Page 61 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)
“Way to ruin the moment, Luke,” Amelia teases, making Easton bite back a grin as Paige wanders over. I’d say his newfound happiness has less to do with seeking compliments and more to do with his relationship with Paige. He’s definitely more open because of it. Like her sunshine rubbed off on him.
And I get it. I thought I was happy before Hayley but now…it’s tenfold.
For the next couple of hours, Hayley and I spend some time together, but most of it is spent apart, and an ease settles in my chest. I hate comparing things with Bria, but we were friends for years and she never got to know my teammates and friends, while Hayley fits right in like she’s always belonged here.
And I truly believe that she did. That she does.
It feels right. Meant to be. Forever .
As though reading my mind, Hayley glances up from where she’s talking to Dylan and Summer, and her beaming happiness steals my breath, distracting me from my conversation. Not that I was listening.
“Reed?” Thomas waves a hand in front of my face before he laughs. “And another one’s down.”
“You won’t hear me arguing. I’m happy to admit, I’m a goner.”
Thomas chuckles just as Isaac rushes past, chasing after Luke’s dog. He dodges a chair and bumps into Hayley, sending her flying toward the pool. My stomach sinks until Landon catches her at the last second, pulling her away from the edge.
“Thank fuck,” Thomas says from beside me while my heart returns to normal. “That was a close one. But the panic on your face… You are a goner.”
“No doubt about it.”
Hayley’s still smiling when I wander over to where she and Landon are standing by the edge, her eyes locked with mine. And when I reach her, she grins.
“You said you wanted a dog, right?” she asks, confusing me until I make the connection with what just happened. “You know, we never talked about kids,” she adds. “And I’m thinking…one or the other.”
Her infectious laughter always draws me in, but I’m too caught up in her words to respond.
All I can do is stare in awe as she continues to talk.
“Luckily, Landon was there to help. Again .” She wraps an arm around his shoulders and his face reddens.
Poor innocent fucker. “I feel much safer now that he’s joined the group. ”
Landon laughs awkwardly while I roll my eyes, snapping out of my moment. “Thanks for saving my girl, Landon. I appreciate it.”
Before he can respond, Hayley grabs my hand and drags me away. “I need a drink,” she announces, beelining for the makeshift bar.
When we reach the fridge, she turns my way and smiles brightly, taking my mind back to what she said before talking to Landon. She’s bringing up kids?
My awe returns and she giggles. “Reed? Did—”
Grabbing her face in my hands, I silence her with my mouth, wordlessly showing her what she means to me. She may not have told me she loves me, but after that, I don’t need her words. She gave me the future. And now I’m going to do everything I can to protect that.
“What was that for?” she asks, her cheeks flushed, when I pull away.
“Get used to it, Hayls. I love you. I’m going to kiss you whenever I damn well want.” I wink and she lets out another laugh.
“Fine by me. Are we going for round two? Or are you ready to drink?”
Without answering, I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her again, bending her backward until she squeals—as if I’d ever drop her. After lifting her to standing, I turn away and open the fridge. “I’m ready for a drink.”
Hayley giggles behind me but doesn’t say a word until I’ve handed her a cider. “You amaze me, boyfriend. Never a dull moment.”
“Like almost falling in the pool?” I smirk.
“Exactly.”
A splash draws our attention, finding Luke in the water, his phone raised above his head as Thomas laughs from the edge. “We’ve got a game in a week, Bennett. You need to work on your balance.”
“You pushed me, asshole,” Luke retorts.
“You were arguing with my wife.”
“She’s my sister.”
“Either way, it shouldn’t have been that easy to push you in. You need to be better. It’s my last season and I’ve got another Super Bowl to win.”
“What?” All eyes turn to Thomas while mine flash to Lainey, catching her surprised expression.
“I thought you weren’t going to announce it yet,” she says, her head shaking as she rolls her eyes.
“I changed my mind.” Thomas shrugs like it’s no big deal.
Luke pushes up out of the pool, and as the shock wears off, the questions start firing from around the yard. I listen to Thomas’s answers, but when Hayley giggles, my attention shifts to her.
“Now I wish I’d gone in,” she says, her eyes on the pool. “It looks nice in there.”
I smile in response, my gaze locked on her lips as they quirk into a grin. God, I love her.
“Stop staring. It’s creepy,” she says without looking my way, her smile turning coy. “I’ve already got a stalker.”
“Hayls.” I groan, tugging her hand until she faces me. “That’s nothing to joke about.”
“I have to joke or I’ll never stop thinking about it. I still get the feeling I’m being watched.”
Fuck, I hate this for her. Despite the fact that she finally got a restraining order, I’m still pissed off that asshole denied almost everything.
The police department has tried to make a connection, but unless we find more evidence, they’ve got nothing to go on.
And it has me on edge. “It’s going to feel like that until that fucker is charged, but I promise you, I will always be there to protect you.
And if I’m not, one of our friends will. ”
Hayley releases a slow breath as she smiles. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have joked about it.” She pouts and it’s so fucking adorable my lips twitch.
“It’s fine.” I wave her off. “But let me promise you this. If he ever breaks the rules of that restraining order, I’ll kill him.”
I don’t even think I’m kidding. Just because her job is in the public eye doesn’t give people the right to try and forcefully enter her life, or make her feel scared to be out in the world.
Hayley’s eyes widen but before she can comment, Amelia drags her away to help with Juliet.
I move to join the rest of the group when my phone buzzes with a text, and I curse when I see that it’s Dad.
Dad: Any chance you can come back before your birthday and bring your girl? Things are not great around here
My heart seizes as I put on a smile, pretending I’m okay, and as the day turns to night and the drinking kicks up a notch, I ignore my family for the first time in forever, letting myself off the hook.
Drinking my troubles away.
Living in the moment. I’m surrounded by friends, the season’s about to start, and I’ve got the girl. It’s about time I focused on my happiness instead of everyone else’s.
Hayley throws her hands over her head as she dances with Paige, her hair illuminated by the glow of the moon, reminding me of our night on the beach.
And I know exactly what I want—or need—right now. It’s her.
As if sensing my thoughts, she raises a brow before twisting her fingers, summoning me over. And like the good boy I am, I go, pulling her into my arms when I reach her.
“Has anyone ever told you how perfect you are when you dance?”
“I’ve heard it once or twice.” She winks and my eyes widen as she laughs out loud. “But none of them matter except you.”
“Good answer.” I bite my lip before leaning forward, sucking the skin beneath her ear. “Want to get out of here?” I whisper, making her shiver.
“Now?” she questions, her eyes bouncing around the room.
“Yes, now. We’ve been here all day and I’ve barely had time to talk to you.”
“So you want to talk?” Her gaze drops to my chest before she tilts her head in contemplation.
“No, I don’t want to talk.” I lean in close again, this time nibbling on her lobe. “I want to fuck.” I want to live in the moment for once.
“Shit, Reed. I want the same.” She grabs my hand and shamelessly leads me to the back gate, ignoring the questions from our friends.
“You’re not going to say goodbye?” I ask.
“I think they got the picture.”
“Trust me, they didn’t. I’m the golden boy, remember? I guarantee no one is picturing the dirty things I want to do to you.”
“Jesus. Add tipsy Reed to the list of Reeds I like. This just keeps getting better and better.”