Page 102 of Reckless Storm
“What? No.”Maybe. I don’t know; I could be crazy.“I don’t think there’s been anything else.”
“You don’t think?” Reed shakes his head, tossing the letter onto the counter, his expression pained.
“Iknow. There’s been nothing specific. And I promise this is the first letter that’s had me concerned.”
He nods, pulling me into a hug. “I’m sorry, Hayls. I just worry about you.”
“I know.”
“And I think you should tell someone.”
“It’sharmless.” And I’ll bet other celebrities have had way worse than this. The police would laugh me off.
“Harmless?” Reed growls. “He’s clearly infatuated with you.”
“That’s my job. That’s how Iwantpeople to feel.”
“Hayley.”
“I promise. I’ll look after myself.”
“You won’t have to. I’m not leaving your side tonight.” As if proving his point, he settles beside me and fakes a smile, making me pout.
“I’m okay with you gluing yourself to me. But Reed…this is supposed to be a fun night. Can we rewind? I haven’t even opened my gift.”
Reed’s entire demeanor changes as his shoulders fall. “Yes. I’m sorry. I’ll put protective Reed away.”
“God, no. Don’t do that. He’s hot. Just keep him on a leash.”
Reed’s lips quirk into a delicious smirk and my heart races. “You’re lucky I don’t keepyouon a leash.” His gravelly voice travels straight to my core. “Behave tonight, yeah?” he continues. “Don’t stray too far.”
Jesus Christ. I balk, my eyes wide, biting my lip as I ignore the ache between my legs. After that comment,andvisual…how could I walk away?
Reed sighs with a breathy laugh before massaging his temples. “You are going to be the death of me, Hayls.”
“What?” I smirk. “I didn’t say a word.”
“You didn’t have to. Now it’s present time. Open it up.”
I stare down at the box as a nervous energy runs through me. With a tight chest and soft smile, I open it slowly, hesitating until I see what it is and burst out laughing.
“Is this chocolate?”
“It sure is.”
He got me a chocolate Academy Award statue. “How?”
“I know a guy.”
“That makes chocolate? Why didn’t you tell me that sooner? Is he single? Good-looking?”
“He’s seventy-six but he’s pretty attractive for his age. Some would say he’s a silver fox.”
I laugh harder, pulling Reed into a hug, squeezing him tightly. “You’re freaking awesome. You know that, right?”
“I do now.” He winks and all I can do is shake my head.Who is this man and how is he still single?
Oh, right… He’s in love with his best friend.
