“We’ll see.” He bounces his eyebrows and I smile wide, keeping things light while inside I’m struggling. But of course, Reed, being the intuitive and caring guy that he is, notices.
“What are you really worried about?” he asks, leaning forward to grab my hand, running his thumb back and forth across my skin. “You’re not yourself at the moment.”
“I wasn’t lying.” My smile softens as I stare into his eyes. “I’m really going to miss you.”
And I’m a little terrified about what the future will bring.
In the lead-up to my filming in Texas, Reed and I keep up the happy couple charade, parading ourselves around whenever we can, showing the world how solid we are, smiling for photographers, signing autographs, waving while out on romantic adventures. Presenting ourselves as the golden couple they want us to be. And the media love it. Just like Reed said…they’re eating it up.
Hollywood’s newest IT couple, Reed Coombs and Hayley Jackman, spotted on a romantic night out in the Marina District.
Are wedding bells in the cards for NFL star Reed Coombs and Hollywood starlet Hayley Jackman? Sources say Coombs was seen holding a distinct turquoise blue bag. And you know what that means.
Leading lady Hayley Jackman shines in her first photo as Cynthia Rose, looking every bit the part of America’s sweetheart.
It’s all going to plan except for one teeny-tiny minute change in our relationship—Reed hasn’t touched me since I got the part. Since thebathincident. Since the moment he romantically washed me while his obvious erection pressed into my back. It’s as though an unspoken agreement took place to keep things platonic between us after taking it too far. So while in public we are still very much a couple, behind the scenes, it’s all about the friendship.
And I’ve got to say, he may be on to something because it’s never been better.
Which I’m sure is why as he stands before me, staging our dramatic airport goodbye, the tears in my eyes are real.
“I don’t want to go,” I say honestly, dropping my forehead to his chest, as emotion overwhelms me. “I’m excited for the experience, but God, I’m going to miss you.”
Reed chuckles as though I’m joking, grabbing my face in his hands, lifting my head until our eyes meet. “We’ll talk every day. And you’ll be so busy, you’ll barely notice we’re apart. As will I.”
I bite my lip as I nod, standing tall, while inside I’m barely keeping my emotions in check. “You’re right. Filming in the studio will be nothing compared to my Texas schedule. I have night shoots, early mornings, and multiple locations. We wouldn’t have time to see each other anyway.”
“Exactly, and before you know it, you’ll be back.”
“And we’ll be breaking up.” I whisper the last part and Reed frowns.
“That’s the plan, but let’s take it one step at a time.”
Someone rushes past us, lightly bumping my shoulder, and it pulls my attention. I check my phone, cursing when I see that it’s almost time for me to leave.
Reed must have noticed the same because the mood shifts between us, a somber energy replacing the fun. “This is it. Our big moment.”
He pulls me into his hold, wrapping his arms around me while I snuggle into him, reluctant to let go. And the second I breathe him in, the tears fall.
“Hey, now.” He pulls back and gently brushes his thumb under my eyes, catching the drops. “You really can cry on cue?”
I nod by way of answer, because if I told him that’s what I’m doing, I’d be lying. There’s nothing fake about it.
Movement catches my eye, but when I glance in that direction there’s nobody there. Seems like my brain will conjure anything to focus on something other than the heartache I’m feeling
Reed blows out a breath, his gaze flashing toward security. “I better let you go though.”
I nod again, unable to speak.
“Call me when you land?”
Another nod.
Grabbing my bag, I squeeze his hand and study his features, committing them to memory, and when I finally turn away, I internally curse myself.What am I doing?I left my friends and family back in Australia with no immediate plans to see them again, and not a single tear fell. I’ll be seeing Reed again in a month and a half—this isn’t a big deal.
I’m acting crazy.
“See ya, Hayls,” Reed calls out. “Talk soon.”
