Page 49 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

She jolts, struggling to catch her breath as another orgasm consumes her, her body bucking uncontrollably until I pull back, gently holding her waist, keeping her still as I lightly caress her flushed skin. “I’ve got you, Hayls. I’ve got you.”

Her movements slow as her breathing calms, and when she’s finally still, I lift her again, carrying her over to the bath, holding her on the edge as I add more hot water, checking the temperature before I lower her in.

With my shorts still on, I climb in behind her and pull her in close, wrapping my arms around her stomach.

She moans as she shifts back, wriggling against my cock, and I silently groan as it twitches.

Needing a distraction, I grab the body wash—one of those exotic types that smells like coconut and island breezes—pumping the liquid onto my hands. Without thinking of the consequences, I massage the soap into her skin, coating her thighs, her arms, her stomach, careful not to touch her breasts.

She moans again, resting her head on my shoulder, and as she closes her eyes, a soft sigh escapes her.

I hold my breath, staring down at her, acutely aware that this might just be the worst idea I’ve ever had. I should have fucked her, because this is far more intimate than that would have been. And I don’t need that right now.

My heart jolts and I hate myself for wanting this more than I should. For wanting her more than I should…and fuck…

I shouldn’t be touching her. I’m taking advantage and—

“You really are trying to make me fall in love with you, aren’t you?” Hayley’s tranquil whisper cuts into my thoughts and I chuckle to hide my true feelings.

“I don’t have to try.” I laugh again. “Is it working?”

She hums under her breath, and I swear she whispers “more than it should” but then again, maybe I’m hearing what I want to hear.

We fall silent for a beat, and I let myself take in the moment, closing my eyes to imagine a different life—a life where this is real—where I finally get the girl. But the water sloshes, snapping me out of it as Hayley spins around.

“I’m ready to return the favor.” She bounces her eyebrows, her exaggerated grin eliciting a nervous tremble which I cover with a smile.

“Nah, tonight was about you.” I squeeze her hand, my gaze locked firmly on her face. “But don’t worry, my turn will come.” I hate that I’m lying, but we can’t do this again. It’s not right when I’m feeling this way.

“Are you sure?” Hayley crinkles her nose, making me smile again as I rub the little crease between her brows.

“I’m sure. So you better be ready for me.” I wink, an uncomfortable feeling settling in my chest. What the fuck am I doing?

We don’t stay in the bath too much longer, and after we dry off, Hayley suggests a movie night since it’s only just gotten dark. And that works for me because I’m not ready for her to leave. I want to soak up these moments as much as I can because before too long, they’ll be gone.

She picks a comedy I’ve never seen and I try to get into it, but I can’t concentrate, my mind whirring while Hayley’s amused giggles echo beside me, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil. Or perhaps, pretending she has no idea just like I suspect Bria always did.

Either way, she’s content, and while I love that for her, I’m going crazy.

As though her body clock aligns with the movie, Hayley yawns as soon as the end credits roll and we hit that awkward part of the night. “You’re welcome to stay here…” I begin but quickly add, “or I can drive you home.” I want her to stay, always. But the choice is hers.

“You don’t need to drive me. I can Uber or—”

“Or what?” I cut her off. “Hitchhike? I’ll drive you.”

“Fine. Then I’ll stay.” She quirks her lips as she playfully rolls her eyes.

“Good. You take the bed; I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“What? You slept on the couch last time I stayed over. Don’t you have a spare room…or two?”

“I do. I actually have three. But it’s been a while since I had guests over and I can’t be bothered—”

“Looks like you’re sleeping next to me then,” she cuts in, her grin playful. “You’d refuse to screw me even if I was naked and begging, so it’s safe to say I can trust you.” I cringe and she laughs. “What? It’s true.”

She stares me down in challenge and I relent, nodding. “I’ll sleep on the bed.”

“Good, it’s settled. I like the left side.” She grabs my hand and drags me toward my bedroom while I swallow a lump in my throat, obediently following her.

“Good thing I prefer the right.”

M y phone vibrates across the floor, bringing me out of a dream to see that I’m wrapped around Hayley, my palm dangerously close to her breasts. I draw in a shallow breath and hold it, then carefully extract myself, refusing to enjoy it, even for a second.

Grabbing my phone, I sit up to check the time, my eyes widening to find that it’s ten.

I never sleep that late.

Hayley softly moans as she seeks me out in her sleep and I still my body, careful not to wake her. She settles again and I relax, checking the notification that woke me.

Luke: You sure put on a show yesterday, Reed, my man. Amelia wants to know if it’s real?

Reed: Still fake

In theory. In reality, it’s way beyond that on my end. No matter how hard I try to fight it.

Reed: I did all that for the cameras

Sort of. Maybe. At least, most of it was.

Luke: Well it worked. Check out the gossip guru in The Hollywood Blaze

Without responding, I do a search on Hayley’s name, assuming the article is about her, and immediately find what I’m looking for.

Has Hayley Jackman found her Prince Charming? Maybe she is the right choice for the role of Cynthia in the new Tristan Klines romantic drama. Only time will tell but this reporter is on her side.

Thank fuck.

It’s all working out the way we planned. Hayley’s going to get the part and all will be good in the world.

So why does my chest ache? And does that mean it’s almost over?

Because, hell, I don’t want to let her go.