Page 22 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

I groan as the cheesy goodness coats my taste buds, the heat warming my soul. “I don’t know how toasties taste different over here, but they’re sooo good.”

“Toasties?” Reed cocks a brow as his lips pull into a grin.

“Sorry.” I roll my eyes. “Grilled cheese. You and your American words.”

“Funny that. You know, with me being American.”

“It’s still annoying,” I huff. “It’s safe to say I have at least one person a day staring at me like I have two heads. And a director at the audition last month asked me to say, ‘put another shrimp on the barbie.’ We don’t even call them shrimp, you jackass.”

“You don’t?” Reed questions and I’m about to have a go at him when he cracks up laughing. “I’m kidding. I knew that. It’s prawns, right?”

My eyes narrow and I fake a pout. “Lucky. You’re right.”

“Hayls.” Reed bites back a smile as he schools his features. “Would you like me to teach you how to be American?”

“What?” I bark out a laugh. “No, thanks. I’m good. Did you not see the trailer for Jaded Beginnings ? I nailed it. I can be American. It’s the Australian me that I’m struggling with.”

Reed frowns and I realise I’ve said too much, rushing to change the topic. “How did—”

“Whoa. Whoa. Back up… What does that mean?”

“Nothing. It was a throwaway comment.”

“ Hayls ,” he lightly scolds and despite knowing he’d never push me, I’ve never been good at holding back, especially with Reed.

“The last twenty-four hours have been a bit of a wake-up call. And I’m having a moment.”

“Again. What does that mean?”

“The director said something about my Australian boldness yesterday and then my agent called this morning. I don’t think my acting skills are an issue, but my personality might be.”

“Okay…” Reed’s brow creases and I can tell he’s holding back some anger. “I’m not following, but I feel like I should be pissed off on your behalf.”

I rush out a laugh and reach forward to squeeze his forearm, giving him a less complicated version of what Mel said.

And one that won’t make him any angrier than he already is.

“My agent told me about a part I’m up for but that the producers want someone a little less wild?

” I question myself, not even sure that’s the right word.

Burying my face in my hands, I groan at how ridiculous that sounds until silence falls around me. I cringe, guessing what’s coming, and when I glance up, sure enough, I haven’t succeeded in reducing Reed’s rage.

“What the fuck does that mean?” he snaps.

Shit . “They want a relationship type, I guess, and that’s not me.” Wait . Double shit . “I don’t—”

“They want you to have a boyfriend?”

“No. Ignore that. I just need—”

“A boyfriend,” Reed repeats and I grimace, turning away from him.

He’s silent for a moment before his palm lands on my shoulder, making me jump until his breath warms my skin.

“Well, Baby.” His deep, raspy voice penetrates my soul, momentarily stunning me.

“I may not agree with them, but I can be your man.”

I stare at him for a beat, swallowing a lump in my throat. Damn , that man’s voice could set ice on fire. He raises an eyebrow and I shake off my thoughts. “Baby?” I question him, pretending the term of endearment doesn't sound delicious rolling from his lips.

“Yep. And there’s more where that came from. But you owe me. Big time.”

“No, I don’t. Because I don’t need—”

“You need a boyfriend, Hayls, and apparently, I need a girl. So it’s a win-win.”

“Reed, I—”

“Nope.” He steps even closer, cutting me off as he wraps his arms around me, rocking me back and forth. “You know I’m always going to be there for you. I hate that they expect you to be someone you’re not, but if it helps, I’ll do anything.”

“But yesterday—”

“It doesn’t matter what I said yesterday. Today’s a new day.”

“Okay, that may be true, but now I’ve changed my mind.”

“Why? Because you realized I was right?” He raises a brow and I shake my head.

“No, because I realised I was wrong . I shouldn’t have tried to convince you.”

“Good thing you’re not convincing me then.” He steps back and folds his arms over his chest, leaning back on his heels. “I came to this decision all on my own.”

“This is crazy.” I let my eyes drift shut, running a hand through my hair as I consider my options. “I—”

Reed chuckles softly, but when I look his way, he zips up his lips. “Sorry. But you sound like me.”

“God, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. You don’t have to do this. We don’t have to do this.” I cover my face with my hands again and shake my head. He doesn’t want this. He’s only doing it for me.

The energy around me shifts, and when I uncover my eyes, I find him standing closer than I expected, his gaze soft as he watches me.

“I’m joking, Hayls. I promise I want to do this. For you.”

Tension swarms my chest as I smile up at him. But this, right here, is precisely why we shouldn’t be doing it. He always puts others ahead of himself. It was okay when I was doing it for him, but now… “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Because my reputation needs saving, but what if I bring yours down in the process?”

“Not possible. Haven’t you heard? I’m the golden boy of the NFL.” He winks and my heart jolts.

“Exactly.” I turn away, groaning. I should never have suggested the idea.

“Hayley, stop. I don’t know why they’d ever want you to be someone you’re not. But if you think being in a relationship could help and that we could pull it off, it could benefit us both.”

I almost laugh, seeing through his attempt to make this about him when it’s never about him. “What do you get out of it again?” I ask, subtly calling him out. “Bria?”

Reed lets out a long sigh, his fingers curling around the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable with the change of topic. “I don’t even know,” he admits. “Maybe it would show her that she missed out. That I was standing right in front of her and she fucked up.”

“Really? So if Bria knocked on your door at 4 a.m. the day after we go public, with a tear-soaked face, begging you for forgiveness, asking you to choose her, you’d say ‘suck on that, Bria. Now you know how I felt for all those years. Booyah.’” I fist pump the air and Reed’s jaw falls to the floor.

“Wow.” His eyes light up before he laughs. “I have no words.”

“So… no?”

“Never change, Hayls. You’re perfect exactly as you are. As for me, I have no fucking idea what I’m doing, but if I can help you and help myself in the process, what have I got to lose? Just tell me what I need to do.”

The tightness in my chest dissipates a little, and a sense of calm takes over me. Reed’s a good guy, and I know how to keep things professional, to play a part. Maybe we can do this without it ruining his reputation. But he has to get something out of it too. I have to help with Bria. Somehow.

“Okay, boyfriend .” I smile, ignoring the nervous energy running through me. “Let’s do this.”

Reed smirks at my new name for him, and when my smile widens, he nods. “I’m in. Where do we start?”

“God, I have no idea. I’m going to have to think about it.”

“That’s probably wise. For both of us. But…ah…” Reed glances at the clock on his wall and cringes. “I’m supposed to be meeting Bria in an hour and—”

“Maybe don’t tell her. Not yet. She already knows we’re friends, so you won’t need any buildup. Let’s chat again Tuesday and work it all out.”

“Tuesday sounds perfect.”

“Good. If that’s settled, I’ll head off and let you get ready. I need chocolate and a bath. Stat.”

“Ahh, the little luxuries. Do you do that often?”

“When I’m stressed,” I rush out and instantly regret it. “Wait. This isn’t—”

“I get it.”

“Good. Thanks.” I think about my muscles relaxing and bite back a groan. A bath is definitely needed. If only I had a hot tub. “I’ll see you Tuesday?”

“You will.”

With a smile, I leave Reed to prepare for his time with Bria, but only make it to the bottom step before he jogs out the front door, chasing after me. “You don’t have a car, Hayls. I’m your ride, remember?” he calls out and his panic makes me laugh.

“I booked an Uber. I’m resourceful like that.”

“Let me drive you. Please .” A spark of pain flickers in his expression as though not helping me physically hurts him, but my Uber’s almost here.

“Next week. As soon as we’re official, I give you permission to be the world's best boyfriend. Deal?”

His expression turns mischievous. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“You’re going to love it. Just you wait.” I smile and he winks before heading back inside.

Are we crazy? Maybe. But if this has to happen, I’ve definitely found the best person for the job. And if it helps Reed move on, one way or another, even better.

B ill is back at the concierge desk when I walk through my lobby thirty minutes later, and he waves me over when I walk past. “Miss Jackman, I have another letter for you.”

“Another letter?”

“Yes, more fan mail. A little girl dropped it off.”

“A little girl? The same as last time?”

“No, ma’am. That was a little boy.”

“Oh, of course. I remember.” I smile but confusion takes over me. “Thank you.”

Bill hands me the note and my gaze drifts to the entryway, expecting to see someone waiting for me.

“It was a few hours ago,” Bill cuts in, seemingly answering my thoughts.

“Right. Yes. Thank you. Hope you have a lovely afternoon.”

“Thank you.” He nods and I smile again, clasping the letter in my hand as I head toward the elevator. My curious expression greets me as I stare at my reflection in the mirrored doors, the letter heavy in my hand. One letter is cute, but two?

I don’t wait until I’m in my apartment this time, opening the envelope as soon as I’m alone.

Dear Hayley, I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and let you know that while you may be lonely this holiday season, with your family back in Australia, you’re not alone.

You have a huge fan base and we’re all counting down the days until the world sees what we see.

Don’t worry about what the gossip says. Your real supporters know who you are.

Don’t ever change. Take care Your biggest fan

My real supporters know who I am. Don’t ever change? That’s close to what Reed said.

Maybe it’s time I believed it.

And for those that can’t see that, I’m going to change their views. I’m going to rewrite the narrative and get that role.

Cynthia Rose is mine.

And apparently, so is Reed now.

Oh, God.