Defending Hayden: A Second Chances Novel Read Free

bearing Evan’s number. “She’s beautiful,” I murmured, passing him back the phone. “She takes after her mother.”
    Evan chortled. “That’s for damn sure. Her name’s Emma Grace.” He smiled down at the picture of his daughter, and I couldn’t help but feel envious. He had it all, the perfect soon-to-be-wife and the baby.
    “So when’s the big day again?” I asked. He had told me months before, but I’d been too overcome with grief to pay attention. All I knew was that Summer had wanted to wait until after the baby was born.
    Evan cleared his throat. “In another month, at Stowe Manor. There’s a spot available for a groomsman if you’re interested. I’d love to have you by my side.”
    Getting to my feet, I stood before him, extending my hand. “Where else would I be? I’d be happy to.”
    Evan grabbed my hand and shook. “You have no idea how good it feels to have you back.” He stood and pulled me in for another hug before heading toward the door. “I guess I should let you get settled, since you just got home.”
    “There’s not much to settle.” I laughed. All I had in my car was one duffel bag with the few clothes I had bought in Wyoming.
    He shrugged. “Either way, I’ll give you your space.” We walked through the kitchen to the door, but he stopped and faced me. “Why don’t you meet me at the tavern for dinner tonight? I’ve been helping with the bookkeeping while Summer’s out on maternity leave. I could use you as an excuse for a break.”
    I shook my head and laughed. “I’ll be there.”
    Opening the door, he stepped out and waved. “Seven o’clock.”
    Once he was gone, I took a deep breath and leaned against the door. I hadn’t planned on going out this soon, but I couldn’t disappoint him, not when I’d spent the last few months letting everyone down. After Brianna’s death, when I was able to play again, it had been right around play-off time. I’d pushed her to the back of my mind and played as hard as humanly possible until we got to the Super Bowl. We’d won the championship, but it was the worst game I’d ever played. Every ounce of anger in my body had been unleashed, and my team had paid the price for my conduct when I was thrown out of the game. That was one of the main reasons why Coach Joel probably wouldn’t let me return. I’d been stupid and selfish.
    The stack of mail looked like it would take a year to go through, so I sat down at the table and got started. Most of it was junk, but when I got to the bottom, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the newspaper clipping that stared straight up at me. It was Brianna’s obituary, with a picture of her smiling face. She’d been so beautiful, young, and full of life. I’d often wondered why she wasted her time on someone like me. Clutching the article, I jumped up and stormed over to the special cabinet above the refrigerator where I kept all my liquor. I grabbed the vodka and unscrewed the cap, bringing it to my lips. I was more than prepared to take the first chug, but when I looked down at Brianna’s smiling face, something inside me clicked.
    My heart started to race and my eyes burned.
I can’t lose myself now.
Setting the bottle on the counter, I leaned over the sink and splashed water on my face. This wasn’t what Brianna would want for me. I took the bottle and turned it upside down, watching as the clear liquid poured out and disappeared down the drain. I didn’t need it anymore. It was time I stopped running away.

Chapter 2

Derek
    The only time I’d visited Brianna’s grave was the day of her funeral, but I’d been too fucked up to remember how I even got there. The walk to her gravestone was enough to rip my heart apart. No wonder I didn’t want to feel. I could barely fucking breathe. The yellow lilies in my hand were her favorite. Every time I pissed her off, all it took was a bouquet of them to make her happy. It didn’t matter what I’d done, she’d always forgive me once