Page 33 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

I ’m wrecked by the night of the Jaded Beginnings premiere, making something that should be a joyous occasion a little bit tainted.

The US press tour has been taxing, and the thought of heading off for the international tour is making me anxious.

Especially since I still haven’t lined up another role for when I get back.

The last two weeks have consisted of junket after junket, interview after interview, audition after audition. And I’m not sure how much more I can take.

We had promotional tours back home, but they were nothing compared to this, and if I’m being honest, I was not prepared.

I was also not prepared for how much I’d miss Reed.

After heading out to celebrate his final game—alcohol free and a lot less flirty—he headed straight into playoffs preparation and I entered hell. At least, I’m imagining hell to be like this.

Who knew so many people cared about little things from my past. Or my co-stars’ past. Or the director’s…

You’d think they’d want to talk about the film, the story, the craft.

And yet, time and time again, I was asked about my ex, and what I think he feels about my rising stardom.

Or my family life back home. Or that supposed bestie who decided to speak out about the girl I was in high school, when I barely recognized her face.

I’m exhausted. Both physically and mentally. And now that the premiere is here, I’m terrified for the release.

What if they don’t like the film?

What if they don’t like me?

Taking a deep breath, I work hard to calm myself down, checking my makeup for the hundredth time.

This isn’t me. I love life and everything it throws my way.

Mostly . I’m usually the first to tell someone I’m going to succeed, and this time around I shouldn’t feel any differently.

I nailed that role. The director did a phenomenal job.

This movie is going to break records. It’s time I got out of my funk and sorted my shit out.

It’s time to be better .

My intercom buzzes from our concierge, and I preemptively laugh as I rush over to summon Reed.

“Oh, Henry, you know I was joking… You can send Reed up, even if he’s not dressed like a prince.”

Henry chuckles. “Your guest, Mr. Coombs, is on his way, and you’ll be happy to know he gets my seal of approval.”

“Ooh, I can’t wait. Thank you. Bye—” I move to hang up but he calls out.

“Miss Jackman. One moment. I have some flowers for you and a card. They arrived seconds after your guest or I would have sent them up with him.”

“Flowers? Wow. Okay. I’ll grab the card on my way out. But you should keep the flowers. You know I’m hopeless with living things.”

“Thank you, Miss Jackman, but they’re a little big for our desk.”

“A little big?”

“Huge.”

“Oh.” I giggle, glancing down at my dress as Reed knocks on my door. “I’ll send Mr. Coombs back down. He’ll be there soon.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Anytime.” I smile, skipping over to the door to greet Reed, thinking about his catchphrase, and as I reach for the handle, my expression turns giddy.

I bet he looks gorgeous. I’m smiling wide when I open the door, but the second I see him, the smile is replaced with God knows what, as my brain turns to mush.

Reed swallows and his jaw goes rigid, making it harder for me to focus, especially when no words come out of his mouth.

“Christ.” I fill the silence. “I… I… God, you’re beautiful.”

Reed barks out an awkward laugh before stepping inside and moving me out of the way so he can close the door. “Beautiful isn't exactly what I was going for.”

He relaxes when we’re alone and it snaps me out of my stupor. “What were you going for? I’ve got options. Hot, dashing, sex on legs, bangable, delicious, drool worthy, panty melting—”

“I get it. I look good.”

“Good is not the word I would use.” If he wasn’t Reed, I’d be dragging him into my bedroom and screwing before our car arrived. But since he is, I’ll settle for perving all night. “Anyway, sorry about that. How are you?”

“I’m pissed, if I’m honest. You stole my moment.”

“Your moment?” I stare at him confused. “What—”

He steps forward, securing his hands on my waist, the little gesture setting my skin on fire. “You are beyond breathtaking, Hayls. You…this dress… I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more striking. But you never gave me a chance to tell you that.”

Emotion catches in my throat, and I ignore the way my heart flutters. “Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?” My voice cracks before I subtly clear it. “I told you. This will only work if we’re friends.”

Reed rolls his eyes before stepping back, hitting me with a genuine grin. “If you’re falling in love with me, that’s on you. I’m just being honest.”

“Thank you.” I give a little shrug and gaze over him from head to toe again. “We make an attractive couple, don’t we?”

Reed’s laughter fills the air before he grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug. “We sure do, Hayls.” He kisses my hair. “How long before we have to leave?”

“Oh.” I remember the flowers. “We have a few minutes. Any chance you want to take your gorgeous tux-clad body back down to the lobby? Someone sent me flowers.”

“Flowers?” His eyes widen and I giggle when he curses under his breath. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“You’re already coming as my date. You don’t have to do anything else.”

“So you don’t want the congratulatory gift I got you?”

“What?” My eyes flash to his empty hands, and then his bag on the floor. “Of course I freaking do. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.”

“You’ll have to wait until I get back.” He turns to walk away but I dart forward, curling my fingers around his wrist.

“ Reed . You know I hate—”

He turns back with a smirk, simultaneously pulling a small box from his pocket, cutting me off as he holds it out. “Open it now if you must. I’ll be back with your flowers.” Placing the box in my hand, he winks before he disappears, leaving me staring in shock until the door clicks shut.

“Dammit, Reed,” I yell, hoping he’ll hear me. “I’ll wait.”

And wait I do.

He’s barely been gone for five minutes but it feels like a lifetime as the box burns a hole in my hand. Is it jewellery? Or something else? And what does it mean?

The door opens and Reed steps in with an obnoxiously big bouquet of flowers. Actually, you can’t call it a bouquet; it’s more like a bucket. With a floral arrangement so big, I can’t see his face.

“What in the world?”

“I’m wondering the same thing, Hayls. It weighs a ton.”

He brushes past me, placing it on the kitchen counter with a thud before handing me the note. “From your secret admirer?” he questions jokingly and I want to laugh, but a sinking feeling settles in my stomach, making me grip the note tightly.

If he’d asked me that a few weeks back, I wouldn’t have flinched. Hell, I’d have been proud of that notion. But lately, things have changed and I constantly feel like someone’s watching me—outside my apartment building…at New Year’s… I’m probably imagining it, but still.

“I’m sure it’s from the studio,” I say with a smile before hesitantly dragging a finger through the seal, holding my breath.

Hayley, Congratulations on the premiere of Jaded Beginnings .

I wish you every bit of happiness and can’t wait to see you in your beautiful dress.

I know you already have a date, but if you knew who I was, I have no doubt I’d be the one by your side.

We’d make the perfect couple. We will make the perfect couple.

It’s only a matter of time. I’ll be seeing you. Your secret admirer x

I work hard to keep a straight face but when I glance up, Reed’s creased brow suggests that I failed.

“Who sent them, Hayls?” I cringe at his curt tone.

“Um. A secret admirer.” My nose scrunches as his jaw drops.

“I was joking . How do they have your address?”

“I don’t know. I’m guessing he either lives in the building or nearby. He’s probably seen me walking in. The letters are never addressed. They’re hand delivered. He doesn’t know my apartment number and—”

“He? Letters? This isn’t the first?”

Dammit. “This is the first that’s made me uncomfortable. The rest were fine. Nice even.”

“What does this one say?”

Reed steps forward, beckoning for the letter. There’s a fire in his eyes that makes me almost say no. But I can’t keep this from him, not now that he knows.

Cringing again, I gently place the letter into his outstretched hand before squeezing my eyes shut, waiting for his reaction.

“The fuck.”

“I know.”

“And you have no idea who this is?”

“No.” I finally open my eyes when Reed falls quiet, his tense gaze locked on the letter, his jaw rigid, his free hand clenched by his side.

It’s a beat before he looks up, and when our eyes lock, he sighs. “How many has he sent?”

“This is the third.”

“That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Like what?”

“Anyone lurking around or following you?”

“ What ? No.” Maybe. I don’t know; I could be crazy. “I don’t think there’s been anything else.”

“You don’t think?” Reed shakes his head, tossing the letter onto the counter, his expression pained.

“I know . There’s been nothing specific. And I promise this is the first letter that’s had me concerned.”

He nods, pulling me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Hayls. I just worry about you.”

“I know.”

“And I think you should tell someone.”

“It’s harmless .” And I’ll bet other celebrities have had way worse than this. The police would laugh me off.

“Harmless?” Reed growls. “He’s clearly infatuated with you.”

“That’s my job. That’s how I want people to feel.”

“Hayley.”

“I promise. I’ll look after myself.”

“You won’t have to. I’m not leaving your side tonight.” As if proving his point, he settles beside me and fakes a smile, making me pout.

“I’m okay with you gluing yourself to me. But Reed…this is supposed to be a fun night. Can we rewind? I haven’t even opened my gift.”

Reed’s entire demeanor changes as his shoulders fall. “Yes. I’m sorry. I’ll put protective Reed away.”