independent and didn’t need me so much. Now it was a blessing and a curse.
In only two months, we’ll be finished with high school and we’ll be spending the lazy days of summer getting ready for Preston University. The countdown is on, but I’m not watching the clock, instead, I’m willing time to freeze for just a second longer.
1
Hayley
Three Years Later…
I run.
I don’t look back.
My eyes burn with tears but keep focused ahead of me. My blood pounds in my ears, blocking out all background noise. My feet thump heavily against the pavement.
I don’t know where I’m heading, I just know it has to be anywhere but here.
I have no idea if I’m being followed; I don’t look and I can’t make myself listen for anyone calling my name. Maybe deep down I know. Who would care enough to try chasing me?
Not someone who, only hours ago, looked me in the eye and declared that he ‘loved’ me. Definitely not after being caught with his pants around his ankles while fucking my roommate.
Like… my roommate?
C’mon dude. The least he could’ve done was be original.
