Page 175 of Reckless Storm
“I’ve heard it once or twice.” She winks and my eyes widen as she laughs out loud. “But none of them matter except you.”
“Good answer.” I bite my lip before leaning forward, sucking the skin beneath her ear. “Want to get out of here?” I whisper, making her shiver.
“Now?” she questions, her eyes bouncing around the room.
“Yes, now. We’ve been here all day and I’ve barely had time to talk to you.”
“So you want to talk?” Her gaze drops to my chest before she tilts her head in contemplation.
“No, I don’t want to talk.” I lean in close again, this time nibbling on her lobe. “I want to fuck.” I want to live in the moment for once.
“Shit, Reed. I want the same.” She grabs my hand and shamelessly leads me to the back gate, ignoring the questions from our friends.
“You’re not going to say goodbye?” I ask.
“I think they got the picture.”
“Trust me, they didn’t. I’m the golden boy, remember? I guarantee no one is picturing the dirty things I want to do to you.”
“Jesus. Add tipsy Reed to the list of Reeds I like. This just keeps getting better and better.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Reed
Aweek later, I read Hayley’s good morning text twice and smile before the anxiety kicks in.
After leaving Luke and Amelia’s, we’d shared an amazing night together, and when I woke up with her in my arms, I told her about my dad’s text, relaxing when she didn’t hesitate to offer to come with me.
For the next week, we spent every spare moment together, around her additional days of studio filming and my practice.
But now we’re apart.
I’m in Florida for our first preseason game of the year, while she’s back at home, staying at my place because it’s closer to set.
I finally understand why some of my teammates leave our celebrations early. I get it. I already miss her and it’s barely been a day. The strangest part—or maybe it’s not so strange now that I know my true feelings—is that I never really missed Bria like this. For years I thought I was on the way being in love with her, but it turns out, I had no idea what love really was.
And God, I wish Hayley and I had gotten our shit together sooner. We could have spent more of the offseason as a couple.
After stretching my body, I lie in bed for a few extra minutes before getting up, trying hard not to think about leaving Hayley alone in the same city as her stalker, while also worrying about my mom.
I should be thinking about my pregame rituals, like I have for the past fifteen or so years of my life.
But that life is different now, and it’s time to adjust.
When I’m up, I bounce my shoulders and head toward the en suite in my room, determined to get in the zone, until the hotel phone rings, making me jump.Am I late?I check the time as I answer, and relief fills me when the clock reads six fifteen.
I’m early. I still have plenty of time.
Why am I up?And why did Hayley text me in the middle of the night, her time, to say good morning?
Shaking off my thoughts, I rush to grab the phone and hesitatingly answer. “Hello?”
“Mr. Coombs,” one of the concierges says in his sharp professional voice. “I have Miss Jackman here for you. It’s our policy to—”
“Miss Jackman?” My brows crease. How is that possible? “Can I speak to her?” I’d never usually question it, but considering all that Hayley’s been through, I want to make sure I’m not about to find a stranger at my door.
Hayley and I may have only recently become a couple, but according to the public, it’s been months. It wouldn’t be hard for someone to pretend to be her.
