Page 173 of Reckless Storm
“Or you do?” Easton raises an eyebrow conspiratorially, and I chuckle.
“East,”—Luke steps forward, cupping Easton on the shoulder—“I can promise that you’ll never escape me. I’ll take pride in haunting you for the rest of your days.”
“So, no different to now?” Easton chuckles as he jokingly massages his temples, his out of character behavior drawing attention.
“Did Easton just laugh?” Keeley calls out and Luke smirks gloatingly.
“Of course he did.” Luke waves her off. “I’m a funny man.” Amelia snorts at the same time Hayley erupts with giggles, both of them choosing that moment to join us.
“He’s got a good laugh, right?” Luke adds, clearly a little tipsy. “Maybe if we all told him that, he’d laugh more.” He nudges Easton in the stomach, and Easton’s smile fades.
“Way to ruin the moment, Luke,” Amelia teases, making Easton bite back a grin as Paige wanders over. I’d say his newfound happiness has less to do with seeking complimentsand more to do with his relationship with Paige. He’s definitely more open because of it. Like her sunshine rubbed off on him.
And I get it. I thought I was happy before Hayley but now…it’s tenfold.
For the next couple of hours, Hayley and I spend some time together, but most of it is spent apart, and an ease settles in my chest. I hate comparing things with Bria, but we were friends for years and she never got to know my teammates and friends, while Hayley fits right in like she’s always belonged here. And I truly believe that she did. That she does.
It feels right. Meant to be.Forever.
As though reading my mind, Hayley glances up from where she’s talking to Dylan and Summer, and her beaming happiness steals my breath, distracting me from my conversation.Not that I was listening.
“Reed?” Thomas waves a hand in front of my face before he laughs. “And another one’s down.”
“You won’t hear me arguing. I’m happy to admit, I’m a goner.”
Thomas chuckles just as Isaac rushes past, chasing after Luke’s dog. He dodges a chair and bumps into Hayley, sending her flying toward the pool. My stomach sinks until Landon catches her at the last second, pulling her away from the edge.
“Thank fuck,” Thomas says from beside me while my heart returns to normal. “That was a close one. But the panic on your face… Youarea goner.”
“No doubt about it.”
Hayley’s still smiling when I wander over to where she and Landon are standing by the edge, her eyes locked with mine. And when I reach her, she grins.
“You said you wanted a dog, right?” she asks, confusing me until I make the connection with what just happened. “You know, we never talked about kids,” she adds. “And I’m thinking…one or the other.”
Her infectious laughter always draws me in, but I’m too caught up in her words to respond. All I can do is stare in awe as she continues to talk. “Luckily, Landon was there to help.Again.” She wraps an arm around his shoulders and his face reddens.Poor innocent fucker.“I feel much safer now that he’s joined the group.”
Landon laughs awkwardly while I roll my eyes, snapping out of my moment. “Thanks for saving my girl, Landon. I appreciate it.”
Before he can respond, Hayley grabs my hand and drags me away. “I need a drink,” she announces, beelining for the makeshift bar.
When we reach the fridge, she turns my way and smiles brightly, taking my mind back to what she said before talking to Landon.She’s bringing up kids?
My awe returns and she giggles. “Reed? Did—”
Grabbing her face in my hands, I silence her with my mouth, wordlessly showing her what she means to me. She may not have told me she loves me, but after that, I don’t need her words. She gave me the future. And now I’m going to do everything I can to protect that.
“What was that for?” she asks, her cheeks flushed, when I pull away.
“Get used to it, Hayls. I love you. I’m going to kiss you whenever I damn well want.” I wink and she lets out another laugh.
“Fine by me. Are we going for round two? Or are you ready to drink?”
Without answering, I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her again, bending her backward until she squeals—as if I’d ever drop her. After lifting her to standing, I turn away and open the fridge. “I’m ready for a drink.”
Hayley giggles behind me but doesn’t say a word until I’ve handed her a cider. “You amaze me, boyfriend. Never a dull moment.”
“Like almost falling in the pool?” I smirk.
