Page 181 of Reckless Storm
“Landon asked how you’re doing after your pool incident.”
“Oh.” I laugh out loud. “I’m a little more wary of kids chasing dogs, but otherwise I’m fine. I’m lucky you were there. My hero.” I laugh again as my eyes flash to Reed. I’m trying to include Landon as much as I can. Reed said he needed a confidence boost and I’m doing my bit.
“Right place, right time.” Landon shrugs, brushing it off.
“Even so, I’m grateful. This one didn’t even bat an eyelid.” I point to Reed and he fakes a gasp.
“I was on the other side of the pool.”
“Exactly. What’s that about? Shouldn’t you be obsessed with me and always by my side?”
“I apologize, my love. I’ll be better. Wait until you see how obsessed I can be. You’ll be begging me to stay away.”
Landon chuckles awkwardly and I feel for him. “Don’t mind Reed. I promise he’s still the team’s golden boy. I haven’t corrupted him too much.”
Reed shakes his head, curling his arm around my waist before pulling me into him. “I wouldn’t let her if she tried. She thinks she’s in control, but she’s not.”
“Reed,” I playfully scold. “What’s gotten into you? Let’s go.”
I push him away from me and direct him down the hall, smiling when he waves over his shoulder. But when I turn back, Landon’s frowning. “I don’t think Landon’s going to want you as his mentor anymore. You’ve gone mad.”
“Nope. I’m just a little excited. We won our first game. My girl is here. By my side. I’m living the dream.”
“Well, put that dream away in front of the rookies. They need your serious golden boy persona.”
Reed glances back and I follow his gaze to see that Landon’s gone. “Fine. Next time I’ll behave.”
Before we’ve made it to the door, Thomas grabs Reed for a quick chat and I once again wait—not so patiently this time.
Finally, forty-five minutes after first announcing we were leaving, we set off, and we’ve barely been walking when I groan. “I swear the hotel didn’t seem this far away when I walked with Lainey.”
Reed chuckles and the sound echoes, sending a message to my core. “What’s the rush?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“That’s why I asked.”
I shrug my shoulders as we round the corner, letting out an exaggerated sigh when we finally see the hotel. But when a lone figure comes into view, I pause, taking in his hunched demeanor. “Is that—”
“Zane.Shit.” Reed jogs ahead to check on him while I power walk to keep up.
Zane was amazing today. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play that well. And with his cockiness usually on full display, this is a stark contrast.
“Are you okay?” Reed asks when he reaches the steps of the hotel, sitting down beside Zane.
Zane’s eyes flash to Reed’s and he stands up, clearly forcing a smile. “Fuck, yeah, I’m good. Just tired. I killed it today and—”
“Cut the crap, Zane,” I cut in when I get closer, making Reed snort as he stands. “We weren’t born yesterday.”
Zane sighs in resignation, running his hand through his already mussed hair. “I grew up about an hour from here and…” he trails off but Reed answers for him.
“You haven’t been back until now?”
“That’s right. We haven’t played here before. At least not while I’ve been with the team. I was relieved when I got drafted to the Storm. We’re a different conference. The only time I’d ever have to come back here was if we…”
He waves his hand and shrugs as though that’s an answer, but I’m confused until Reed adds, “Met them in the playoffs or preseason.”
“Exactly.”
