Page 29 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

B ria catches Reed’s eyes the second we walk in, waving to him from across the bar.

I force a smile, waiting for him to excuse himself, but he surprises me, circling an arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him.

“I told her this is new,” he tilts his head in to whisper, “and that we’re seeing how things go. ”

“Taking each day as it comes? I like it. And she’s smiling.” I glance up at him, giving him a reassuring smile. “That’s a good start, right?”

Reed mentioned that Bria knew about us while we were on the way here, but before he could go into detail, a car cut in front of us, and we got distracted, never finishing the conversation.

“It is good.” He squeezes my waist. “And I can already tell it’s genuine.

” He hits me with a soft smile of his own, but when it doesn’t reach his eyes, it’s difficult to tell if he’s happy or upset.

Because, does that mean she doesn’t have feelings for him?

As much as he says that’s a good thing, I’m not so sure that he means it.

When we reach Bria, she pulls me into a quick hug before turning her attention to Reed, and I don’t want to be judgey…but it felt forced.

“It’s about time you found yourself a girl.” She smiles up at him. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thanks, Bria.” His returning smile widens. “I’m happy for us too.”

“Good. Good.” She smiles again and it’s all smiles round here.

Feeling like they need a moment, I glance away to find a guy hovering uncomfortably close beside us.

I’m just about to not so politely tell him to buzz off when Bria reaches for his hand and pulls him to her side.

“I didn’t want to be the third wheel all night.

So I brought a friend from work. Reed and Hayley, this is Andreas.

Andreas, this is my best friend, Reed, and his new girlfriend, Hayley.

” She introduces me like we’re old friends when technically we haven’t officially met. But I think that moment has passed.

“Nice to meet you both.” Andreas speaks in a thick Greek accent and Bria’s eyes light up as he does. “This is a beautiful party. Thank you for having me.”

“Thank you for coming,” I say like it’s my function before adding, “and keeping Bria company.” Because that’s the most important part.

There are more awkward smiles and it’s then that I notice Reed hasn’t said a word. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see him smiling, but it’s impossible to tell if it’s real unless I look his way, and I don’t want to draw attention to it.

“We’re going to go and dance,” Bria says, linking her arm through Andreas’s, her gaze bouncing between mine and Reed’s. “But Hayley, we should definitely chat later. I can give you some tips on handling Reed.”

I throw my head back and laugh out loud, hitting her with what I’m sure she believes is genuine warmth while her words don’t sit well in my chest. Something about the way she said “handled” has a pit forming in my stomach.

But I ignore it. My feelings could just as easily stem from my distrust of women in general over Bria’s actual motives, and I need to give her the benefit of the doubt.

“I can’t wait.” I act the part, my smile widening.

Bria and Andreas disappear after that, and it’s so crowded, we barely see them for the next couple of hours, spending most of our time mingling with the football team or dancing in the next room—me, not Reed.

Like always, he hovers on the edge of the dance floor, chatting with his mates, watching, laughing at my expense.

Bria’s barely in our presence, and yet, I haven’t been able to shake the feeling of someone watching us. It started not long after they left, but whenever I glance around the room, she’s nowhere to be seen.

It’s a little unnerving. But I refuse to let it ruin my night.

“I need water,” I shout over the music, using Reed as a support structure while I catch my breath. “I’m dying.” I fan my face.

“Well, you have been head thumping like nobody’s business.”

“Honestly, I was not expecting that style of music. Someone must have requested it.”

“You were loving it.” He shakes his head, calling me out as though I’m denying it, but he’s wrong.

“Oh, I absolutely was. But I can’t keep that up all night. I need some pop. Music that allows me to shake my ass.”

“You were doing that too.” He bites back a smirk and I grin.

“I knew you were watching.”

“How could I not? You were shaking your ass at me .”

He’s not wrong. I’ve been having fun flirting, making it known that I have a man to anyone that’ll listen.

“Want me to grab you a drink?” Reed asks, ever the gentleman.

“Nah. I want us both to go. I need a break.”

He nods before curling his arm around my shoulder, careful not to muss my already ruined hair, sweetly pretending he hasn’t noticed the matted mess it’s become from the “head banging” I was doing.

Paige and her dad are at the bar when we arrive, and the second I see him, I grin excitedly. “Daddy D’Angelo. How are you?”

All eyes flash my way as Paige snorts. “ Jesus .” I press my fingers to my mouth. “I said that out loud, and I’m not even drunk. Apologies, Mr. D’Angelo. I’m a friend of Paige’s.”

“Dad, this is Hayley,” Paige introduces me. “The actress I was telling you about.”

“Ah, yes. Hi, Hayley. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise. And you know—”

“Reed, how are you?” Salvatore smiles. “Don’t worry, I’m not here to cramp your party style. I’m just picking up Paige since Easton had to sneak out early.”

My gaze bounces to Paige’s and I frown. “You’re not staying until midnight?” I ask her. “Is everything okay? Isaac?”

“Everything’s fine. Easton’s just being Easton, but I kind of want to be with him.”

Reed’s deep chuckle draws my attention while I nod in understanding. Easton being Easton pretty much sums him up. “We could have driven you home.”

“Are you ready to leave?” Paige asks, her eyebrows raised, already knowing the answer.

“Nope. I’m here until the end.”

“I thought so. Dad doesn’t mind, do you?”

“Nope, never. I’ll take any time I can get. And on that note, are you ready?”

“Sure am. Have a great night.” Paige gives both Reed and me kisses on the cheek as her dad waves goodbye.

“I trust you not to party too hard, Reed,” he deadpans. “We’ve got playoffs in our sights.” He winks my way while Paige groans.

“ Dad .”

“Nah, he’s right,” Reed cuts in. “I’ll behave. I always do.”

“I know you will. Have fun.” Salvatore pats Reed on the shoulder as he and Paige depart, and the second they’re gone, he turns my way.

“Daddy D’Angelo?” he questions, biting back his smile.

“I know.” I let my face fall into my hands. “I can’t believe that came out of my mouth. But even you have to admit, that man is fine .”

“I am not admitting that.” He chuckles incredulously. “He’s my boss and your friend’s dad.”

“I’m not going to go there. But I can look. It’s no different than this situation.” I motion back and forth between us. “I can look but I can’t touch.”

“You can touch.” His gaze drops to my hand on his arm. “We touch all the time.”

“Not what I meant, Reedy boy.” I give his bicep a squeeze. “But I love your innocence.” I wink and he rolls his eyes, groaning.

“Let’s get our waters and go. We need to move on from this conversation.”

“Why? Did I get you thinking about what I could touch?”

“Hayls,” he warns.

“Sorry.” I scrunch my nose and smile before turning to the bartender. “I’ll have two waters, please.”

“Coming right up.”

T he night goes on with Reed once again hovering on the edge of the dance floor, swaying his hips with a comical smirk.

My chest aches from laughing as I grip his shirt, pulling him closer.

I shimmy backward, trying to get him to at least set a foot onto the wooden floor, but he’s too strong to budge.

“I am going to get you here one day. Just you wait.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He winks and I playfully roll my eyes just as the music stops and the countdown to midnight begins.

“It’s midnight already?” I whisper-yell while everyone else shouts out the seconds, filling the room with excitement.

Reed chuckles, his genuine smile bringing about my own, and when I glance up and our eyes lock, the energy between us shifts. Reed blows out a breath, drawing my gaze to his lips as his fingers brush my cheek, tucking a rogue hair behind my ear.

Five…

He steps closer and my breath hitches, fighting the new sensation taking over me.

Four…

My chest flutters as our eyes meet again, the tension so strong I want to look away until he speaks. “I’m going to kiss you, Hayls,” he rasps, his voice clear above the noise. “Just so you know.”

Three…

His hand falls to my mouth, his fingers curling around my chin, his thumb brushing my bottom lip. It wasn’t a question, but even if it was, my answer would be yes.

Two…

Reed tilts my head, bringing my lips closer to his as his eyes flicker between mine, seeking permission, despite never actually asking for it. My pulse spikes and I nod, tightening my hold on his shirt, pulling him closer until our bodies are flush.

One…

Midnight strikes and cheers fill the air, but Reed drowns them out, pressing his lips to mine, stealing my breath as the crowd ceases to exist.

His mouth caresses mine, explorative but sweet, gently consuming me as my heart slams in my chest, the pounding competing with the beat of the music—a techno version of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Curling his hand into my hair, Reed leans in, tilting my head farther so he can deepen the kiss.

My breasts rub against his chest and another gasp escapes me, eliciting a groan from the back of his throat.

With my lips parted, Reed sneaks his tongue into my mouth, swirling it once before it’s gone. And I instantly miss the feeling.

I want more. Of everything.

Pulling him impossibly close, I moan against his lips, the fervor increasing between us.

While there’s no doubt we’re playing this off as a New Year’s Eve kiss, we are way beyond that and too far gone to stop. At least I am. He’s damn good at this. If I’m not careful, this could become an addiction.

Time loses all meaning and I’m consumed by the moment, by the softness of Reed’s lips and the tender way he cups my cheeks. I’m in sensory overload of the best kind, so when someone grabs my shoulder, I jolt, snapping out of my trance.

I force a laugh, catching Reed’s confused gaze before he spots Luke and chuckles along with me.

“Nice touch.” Luke nods, gesturing between the two of us.

“I saw quite a few cameras flashing in your direction.” He whispers, leaning in close so that no one else hears him, “I have no doubt this will make the news by tomorrow. I can see the headlines now. Golden Boy Reed Coombs finds love with Hollywood starlet Hayley Jackman, no relation to Hugh .”

He winks and I burst out laughing again. I can always rely on Luke to bring the jokes.

“Who are you calling a starlet, Bennett?” Reed chips in, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as my gaze flits over the many eyes watching us from around the room.

Maybe we did need to kiss to be taken seriously.

“Hayley’s way past that,” Reed continues, making me smile.

“My girl’s a star.” He squeezes my shoulder, and I fight the instinct to roll my eyes.

“Where’s Amelia?” I ask, moving the conversation on.

“She’s on the phone with my mom, letting her know we’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

“ Thirty minutes? That means you’re leaving now.” I pout and Luke bops me on the nose.

“Cheer up. I’m sure you’ll be seeing me soon. After all, you’re dating my teammate.”

“I’m not pouting over you , Bennett.” I shove him out of the way, making him laugh. “I wanted to party with Amelia. I’ll be back. I’m going to catch her before she goes.”

Reed chuckles as I leave, so I shake my ass for his pleasure, smiling over my shoulder. He shakes his head and mouths his next words, but something catches my eyes and my attention shifts, watching Bria walking in his direction.

She waited for me to go. Sneaky.

A tightness works its way into my chest as her narrowed gaze locks with mine.

She’s not welcoming me into her world. It’s quite the opposite.

And I hate to think what it’s going to do to Reed.

He’ll never admit it, but I think this is going to break him.