Page 77 of Reckless Storm
“What about—”
“Nope. You are going to be a star,” I repeat, my eyes boring into hers, making sure she believes me.
“Thanks, Reed.” She smiles and there’s a shyness to it that I haven’t seen before, saddening me a little. She has every right to be the cockiest B out there, but she’s not. And that would be fine if she was still the same Hayley she’s always been. But something has changed since her audition last week, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.
“Now for my promised snacks.” She hands me a platter of fruit and veggies, with avocado and small slices of smoked salmon, and I burst out laughing.
“These carrot sticks look amazing.”
“I thought you’d be impressed.”
“Did you do all of this for me?”
“Hell, no. I eat healthy.”
“Aren’t I taking you out for greasy burgers?”
“It’s all about balance. I worked out for an hour this morning and I’m planning on going for a run later today. I work hard for this hot body, and it deserves treats.”
I ogle said hot body, ignoring my cock when it twitches. “You won’t hear me arguing.”
“About deserving treats?”
“No, about your body,” I admit, waggling my eyebrows.
“Does Bria know you have this playful side of you?”
“Of course she does. She knowseverything.”
“Except the way you feel.”
“Apparently.” I shrug, releasing a mix between a huff and a laugh. Although…she might know that too. It’s the million-dollar question.
“It’s time we found out,” Hayley confirms. “Let’s get down to business.” Grabbing a carrot stick, she drags it through the smashed avocado before raising it to her lips and pausing. My gaze follows the journey of the carrot until her mouth lifts into a smirk.
“Did you want this?” she sasses, faking a grimace.
“Well, I mean, youdidsay the carrots were mine.”
“Reed Coombs. This is going to be a blast.”
“Couldn’t agree more, Jackman. Let’s do it.”
Hayley makes herself comfortable while I relax back into the cushions, resting my ankle over my knee. “Where should we start?”
“First…” She trails off, glancing away, deep in thought until she smiles. “I thinkyoushould decide what we talk about.”
“Okay. I’ll take the reins. First, we need to be completely transparent about what we hope to achieve out of this.”
“Wow.” Hayley’s eyes widen and she straightens up. “That was fast. You’ve thought this through.”
“Of course I have, Hayls. It’s kind of a big deal.”
“You’re right. It is. I’m sorry.” She bites back a cheesy grin.
“Maybeyou’reright?” I say jokingly. “Maybe I’m not ready for this. Foryou.”
“I promise, I’ll behave.” She moves her hands to her heart and smiles with a wistful sigh, but before I can respond, she’s raising a finger between us, hushing me as she smirks.
