Page 172 of Reckless Storm
“I sure am. But let’s have some fun with it.” Hayley winks, linking her arm through mine.
“Anything for you, Baby. Anytime.”
Hayley’s on the pool deck when I arrive at Luke’s, her long, blonde hair pulled away from her flawless cheeks, her smile radiant as she chats with Amelia. And just like always, my heart jolts. It’s safe to say she gets more beautiful every time I see her, and right now, in her see-through dress over her scarlet bikini, I’ve never loved her more.
It doesn’t matter that she hasn’t said it back. She doesn’t need to. If keeping those three little words close to her chest helps her feel protected, she can keep them to herself for the rest of her life. Because I don’t need her to say it. I can feel it.
She loves me just like I love her.
And I’ve never been happier.
I watch her for a moment, her face alight with excitement, and it’s not until she glances up, her gaze locking with mine, that I finally make my way over.
“You’re here!” Hayley lights up in excitement and, in a move we’ve mastered, throws herself into my arms before pressing her lips to mine, molding our mouths in a deep kiss reminiscentof our moment in the airport. And just like then, we have an audience, only this time, our audience makes themselves known.
“Get a room,” Luke whines behind me. “My daughter doesnotneed to see that.”
“She’s napping inside, Luke,” Lainey scolds. “Leave them alone.”
I chuckle against Hayley’s lips before pulling back with a smile. “Hey, Baby. I missed you.” I wink, loving it when she giggles. “It’s beentoolong,” I tell her, even though it hasn’t—she woke up in my arms this morning—but I can’t get enough of her.
“What’s going on here?” Amelia interrupts, her eyes bouncing between mine and Hayley’s, her expression suspicious. “Something’s different.”
“Nope. Just kissing my girlfriend.” I shrug like it’s no big deal while Hayley bites back a grin.
“Your girlfriend or yourgirlfriend?”
“Aren’t they the same?” I tease.
“No, they’re very different and… Oh my God,” Amelia squeals and I never pictured her as a squealer. “You’re together. You'retogethertogether.”
“Well, that didn’t take long.” I jokingly check my watch. “It’s barely been five minutes.”
“Amelia’s very perceptive,” Hayley notes, reaching forward to squeeze Amelia’s hand.
“That and the fact that Reed just mauled you as though you’re the air that he breathes.”
That makes sense, because she is. “What can I say? We’re a cliché. Just like the movies. The fake became real.”
“Oh. My. God.” Amelia squeals again before dragging Hayley as close as she can and whispering in her ear.
I let them have their girl time, while I head off to talk to the guys, ignoring Luke when he bounces his eyebrows.
“So it’s official?” he asks, pulling his phone from his pocket. “I think that means Dylan wins fifty bucks.”
“What?” My eyes flash to Dylan’s and he grins proudly.
“I saw it coming a mile away.” He gloats while I fake a groan.
“Why are you even here?” I joke. “You’re retired.”
“Can’t help myself; I miss being a part of the action. Plus, I’m still on the group chat.”
“A group chatIdon’t really need anymore,” I say as Easton appears out of nowhere, as if that talk of the group chat summoned him.
“Guess there’s no point in having it now,” he’s quick to say. “May as well shut it down.”
“No chance, Wilder.” Luke grins, clapping him on the back. “You’re with us until you die.”
