Page 145 of Reckless Storm
I cringe as a tightness settles in my chest, my heart breaking for him. Or maybe for me. I don’t know what I feel, but I know what to say. “No. That’s not good. I just wish you could work it all out. I hate seeing you sad.”
“I’m not sad, Hayls. I truly believe it came to a natural end. And maybe that would have happened sooner if we’d both just admitted our feelings, or lack of feelings in her case. We’ll always be friends, but the closeness isn’t there. And I don’t think we’ll get it back. I don’t even think I want to.”
“Reed?”
“Nope. I’m happy, Hayls. I’ve gotyou.” He smiles but there’s something about it that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, only before I can question it, he moves on.
“Anyway, we can talk about the details later. How are we going to celebrate?”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Hayley
For the next few weeks, Reed and I act as though nothing has changed, neither of us bringing up our approaching end date. And with my stalker, or overzealous fan, seemingly giving up since we went to the police, life is good.
With my days spent at the studio and my nights with Reed, you’d think I had it all. But I don’t. It feels like it’s all about to slip away.
Script in hand for our final readthrough, I find my place at the reading table and sit down, taking in the nervous energy filling the room.
TheReckless Desirefilming schedule comes out today, and while that should be an exciting time, it signifies the beginning of the end of our relationship, and I’m not ready tofakea breakup with Reed yet.
I need more time.
“I know we’ve been keeping you all in suspense,” our production manager says as we quieten down. “But I’m excited to announce that we have our William.”
About time.
My co-star, Brooklyn, subtly glances my way, her smile trapped between her teeth.Reckless Desireis an emotional romance that follows the relationship between Cynthia and Matteo across a decade of time. William is the antagonist, and they’ve been struggling to find the right actor for the job. He needs brotherly chemistry with the character Matteo, and while I personally love my Aussie co-star, Aiden can be difficult to work with if you don’t meet his vibe. And apparently, everyone before now has failed, almost delaying production.
“Can you please extend a warm welcome to Cameron Walker.”
Cameron walks in and I let out a squeal, jumping up to rush over, throwing my hands around his neck. He played an angel inJaded Beginnings, and while he was only a minor role and didn’t join us on the promotional tour, we got along well during filming.
“Congratulations.” I smile wide as I step out of the hug. “I’m so relieved that it’s you.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah. It’s always nice to see a familiar face.”
Cameron smiles before introducing himself around, shooting me a wink as he sits down.
Our readthrough goes smoothly, and the next thing you know, they’re handing us the filming schedule before it’s time to leave. The room stills as everyone falls silent, and when I read page two, my stomach knots.
“Six weeks in Texas?” Brooklyn rushes out, her eyes wide, expressing the shock that I feel. “I thought it was only two?”
Our production manager frowns, his nose scrunching as he delivers the news. “The studio decided it would be more authentic if we filmed the bulk of the movie in Texas.”Well, obviously, since it’s set there, but still…“You’ll all be accommodated and receive great bonuses.”
“Can they do that?” Brooklyn whispers to herself.
“I think they just did.”
I call my agent on the way home, and she reluctantly admits that she knew the extended travel was in the cards. One of the producers mentioned it when they negotiated my contract, but she didn't think it would worry me. I’ve always said I'd travel. And she got me more money because of it.
And in turn, more money forher.
I can’t really blame her. She’s not wrong. Ididsay I’d be happy to travel, but that was then. Now, I feel differently.
Now I’ve got Reed.
