Page 64 of Reckless Storm (San Francisco End Game #3)

Hayley

L ainey jumps into the air as Thomas launches the ball to Zane. With seconds to go, we’ve already won the game, but if we secure a touchdown before the whistle, I’m told it’ll be a record win. At least where the Storm is concerned.

I hold my breath as Zane runs toward the end zone, dodging a strike from the opposition's defense, his eyes on the prize as Luke takes the competition down.

Time ticks by, and just when I think their tackle is going to get him, Zane leaps into the air, slamming the ball down over the line, his body crashing to the ground.

And the Storm fans go wild. What a way to start the season.

“They did it, Hayley,” Lainey screams, her eyes a little watery. “They did it.”

“You’re thinking about Thomas’s retirement, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. It’s all he’s ever known. I’m scared he’ll be lost without it.”

“He’s got you.”

“That’s true, and we’re getting our new puppy this month, so that’ll keep us busy.”

“Definitely. Just watching Shadow and Isaac last week made me tired.” Lainey smiles knowingly and I laugh. “Nope.” I shake my head, anticipating her question. “I’m not thinking about kids…or pets. Yet. But for the first time, I have someone that I might want to explore that with.”

“And have fun practicing in the meantime.” She winks and I giggle, remembering the way Reed blew my mind this morning. I don’t even recognize the woman I become when he speaks dirty to me.

“ Exactly ,” I agree with a smile.

After the guys leave the field, I wait around with Lainey and Keeley while they finish with their media commitments, and the second I see Reed, I greet him with my usual response, jumping into his arms.

“I am definitely getting used to this,” Reed says as he catches me. “You know I’m going to expect this after every game.” He chuckles to himself before his smile fades. “Not that you have to come to all of my games. I know you’ve got other stuff going on and—”

“Whoa. Hold up. I’ll be coming to as many games as I can. I just got your name on my back.” I wriggle out of his arms and spin, gathering my hair in my hands, glancing over my shoulder. Reed’s eyes fall to his name and he groans.

“Fuck, I’m glad I didn’t know that until after the game.” He steps forward until he’s close enough for only me to hear. “I would have been distracted thinking about what I’m going to do to you in this jersey.”

My eyes widen until his sad face flits back to my mind. “We have time for that later. For now, I’m here to support you, Reed. I’ll be here as often as I can.”

“Thank you, Hayls. It’s nice to know I have someone in the stands.”

“Do your parents ever go when they’re visiting you or when you play near your hometown?” The question leaves my mouth and his nose immediately scrunches.

“They’ve been to a couple, but…” He trails off and I get it.

“How come Bria never went? If she knew you didn’t have anyone, you’d think she’d go for you.”

“She wasn’t…isn’t a huge football fan. And she worked so hard during the week that she said she needed her Sundays to herself.”

“God, you were so pussy-whipped and you never had any pussy.” I fold my arms over my chest and huff, pissed off on his behalf. But it has the opposite effect, making Reed burst out laughing.

“I let her get away with a lot for sure, but the only person that could ever pussy-whip me…is you.”

“Good to know, Reedy boy. Good to know.”

“It’s time to par-tay!” Luke calls out, his hands in the air, waving around as though he’s already listening to music.

“You wanna head out?” Reed asks, but after the pussy-whipped comment, I have other ideas.

“I do. But I left my purse at the hotel and—”

“Believe it or not, I’ve got money.”

“But you don’t have my ID.”

“Damn. Okay.” He grabs my hand as he turns to Luke. “We’ll be there. We just have to go back to the hotel first.”

“I bet you do.” Luke bounces his eyebrows and I grin while Reed’s quick to clarify.

“Hayls needs her ID.”

“Poor excuse.” Luke shakes his head. “Everyone knows who she is.”

“We’ll meet you there.” Reed stays firm, no room for arguments, not that Luke cares.

“You better.”

As we’re about to leave, Reed gets caught up in a conversation with Landon, while I hover, only partially listening in.

“Hayley?” Reed says my name, confusion in his expression.

“Sorry, what? I was in my own world.”

“Landon asked how you’re doing after your pool incident.”

“Oh.” I laugh out loud. “I’m a little more wary of kids chasing dogs, but otherwise I’m fine. I’m lucky you were there. My hero.” I laugh again as my eyes flash to Reed. I’m trying to include Landon as much as I can. Reed said he needed a confidence boost and I’m doing my bit.

“Right place, right time.” Landon shrugs, brushing it off.

“Even so, I’m grateful. This one didn’t even bat an eyelid.” I point to Reed and he fakes a gasp.

“I was on the other side of the pool.”

“Exactly. What’s that about? Shouldn’t you be obsessed with me and always by my side?”

“I apologize, my love. I’ll be better. Wait until you see how obsessed I can be. You’ll be begging me to stay away.”

Landon chuckles awkwardly and I feel for him. “Don’t mind Reed. I promise he’s still the team’s golden boy. I haven’t corrupted him too much.”

Reed shakes his head, curling his arm around my waist before pulling me into him. “I wouldn’t let her if she tried. She thinks she’s in control, but she’s not.”

“ Reed ,” I playfully scold. “What’s gotten into you? Let’s go.”

I push him away from me and direct him down the hall, smiling when he waves over his shoulder. But when I turn back, Landon’s frowning. “I don’t think Landon’s going to want you as his mentor anymore. You’ve gone mad.”

“Nope. I’m just a little excited. We won our first game. My girl is here. By my side. I’m living the dream.”

“Well, put that dream away in front of the rookies. They need your serious golden boy persona.”

Reed glances back and I follow his gaze to see that Landon’s gone. “Fine. Next time I’ll behave.”

Before we’ve made it to the door, Thomas grabs Reed for a quick chat and I once again wait—not so patiently this time.

Finally, forty-five minutes after first announcing we were leaving, we set off, and we’ve barely been walking when I groan. “I swear the hotel didn’t seem this far away when I walked with Lainey.”

Reed chuckles and the sound echoes, sending a message to my core. “What’s the rush?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“That’s why I asked.”

I shrug my shoulders as we round the corner, letting out an exaggerated sigh when we finally see the hotel. But when a lone figure comes into view, I pause, taking in his hunched demeanor. “Is that—”

“Zane. Shit .” Reed jogs ahead to check on him while I power walk to keep up.

Zane was amazing today. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play that well. And with his cockiness usually on full display, this is a stark contrast.

“Are you okay?” Reed asks when he reaches the steps of the hotel, sitting down beside Zane.

Zane’s eyes flash to Reed’s and he stands up, clearly forcing a smile. “Fuck, yeah, I’m good. Just tired. I killed it today and—”

“Cut the crap, Zane,” I cut in when I get closer, making Reed snort as he stands. “We weren’t born yesterday.”

Zane sighs in resignation, running his hand through his already mussed hair. “I grew up about an hour from here and…” he trails off but Reed answers for him.

“You haven’t been back until now?”

“That’s right. We haven’t played here before. At least not while I’ve been with the team. I was relieved when I got drafted to the Storm. We’re a different conference. The only time I’d ever have to come back here was if we…”

He waves his hand and shrugs as though that’s an answer, but I’m confused until Reed adds, “Met them in the playoffs or preseason.”

“Exactly.”

“Fuck.”

“Yep. Anyway.” He bounces his shoulders and huffs out a laugh. “I’ve had my moment. Now I’m good. The guys heading to Bar 80?”

“They sure are, but Zane—”

“I’m good. Are you that pussy-whipped that you’re calling it a night?” I bite back a smile at his comment, while Reed shakes his head. “Here I was convinced that the two of you were faking it for the media.”

This time I can’t help but smile, despite knowing his sudden attitude is a front for his feelings.

Reed, however, ignores his comment completely. “We’ll be back in a minute,” he says. “So, if you wai—”

“ Nope,” I cut in before Reed offers anything to Zane. I feel bad for him, but at the same time, he doesn’t want Reed’s help and Reed has enough going on right now. I want to take his mind off things. “We’ll be longer than a minute. We’ll be down after I give Reed a celebratory blow job.”

Reed chokes on nothing while Zane barks out a laugh. “Good for you. Guess I was wrong. I’ll see you there, looking more satisfied than you are now.”

Zane walks away and Reed turns to face me, his expression awed. “A blow job, huh?”

“Do you really think I’d make you walk all the way back here because I forgot my ID? Everyone knows who I am.”

“I honestly did. But I’m more than happy for the alternative. Only I hate leaving Zane alone and—”

“He wanted to be alone, Reed. That’s why I said what I said.”

Reed’s eyes flash toward the corner Zane disappeared around and he sighs.

“You’re right. Thank you. Why are we still here?

My cock needs attention.” Curling his fingers through mine, he tugs me toward the steps before an older lady garners his attention, struggling with her bags near the front door.

“Shit. I’ll meet you up there.” He presses a kiss to my head before racing up the steps and helping her inside.

That’s my Reed. I giggle to myself watching him until someone calls my name from behind me. “Hayley. Hayley, wait.”

I spin to find Landon and wave, stopping on the bottom step. “Landon, hi. You’re not out celebrating?”

“Nah, I’m still trying to prove myself and wanted to make a good impression, get an early night.”