Page 6 of Reckless Storm
No matter what people think about the movie or me when it’s released, they can’t take that away.
This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember.
And I’m going to enjoy it.
CHAPTER TWO
Reed
“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” I glance over at my best friend, Bria, trying hard not to focus on the sliver of skin peeking out from beneath her tight top as she sprawls out on my bed, her hands behind her head, playing with the strands of her long caramel hair. She frowns but doesn’t look my way, not bothering to hide the fact that she’s upset over me ditching her.
And Ialmostchange my mind.
Truth be known, I’d much rather be here, lying next to her, replacing her fingers with mine, brushing them through her hair, seeing a lot more than a sliver of her skin. But…that’s not to be and it’s time I got the fuck over it. Or I could man up and have a conversation about it. Only I’m still undecided on the direction I want to take my life.
Tonight, however, I’m going out. Luke asked and I said yes. I’m nothing if not a man of my word. Something Bria has always known.
“I don’t understand why you’re going,” she says, her tone somewhat whiny. “You don’t even know her.”
The “her” she’s referring to is Hayley. Luke’s wife’s best friend. While Bria’s not entirely wrong—I don’t know her that well—I have met her a few times and I’m aware that tonight is a big deal. Hayley just completed filming on her first big-budget Hollywood production, and since she’s originally from Australia, she doesn’t have a circle of friends to help her celebrate—and she deserves to celebrate. I shouldn’t have to justify my decision, but of course, I do.
“I know her well enough and she’s best friends with Amelia. So…” I trail off because what else am I supposed to say? “I better get ready. I’ll see you on Monday though, right?”
Bria nods as she gets up and grabs her purse off the counter, her vibe salty now that I’m practically kicking her out of my house. It’s safe to assume she’s noticed the shift between us. As she should. I’m not exactly hiding it.
But neither is she.
For the last few years, give or take ten, I’ve had a thing for my best friend. I’m not going to call it a crush because I’m a goddamn grown man, but it’s notnota crush. Plain and simple, I want her. And not just in a physical sense. Sure, she’s fucking gorgeous, but it’s more than that. It’s always been easy between us, and I imagine our relationship would be the same. The only minor hiccup in that vision of my future is that I’m ninety percent sure the feelings arenotmutual, and until now, I haven’t been prepared to find out.
But if I’m being honest with myself, our friendship is already so fragile because of my feelings that I can’t go on like this. I need to make a decision one way or another. It’s just taking longer than I thought.
After Bria’s gathered her phone too, I walk her to the door, opening it before she has the chance. And that tiny gesture, something I do all the time, grants me a smile.
“I’m only annoyed because I wanted to hang out tonight,” she says, wrapping an arm around my waist, giving me a side hug. “We barely see each other anymore.”
That may be true, but other than tonight, I make sure to see her any chance I get. “Why don’t we spend the weekend together when I have a bye in a few weeks? You’re already coming to our fundraiser. We could hang out before it, maybe even spend the night in a fancy hotel.”
At that, Bria’s eyes light up, and it’s for that very reason I haven’t been able to let my feelings go. She has her own wealth—her parents are both big in the financial world—and she frequents fancy hotels. So why does the idea of a night in one excite her? I can’t help but think it’s because I’ve added myself to the equation. And yet…here we are, still friends after countless getaways together.
“That sounds like heaven, Reed. And exactly what we need. Do you want to find somewhere or should I?”
“I’ll leave it to you, but make sure you charge it to my credit card this time. My treat.”
Bria presses a kiss to my cheek, and like always, it sends a warmth right through me. She’s my comfort, my home. I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do if that ever changes. But judging by the pit forming deep in my stomach, I’d say I have about three weeks to find out. A fancy hotel seems like the perfect place to finally tell her how I feel, if that’s the way I decide to go.
With another smile, Bria heads off and I’m left to once again analyze every part of our goddamn interaction. I’m a goner, sure, but at least I’m self-aware enough to acknowledge it. Although, even if I didn’t, I’ve got myamazingfriends to remind me.
My phone buzzes with a text, and as I check the screen, I note the time. I’m already running behind.
Luke: Is Bria coming?
And here’s Luke, right on cue. His way of saying he knows we’re always together.
Reed: Not today. It’s just the boys. Unless your sister’s coming
Much to Luke’s initial annoyance, his sister, Lainey, married our team captain and quarterback, Thomas Kelly, after a secret relationship that spanned a few years. Luke and Thomas were friends and teammates in high school and college too, and couldn’t be more different. Luke’s cocky and loud, while Thomas tends to keep to himself, choosing to stay away from the spotlight. It’s amazing they’ve stayed close all this time.
Luke: Nah, she’s out. But it’s not just the boys. We’re there for Hayley, remember?
