Page 12 of Reckless Storm
A laugh sticks in the back of my throat. “That’s a pretty big compliment.”
“It’s the truth.” She lifts a shoulder in a half shrug. “Why would I lie?”
“I havenoidea.” Taking a sip of my drink, I subtly glance around the room, checking out my competition. Being the hottest in the room is only as good as the people I share it with. Wyatt waves from the dance floor and I smirk to myself, taking another sip. I’ve been nursing the same whiskey for the better part of an hour, but I’m suddenly really thirsty.
Feeling Hayley’s eyes boring into the side of my face, I turn to catch her wicked grin before she blurts, “Are you a virgin, Reed?”
I choke on my drink, covering my mouth as the dark liquid attempts to burst free. “What?” I manage to respond, my voice croaky as I swallow.
“Simple question. Are. You. A. Virgin?”
“Okay.” I clear my throat when it’s still a little hoarse. “The simple answer is no. But where the hell did that come from?”
“Curiosity.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal.Just a conversation between friends, right?
“Areyoua virgin?” I counter, but the second the words leave my mouth, guilt settles in my stomach. “Sorry, don’t answer that. It’s none of my business.”
Hayley laughs overtly before her palm lands on my chest and she sighs. “Why are you here, Reed? Are you looking to hook up?”
Am I what?I frown, confused. “I’m here foryou. To help celebrateyoursuccess.”
“Despite barely knowing me.”
“Apparently.” My brows furrow because she’s right, and yet, here I am, out celebrating someone I barely know.
“If it helps,”—she pats my chest—“I’m alsonota virgin.” She bounces on her toes. “Now we can say we know each other a little more intimately.”
“That we do.” I slowly nod in agreement. “And I feelsomuch closer to you because of it.” I stare at her deadpan and she gasps.
“Reed Coombs, are yousassingme?”
“Sassing? No. Joking, yes.”
“Either way, I like it.” She smiles and I’m instantly sucked in, watching as the smile reaches her eyes, her happiness making it impossible not to grin back.
“So, you’re not a virgin,” she muses, snapping me out of my thoughts. “But you’re not here for women.”
She’s not asking. She's just confirming what she’s already figured out.
“Correct. I’m not here forwomen. Just one.You.”
“God, if only that were true.” Her eyes flit closed and she’s seemingly lost in thought until she bites her lip and smirks.
“Uh, why wouldn’t it be?” I ask, a little taken aback. “I’ve actually been told numerous times that I suck at lying.”
Hayley’s eyes flutter open. “Is that so?”
“Apparently.”
“Try me. Two truths and a lie. Let’s see if I can guess.” She steps closer, staring up at me, her gaze alight with anticipation.
“Oh-kay.” I humor her. “Let me think.”Two truths and a lie. Two truths and a lie.
“Want me to go first?” She pops her hip as she leans against the table, her patience wearing thin.
“Nope, I’ve got this.” I think. Although it’s harder than I would have thought, and… actually… “One, I grew up in a small town. Two, I have three cats. And three, I’m an incredible dancer but this isn’t my style.”
Hayley lets out an adorable giggle. “We’re gonna circle back to the dancing tidbit.” She waves a finger around in a circular motion as she continues. “There’s no way that’s the lie, and now you’ve got me picturing it. I’m wondering if it’s hip-hop or jazz.” She purses her lips before continuing. “But first, you…” She trails off, squinting as though trying to read my mind. “Donothave three cats. In fact, I'll bet my next drink that you don’t even haveone. You’re a dog person. And I’m in the mood for an espresso martini. With good vodka. Top shelf.”
