And God, I hope it always will be.
After spending the weekend together, as arealcouple, Reed takes a piece of me with him when he leaves early Monday morning, though it eases my mind knowing I’ll be home before long.
I’m not needed on set Monday, but when I’m due on location Tuesday, I feel confident turning up, safe in the knowledge that the production team has my back.
After speaking to the police, Reed held my hand as I filled in my agent and theReckless Desireproduction manager. And while I know it’s hard for them to completely side with me when Cam’s pleading his innocence—claiming that all he did was send flowers and chocolates to a friend—it was nice to have their support.
It may be because I filed a restraining order, but they’re taking my suspicion seriously. So, now it’s a waiting game until the damn thing gets implemented.
“I can’t believe he was stalking you,” Brooklyn says as she links her arm through mine, walking with me to set.
Despite the fact that security has been advised not to let Cameron on the premises, I’ve had an unofficial bodyguard with me all day. And right now, it’s Brook.
“Honestly, I can’t believe it either.”
“Wait.” Brooklyn shakes her head. “I didn’t mean it like that. The truth is, Icanbelieve it. I’m just shocked.”
“What do you mean?”
“He was always looking at you. Watching. I stupidly thought he was staying in character, but I should have said something.” She grimaces while I rush to reassure her.
“This isn’t on you, Brooklyn. I didn’t see it either. No one did.”
“Well, I’m glad your hot football-star boyfriend was there when it all came out.”
“Me too,” I half lie. I wish he’d never been caught up in it, but I’m thankful he was with me.
Our first day without Cam runs relatively smoothly, and for the next two weeks, life moves at a snail’s pace, my days dragging, my nights lonely, an anxious feeling settling in my chest right until the moment our chartered flight touches down at San Fran International.
Then I’m happy again. I’m home.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Reed
Ibite back a groan as I walk through the locker room the Wednesday after my Texas trip, my smile bright as all eyes flash my way. I look like I’ve gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. Actually, no…it looks like Mike Tyson beat the shit out of me and I never even got a punch in.
I thought it was going to be okay, since I only caught a couple of fists to the face, but it’s day five now and the bruising looks worse. But it’s not even the bruising that has me wanting to groan; it’s my goddamn rib cage. For a guy half my size, that fucker could throw a punch. And his aim was on point, hitting me in the same spot every single time.
With that being said, I’d do it all again. In fact, I wish I’d done more after what he was doing to Hayley.
While my teammates have definitely noticed my face, I somehow make it to my locker without question and breathe a sigh of relief, until…
“Am I seeing things or is our golden boy not so golden anymore?”Dammit.
I turn to find Luke and my groan finally releases. “What can I say? Keeping up with Hayley is a full-time job.”
“Damn.” He bounces his eyebrows before stepping closer and leaning in. “If it’s like this when it’s fake, imagine what it would be like if shit got real.” His head falls back and he laughs at his own joke while I stare at him deadpan, laughing on the inside.That’s no joke, my friend. It is as real as it gets. Just you wait.
Luke walks away, still chuckling to himself and I can’t help but smile. I’ll always be golden where it counts, but you better believe I’m going to fight for my girl, especially with fuckers who think it’s okay to follow her around.
The team’s lucky I’m here because right now, the only thing keeping me sane is that Cameron’s been sent back to California and she’s safe in Texas. But until Hayley’s restraining order gets signed off, I’m going to be on edge.
The next two weeks fly by, and when it’s time to meet Hayley at the airport, I’m not at all ashamed to admit I’m fucking giddy about it. We’ve spoken often, but having her back, and finally in my arms, will put my mind at ease.
We agreed to meet near the baggage carousels, but I can’t wait that long, jogging through the terminal to catch her when she exits the secure area, my heart pounding in my chest.
I arrive just as she moves through the doors, pausing at the threshold when our eyes lock, knowing with certainty that when she smiles, this is real.
