Page 16 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)
“No doubt. The guys bring the crowds, that's for sure. I’ll be back.” I point in the direction of the bathrooms again and Keeley nods, turning to dance with one of the Storm’s cornerbacks, Miller, completely comfortable in his presence.
Though she’s always comfortable around the team, and not afraid to flirt.
Acting the queen that she is, she made it clear from day one that she doesn’t mix business with pleasure, and for the most part, the players listened.
Though these days, if any of them didn’t play by the rules, they’d have her brother to deal with, and Easton’s not one to mess around.
Not that they all know they’re related, since they still keep it mostly to themselves.
Squeezing my way through the sweaty masses on the dance floor, I stop short when I almost cut through a couple about to kiss, and duck in time, only to be pulled back in the opposite direction.
“Where are you going?” My dance partner fakes a pout, his strong grip curled around my wrist. “I thought we were having fun.”
“We were. But I desperately need a break. Go and enjoy yourself. I’ll be back on the dance floor before you know it.”
“What if I want to come?”
“To the bathroom?” I giggle and shake him off, keeping my voice light when his nose flares.
“I’ll see you back on the dance floor.” Without waiting for a response, I walk around the amorous couple this time, taking in the fresh air when I finally break away from the crowd.
Turns out it’s not as hot as I thought. There’s just too many people in the one spot.
As I move through the space, I pass a few of the younger Storm players, smiling when they wave. While I don’t yet know all of them, I recognize a couple from the charity event, and wink before continuing on my way.
The farther I get, the cooler the air, and as it seeps into my lungs, I take a deep breath, ignoring the dizziness from drinking a little more than I should have.
With the bathroom in sight, I pick up my speed and stumble over an empty bottle, laughing when I catch myself.
I’m still smiling when I pull open the door until the bottle rolls across the floor behind me as though someone else kicked it out of the way.
My heart jolts, but before I can turn, a hand grips my waist and a breath warms my neck.
“You left without me,” my dance partner’s voice filters through the air, and I spin around, my heart racing at the malice in his expression.
“I—”
He covers my mouth with his hand, cutting me off as he shoves me through the door, shutting it behind us. His midnight eyes locked on mine, he grips my shoulder, pushing me into the wall opposite, following closely behind.
My ankle rolls, but just like in the hall, I catch myself seconds before I fall. “What the hell are you doing?” I snap, trying to shove him away.
The guy chuckles, clearly ignoring the disgust in my tone. “Re-laax.” He draws out the word, shoving me back. “We’re alone.”
“That’s—”
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he cuts me off. “But you know that, don’t you?”
“Get off me.” I wriggle in his grasp, but it only works to make him tighten his hold.
“Come on, Hayley. Relax.”
Hayley ? Ugh. I never told him my name. Sometimes it sucks to be known.
“Don’t pretend you don't want this,” he continues and my stomach knots. “You’ve been flirting with me all night.”
I stand tall, looking him in the eye, and scowl. “Since when did flirting give you permission to follow me into the women’s bathroom?”
“Since now.”
“Fuck off.”
“Ooh, she has bite.”
“I’ll show you bite.”
Slamming my knee into his junk, I shove him off me and dig my stiletto into his foot, listening to his groans as I readjust my dress. Without a backward glance, I rush to the door, reaching it as it flies open.
“Are you okay?” one of the rookie football players asks, his eyes ablaze as his gaze snaps to the guy in the corner.
“Bitch,” the guy spits out, cursing me in his hunched position, his hands clenching his balls.
Without responding, I grab the rookie’s arm, pulling him away while his eyes stay locked on the dickhead behind me, watching him cower.
“I’m fine,” I say honestly, giving his arm another tug. “But thank you. Can you walk with me?”
His eyes flash to mine before they drift back to the guy, clearly torn on what to do and geared up to fight. “Of course. But—”
“Don’t worry about him. If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay away.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. Come on.”
Dragging him by the hand, I slam open the door and beeline for the bar, releasing my hold on the rookie when we’re no longer alone. “Thank you again.” I pause, wishing I could remember his name. Something starting with L? “I appreciate you checking in on me.”
“No problem. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Never better. Enjoy your night.”
I wave with a smile before releasing a held breath as soon as I turn away. What the hell just happened?
He followed me into the bathroom? Jesus .
Making my way back to Keeley, I bump shoulders with a few dancers as my mind whirs, apologizing when it snaps me back to reality.
It doesn’t take long for me to find Keeley, but she’s talking to Thomas, so I motion to the garden when I get her attention, letting her know I’ll meet her out there.
With the smile still locked on my face, I sashay toward the exit, only stopping when the cool night air slaps me in the face, and a breath fills my lungs.
Throwing my head back, I stare at the stars, taking it all in until the door slams behind me and I stiffen before slowly turning around.
“What happened?” Reed asks, his expression ashen.
“What?” My pounding heart jolts at the sound of his voice and I instantly relax.
“Don’t mess with me, Hayley. I know something’s wrong.”
My shoulders drop, a sigh rushing from my chest. “I’m fine, I promise. A guy got a little handsy and it pissed me off. But it’s nothing I can’t handle, and he won’t do it again.”
“Who?” Reed’s fists clench as he stands tall. And it might be the adrenaline coursing through me, but I burst out laughing.
“It doesn’t matter.” I survey the garden and when I don’t recognise anyone, I grab Reed’s hand, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for coming to my rescue. Again . I can always count on you.”
“I haven’t done anything. Tell me who it was.” His teeth clench and my smile widens.
“You’ve done plenty. But will you stay with me for a bit?” My voice softens and I almost curse myself when the deep furrow between Reed’s brows doubles in size. “I’m fine ,” I reassure him. “I just want to hang out.”
“Okay.” He blows out a breath, clearly still torn but not wanting to leave me alone. “I’m allowed to worry.”
“You’re allowed to do what you want, Reed. But I’ll repeat, I’m fine.”
Reed’s eyes widen before he grins suddenly, his expression morphing into one of intrigue. “I can do what I want?”
“Yep.”
“Thanks. That will put my mind at ease.”
“Huh?” I frown, a part of me wondering if I just set myself up. “How so?”
“Because now, you’re coming home with me.”
“I’m what?” My eyes widen now as my jaw drops and I’m sure it’d be comical if roles were reversed.
“You heard me.” He laughs victoriously.
“Are you pussy blocking me again, Reed? After I told you how desperate I was?”
“Yep.” He pops the p , folding his arms across his hard chest.
“Harsh.”
“Quite the opposite, in fact. I’m looking after you.”
“You know this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve had one-night stands before. I’m more than capable—”
“I don’t doubt that, but now you know what type of assholes are out there.”
“Oh, Reed.” I squeeze his arm and lean in close, breathing him in as he stiffens. “I learned that a long time ago. But thanks anyway.”
He knows about my past full of assholes, so when his nose scrunches, I laugh.
“I wasn’t there back then.” He shrugs, his face tense until he stands tall. “But I’m here now, and I’m taking you home. Deal with it.”
He hits me with a no bullshit stare and my body heats. Damn, Reed. Biting my lip, I match his intensity as I contemplate how to respond, my mind replaying his demanding tone over and over. Deal with it.
I need to get laid. By someone who is not Reed. And I need to do it fast.