Page 28 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

N ot one magazine publishes the photos of me and Reed from the mall, and I have to laugh at myself or I just might cry. Does it mean we’re not famous enough for a sale? Or is it just me? God knows, Reed’s plenty famous.

It’s safe to say, I’ve been analysing it to death.

With only a week left before the publicity tour for Jaded Beginnings ramps up, and no family to spend Christmas with, I switch over to hermit mode, disappearing on everyone in my life, including Reed and Amelia, giving me plenty of time to myself.

So, on top of overanalysing every aspect of my life, I spend the week reading or binge-watching TV, relaxing on my balcony, and…

I even try meditating a few times. Not that it works for me.

The silence has my mind running rampant with plans and worrying about the future, when I’d much rather be a take-each-day-as-it-comes kind of girl.

The week passes relatively quickly. While alone time usually wreaks havoc on my mind, it turns out to be exactly what I needed and I could have gone longer—if I didn’t have to come out of hiding to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. All one hundred of my friends.

Since Reed flew his family to San Francisco for Christmas, I wait until I know they’re gone to call him. But before I get the chance, my phone rings in my hand, with Reed’s name lighting up the screen.

“Hey, Baby,” he greets me when I answer, bringing about an immediate smile. Is this our thing now? “How was isolation?” he asks, his voice holding a hint of mockery.

“Amazing,” I say honestly, ignoring him. “I needed it before the chaos. What have I missed?”

“Christmas,” he states matter-of-factly, and I jokingly cringe even though he can’t see me. “You missed the biggest holiday of the year, Hayls.”

“I did.” I giggle, picturing his fake frown. “But there’s no rule against celebrating a few days late.”

“You’re right. And I have your present for you.”

“Still keeping it a secret?”

“You bet. Is that why you went into hiding? Couldn’t stand facing me, knowing I was holding this back?”

“Yes, Reed. It was all about you,” I deadpan and he chuckles.

“Damn Luke. You’re right. He’s rubbing off on me.”

“You're forgiven. When are you free? I can come over right now…or you can come here. But it has to be now. Now.”

Reed chuckles again, clearly thinking I’m joking.

But I’m not. I love spontaneity. I love living life to the fullest. I don’t love surprises that I know about ahead of time.

If he’d sprung it on me when I next saw him…

brilliant. But telling me about it, while not telling me about it, is pure torture.

“I won’t see you until you get back, will I?” I pout, remembering he has an away game this week and they leave tomorrow.

“No. Sorry. But on that note… What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? There’s a party at the Westerly Hotel and the guys are—”

“Our first party as a couple?” Holding the phone away from my mouth, I squeal, my mood instantly lifted. “I’m there. It can be our dress rehearsal.”

“Our dress rehearsal?”

“Yes. For my premiere. If you can come, that is. It’s a Wednesday night so I’m not sure how that works with your practice schedule and—”

“I’ll be there,” Reed’s quick to confirm, making me smile. “When is it? I’ll make it work.”

“Three weeks?”

“Perfect, the season’s over by then and we’ll get a week off before the playoffs.

The timing couldn’t be better.” The excitement in his tone has my heart fluttering and my nerves easing a little.

I’ve been stressing about the premiere and following release, but having Reed there will make it a lot easier to get through.

“It’s meant to be.” I laugh, bouncing on my toes. “Do you have a tux?”

“Do I have a tux?” he scoffs. “What kind of question is that?”

“Sorry, I’ve only seen you in suits. I didn’t—”

“I don’t have a tux,” he admits before chuckling to himself. “But I’m sure I can get one easy enough, right? Maybe I could ask the stylist you rejected.”

I burst out laughing and choke on thin air. “Reed.” My voice rasps until I clear it. “People will be dying to dress you. You don’t need her. I doubt you’ll have any trouble.”

“Good. So that’s settled. We’re locking in a party and a premiere, both great opportunities to show the world how perfect you are for Cynthia.”

“ Exactly . And if we’re lucky, Bria will be reaching out one way or another before either has even happened. Have you told her yet?”

“I haven’t.” His voice croaks before he subtly clears his throat. “She went home for Christmas this year, so we haven’t had a chance to talk properly.”

The mood changes and even though we’re not together, I can sense his unease. “Are you worried about it?”

“I don’t know if it’s that or something else. But either way, after New Year’s Eve, she’s going to know.”

“Wait. You invited her, didn’t you?”

“Surprise.” Reed’s voice rises and I picture him waving his hands around. “She kind of invited herself. I hope you’re ready.”

Jesus . Am I? My stomach sinks at the prospect, but I smile through it. “As I’ll ever be.”

W ith Reed in another state for his away game and me being busy during the week, we don’t see each other until he arrives to pick me up for the New Year’s Eve party the following Thursday, and when he walks in, I have to pick my jaw up from the floor.

Holy shit.

Greeting me with a casual it’s-just-another-Thursday smile, Reed’s wearing a fitted long-sleeve Henley top and grey sweatpants. I’ll repeat, grey sweatpants .

He’s obviously trying to kill me.

Slamming my eyes shut, I massage my temples and count to three, repeating my newly created mantra over and over. I cannot sleep with Reed. I cannot sleep with Reed. I—

“What’s going on, Hayls?” he interrupts. “You look troubled.”

“Troubled?” My eyes flash open. “I wouldn’t call it troubled so much as horny .” I grin nervously, feeling a little joy when Reed’s face twists uncomfortably, as though my words cause him physical pain. Now he knows how I feel.

“ Christ, Hayls .” He shakes his head.

“Sorry, but you’re wearing sweatpants and they suit you.” I tilt my head as my eyes drop to the natural bulge between his legs, making me sigh dreamingly.

“ Hayls ,” he scolds and it makes the moment even hotter. “I was going to give you your present right now, but I think I’ll change first.” He throws his bag over his shoulder and gestures toward the bathroom.

“This isn’t my present?” I pout, my gaze still locked on the bulge.

A strangled groan gets caught in his throat. “I’m going. I’ll be back.” He stalks away and I shift my focus to his ass, my laughter bursting out of me.

“Sorry,” I call out, laughing harder when he tells me it’s fine.

While he’s getting ready, I try to get the image of him railing me against a wall out of my head for long enough to finish curling my hair. And when I’m done, I step into my tight little black dress, shimmying it up over my body before walking out with the zipper undone.

I’ve got to stop buying dresses when I can’t reach the zipper. It’s problematic. But I guess it has led to me getting to know my neighbour well since I often beg her to help. I’ve even had her six-year-old help me once.

We won’t talk about the time I slept in my dress because I couldn’t get the zipper back down.

Today, I have Reed. Add that to the pros of having a boyfriend.

Said boyfriend is staring out my window as I walk back into the living room, and when he turns to face me, it’s his jaw that drops this time.

“Fuck, Hayls. You’re breathtaking.”

My heart skips as I laugh, jokingly lifting his jaw.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, dear boyfriend. Can you zip me up?” Spinning around to flash him my back, I pull my hair aside and draw in a breath, feeling exposed all of a sudden.

Reed steps closer and the energy around us changes.

It thickens somehow. Try as I might to write it off as the magic of New Year’s Eve, it’s harder to ignore when his fingers brush my skin and a shiver runs through me.

Geez, Hayls. It’s innocent. Get a grip.

When he announces he’s done, I snap myself out of my daze and spin around, acknowledging his new attire, wolf whistling as I openly drink him in. “I’m glad you never hired that stylist, Reedy boy, because damn , you can dress yourself. Looking good.”

“Thanks, Hayls. I try.” He shrugs and I grin.

“Soo…now that we’ve both acknowledged what a hot couple we are, I believe there was talk of gifts?”

Reed’s entire demeanour changes and he nods, walking over to his bag with a bounce in his step. But when he stands, his expression turns nervous. “I thought this was a good idea at the time, but now I’m regretting it.”

“Why?” My brows crease as I try to see through him to the gift behind his back.

“It’s very coupley.”

My expression lifts as excitement swells in my chest, and my eyes follow the little bag when he shifts it in front of him. “Good thing we’re a couple then.” I bite back my smile, only letting it shine when he chuckles.

“You’re right. Merry Christmas, Hayls.” He pulls a small box out of the bag and places it in my outstretched hand, and after dropping the bag, he steps back, tucking his hands into his pockets.

A nervous yet giddy energy runs through me as I open the box, and when I find what’s inside, I gasp.

“Reed!” My hand flies to my mouth. “My God. It’s beautiful.” And must have cost a fortune.

I stare down in awe at the classic diamond and gold tennis bracelet, my eyes wide as my heart beats chaotically in my chest. This man pays attention.

I drooled over this very bracelet when I saw it in a store window the day we went shopping.

A store I’ve never thought to walk into because until now, I’ve never been able to afford any of their creations.

“This is—”

“I know. I hope that’s okay.” He rocks back on his heels, and it’s so freaking adorable that my heart jolts. “I could tell you wanted it, but that you were holding back and—”

“It’s perfect,” I reassure him, though that’s not enough. I don’t have the right words to say, except maybe… “All I got you was a set of wireless earbuds.”

I grimace and Reed chuckles low, pulling me into a hug. “I needed a new pair,” he says with a smile in his voice, rocking me from side to side.

“That’s why I got them.” Pulling away, I reach behind the couch where I hid Reed’s present and hand it over. “Here.”

He’s quick to open the bag and when he sees the little box, he smiles. “They’re perfect, Hayls. My favorite brand.”

I knew that too but I don’t mention it out loud.

Reed disappears to put his earbuds with his belongings while I fight with the clasp of my bracelet, trying to secure it on my wrist before he gets back.

“Wait, let me.” His voice comes from behind me, his breath warming my neck before he steps around and reaches for my present. His fingers zap my skin as he fastens the delicate clasp, and when he lingers for a second longer than required, I step back.

“Thank you,” I rush out, hoping he doesn’t notice the emotion in my voice. “What time is it? Should we get going?”

Reed’s eyes snap to mine and he forces a smile as he lightly shakes his head. “Yes…” He nods. “Definitely.” He nods again, seemingly just as affected as I am. “Let’s get this party started.”