The Hater Playbook by Baylin Crow

Author:Baylin Crow [Crow, Baylin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-13T16:00:00+00:00

Nine

Owen

My heart was hammering in my chest as I pulled down the driveway at Knight’s house. I couldn't believe I was going through with this plan and with Knight, of all people. It seemed like a great idea when alcohol controlled my words, but without the liquid courage, I was crumbling under the pressure of the anxiety racing in my veins.

The only reason I'd shown up was because I believed he could help. But that didn't make it any easier.

Knight's house was a sprawling home, made of sun-soaked stucco walls, white stone, and red roof tiles. Wide windows stretched across the front of the house, and purposely weathered iron Juliet balconies were attached to many of the bedrooms. Two stories of sleek Mediterranean opulence. The evergreen shrubbery gave the illusion of year-round warmth when it was freezing outside.

It would be easy to feel out of place here, but Knight had been part of our family for so long that the elegant property had no effect on me. It was the guy standing in the driveway, bundled in a navy blue hoodie and sweatpants, as he leaned against his truck with his hands stuffed into the pouch that made me want to turn around and drive straight home.

I’d come too far to do that. No use in turning back now. Blowing out a steadying breath, I came to a stop behind his truck and shifted into park. Knight didn't move. He simply watched me with those steel-colored eyes as I got out of my little hatchback car and closed the door.

Unsure of what to do, I gave him an awkward wave. "Hey."

A slow grin tugged at one side of his blood-red lips, making a single dimple pop. "Hey, back."

When he said nothing else, I shrugged. "So… What now?"

Knight chuckled as he pushed off the truck. "Stop being weird and follow me."

I hurried after him, trying to keep up with his long strides as he headed toward the backyard. "I'm not being weird."

He shot a look over his shoulder, winking. "You so are, but it's cool. Just remember, this was your bright idea."

I couldn't argue with that, so I settled for glaring at his back as he led me toward the guest house. I'd known Knight lived there, but I'd never had a reason to go inside. So when he pushed the door open and ushered me in, I scanned the room, taking in the details of the living room and attached mini-kitchen. The walls were all painted a warm beige with white trim. Instead of family photos, Knight had framed posters of his favorite basketball players.

Knight closed the door and headed into the kitchen, popping open the refrigerator and pulling out a bottle of water. "Want something to drink? I got beer."

The wink he tossed in told me he was just fucking with me, but the mere mention of alcohol made my stomach clench. "Water, please."

He grabbed a second bottle and carried it over to the coffee table, setting them down before plopping down on the smooth brown leather couch.

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