Page 47 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Reed

A fter the Australian football was put away, a group of young kids nearby kindly tossed us a proper football—not that I would ever say that out loud to Hayley.

We messed around with our new friends, teaching them some skills, having a friendly game until it was time for them to leave. And while I was more in my element, I’ve got to admit, watching Hayley shine with her Australian rules skills was something to behold.

When we all get hungry, Dylan and Thomas head off to grab burgers and I settle on the sand, watching Hayley as she chats animatedly with the girls, dancing around as she reenacts one of her football moves. I’m about to join their conversation when Luke calls out, drawing our attention.

“Rookie!” He waves obnoxiously to Landon as he jogs along the beach.

Landon’s eyes widen as he slows, scanning our group, shocked to find us all there. But when his eyes settle on me, he smiles.

“Come on over.” Luke beckons him to join us, before jogging to his side, leaving him with no room to say no. “I didn’t know you lived out this way, Rookie,” he continues, bringing Landon over to our group. “You just missed a friendly game, but I’m sure we’ll play again soon. Right, Reed?”

“It’s highly likely. How are you, Landon?” I make a point of using his name, and Luke grimaces.

“Sorry, Landon . It’s a habit. I still call Zane Rookie sometimes.”

After rolling my eyes at Luke, I jump up and introduce Landon to the girls, minus Keeley and Hayley who he already knows, and when Dylan and Thomas get back, we settle into a more relaxing afternoon, chatting and laughing, catching up on the last couple of weeks.

The time flies and we’re all peaceful until Keeley notices a photographer. “All right, guys, up off your asses. It’s time for some good publicity. There’s been too much negativity surrounding the team.”

“It's the offseason, Keels.” Easton groans, and that groan intensifies when Paige and Isaac get to their feet.

“We’re ready, aren’t we, Isaac?” Paige says, giving him a smile.

“Yep. Come on, Dad.” Isaac grabs Easton’s hands and pulls him up to stand easily—with Easton’s help—and I can’t help but grin. He’s so different around Isaac. It’s nice to see them together now that his ex is out of the picture.

“I’m in.” I jump up, dusting off my ass before grabbing Hayley’s hand. “And so is Hayls.” I don’t have to consult her to know that I’m right. She’s always up for a bit of fun.

“I think we should have another game of Australian Rules,” Hayley says, trying to hide the excitement in her tone. “God knows you all need the practice. I’ll captain one team and Reed will captain the other.” She stands tall, her arms folded over her chest, and Luke scoffs.

“This isn’t Survivor , Hayls. Why do you look so serious right now?”

“I’m ready to kick some butt.”

“Righty oh. I’m on Hayley’s team,” Luke announces, rushing to join her.

I huff out a laugh and turn to Landon as he subtly backs away. “Landon, you have to stay, at least to watch some of us make fools of ourselves.”

“He’s referring to himself, Landon.” Luke raises an eyebrow, his eyes bouncing between mine and Landon’s, making sure I note his use of Landon’s name. Progress .

Landon laughs and I consider it a win. “I’m in. But I have never played Aussie Rules before.”

“The fact that you called it Aussie Rules already makes you a winner.” Hayley smiles warmly and Landon visibly relaxes, setting off a chain reaction when Thomas nods my way.

He must really be worried about Landon fitting in.

Well, Thomas, I’m trying . “And because of that, Landon, you’re on my team,” Hayley continues, subtly winking my way.

I fake annoyance. “How have you had two picks already? I’ve got Amelia then. And Dylan.” I fold my arms over my chest to mimic Hayley’s stance and she giggles.

“Since Summer’s not here,”—Keeley steps forward, raising her hand—“I’ll be Dylan’s stand-in girlfriend. So that means I’m on Hayley and Luke’s team. I can see the way you’re splitting the group up.”

Hayley beams proudly while the others laugh and we split into teams, with Hayley’s squad having Luke, Paige, Landon, and Keeley, while I have Easton and Isaac, Dylan, Amelia, and Lainey. Thomas opted to be an umpire to keep the teams even.

Thomas starts the game, and within seconds, Dylan’s tackling Luke to the sand—payback for his previous screamer, or specky as Hayley called it—and it lights a fire in us all.

There’s laughter, fake tears, screaming, cheering from the sidelines, and a hell of a lot of fun being had. All while Keeley smiles in satisfaction, knowing the photographer is securing gold.

She’s right. We need some good publicity.

Although, now that I think about it, he’s probably been here for hours, since we haven’t exactly been subtle. Who knows—maybe he got all of this before.

Dylan kicks the ball to Easton and he lifts Isaac into the air to catch it. But when he tries to pass it to Lainey, Luke intercepts before kicking our version of a goal. Hayley cheerfully gloats and an idea comes to my mind.

We’re here together because of a role she wants in an upcoming movie. Her audition went well, but I need to make sure she gets the part. The producers wanted a relationship type. Well, according to the world, we’re in a relationship, so I’m taking advantage. Some would say I’m playing my part.

“What’s the score again, Cap?” she asks as she turns my way, raising a finger to her lip as though lost in thought.

“I think it’s three to one,” I reply, my lips curling into a smirk. “But team Jackman has an unfair advantage, and it’s time we changed that.”

“What?”

“Let’s see how well they play without an Australian in the mix.”

Hayley’s lips quirk before panic takes over—perhaps noticing the mischief in my eyes. She turns to run, but I’m faster, catching her in seconds, throwing her over my shoulder, laughing when she squeals. “What are you doing?”

“Something I should have done weeks ago.”

“What? Lose your mind?”

“Maybe.”

“Dylan!” I call over my shoulder, patting Hayley’s ass. “It’s your turn to shine.”

Laughter follows us as I run toward the water, fully clothed, with Hayley arguing in protest. “Don’t even think about it, Reed. I know where you’re headed.”

I’m not actually going to throw her in, since the water is likely to be freezing, but a little teasing never hurt anyone.

I squeeze her ass again. “I thought this would be right up your alley. What happened to you being my wildcat?” She wriggles and I grin. “Trust me, it’s going to be worth it. It’s time we put on a show. Audiences will be eating out of the palm of your hand.”

I cringe when my feet hit the water, but it’s too late now.

I'm committed and I’m not giving in. When I’m knee deep and shivering, I pretend to toss Hayley into the waves but catch her in my arms, lifting her before her feet get wet.

Whether instinctively or from panic, she wraps her legs around my waist and frowns adorably as her hair blows across her flushed cheeks. “Reed, what are—”

I’m so struck by how beautiful she is that I can’t stop myself from slamming my lips to hers, cutting her off mid-rant, the weight of my feelings crushing my chest as she melts into me.

But it’s so fucking worth it.

She plays with my hair as my lips caress hers, her legs tightening around me while I hold her up, the waves crashing against my calves.

I rock involuntarily and her lips part in a gasp, making me desperate to seek out her tongue, but once again knowing that’s exactly why I shouldn’t.

With one hand secured underneath her, I cup her cheek with the other, working her mouth until she pulls back, gasping for air.

“That was some kiss, Boyfriend.”

“Only the best for my girl.”

“Then why no tongue?”

“I’m saving that until you beg.”

Her eyes widen, but before she gets the chance to respond, the mother of all waves hits us out of nowhere, and nothing I do can shield us from the attack.

“Jesus Christ,” I bellow as Hayley squeals, the water soaking us both, the cold instantly seeping through to my bones. “Time to get out.” I shake, my voice a little higher than usual.

Hayley’s laughter fills the air as I spin around and hightail it out of the water. When we’ve made it to the sand, she tries to wriggle free, but I shake my head and growl, carrying her in my arms as I jog back to our friends, cursing when the wind hits my wet clothes.

“Jesus.” Hayley crosses her arms over her breasts. “My clothes are drenched and I didn’t bring any extras.”

“I brought a towel.”

“Thank you. But I’m going to need your jumper too. It’s bigger than mine and I need something to cover my ass.”

“You need what?” I smirk and she rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

“Your sweatshirt , smartass.”

Amelia has a towel ready when we get back, wrapping it around Hayley as I frown at the guys. “Where’s my teamwork?”

“You should have thought of that before you tried to drown Hayley,” Luke jokes, making me chuckle as my body trembles.

Being the nice guy that I am, I toss Hayley my sweatshirt and grab my towel, getting dry and redressed in record time. Unlike Hayley, I did bring a change of clothes—you never know when you might get wet—but I do miss the warmth of my “jumper.”

When I’m done, my eyes lock on Hayley as she twists her wet hair on top of her head, my sweatshirt riding up to show off her skimpy black panties, the cheeks of her ass on display.

Glancing over her shoulder, she finds me watching and shakes her booty. “Enough with the distractions,” I playfully scold. “You’re going to get me in trouble one day.” I chuckle at my own joke as someone lets out a strangled cough from behind me.

Landon cringes when I turn his way, apologizing under his breath, clearly embarrassed at getting caught staring at my girl.

I smile before putting him out of his misery. He’s not the only one. “No harm done. You can look but don’t touch.”

His face reddens as he shakes his head. “It’s not that. It’s…ah…she’s really famous, huh?” He whispers the last part and I chuckle again.

“She is, but she’s still the same Hayley. Nothing has changed since I first introduced you.” And something tells me it never will. She’s a genuine soul like that.

Landon nods, his eyes flashing to Hayley as she comes sashaying over, but when his gaze locks on Keeley, his attention drifts, making me laugh. I should warn him he doesn’t stand a chance, but like all our newer teammates, he can learn the hard way.

“I like this sweatshirt ,” Hayley teases as she reaches me, pronouncing the word sweatshirt pointedly. “I think I’m going to keep it.”

“It looks better on you,” I say honestly, letting my eyes linger where it hits her high on the legs. “Consider it yours.”

H ayley’s talking to her agent on the short drive back to my house, and when we arrive, she’s still shivering. The tiniest shred of guilt settles in my chest until I remember her happiness after. Though I don’t want her to be cold.

As she finishes her call, I run her a hot bath, laying out a towel and a fresh change of clothes.

I’m turning the tap off when she calls out, her voice getting louder as she approaches, seeking me out. “Reed?”

“In here.”

She follows the sound of my voice and gasps when she steps through the door, her eyes on the steamy water. “Please tell me this is for me.”

“Of course it is. It’s only fair considering it’s my fault you’re cold.”

Her eyes shift my way, her gaze raking over my body as she shivers again. “It’s your fault I’m hot too. What are you doing about that?”

My mind runs wild with images I have no business conjuring. “Get in the bath, Hayls.”

“Are you coming in?” Her blue eyes darken as a fire ignites, and I swallow a lump in my throat.

“Nope.” Bad idea. “I’ll have a quick shower and get us something to eat.” I turn to leave, hoping to get away before she strips out of her clothes, but she grabs my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.

“Get in the bath, Reed. I need you. And I need it now.”