Page 72 of Reckless Storm
“Did he ever really leave?” He winks and I burst out laughing.
Celebrations are loud as we head back to the locker rooms and I glance toward the suite, a smile on my face as I seek out Hayley, not even knowing if she’s there but almost certain that she is.
It’s been a little over twenty-four hours since we committed to fake dating, and while we’re yet to decide how to go public or tell our friends, if she’s here, I’m making the first move. It’s about time we at least acknowledge each other.
When my gaze finds the partners’ suite, sure enough, Hayley’s watching me, her painted lips pulled into a thin-lipped grin, her eyes full of sass.
I lift my hand in a soft wave and wink, dropping a breadcrumb for whoever may be watching, smirking when she shakes her head.
In the locker room, Coach delivers his normal subdued celebratory speech—refusing to give us too much praise incase our heads grow larger than they already are—and then our owner, Salvatore D’Angelo, steps up to the mic. A rare occurrence unless he has news.
“Congratulations on another amazing win.” He pauses for the cheers and when we get too loud, Keeley brings us back to attention. “Thank you, Keeley. Men, I appreciate the hard work you’re all putting in to impress the new boss, and trust me when I say, it doesn’t go unnoticed.” He pauses again, and this time he’s met with forced smiles and a few awkward claps. “Wow. You really are trying, aren’t you? And here I was joking around. I bought this team because I saw something in you all. And you’ve proven through all the winsandthe losses, that no matter what, you’re ateam. The support you have for each other is commendable. You’ve been through a lot this past year and come out of it shining. We have another Super Bowl in our sights, and I have no doubt you’re going to raise hell to get there. Remember who you are when the tough times hit, and we’ll always come out on top. Thank you all.”
That was weird.
He steps down from our makeshift stage, otherwise known as a bench seat, and locks eyes with Keeley, his expression wan while she offers a reassuring smile. With the controversy surrounding our team lately, my first instinct is that something else is coming. Something we’re not going to like.
My gaze bounces around the room to check if anyone else caught that little interaction, but I’m interrupted before I can process it.
“I hear you’re dating the Jackonator.” Luke waggles his eyebrows, laughing at himself, or me, while I stare at him confused.
“I’m what?”
“You’re dating Hayley, right?”
Jesus. Luke knows? I guess that means Hayley’s told Amelia. “It’s, ahh…”Fuck. What do I say to that? We haven’t decided what we’re doing and—
Luke’s laughter turns obnoxious. “You should see your face.Relax. I know the truth. But I’m the only one, so let’s hope you’re a damn good actor, because Hayley sure is. If anyone fucks up, it’s going to be you.”
“Wow. Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I play along, but on the inside, my stomach churns. It’s highly likely that he’s right. Itwillbe me that fucks this up, and I don’t want to let her down. Especially now that it isn’t about me.
“There’s more on the line than getting over your little crush,” Luke adds, digging a knife into my already sensitive wound. “You’re doing it for Hayls now.”
Fuck fuck fuck.“I know that, asshole. I wouldn’t have agreed to it if I didn’t think I could do it.”
Well, at least, Hayley thinks I can.
“I know.” Luke’s expression turns serious as he steps closer. “And I’m here if you need me. I said I’d help you move on, and I meant it. The fake dating may not have been my doing, but I set the wheels in motion, and I plan to see it through.” He cups my shoulder and grins like a Cheshire cat. “Now get changed. It’s time to find our girls.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Hayley
Amelia smiles as Reed disappears off the field, and I count down in my head, ready for her questions in three, two, one…
“I needallthe details. Your text gave me nothing.”
“That’s not true. I told you the most important part.”
“You said… ‘Reed and I are fake dating’ and when I texted back with a million question marks, I got nothing in return.”
“I knew I’d be seeing you today. And honestly, I don’t know any more than that.”
“How do you feel about it?” She offers me a sympathetic smile.
“At first I loved the idea, but then I felt bad when Reed was hesitant, and now I’m good again. You know me. When I commit to something, I’m all in.”
“Idoknow that. And I’m a little scared for Reed.”
