Page 123 of Beautiful Storm

“Okay, so why the song?”

“He wanted me and didn’t think I wanted him. Only I did.”

“But…I sense a but.”

“But I’d recently kissed Luke and I was all messed up over it and because Preston and I were close friends, I’d told him about it.”

“He wrote this when he was sixteen? Damn.”

“I told you. He’s talented, he just got stuck on the wrong path for a while. Maybe things are turning around for him.”

“Thanks to you.”

“The song was him. My ideas just gave his record label the push they needed to release it.”

“You don’t seem as bummed about Preston and the divorce anymore.”

“Bummed?”

“Yeah.” She laughs.

“I’m not as bummed. I’m in a good place. I might even be happy.”

Hayley bites back her smile. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain football player you’re dating.”

“How did you know we were dating?”

“I didn’t. I was joking because the two of you keep spending time together. Not to mention, you’re carrying his child and you’re married. But you just confirmed the dating part.”

Dammit.I bury my face in my hands. “God, this is so messed up. Falling for Luke is a bad idea. No, having any kind of feelings for Luke is a bad idea.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been there before.”

“After you kissed?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know. It wasn’t exactly like that. Yes, I got butterflies when he kissed me, but that wasn’t what broke us. It’s the lack of trust that almost destroyed me. Despite the fact that you and I became friends almost instantly, I don’t trust easily. Luke was a big reason for that when I was a kid. And then I stupidly put my trust in him again. He had it for no more than an hour and he shattered it. I don’t know if I can do that again.”

A flash of pity crosses Hayley’s face before she schools her features. “You were both sixteen. A lot has changed since then.”

“Has it though?”

“I hope so. At least I hope it has for me because I was an awkward sixteen-year-old and I just got the role of a badass heroine.”

“You got it?” I squeal and throw myself awkwardly into her arms. “I didn’t want to ask because it’s been weeks and they were supposed to tell you already.”

“They were delayed when the director got sick. But I got it. You are looking at the next queen of the big screen.”

“Yeah, I am.” I can’t stop my widening smile. “I’m so happy for you. And you’re right, people can change. You certainly have. But I refuse to let anyone blindside me again.”

“Good. You shouldn’t. But you can’t close yourself off. He’s trying. And the way he stares at you—”

“Nope,” I cut her off but smile. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

“Okay.” Hayley bites back her smile before giving me a nod. “But for the record, if anyone looked at me like he looks at you, I would be dropping my panties like nobody’s business.”

I laugh until my smile fades. “I really like him, Hayley.”

---