“That smile. The one you half hide away.”
He shrugs before locking me with his gaze, his eyes boring into mine. “I had fun today, Hayley. Thanks for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome. I had fun too. Same time next week?”
Reed barks out an incredulous laugh as his eyes widen. “Here?”
“God, no. I’ve checked this off my list. I’ll think of something else. Unless you want to decide?”
“Nah. I’m good.” He shakes his head and a spray of water hits me in the face. “Sorry about that.” He chuckles, wiping his thumb over the drops on my cheeks, forcing me to bite my lip as a warmth runs through me. “I’ll let you decide,” he continues. “Just tell me what time to pick you up.”
“Works for me.” I smile. “Oh, the possibilities.”
“Can’t wait.” Reed’s chuckle turns into a belly laugh, and for the first time in a while, I feel completely at ease. Like I can be my true self around him. And I’ve only really felt that with Amelia.
“Me either.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Reed
I’ve just stepped out of the shower, naked as the day I was born, when Hayley’s distinct knock permeates the air. Two slow raps of her knuckles followed by three fast ones. Every single time. And every time I hear it, I smile.
“Coming,” I call out, drying my hair before wrapping the towel around my waist, jogging to meet her.
“You’re early,” I state the obvious as I open the door, catching her grin before her eyes drop to my bare chest.
“And you’re an asshole. I haven’t had sex inmonthsand you hit me with that.” She tilts her head to the side, releasing a longing sigh as her words sink in.
“You what?” I blurt, following it with a groan. “Fuck. Don’t worry. I didn’t mean to ask that.”
“Why? We’re friends. Does it shock you to hear that I’m going through a dry spell?”
“No.No. I just wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
“So…” Hayley raises an eyebrow as she bites back a smirk, clearly enjoying this conversation. “Itdoesn’tshock you then?”
“No…Wait… I… Goddammit, Hayley.”
She grins comically and I reach for her hand, dragging her inside. “Wait here. I’ll put some clothes on.”
I turn to walk away but she calls out. “Don’t do it on my account. I’m good with the towel.”
“I bet you are. But please go and find someone else to perv on.”
“You’re no fun.”
Laughing to myself, I throw on a tee and hoodie, dumping the towel in the hamper before pulling on a pair of briefs and jeans, my mind on my awkward reaction.
It’s been months since the Storm charity event, when we first started hanging out, and I’m still not used to Hayley’s openness.
After our wakeboard park adventure, we started catching up regularly, getting to know each other better, and from day one Hayley made it clear that she’s an open book—happy to answer any questions I might have.
That she trusts me.
But when it comes to her sex life… I don’t ask.
Not for any reason, except that it’s not my place.
