We don’t stay in the bath too much longer, and after we dry off, Hayley suggests a movie night since it’s only just gotten dark. And that works for me because I’m not ready for her to leave. I want to soak up these moments as much as I can because before too long, they’ll be gone.
She picks a comedy I’ve never seen and I try to get into it, but I can’t concentrate, my mind whirring while Hayley’s amused giggles echo beside me, completely oblivious to my inner turmoil. Or perhaps, pretending she has no idea just like I suspect Bria always did.
Either way, she’s content, and while I love that for her, I’m going crazy.
As though her body clock aligns with the movie, Hayley yawns as soon as the end credits roll and we hit that awkward part of the night. “You’re welcome to stay here…” I begin but quickly add, “or I can drive you home.” I want her to stay, always. But the choice is hers.
“You don’t need to drive me. I can Uber or—”
“Or what?” I cut her off. “Hitchhike? I’ll drive you.”
“Fine. Then I’ll stay.” She quirks her lips as she playfully rolls her eyes.
“Good. You take the bed; I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“What? You slept on the couch last time I stayed over. Don’t you have a spare room…or two?”
“I do. I actually have three. But it’s been a while since I had guests over and I can’t be bothered—”
“Looks like you’re sleeping next to me then,” she cuts in, her grin playful. “You’d refuse to screw me even if I was naked and begging, so it’s safe to say I can trust you.” I cringe and she laughs. “What? It’s true.”
She stares me down in challenge and I relent, nodding. “I’ll sleep on the bed.”
“Good, it’s settled. I like the left side.” She grabs my hand and drags me toward my bedroom while I swallow a lump in my throat, obediently following her.
“Good thing I prefer the right.”
My phone vibrates across the floor, bringing me out of a dream to see that I’m wrapped around Hayley, my palm dangerously close to her breasts. I draw in a shallow breath and hold it, then carefully extract myself, refusing to enjoy it, even for a second.
Grabbing my phone, I sit up to check the time, my eyes widening to find that it’s ten.
I never sleep that late.
Hayley softly moans as she seeks me out in her sleep and I still my body, careful not to wake her. She settles again and I relax, checking the notification that woke me.
Luke: You sure put on a show yesterday, Reed, my man. Amelia wants to know if it’s real?
Reed: Still fake
In theory. In reality, it’s way beyond that on my end. No matter how hard I try to fight it.
Reed: I did all that for the cameras
Sort of. Maybe. At least, most of it was.
Luke: Well it worked. Check out the gossip guru in The Hollywood Blaze
Without responding, I do a search on Hayley’s name, assuming the article is about her, and immediately find what I’m looking for.
Has Hayley Jackman found her Prince Charming? Maybe she is the right choice for the role of Cynthia in the new Tristan Klines romantic drama. Only time will tell but this reporter is on her side.
Thank fuck.
It’s all working out the way we planned. Hayley’s going to get the part and all will be good in the world.
So why does my chest ache? And does that mean it’s almost over?
Because, hell, I don’t want to let her go.
