Page 23 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Reed

I jog across the road, running late to meet Bria at our go-to park, Hayley’s confession still on my mind. She says she’s fine, but I couldn’t help noticing her spark had dimmed ever so slightly. She was starting to doubt herself and that’s not her. Her self-confidence has never been an issue.

If it was Bria, I’d say she was hiding her feelings, but she’s not Bria, and Hayley’s always been an open book. I’m not sure she realizes how much it’s affecting her.

But now that we’re dating , I can make sure she knows her worth while helping her get the role she deserves. It’s a win-win. It’s nerve-racking as fuck, but I’m committed now.

Here’s to being a boyfriend.

I’m lost in thought as the lush greenery comes into view, but when I arrive at the park entrance, Bria’s MIA and she’s always early.

I grab my phone to text her, making sure she’s still coming after her ridiculous text this morning—a text that had me reeling until Hayley distracted me—when my phone rings in my hand.

“Hey.” My answer is curt, nothing like it usually is.

“Gah, I’m sorry. I’m almost there.” Unlike me, Bria is her usual upbeat self, and though it shouldn’t, it makes me feel bad. “Parking is a nightmare.”

She laughs while my gaze drifts across the five different birthday parties spread out across the lawn. “Everybody who’s anybody is here today.”

“Want to go somewhere else? Somewhere less crowded?”

“Nah, I’m good if you are. They’re all occupied and no one’s taken our tree.”

“How thoughtful of them.”

“I thought so.” Throwing my head back, I let out a sigh and prepare to question her about the text. I need to get it off my chest. “Bria—”

“Yes. Got one,” she cuts me off. “Give me two minutes.”

“Okay. Yup. See you soon.”

Since there are no parking spaces within five minutes of the park, I take my time dodging the crowd, strolling the walking track instead of passing through the masses. I’ve just reached our favorite spot, our tree, when Bria rushes over.

And like always…my heart stops.

Things have been off between us for weeks now, but when she hits me with her carefree smile, it’s like all is right in the world.

Only it isn’t. It’s a whole lot of fucked up.

“Sorry again,” she rushes out, rearranging her dress as she sits down on the blanket I laid out, curling her feet underneath herself. “I have a surprise for you. I stopped off at Johan’s to get your favorite fake treat.”

Her nose scrunches as she hands me a colorful veggie bowl with slices of tender steak, and I surprisingly burst out laughing. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”

“I have. And I’m not saying it doesn’t taste good. I’ll just never understand how you can call it a treat. This is a treat.” She pulls a chocolate-coated pretzel out of a paper bag followed by a cup of dipping sauce, and a genuine smile tugs at my lips.

I bet Hayley’s eating something similar right now.

“Want a bite?” Bria asks and I shake my head, screwing my nose up just like she did. “I’ll stick to my veggies, thanks.”

“I thought you’d say that. Otherwise I would have brought two. This one’s all mine.”

She takes a bite and my gaze drops to her mouth, still remembering how she tastes after all these years. After our one and only kiss. The intrigue, the excitement.

The feelings come back to me until I remember her message from this morning, and my stomach sinks.

Bria: Did she stay over like I used to? Am I still getting my turn?

She used those actual words. Her turn? What the hell? I was so pissed off I couldn’t reply, and after a shitty morning of walkthroughs and meetings, I returned to the locker room to find another message.

Bria: I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I miss you. Please don’t cancel.

Because that makes it all right.

Hell, no. I’d probably still be pissed if I hadn’t gone home to find Hayley in my apartment, lifting my mood. Like she always does. Even when we’re having a serious conversation.

But even so, Bria and I need to talk it through. “About—”

“I’m sorry again,” she cuts in, anticipating the topic change. “Can things go back to the way they were before it got weird between us? Go back to this.” She gestures between us and I force a grin. “The two of us, hanging out, no behind-the-scenes bullshit causing tension.”

While I’d love that more than anything, I don’t think it’s possible. Even now it feels awkward. “I think we need to find a new normal,” I say instead, trying to focus on my words rather than the sad expression she’s giving me. “You’re dating more and I’ve—”

“Got Hayley?”

Fuck . Now would be the perfect time to segue into my new relationship, but we said we’d wait.

“Having other people in our lives doesn’t mean our friendship is any less meaningful. It means we have to make more of an effort to keep in touch. It won’t be as easy, and—”

“You’re right.” She cuts me off, though I knew it was coming. She’s never been great at handling conflict, and I’m usually the one that helps her through it, not the one she’s conflicting with. “I shouldn’t have sent that text,” she adds and I nod in agreement.

“No, you shouldn’t have. But I get it.” Sort of. A little bit.

“Do you forgive me?” She smiles. She knows my answer.

I always forgive her. But I’m starting to question why.

She’s been a constant comfort for me since we met, and it’s hard to shake that.

She was the first person I connected with after moving thousands of miles away for college.

She supported me when my brother took off with his girlfriend, going MIA for three fucking months while I traveled home to be with my parents.

She gave me sound advice when my college roommate got addicted to performance enhancing drugs and I spent sleepless nights helping him through the detox.

She came to the funeral when my last surviving grandparent died.

She was there for me. Always.

And now our friendship is turning to shit.

“Reed?” Bria interrupts my thoughts, her voice hesitant. She knows she fucked up. Just like she knew last time. But how many fuckups do I have to endure before I stop letting her off the hook?

It was never like this between us, and other than me deciding I wanted to get over my feelings for her, I don’t know what’s changed.

I sigh but force a grin. “You know my answer, Bria. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. But how about you make it up to me and come to my game tomorrow?” I’m not sure why I continue to ask, but I do. You never know. One day she might surprise me.

“Ugh. I wish I could. I do.”

But that day isn’t today.

“All good. Maybe next time.”

“Yes. Definitely. Thank you for forgiving me, Reed. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Anytime.” I smile and for the first time, it feels like a lie.

W ith seconds to go in our game against Miami, Thomas launches the ball eighty yards toward the end zone and my heart stops.

If we don’t score now, we lose. This is our last shot.

Zane sprints forward, his eyes locked on the ball as he dives across the line, securing it in his grasp seconds before he hits the ground.

And the crowd roars.

We did it. We fucking did it. Again. And I didn’t suck. In fact, I was on fire.

After my abysmal practice yesterday, I wasn’t so sure of myself, but catching up with Bria in the afternoon helped—a little—though it was Hayley’s texts that really pulled me out of my head.

Hayley: Kick some ass today, boyfriend. I only accept the best from my man

It was such a typical Hayley message, and yet, it was like a punch to the chest. I’ll put my money on her knowing I needed it. Her little moments of comedic gold are always well timed. And in this case, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

While I’m lost in thought, Luke jumps onto my back, cheering in my ear.

“We fucking did it,” he yells and he’s right. We’re all so in sync, some would say it’s sickening.

“The Super Bowl is in our sights.” He slaps my abs before waving to the crowd and jumping off me, landing not so gently on the ground. “If I was a betting man, I’d be placing my bets now.”

“The cocky Luke is back, I see.”

“Did he ever really leave?” He winks and I burst out laughing.

Celebrations are loud as we head back to the locker rooms and I glance toward the suite, a smile on my face as I seek out Hayley, not even knowing if she’s there but almost certain that she is.

It’s been a little over twenty-four hours since we committed to fake dating, and while we’re yet to decide how to go public or tell our friends, if she’s here, I’m making the first move. It’s about time we at least acknowledge each other.

When my gaze finds the partners’ suite, sure enough, Hayley’s watching me, her painted lips pulled into a thin-lipped grin, her eyes full of sass.

I lift my hand in a soft wave and wink, dropping a breadcrumb for whoever may be watching, smirking when she shakes her head.

In the locker room, Coach delivers his normal subdued celebratory speech—refusing to give us too much praise in case our heads grow larger than they already are—and then our owner, Salvatore D’Angelo, steps up to the mic. A rare occurrence unless he has news.

“Congratulations on another amazing win.” He pauses for the cheers and when we get too loud, Keeley brings us back to attention.

“Thank you, Keeley. Men, I appreciate the hard work you’re all putting in to impress the new boss, and trust me when I say, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

” He pauses again, and this time he’s met with forced smiles and a few awkward claps.

“Wow. You really are trying, aren’t you?

And here I was joking around. I bought this team because I saw something in you all.

And you’ve proven through all the wins and the losses, that no matter what, you’re a team .

The support you have for each other is commendable.

You’ve been through a lot this past year and come out of it shining.

We have another Super Bowl in our sights, and I have no doubt you’re going to raise hell to get there.

Remember who you are when the tough times hit, and we’ll always come out on top. Thank you all.”

That was weird.

He steps down from our makeshift stage, otherwise known as a bench seat, and locks eyes with Keeley, his expression wan while she offers a reassuring smile. With the controversy surrounding our team lately, my first instinct is that something else is coming. Something we’re not going to like.

My gaze bounces around the room to check if anyone else caught that little interaction, but I’m interrupted before I can process it.

“I hear you’re dating the Jackonator.” Luke waggles his eyebrows, laughing at himself, or me, while I stare at him confused.

“I’m what?”

“You’re dating Hayley, right?”

Jesus . Luke knows? I guess that means Hayley’s told Amelia. “It’s, ahh…” Fuck . What do I say to that? We haven’t decided what we’re doing and—

Luke’s laughter turns obnoxious. “You should see your face. Relax . I know the truth. But I’m the only one, so let’s hope you’re a damn good actor, because Hayley sure is. If anyone fucks up, it’s going to be you.”

“Wow. Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I play along, but on the inside, my stomach churns. It’s highly likely that he’s right. It will be me that fucks this up, and I don’t want to let her down. Especially now that it isn’t about me.

“There’s more on the line than getting over your little crush,” Luke adds, digging a knife into my already sensitive wound. “You’re doing it for Hayls now.”

Fuck fuck fuck. “I know that, asshole. I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t think I could do it.”

Well, at least, Hayley thinks I can.

“I know.” Luke’s expression turns serious as he steps closer.

“And I’m here if you need me. I said I’d help you move on, and I meant it.

The fake dating may not have been my doing, but I set the wheels in motion, and I plan to see it through.

” He cups my shoulder and grins like a Cheshire cat.

“Now get changed. It’s time to find our girls. ”