Page 156 of Reckless Storm
“I know. I’m sorry. But Reed, what if I told you I felt the same? Would that have changed anything?”
“Do you?” I don’t know why I ask, since it doesn’t matter anymore, but when she answers, I’m floored.
“I think I do. I can’t stop thinking about you. I miss you. I…” She trails off and I wait for the spark in my chest, for happiness at finally getting what I always thought I wanted. But it doesn't come. Instead, my heart beats for Hayley, for the knowledge that I love her completely, with no doubt in my mind.
“I’m really sorry about your dad, Bria. I’ll see if I can change my flight on Monday to include a layover in LA. That way I can stop past the hospital before heading home. In the meantime, let me know if I can help from afar.”
I purposely don't respond to her admission, and the shock in her voice is obvious. “Oh. Ah. Thanks… Thank you. I will.”
Everything is screaming at me to do more, but her dad’s okay, and for once, I need to put myself first. “Please pass on my well wishes to your dad. I’m sorry again.”
“I will. Thank you, Reed.”
She hangs up and I sink my face into my hands, letting out an obnoxious grunt.Fuck. I didnotsee any of that coming.
Taking a deep breath, I groan again, letting out my frustration before composing myself and heading back to the main room, searching for Hayley.
When I find her, she’s hugging her friend, instantly making me panic.
“What happened?” I rush over, grabbing her hand when they part.
“What happened with you?” she asks, her gaze dropping to my phone.
“Bria’s dad had a stroke. She needed to talk to someone that knew him, I guess. Actually, no… She needed to talk to me.”
“Oh, fuck.” Hayley’s shoulders drop as she frowns. “Is she okay? Is he?”
“They’ll both be okay. It’s just going to take time. He’ll need rehab and may not be able to work anymore.”
“Jesus. Do you need to go home? To San Francisco?”
“No, Hayls. There’s nothing I can do. And I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. They’re in LA, but I’ll visit the hospital on Monday, before I go home.”
“Okay. Let me know if I can help in any way.” She smiles sympathetically, squeezing my hand, and my heart swells. She’s been wary of Bria from the very beginning, but when Bria’s hurting, she cares.
“Thank you, Hayls. But you just did. Now what happened here?”
Hayley sighs and the same sympathetic gaze shifts to her co-star. “Brooklyn just found out her boyfriend cheated on her, and Cameron’s drunk ass decided to say something insensitive.”
“He clearly wants an ass kicking.” My gaze flits over to where he’s dancing a few feet behind Hayley, never too far away. “We should go,” I announce.Before I give him one.
“Ignore him.” Hayley waves off my concern. “Brooklyn’s fine now. I promised her we’d dance. And I haven’t seen your moves yet.”
“Hayley.”
“Please,” she begs, her gaze boring into mine. “You’re only here for two days. Dance with me?”
My eyes shift to find Cameron again, my fists clenching when I catch him watching us.
“Unless, of course, you can’t?” Hayley taunts, drawing my gaze back to hers.
“Did you just challenge me, Jackman?”
“Depends. Do you accept?”
I hesitate, but deep down I know I’m going to give in. I once made a promise, and I never break promises.
Hayley frowns, her expression comparable to a sad little puppy dog. “Shame.” She jokingly turns to walk away but I grab her wrist, pulling her into me, my palm gliding around her waist.
