Page 34 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)
“God, no. Don’t do that. He’s hot. Just keep him on a leash.”
Reed’s lips quirk into a delicious smirk and my heart races. “You’re lucky I don’t keep you on a leash.” His gravelly voice travels straight to my core. “Behave tonight, yeah?” he continues. “Don’t stray too far.”
Jesus Christ . I balk, my eyes wide, biting my lip as I ignore the ache between my legs. After that comment, and visual…how could I walk away?
Reed sighs with a breathy laugh before massaging his temples. “You are going to be the death of me, Hayls.”
“What?” I smirk. “I didn’t say a word.”
“You didn’t have to. Now it’s present time. Open it up.”
I stare down at the box as a nervous energy runs through me. With a tight chest and soft smile, I open it slowly, hesitating until I see what it is and burst out laughing.
“Is this chocolate?”
“It sure is.”
He got me a chocolate Academy Award statue. “How?”
“I know a guy.”
“That makes chocolate? Why didn’t you tell me that sooner? Is he single? Good-looking?”
“He’s seventy-six but he’s pretty attractive for his age. Some would say he’s a silver fox.”
I laugh harder, pulling Reed into a hug, squeezing him tightly. “You’re freaking awesome. You know that, right?”
“I do now.” He winks and all I can do is shake my head. Who is this man and how is he still single?
Oh, right… He’s in love with his best friend.
Before we leave, Reed suggests tossing the flowers, and while they’re incredibly pretty, I wholeheartedly agree, only I can’t bear to see them go to waste, asking him to leave them in the hallway instead, in case someone else wants them.
I touch up my lipgloss as I wait, and just as he gets back, Henry buzzes me again, letting me know our car has arrived.
It's go time. The moment we’ve all been waiting for.
The star-studded event of a lifetime. And I’m nauseous.
“I should have had a shot,” I tell Reed as he helps me into the car and settles in beside me.
“What if they hate it? God, what if it’s terrible?
I’ll be there. In the room. With all of them judging me. ”
As the car starts to move, Reed grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers before rubbing his thumb slowly across my skin. “They’re going to love it, Hayls. They’re going to love you, and we’re going to have an amazing night.”
I stare up at him, drinking him in as he smiles. “How do you know?”
“Because it’s you . You were born for this moment. You’re already a star, and have been for a long time. You’re just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.”
My heart jolts as his beautiful eyes bore into my soul, begging me to see myself the way he does, and I do. How could I not?
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice caught in my throat.
“What for? I was just being honest.”
“I know, but you have a way of calming me more than anyone else ever has. I’m grateful you’re coming with me tonight.
I have no idea what to expect. For all I know they might drag me away for press commitments or whatnot.
But whatever happens, I’ll be thinking of you and grateful to know that you’re there. ”
“You don’t have to thank me for that. I’m here for anything you need. And I’m sure I’ll be able to entertain myself. Anyone important that you want me to schmooze?”
“Schmooze?” I question, and a little of the tension leaves my shoulders, allowing me to relax into my seat.
“Yeah. I want to spread the word of your greatness, make sure you’re at the forefront of everyone’s mind. By the end of the night, Australia’s sweetheart will be back, even if you’re a badass on the screen. I’m going to have them crazy over you.”
I hit him with my sassiest smile, though I’m certain he’s not joking. “Don’t work too hard. You need to enjoy yourself.”
“I know. I will.”
Our car comes to a halt in traffic and I jolt forward.
Despite wearing a seatbelt, Reed shoots his hand out to protect me and my heart races.
“God, you’re a good guy.” I shake my head with a smile.
“Why can’t this be real?” I’m messing around as usual, but as I say the words, it doesn’t feel like I’m joking.
Reed laughs anyway. “What are you talking about, Baby? This is real.” He stares at me pointedly before his eyes flash to our driver and I burst out laughing.
“Thank you for being the best boyfriend ever.”
“As always, anytime.”
We’re on the same street as the theatre but it takes us another thirty-five minutes before we come to a stop out front, and in that time, my nerves return tenfold.
I’m about to tell the driver to make another lap of the block when Reed pulls a little bottle from his jacket pocket, smiling when my eyes light up.
“I had this in case of emergencies. Just to calm the nerves.”
“Oh my God, I love you.” I throw my arms around his neck, careful to keep my body away from him so I don’t mess up the tape stopping my nipples from making an appearance. “Thank you.” I press my lips to his in a chaste kiss. “You’re a lifesaver.”
Reed chuckles as he hands over the single shot of vodka before getting out of the car and walking around to meet me. I down the liquid courage as soon as he’s gone, letting the warmth work its way through my body.
It doesn’t instantly help me, and I’m still nervous when the door opens on my side, but when Reed reaches for my hand, intertwining our fingers again after helping me out, a calm takes over my mind and it finally hits me… It’s not the alcohol I need. It’s Reed.