“No way? I was hoping you’d know a few things or at least point me in the right direction, but a contact, here in the US? Amazing.”
We chat through ideas until the teams are back on the field and then I’m in the moment again, staring intently, pretending I have a man in the action, just like the rest of them.
Although, I suppose I do. I have Reed to watch.
And watch, I do.
He’s hard to look away from.
The team’s amazing. They gel. They’re a force to be reckoned with.
But Reed. He has a presence that demands your gaze. And it’s not just his muscles that draw the attention. He’s strong but incredibly fast, he’s—
“Yes! Go. Go.” I lose my train of thought as Reed secures the ball from Zane and rushes forward, dodging the opposition to make it to the end zone.
“Yeah, baby,” I call out and no one pays me any mind except Amelia, giving me a sideways glance.
But whatever, I’m allowed to cheer on the team.
Subtly rolling my eyes, I continue my support through the second half and we finish the game with another win.
Hands in the air, I cheer out loud, drawing attention from the crowd below, but I don’t care about their annoyed expressions. I’m too excited. “Another win!” I cheer louder to be obnoxious. “The guys are on fire. Are we heading out to celebrate, ladies?” I smile wide until one by one they hit me with excuses. Excuses I understand, but ones that still leave me without a much-needed wingwoman.
At least until Storm’s media liaison, Keeley, walks in, tucking her auburn hair behind her ears as her eyes scour the space. When her gaze finds mine, I shoot her a bright smile and rush over, sidling up to her when she’s filled in on my predicament.
“What about you, Keeley? You’re single. Can I convince you?”
A brief moment of uncertainty mars her otherwise poised expression before she schools her features, replacing it with a determined grin. “I’m in.” Her smile finally reaches her eyes. “Just let me grab my purse.”
My eyes follow her as she disappears back through the door, and the second she’s gone, I spin around, ready to ask if anyone else caught her strange reaction. And sure enough, Paige’s knowing—or perhaps unknowing—smile meets mine.
“What was that?” she questions, her eyes flashing to the door where Keeley just exited. “I think Keeley and I need to have a chat.”
“I can’t believe you don’t know already. Sheisyour sister-in-law.”
“Easton and I aren’t married.”
“Not yet.” I wink and she laughs. “Either way, it’s your job to get the gossip. Is Keeley keeping a secret? Is it a new guy?”
“Leave her alone,” Amelia scolds, her voice lacking conviction. “Everyone keeps secrets, Hayls. Includingyou.”
Whoops.Touché. “You’re right.” And for now, I’m keeping it that way. It’s been nice having Reed to myself.
When the suite clears out, I follow the girls to where they’re meeting their men and wait for Keeley, my gaze searching through the sea of bodies, admiring the goods until I find Reed.
I have to say, the Storm men are fine, but Reed is something else entirely.
With his attention elsewhere, I let my gaze linger longer than it should, taking in the way his stylish dress suit molds perfectly to his body and his collared shirt brings out the brightness of his blue eyes.
I can’t say how long I’ve been perving when he catches me, but as if being busted himself, he glances away, a small smile tugging at his lips before he disappears into the crowd.
“Where’s the party tonight?” I ask when Luke greets us, always the first out so he can see his girl, his signature cocky grin perfectly in place. As it should be. He played a hell of a game.
“We're heading to the Westerly Hotel,” he’s quick to respond. “Are you in?”
The Westerly?“Again? You always go there now.” Not that it’s a bad place, but I was in the mood for something new, something different.
“What’s the matter, Jack Jack?” Luke smirks at his next nickname for me while I mockingly roll my eyes. “Have you already been through the men there?”
