Page 24 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

A melia smiles as Reed disappears off the field, and I count down in my head, ready for her questions in three, two, one…

“I need all the details. Your text gave me nothing.”

“That’s not true. I told you the most important part.”

“You said… ‘Reed and I are fake dating’ and when I texted back with a million question marks, I got nothing in return.”

“I knew I’d be seeing you today. And honestly, I don’t know any more than that.”

“How do you feel about it?” She offers me a sympathetic smile.

“At first I loved the idea, but then I felt bad when Reed was hesitant, and now I’m good again. You know me. When I commit to something, I’m all in.”

“I do know that. And I’m a little scared for Reed.”

“Don’t be.” I laugh through my words. “He knows what he’s getting himself into. I’ve always been real with him.”

Amelia’s nose scrunches and my smile widens. “I don’t doubt that,” she confirms. “But…what made him change his mind?”

With a hushed tone, I fill Amelia in on my conversation with my agent and her jaw drops.

“Are you kidding me? Hayls, that’s ridiculous.

Do you really want the role if they’re going to expect you to change?

” Her reaction is exactly why I held off telling Reed the whole truth.

He deserves to know, but if I’d told him yesterday, he would have wanted to kill someone. My heart races just thinking about it.

“People change for movies all the time. Actors lose weight, gain weight, change hair color. Hell, some shave their heads. Technically, I’m not changing. I’m just making people believe I’m the person they want me to be.”

“When you should be showing them the amazing person you are.”

I smile when she squeezes my hand. “Thanks, Ames, but I don’t think the public is ready for my awesomeness.”

“You’re probably right.” She laughs out loud. “But that’s their loss, not your issue.”

“Damn straight.”

“So Reed agreed after you told him what your agent said?”

“No, I never actually told him everything. He suggested it before I had the chance to explain. Told me he wanted to help.”

“That sounds like Reed.”

“Am I wrong to have agreed with it? Am I taking advantage?”

“No, I don’t think so, because while he thinks he’s doing it for you, it’s also helping him, even if he refuses to see it.”

“That’s true.” I smile, though a little doubt seeps back into my mind. I’m committed now, but I can still worry about him.

My phone buzzes in the back pocket of my jeans at the same time Amelia’s rings, and when she lifts her Bennett jersey to reach for it, I smile.

She’s offered me a no-name jersey many times before and I’ve always said no.

Something tells me that’s going to be on the horizon soon.

After all, I’m dating a football player.

I’ll repeat… I’m dating a football player. What is my life now?

Since Amelia, Lainey, and Paige are all waiting for their football-star husbands or boyfriends to finish with their post-game duties, I wait around with them—getting myself accustomed to the life that’s about to become mine—and when they’re ready to go, I follow.

Reed’s chatting animatedly to Luke when he walks out of the locker room, and when Amelia whispers ‘go time,’ my mind hears it as ‘action’ and I run forward, throwing myself into Reed’s hold, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“What a game!” I cheer as Reed’s huge palms settle on my waist, squeezing me as a deep chuckle rumbles from his chest. He lowers me to the ground, but keeps his hands in place, leaning forward to whisper in my ear.

“We’re doing this?”

I nod, ignoring the way his breath tickles my skin. Pulling back, our eyes lock and his crystal-blue orbs sparkle. “Yeah. We’re doing this.” I nod.

Smiling, he lifts me again, spinning me around before placing me back down, curling an arm around my shoulder.

“Friends first?” he questions as we walk back to the group, and I immediately agree.

“I think that’s wise. We can show them we know each other and let the rest come naturally.”

“Naturally?” Reed huffs out a questioning laugh and I poke him in the stomach, almost breaking my finger in the process.

“You know what I mean. Now act like you like me.”

“Ugh. I’m not that good of an actor.” He playfully rolls his eyes.

I’m laughing when we catch up with Amelia, Luke, and the girls, and when Thomas joins us, he doesn’t even bat an eyelid.

In fact, none of them do. In the past year they’ve all become quite accustomed to my overtly friendly behaviour, and what do they care if we’re friends. It’s not the big deal I made it to be.

After the wives and girlfriends congratulate their men, Luke turns to the group, a cocky grin lighting up his features.

“Only three rounds to go, and we are killing it. I’m ready to party. Who’s heading out? Hayley, I can count on you, right?”

I open my mouth to say yes, but pause, remembering my conversation with my agent. “Actually, no. I’m having a night in. I have a big week coming up and need my beauty sleep.”

Luke groans and it doesn’t take a genius to know this is more about Amelia than me. “Come on,” he whines. “If you’re not coming, I’ll have no chance of convincing Amelia.”

And there it is. Always.

“He’s right.” Amelia laughs. “But I’d only be able to come for an hour anyway. I need to pick up Juliet soon.”

“Okay, fine.” Luke pouts. “It pains me to do this, but Lainey?”

Lainey and Luke argue in their true sibling fashion while Reed eyes me curiously.

We have a lot to talk about before we officially become a couple.

Namely, the details surrounding my need for a fake boyfriend—or rather my need to have Reed specifically as my fake boyfriend—and I will tell him. Just not tonight.

Flashing him a smile, I shake my head when he opens his mouth to speak. Now is not that time. Tonight is about celebrating his win.

“Looks like it’s a boys’ night,” Luke says reluctantly and I laugh at his sour expression.

“Stop whining,” Amelia jokingly chastises him. “You love the guys. Go and have fun.”

After chatting for a few more minutes, the guys head off while the rest of us make our way to the parking lot, and the second we’re out of earshot, all eyes are on me.

“Is there something you’re not telling us, Hayley?” Paige asks, her expression shrouded in suspicion. Maybe they do care who I’m friends with?

“I was thinking the same thing,” Lainey adds just as Keeley runs out to catch up with us.

Saved by the media liaison.

“Paige, I’m glad I caught you. Do you have a minute to talk about the spring fundraiser? I have to sign off on the food.”

Paige’s eyes flash to mine and I shrug innocently. “You better go. Food is important. I’ll wait here.” I’m getting a ride home with her and her driver anyway, so I can’t escape her for too long. Who knows, maybe she’ll forget.

“I want answers when I get back.” She points at me before following Keeley inside. Or she might remember.

I sigh as I turn back to Amelia and Lainey. Since Amelia already knows what’s going on, it’s only Lainey I have to catch up, but instead of questioning me, she surprises me, holding a hand up in front of my face, stopping me from talking. “Is it better if I don’t know?”

I doubt it would matter because she doesn’t know Bria and likely doesn’t know the producers of the feature film I’m striving for, but before I can respond, Amelia does it for me.

“Let’s just say we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Hayley and Reed. And I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.”

I roll my eyes and she pokes her tongue out.

“Good to know.” Lainey laughs before her expression turns thoughtful. “I can see it,” she muses.

“See what?”

“You and Reed. It’s perfect.”

I rush out a laugh of my own, while inside, a tension overwhelms me. Does she mean fake dating, or us? Because if it’s the latter, I’m not sure how I feel about that.

The topic changes to Amelia’s beautiful daughter, as she fills us in on her latest milestones, and when we’ve been standing in the parking lot for forty-five minutes, Amelia and Lainey rush off, leaving me alone, wishing I’d gone out with the guys.

Wishing things were different.

My face drops as I draw in a breath. Am I really about to change who I am?

For a role. Yes, I can be a handful at times.

I’m loud and in your face. And yes, since moving to the US, I’ve had my fair share of sexual partners, but I’m not the type to shove that in people’s faces or brag about it to anyone that will listen.

Not to mention… I haven't been with anyone in months.

I should be standing up to them… Shouting from the rooftops that if they don’t want me as I am, they don’t get me. But like I told Amelia, the reality is, this happens all the time. And after my last awful audition, what if I don’t get another opportunity like this one?

That part is my Super Bowl. The part you get when you’ve truly made it. I want it. I need it.

And I think I just answered my own question.

I am going to change. But I’m going to do it my way.

Standing tall, I head back toward the stadium entry to wait for Paige, and I’ve just sunk back against the wall when my phone buzzes and I remember the message I got earlier.

Checking the screen, I have three texts, two from my mum and one from Reed. Mum asks how I’m feeling, and I’m surprised until I read the second text.

Mum: Sorry, wrong person. Talk soon, sweetie

My stomach knots but I ignore it. Of course she wasn’t checking in. We only speak if I’m the one that calls them. And I don’t call that often.

Shaking off my melancholy, I open Reed’s text.

Reed: What’s the role? And is it worth that sad look on your face?

What? My gaze lifts to search the parking lot. Is he still here? Can he see me? Is this what it would feel like to have a stalker?

I laugh to myself and shake off my insane thoughts.

Hayley: I don’t have a sad look

At least not anymore.

Reed: Are you sure about that?

Jesus freaking Christ. He is here. I smile intensely, really forcing the creases in my cheeks as I scan the parking lot again, coming up empty. Of course he’s not here. I’m still smiling hysterically as I reply, lost in my own world when Paige laughs from beside me.

“Hell!” I startle. “When did you get back?”

“Just long enough to question your expression.”

“Honestly, I’m questioning it myself.”

“Everything okay?”

“It will be. I’m sure.”

Paige frowns, her furrowed brows telling me she wants to ask more, but she knows better—I’ll talk when I’m ready. Giving me a pass for now, she moves the conversation to the Storm charity event as we walk to her car, greeting her driver as he waits by the door.

It’s not that I don’t want to tell her what's going on; I just want to wait until I’ve figured it out for myself. And for that to happen, I have to work it out with Reed.

On the drive, Paige pulls me out of my funk with her bubbly personality, and it’s not until I get home that I realize I never responded to Reed. And now, I have a new message waiting for me.

Reed: I’m here if you need to talk

I smile, more genuinely this time, and release a slow breath.

Hayley: Tuesday. Let’s talk about everything

I hope you’re prepared, Reed. Because I’m not one to hold back.

Reed: Sounds good. Night, Baby. (wink emoji)

I smile and shake my head, falling back onto my bed.

Something tells me that not only is Reed prepared for my crazy, but he’s looking forward to it. And I’ve got to admit, that fills me with warmth.

But God, I hope this deal benefits him too. I couldn’t stand it if this backfired for him.