Page 26 of Beautiful Storm

Reed grimaces. “You just missed a very heated discussion between Zane and Easton.” Zane’s our rookie and let’s just say he’s a whippersnapper on and off the field, while our teammateEaston has a don’t-be-a-dick policy. East and I don’t speak that often. For obvious reasons.

“Damn. What did Zane say this time?” Poor kid just has to open his mouth around Easton these days.

“He wolf whistled at the crew.”

“What crew?”

“The film crew. Where’s your head this morning?”Back in my bed where I should be… Wait.

“The crew are women?” This show just got a lotmore interesting—a female crew. Lucky for me. “Ouch. Motherfucker.” I rub my arm where Reed just punched me. “What the hell was that for?”

“That was on behalf of all the women in the world. This isn’t the fifties. Of course some of the film crew are women.” He rolls his eyes, and I cringe.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I knew there would be females, but when you said it, my mind went to an all-femalecrew,and oh, the possibilities…”

Reed laughs but I can tell he still thinks I’m a dick. “I’d love to spend a day in your mind.”

“I bet you’d love to spend a day in my body too.” I wink, making him laugh harder. He knows he’s hot. He doesn’t need my body to get the girls. He could rival a bodybuilder with the muscles he’s working and he’s just as pretty. But he needs to get out of his head. He’s been in love with his best friend, Bria, for years.

“So, when do I get to meet this crew?”

“They’re coming back at—”

A whistle blows, cutting Reed off, though none of the other players notice it, until…

“The whistle meansquiet,people,” Thomas’s loud voice booms, and the rest of the team hush as Keeley jumps onto a bench seat to get our attention.

“I know you’re due to have a meeting with the crew and the coaches soon, but I’ve been asked to set a few ground rules.” Her gaze moves to Zane and I internally groan. I can already guess rule number one. That fucker just ruined it for the rest of us with one little wolf whistle.

“Rule numberone. The crew are not here for your enjoyment. They’re here to work and they’re off-limits. That means no flirting, no exchanging of phone numbers, and definitely no dating.” Her tone makes it clear that the term “dating” is actually her way of saying “do not fuck the film crew,” and that puts a downer on things.

“And rule number two?” Zane asks, forever being his smart-ass self.

“I’m glad you asked,Zane. Rule number two is…don’t be like Zane.” The guys cheer and laugh, with those close to Zane patting him on the back. But of course, Zane smiles proudly. Keeley shakes her head and waits until the ruckus dies down before adding, “Let’s keep the schoolyard antics out of the stadium and conduct ourselves in a professional manner. After all, you never know what might end up on the TV screens of your fellow Americans.”

She announces a few more rules—but most of them are obvious things like “try not to swear on camera” and “check for cameras before getting naked”—and once she’s done, we’re called onto the field for a meet and greet with the crew.

I find it funny that Keeley mentioned schoolyard antics when this whole shebang could be compared to preparing us for a field trip.Stay in line. Don’t interrupt. Be on your best behavior. No touching the display… or in this case… no touching the crew.Seems more trouble than it’s worth, if I’m honest.

When we’re all gathered on the field, Keeley once again steps up to the mic, and my eyes flash to our head coach. If he’s not up there, then I’m almost certain he’s not at all happy about what’sgoing on. Which begs the question… Whyishe going along with it during such a huge season for us?

“Before I introduce you to the team from Brighton Productions,” Keeley begins, “I want to thank you all in advance for your participation. I’m excited about this new venture and can’t wait to get started.”

With our team lined up in workout gear, the production crew stand out in their business attire as they walk toward us. But through the bodies of people, one stunning figure shines brighter than the rest. My eyes drag up from her sky-high red stiletto heels, taking in her tight fitted pants—that would undoubtedly show off a perfectly sculpted ass—before moving up to her white, almost see-through blouse that dips just low enough to tease a little cleavage while not actually revealing anything at all.

I could stare at her body all day, but when I finally get a look at her face, I don’t know whether to laugh or choke on thin air. “What the actual fuck?”Amelia?

It’s safe to say,the no-dating rule isn't going to be a problem.At least where my dear “friend” is concerned.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Amelia

Fuck.

If I thought Luke was going to hate the fact that I’m here, I was dead wrong. I’ve never seen him so happy. And that makes things worse.

Why do I get the feeling he’s going to enjoy this more than he should?

---