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

Reed

“ A re you sure you don’t want to come?” I glance over at my best friend, Bria, trying hard not to focus on the sliver of skin peeking out from beneath her tight top as she sprawls out on my bed, her hands behind her head, playing with the strands of her long caramel hair.

She frowns but doesn’t look my way, not bothering to hide the fact that she’s upset over me ditching her.

And I almost change my mind.

Truth be known, I’d much rather be here, lying next to her, replacing her fingers with mine, brushing them through her hair, seeing a lot more than a sliver of her skin.

But…that’s not to be and it’s time I got the fuck over it.

Or I could man up and have a conversation about it.

Only I’m still undecided on the direction I want to take my life.

Tonight, however, I’m going out. Luke asked and I said yes. I’m nothing if not a man of my word. Something Bria has always known.

“I don’t understand why you’re going,” she says, her tone somewhat whiny. “You don’t even know her.”

The “her” she’s referring to is Hayley. Luke’s wife’s best friend.

While Bria’s not entirely wrong—I don’t know her that well—I have met her a few times and I’m aware that tonight is a big deal.

Hayley just completed filming on her first big-budget Hollywood production, and since she’s originally from Australia, she doesn’t have a circle of friends to help her celebrate—and she deserves to celebrate.

I shouldn’t have to justify my decision, but of course, I do.

“I know her well enough and she’s best friends with Amelia. So…” I trail off because what else am I supposed to say? “I better get ready. I’ll see you on Monday though, right?”

Bria nods as she gets up and grabs her purse off the counter, her vibe salty now that I’m practically kicking her out of my house. It’s safe to assume she’s noticed the shift between us. As she should. I’m not exactly hiding it.

But neither is she.

For the last few years, give or take ten, I’ve had a thing for my best friend.

I’m not going to call it a crush because I’m a goddamn grown man, but it’s not not a crush.

Plain and simple, I want her. And not just in a physical sense.

Sure, she’s fucking gorgeous, but it’s more than that.

It’s always been easy between us, and I imagine our relationship would be the same.

The only minor hiccup in that vision of my future is that I’m ninety percent sure the feelings are not mutual, and until now, I haven’t been prepared to find out.

But if I’m being honest with myself, our friendship is already so fragile because of my feelings that I can’t go on like this. I need to make a decision one way or another. It’s just taking longer than I thought.

After Bria’s gathered her phone too, I walk her to the door, opening it before she has the chance. And that tiny gesture, something I do all the time, grants me a smile.

“I’m only annoyed because I wanted to hang out tonight,” she says, wrapping an arm around my waist, giving me a side hug. “We barely see each other anymore.”

That may be true, but other than tonight, I make sure to see her any chance I get. “Why don’t we spend the weekend together when I have a bye in a few weeks? You’re already coming to our fundraiser. We could hang out before it, maybe even spend the night in a fancy hotel.”

At that, Bria’s eyes light up, and it’s for that very reason I haven’t been able to let my feelings go.

She has her own wealth—her parents are both big in the financial world—and she frequents fancy hotels.

So why does the idea of a night in one excite her?

I can’t help but think it’s because I’ve added myself to the equation.

And yet…here we are, still friends after countless getaways together.

“That sounds like heaven, Reed. And exactly what we need. Do you want to find somewhere or should I?”

“I’ll leave it to you, but make sure you charge it to my credit card this time. My treat.”

Bria presses a kiss to my cheek, and like always, it sends a warmth right through me.

She’s my comfort, my home. I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do if that ever changes.

But judging by the pit forming deep in my stomach, I’d say I have about three weeks to find out.

A fancy hotel seems like the perfect place to finally tell her how I feel, if that’s the way I decide to go.

With another smile, Bria heads off and I’m left to once again analyze every part of our goddamn interaction. I’m a goner, sure, but at least I’m self-aware enough to acknowledge it. Although, even if I didn’t, I’ve got my amazing friends to remind me.

My phone buzzes with a text, and as I check the screen, I note the time. I’m already running behind.

Luke: Is Bria coming?

And here’s Luke, right on cue. His way of saying he knows we’re always together.

Reed: Not today. It’s just the boys. Unless your sister’s coming

Much to Luke’s initial annoyance, his sister, Lainey, married our team captain and quarterback, Thomas Kelly, after a secret relationship that spanned a few years.

Luke and Thomas were friends and teammates in high school and college too, and couldn’t be more different.

Luke’s cocky and loud, while Thomas tends to keep to himself, choosing to stay away from the spotlight.

It’s amazing they’ve stayed close all this time.

Luke: Nah, she’s out. But it’s not just the boys. We’re there for Hayley, remember?

Shit . I don’t even know why I said that when I’ve never been all that interested in boys' nights. I blame Bria. She’s got me so messed up at the moment that I can’t decide if I’m coming or going, and it’s starting to affect my headspace.

Reed: Jesus, what a dick thing to say. I know we’re going for Hayley. That’s not what I meant

Luke: I know, I know. You’re too easy to tease. See you there in thirty

Reed: Yup. I’ll be there

Since I’m in sweats and a tee, I rush to get changed, throwing on jeans and a white shirt, then roll up the sleeves. A splash of cologne and I’m done. Ready for my night out. Ready to move on.

The pit in my stomach deepens and I curse myself out loud. This isn’t going to be easy. No matter what I choose, my friendship with Bria will be affected, and I’m not sure I’m ready for that. In fact, I’m not sure I’ll ever be.

My Uber arrives seconds before I exit my front door, and I find Bria’s car still parked in my driveway, making me pause.

But as I head over, she waves me off, reversing onto my quiet street with a smile, never once looking back as she drives away.

Meanwhile, I’m so entranced watching her taillights as she disappears into the distance that my Uber driver blares the horn to get my attention.

No wonder everyone thinks I’m lovesick.

And what the hell is going on with Bria?

I’m lost in thought on the way to the bar until my driver changes his playlist, switching over to country music instead of the pop he was previously listening to, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “Hope you don’t mind.”

I smile, relieved. “Not at all. This is my kind of jam.”

“No shit. Really? I thought you were a city boy.”

And I thought he didn’t recognize me. Guess we were both wrong.

“I attended college in the city, but I’m a country boy at heart.”

My driver gives me an appreciative nod. “I think you just got promoted to my favorite player,” he says with a toothy grin, his southern accent suddenly more prominent. “My home team is Houston, but since moving here ten years back, I’ve got a soft spot for the Storm.”

“Oh, yeah? Thanks, man. It’s nice to meet a fan. But I have to ask, who was your favorite player before now?”

“Bennett.” He’s quick to answer, making me snort. “Does his confidence ever waver?”

Luke Bennett? No. “That man has confidence in doing things he’s never tried before. It’s a gift.” One of the cockiest players on the team but not without warrant. He’s a hell of a player.

My driver laughs. “I thought as much. I watched that show. Fitzpatrick’s giving him a run for his money.”

God, he’s not wrong. Our newest starter, Zane, is making waves and not always the good kind.

But like Luke, he can play. And he knows it.

If only he was a little more of a team player.

I have no doubt he’ll get there, but he’s young and carefree.

One day he’ll need his teammates and it will undoubtedly help him grow up a little. For now, he’s got some work to do.

We pull up in front of Chasers Bar in downtown San Francisco and I thank my driver, giving him a Storm cheer before I get out. When I turn to face the bar, my jaw drops. There’s a goddamn line longer than a football field.

I plaster a smile on my face and move toward the end until Luke calls out.

“Coombs, you considerate motherfucker. We’re on the guest list. Get your ass up here.”

I breathe a sigh of relief and push through the crowd, reaching Luke and a few of my teammates just as a bouncer opens the door, directing us to a beautiful woman standing near the entry. “Leni will show you the way. Len, they’re with the Hobarton party.”

“Hobarton?” I ask Luke, confused while he smiles in anticipation, excitement in his eyes.

“It’s a code name. This party is going to blow your mind.”

I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut. I haven’t had the sheltered life he thinks I have. My life hasn’t revolved solely around football and Bria. I’ve seen things. Done things. I’m not that boring.

We follow Leni as she escorts us through the main bar to a private section at the back, and when I step through the door, I have to admit, my eyes widen a little. But not because I’m shocked by what I see… because I can’t believe how many people are here.

For a relatively small space, there must be hundreds moving around.

“Keep an eye out for Hayley,” Luke requests as we enter, and despite most of us barely knowing her, he doesn't have to offer a description. There wouldn’t be a man on our team that hadn’t checked her out—me included—except maybe the committed ones.

Though I’d still bet my life savings they know who she is.

She’s not shy by any means and she makes her presence known.

The first time most of us met her, she joined in on a friendly game of football, and she was good.

The guys loved her. Even if she does call us pussies because Australian Rules players don’t wear any gear.

I have no doubt the guys are already on the lookout. But having said that, I can’t imagine it’s going to be easy to find her in this crowd, let alone—

She steps into my line of sight, cutting me off mid-thought as a grin tugs at my lips, a response to the proud expression she’s currently sporting.

Chatting animatedly with a group of well-dressed men in business suits, she’s every bit the confident woman I remember, her beaming smile sucking them in, her self-assured nature and warmth making them all putty in her hands.

The world doesn’t know what’s going to hit it when Hayley Jackman becomes Hollywood’s next big star.

I turn to let Luke know I’ve found her when someone bumps into me from behind, spilling a drink down my leg. “Hey, what the fuck?” my teammate Rhett snaps as though he’s the one currently smelling like beer. But while I appreciate the defense, I shake him off.

“It’s okay, Rhett.” I smile, turning to the red-faced guy spewing apologies. “No harm done. I’m sure these guys will be spilling drinks before the night’s out.”

His eyes widen before his red face turns ashen. “Fuck, you’re Reed Coombs. I’m so sorry, man.”

“Chill. I’m fine. You go and enjoy your night. Forget this ever happened.”

The guy nods as he steps around me, and Rhett mumbles under his breath, “You’re lucky it was Coombs.”

Overhearing the exchange, Thomas steps forward, lightly slapping him across the back of the head, pinning him with a scolding glare. “What the hell, Rhett? It was an accident. Let’s not make headlines again.”

I cringe at the thought; we definitely don’t want that.

The headlines Thomas is referring to stem from our time in the spotlight last season when a San Francisco production company decided to make a TV show about our team.

The very show my driver mentioned watching.

A show that, to everyone’s surprise, was a huge fucking hit. But not necessarily in a good way.

“There have been enough headlines already,” Thomas continues. “Don’t you think?”

We all nod, while Wyatt calls out “Hear! Hear!” and shakes his head, his eyes flashing to Luke since his wife was involved in the production of the show.

I’m about to tell Wyatt he needs to stop making that connection, when Rhett wolf whistles under his breath.

“I was having a rough day,” he says, making excuses for his asshole behavior.

“But,” he continues, his eyes locked on something, or likely someone behind me, “it’s about to get a hell of a lot better. ”

I turn to see Hayley approaching, her expression now full of excitement as she rushes to reach Luke. And while I hate what Rhett’s insinuating, it’s hard to miss the appeal.

There’s no denying that she’s beautiful.

As though she’s a beacon for all that surrounds her, eyes follow her every move as she swiftly drifts past them, her long, blonde hair bouncing behind her, her tight dress leaving nothing to the imagination, showing off her incredible curves.

She has the room transfixed. She’s breathtaking, and on top of all that, she’s a hell of a lotta fun. And God knows we could use some fun.

Wyatt groans beside me and I burst out laughing, knowing that like fifty percent of the guys in this room, he’s fangirling. Hard.

And when Luke shakes his head before rolling his eyes, I have no doubt it’s going to be a night to remember…

Exactly what I need right now.