Page 51 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

F or the next few weeks, Reed and I act as though nothing has changed, neither of us bringing up our approaching end date. And with my stalker, or overzealous fan, seemingly giving up since we went to the police, life is good.

With my days spent at the studio and my nights with Reed, you’d think I had it all. But I don’t. It feels like it’s all about to slip away.

Script in hand for our final readthrough, I find my place at the reading table and sit down, taking in the nervous energy filling the room.

The Reckless Desire filming schedule comes out today, and while that should be an exciting time, it signifies the beginning of the end of our relationship, and I’m not ready to fake a breakup with Reed yet.

I need more time.

“I know we’ve been keeping you all in suspense,” our production manager says as we quieten down. “But I’m excited to announce that we have our William.”

About time.

My co-star, Brooklyn, subtly glances my way, her smile trapped between her teeth.

Reckless Desire is an emotional romance that follows the relationship between Cynthia and Matteo across a decade of time.

William is the antagonist, and they’ve been struggling to find the right actor for the job.

He needs brotherly chemistry with the character Matteo, and while I personally love my Aussie co-star, Aiden can be difficult to work with if you don’t meet his vibe.

And apparently, everyone before now has failed, almost delaying production.

“Can you please extend a warm welcome to Cameron Walker.”

Cameron walks in and I let out a squeal, jumping up to rush over, throwing my hands around his neck. He played an angel in Jaded Beginnings , and while he was only a minor role and didn’t join us on the promotional tour, we got along well during filming.

“Congratulations.” I smile wide as I step out of the hug. “I’m so relieved that it’s you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. It’s always nice to see a familiar face.”

Cameron smiles before introducing himself around, shooting me a wink as he sits down.

Our readthrough goes smoothly, and the next thing you know, they’re handing us the filming schedule before it’s time to leave. The room stills as everyone falls silent, and when I read page two, my stomach knots.

“Six weeks in Texas?” Brooklyn rushes out, her eyes wide, expressing the shock that I feel. “I thought it was only two?”

Our production manager frowns, his nose scrunching as he delivers the news. “The studio decided it would be more authentic if we filmed the bulk of the movie in Texas.” Well, obviously, since it’s set there, but still… “You’ll all be accommodated and receive great bonuses.”

“Can they do that?” Brooklyn whispers to herself.

“I think they just did.”

I call my agent on the way home, and she reluctantly admits that she knew the extended travel was in the cards. One of the producers mentioned it when they negotiated my contract, but she didn't think it would worry me. I’ve always said I'd travel. And she got me more money because of it.

And in turn, more money for her .

I can’t really blame her. She’s not wrong. I did say I’d be happy to travel, but that was then. Now, I feel differently.

Now I’ve got Reed.

When I get off the phone, I redirect my Uber to Reed’s place, hoping he’s home, and when I find his truck in the drive, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Hey, you. Come in.” He smiles, welcoming me inside, not even questioning my appearance when I open the door without knocking.

Without giving a response, I beeline for his living room, falling onto the couch with a dramatic huff, only then telling him my problems. “I’m filming in Texas.” I groan as he sits down opposite me, making him chuckle.

“Hey, Baby. How was your day? I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I roll my eyes, ignoring the way my heart flutters when he plays pretend and we’re not in public. “That’s why I’m pouting.” Since it’s still the offseason, we’ve been seeing each other most days. It’s going to feel strange not spending time with him.

“What are you worried about? You knew you were filming in Texas. What’s changed?”

“The timing. I’ll be gone for at least a month and a half now.”

Reed’s eyes widen but he quickly schools his features before assessing my reaction, seemingly working out what I’m trying to say. “You’re going to miss me?” He plays down my feelings, a smile lighting up his face.

“I am.” I pout again. “I’ve kind of gotten used to having you around.”

“Yeah. It sucks to be you.”

“Shut up.” I throw a cushion at his face. “You’re going to miss me too.”

“When do you leave?” he asks, and while he doesn’t respond to my remark, I don’t miss the way the light dims in his eyes.

“Mid-June.” I cringe. “I’ll be gone for your parents’ birthdays.”

“That’s alright. They’ll understand. And that timing isn’t so bad.” He surprises me by smiling wide, his lips comically stilted. “I’ll be busy with preseason by then. I won’t even remember your name.” He laughs at his joke but I call him out on the lie.

“Preseason starts in July.”

“Officially, yes, but we start training together in June.”

“Okay, good. So what you’re saying is that I wouldn’t get to see you that often anyway.”

“Exactly.”

I’m not sure which one of us needs more reassurance, but an emptiness overwhelms me, and I panic at how little time I have left before everything changes. Again. “We should probably break up soon then, right? We could blame my upcoming travel, the long distance, and—”

“No.” Reed’s quick to cut me off.

“No?”

“No. Our relationship is too strong for that. We’d definitely try and make it work.”

He folds his arms over his chest and I bite back a smile, loving the seriousness in his expression. But when he winks, I grin. “You’re right. We would do that. Should we also stage a big dramatic airport scene? I’ve always wanted to do that.”

“Definitely. Can there be tears?”

“From you?” My eyes widen before he scoffs.

“Hell, no. From you . I’d be disappointed if there weren’t any, considering you’re constantly bragging about your ability to cry on cue.”

“I told you that once .”

“Me, yes. But I’ve heard you tell plenty of others.”

Dammit . He’s right. I do brag about that often. It’s my party trick. But still, how dare he call me out?

“You know what? No tears for you.” I waggle my finger. “You don’t deserve it.”

“We’ll see.” He bounces his eyebrows and I smile wide, keeping things light while inside I’m struggling. But of course, Reed, being the intuitive and caring guy that he is, notices.

“What are you really worried about?” he asks, leaning forward to grab my hand, running his thumb back and forth across my skin. “You’re not yourself at the moment.”

“I wasn’t lying.” My smile softens as I stare into his eyes. “I’m really going to miss you.”

And I’m a little terrified about what the future will bring.

I n the lead-up to my filming in Texas, Reed and I keep up the happy couple charade, parading ourselves around whenever we can, showing the world how solid we are, smiling for photographers, signing autographs, waving while out on romantic adventures.

Presenting ourselves as the golden couple they want us to be.

And the media love it. Just like Reed said… they’re eating it up.

Hollywood’s newest IT couple, Reed Coombs and Hayley Jackman, spotted on a romantic night out in the Marina District.

Are wedding bells in the cards for NFL star Reed Coombs and Hollywood starlet Hayley Jackman? Sources say Coombs was seen holding a distinct turquoise blue bag. And you know what that means.

Leading lady Hayley Jackman shines in her first photo as Cynthia Rose, looking every bit the part of America’s sweetheart.

It’s all going to plan except for one teeny-tiny minute change in our relationship—Reed hasn’t touched me since I got the part.

Since the bath incident. Since the moment he romantically washed me while his obvious erection pressed into my back.

It’s as though an unspoken agreement took place to keep things platonic between us after taking it too far.

So while in public we are still very much a couple, behind the scenes, it’s all about the friendship.

And I’ve got to say, he may be on to something because it’s never been better.

Which I’m sure is why as he stands before me, staging our dramatic airport goodbye, the tears in my eyes are real.

“I don’t want to go,” I say honestly, dropping my forehead to his chest, as emotion overwhelms me. “I’m excited for the experience, but God, I’m going to miss you.”

Reed chuckles as though I’m joking, grabbing my face in his hands, lifting my head until our eyes meet. “We’ll talk every day. And you’ll be so busy, you’ll barely notice we’re apart. As will I.”

I bite my lip as I nod, standing tall, while inside I’m barely keeping my emotions in check. “You’re right. Filming in the studio will be nothing compared to my Texas schedule. I have night shoots, early mornings, and multiple locations. We wouldn’t have time to see each other anyway.”

“Exactly, and before you know it, you’ll be back.”

“And we’ll be breaking up.” I whisper the last part and Reed frowns.

“That’s the plan, but let’s take it one step at a time.”

Someone rushes past us, lightly bumping my shoulder, and it pulls my attention. I check my phone, cursing when I see that it’s almost time for me to leave.

Reed must have noticed the same because the mood shifts between us, a somber energy replacing the fun. “This is it. Our big moment.”

He pulls me into his hold, wrapping his arms around me while I snuggle into him, reluctant to let go. And the second I breathe him in, the tears fall.

“Hey, now.” He pulls back and gently brushes his thumb under my eyes, catching the drops. “You really can cry on cue?”

I nod by way of answer, because if I told him that’s what I’m doing, I’d be lying. There’s nothing fake about it.

Movement catches my eye, but when I glance in that direction there’s nobody there. Seems like my brain will conjure anything to focus on something other than the heartache I’m feeling

Reed blows out a breath, his gaze flashing toward security. “I better let you go though.”

I nod again, unable to speak.

“Call me when you land?”

Another nod.

Grabbing my bag, I squeeze his hand and study his features, committing them to memory, and when I finally turn away, I internally curse myself.

What am I doing? I left my friends and family back in Australia with no immediate plans to see them again, and not a single tear fell.

I’ll be seeing Reed again in a month and a half—this isn’t a big deal.

I’m acting crazy.

“See ya, Hayls,” Reed calls out. “Talk soon.”

I wave over my shoulder as more tears prick my eyes, taking a deep breath to calm them. I can do this. I can do this. I can—

“Hayls, wait.”

I spin to find Reed jogging toward me, but before I can question him, he’s cupping my face in his hands and slamming his mouth to mine.

My lips part as I startle, but when my brain catches up, I curl my fingers into his shirt, pulling him close and holding on for dear life, meeting his fervour.

With his thumbs under my chin, Reed tilts my head to deepen the kiss, and my heart pounds as his name escapes my lips.

“Reed.”

He groans in the back of his throat, his hands sinking into my hair, his tongue seeking entry. And for the first time, I pour everything I have into the kiss, molding my mouth with his, tasting him, savouring it all as though this is the last time our lips are ever going to touch.

And maybe it is.

Reed’s hand falls to my back, and he pulls me in closer, bending slightly until we’re flush. My knees go weak and my pulse spikes, but it’s not until my entire body heats that I realise I’m screwed.

I’m not feeling this way because we’re friends. I’m falling in love with him.

In fact, I’d say I’ve been falling for a while now.

All while he’s in denial about loving somebody else.