Page 53 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

M y shoulders sag after another emotional day on set, but I smile through the pain, accepting the praise from my fellow actors and offering the same in return.

With my movements slow, I get out of my costume and take my time walking back to my trailer, finding Cameron waiting for me on the step, his arms wide for a hug.

“Bring it in.” He stands as I approach. “After that effort, you need some comfort.”

He’s right, I do, but he’s not the one I want it from. My mind drifts to Reed as I smile. “You’re not wrong. And even though I’ve read the book and knew the emotion behind the role, God, is it taxing.”

Cam nods in understanding. “For what it’s worth, you’re doing an amazing job.”

“Thank you. And thanks for waiting. But I have a call to make.”

Cam’s eyes bulge but he shakes it off and seems to force a smile. “Of course. I’ll see you later, yeah?”

“Not tonight. I’m going to have a quiet one. I’ll see you on set tomorrow afternoon.”

Cameron nods a few times before widening his grin.

It would be easy to believe he was happy, if I hadn’t missed the way said smile morphs into a frown as he turns away.

He’s been there for me since day one of filming, always smiling, always offering to make me feel better, and I’ve barely given him anything in return.

Guilt hits me as he walks away, but I don’t let it linger. I need Reed. It’s a need, not a want, this time for emotional reasons.

I need to hear his voice.

When I’m settled in my trailer, I bring up his number but pause before calling.

At first we were speaking daily, and then every other day, but for the last week, we’ve only spoken once, and that’s on me.

The last time he called, I kept getting interrupted and offered to call back at a better time, but a better time never came.

Until now.

We’ve texted, but it’s not the same.

And I’m praying he answers.

Taking a deep breath, I click on his name and wait.

“Are you magic?” he asks as he answers, an awe in his tone that has me giggling. Only Reed could completely calm me with barely any words.

“I don’t think so. Why?”

“Because you called the exact second I needed you.”

My smile fades and I sit up, curling my knees beneath me. His parents’ birthdays . Goddammit. I forgot.

“What happened? Was it awful?” I can’t believe I never called him to check in. “I should have called yesterday.”

“Why? You’re calling now. And it actually went well. It was wonderful seeing them again. Laughing with them. My mom’s smile never left her face.”

“That’s great, but…” There has to be a but.

“But I had to leave. And you’d swear I was taking their happiness with me. Robbing them of everything they had.”

“Oh, Reed.”

“I’m okay, I promise. That’s not why I wanted to talk. At least, not the only reason.”

“God, what else was I not there for?” Why am I in Texas?

Reed chuckles and the sound of it runs through me. I never imagined I’d miss that sound, but God, I love his laugh.

“You’re where you should be, Hayls. Exactly where you should be. I just miss you.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. But it’s not long now—”

“I wish you were here,” I cut in, the words flying out of my mouth.

“I wish you were here, right now, sitting next to me instead of on the other end of the line. And not just today. I’ve imagined opening my door to you so many times…

” I trail off and when silence fills the air, I panic.

Did I say the wrong thing? Too much? “Reed, I—”

“Fuck, I want that too.” He sighs and…thank God.

I release a breath and smile. “Like you said. Not long now. I—”

“Wait.” He cuts me off before pausing for a second, and I swear he says “fuck it” under his breath. “I’m coming to Texas.”

“ What ?” My eyes widen in disbelief. “Don’t you have preseason training and practice?”

“It’s not official yet. Training camp doesn’t start for another couple of weeks. I can spare the weekend. I’ve been killing it in the gym. Working my ass off. My girlfriend’s away, so I’ve had plenty of time to dedicate to football. What else am I supposed to do with myself?”

I snort when his voice comes out a little woe is me . “Oh, poor Reedy boy. You should be used to this. You haven’t had a girlfriend during any other season of your career, right?”

“Well aware, Hayley Baby. But I had Bria. And just like you, she took up most of my spare time.”

My smile fades upon hearing her name, but I don’t let it get to me, keeping the conversation on us. “You love it when I do that.”

“I do. I’m not ashamed to admit it.”

My heart jumps as my chest tightens. “Don’t tease me about Texas. Please.”

“I’m not.”

“Really?”

“I’m booking my flights as we speak. Can you hear me typing?” He must put the phone down near a keyboard because sure enough, I hear the keys. Only no one can type that quickly, so he’s undoubtedly pressing a bunch of random buttons. He’s not booking anything.

“Done,” he lies, unconvincingly. “I’ll send you the details in a little bit.”

“You’re hilarious. What you really mean is that you’ll send me the details when you’ve actually booked your flights?”

“Busted. Yes. I’ll do it when we get off the phone.”

“You’re really coming?”

“I am. I’m going to book my flights now. I promise. I’ll message you when I’m done.”

“Wait,” I call out before he hangs up. “Thank you. You’ve made my day.”

“Anytime, Hayls. That’s what friends are for.”

I ’m on edge for the next few days, counting down the seconds until Reed arrives. I knew I missed him, but now that he’s coming, I’m both nervous and excited about it.

Reed’s flight lands at the same time I finish filming for the day, so the second we’re done, I rush back to my hotel to shower and change, quickly tidying up.

I’ve just finished drying my hair when he texts.

Reed: I’m here

My heart jolts as my entire body tingles, and there’s no denying my feelings anymore. Only I’m still not sure what to do about it. All I know is that I’m desperate to see him and I can’t wait any longer.

Racing out the door, I lock it behind me and jump in the lift—elevator, bouncing on my toes when it stops on multiple floors, slowing my journey.

I smile at my travel companions, faking a patience I don’t have, but the second the doors open, I push through the crowd congregating in the busy lobby, calling out his name when I see him in the distance, his back to me.

Reed turns and his smile makes my world slow.

Throwing caution to the wind, I run forward and launch myself into his arms, crashing my lips to his, smothering him in a bruising kiss.

And despite catching him off guard, he meets my fervour, his lips parting to welcome my tongue, his arms curling around me, almost convincing me it’s real.

We stay like that for God knows how long until someone wolf whistles and he smiles against my lips.

“Wow. You really did miss me.” He chuckles when we finally part, his eyes locked on mine as he continues to hold me in his arms.

“I really did.” I laugh, sensing eyes on us from around the room and leaning in to whisper, “The question is, how much did you miss me? We’ve got an audience. Is it safe for me to move?” I glance between us and Reed chuckles, rolling his eyes.

“I’m good. There was no inappropriate rubbing this time.”

“Would you like me to change that?”

Squeezing his eyes shut, he groans and I light up inside. We may not have had any kind of physical relationship in months, but I still love to tease him.

“Maybe it’s best we go to your room,” he jokes, teasing me right back.

“I like the way you're thinking.” I wink, grabbing his hand to lead the way, a thought hitting me when we reach the elevator. “Oh and by the way, I have plans for us tonight.”

Reed’s eyes widen before he smirks, his mind going exactly where I thought it would, not that I think he’d actually make a move. “Are you going to fill me in?” he asks, his gaze full of questions.

“Dancing, Reed. We’re in Texas. We’re going dancing.”