I have no doubt the guys are already on the lookout. But having said that, I can’t imagine it’s going to be easy to find her in this crowd, let alone—
She steps into my line of sight, cutting me off mid-thought as a grin tugs at my lips, a response to the proud expression she’s currently sporting.
Chatting animatedly with a group of well-dressed men in business suits, she’s every bit the confident woman I remember,her beaming smile sucking them in, her self-assured nature and warmth making them all putty in her hands.
The world doesn’t know what’s going to hit it when Hayley Jackman becomes Hollywood’s next big star.
I turn to let Luke know I’ve found her when someone bumps into me from behind, spilling a drink down my leg. “Hey, what the fuck?” my teammate Rhett snaps as though he’s the one currently smelling like beer. But while I appreciate the defense, I shake him off.
“It’s okay, Rhett.” I smile, turning to the red-faced guy spewing apologies. “No harm done. I’m sure these guys will be spilling drinks before the night’s out.”
His eyes widen before his red face turns ashen. “Fuck, you’re Reed Coombs. I’m so sorry, man.”
“Chill. I’m fine. You go and enjoy your night. Forget this ever happened.”
The guy nods as he steps around me, and Rhett mumbles under his breath, “You’re lucky it was Coombs.”
Overhearing the exchange, Thomas steps forward, lightly slapping him across the back of the head, pinning him with a scolding glare. “What the hell, Rhett? It was an accident. Let’s not make headlines again.”
I cringe at the thought; we definitely don’t want that. The headlines Thomas is referring to stem from our time in the spotlight last season when a San Francisco production company decided to make a TV show about our team. The very show my driver mentioned watching. A show that, to everyone’s surprise, was a huge fucking hit. But not necessarily in a good way.
“There have been enough headlines already,” Thomas continues. “Don’t you think?”
We all nod, while Wyatt calls out “Hear! Hear!” and shakes his head, his eyes flashing to Luke since his wife was involved in the production of the show. I’m about to tell Wyatt he needsto stop making that connection, when Rhett wolf whistles under his breath. “I was having a rough day,” he says, making excuses for his asshole behavior. “But,” he continues, his eyes locked on something, or likelysomeonebehind me, “it’s about to get a hell of a lot better.”
I turn to see Hayley approaching, her expression now full of excitement as she rushes to reach Luke. And while I hate what Rhett’s insinuating, it’s hard to miss the appeal.
There’s no denying that she’s beautiful.
As though she’s a beacon for all that surrounds her, eyes follow her every move as she swiftly drifts past them, her long, blonde hair bouncing behind her, her tight dress leaving nothing to the imagination, showing off her incredible curves.
She has the room transfixed. She’s breathtaking, and on top of all that, she’s a hell of a lotta fun. And God knows we could use some fun.
Wyatt groans beside me and I burst out laughing, knowing that like fifty percent of the guys in this room, he’s fangirling. Hard.
And when Luke shakes his head before rolling his eyes, I have no doubt it’s going to be a night to remember…
Exactly what I need right now.
CHAPTER THREE
Hayley
Being the centre of attention has its perks, and thanks to the never-ending array of drinks flowing my way, I’m a little buzzed by the time Luke and his teammates arrive, and I’m blamingthatfor my reaction.
“Lukey Pukey, you came.” I throw my arms around his neck, rocking him back and forth, squealing with excitement. I made a lot of crew members—namely Lucian—big promises about a hot football team and I always deliver.
Luke laughs at my corny nickname and spins me out of his arms, angling me in the direction of his friends. “Hayley, here are my boys.”
He waves a hand across the collection of fine looking men in front of me, smiling as if I could possibly forget anyone from my new favourite team. “First you’ve got Wyatt,” he begins, pointing to his teammate—who Amelia mentioned is the fun-loving man of the group—and I offer a wave. “Here you have Mr. Self-assured ladies’ man, Rhett.” He grins at his own joke, and I grin back at him, recognising Rhett from when he introduced himselfthe first time I met the guys. “The big man here is Carter,” Luke continues and I follow his gaze, smiling up at Carter, the man who could easily be compared to The Rock.
With those boys alone, I’m giddy—there’s so much hotness surrounding me—but before Luke’s moved on, my eyes drift over to Reed, sneaking a peek at the tattoos creeping out from the collar of his shirt, and…jackpot.That man is a god.
“Last…” Luke slaps Reed on the back, and while he doesn’t need an introduction—we’ve spoken before—Luke gives him one anyway. “Say hello to everyone’s golden boy, Reed.” I smile at Reed and his lips quirk into a genuine grin. Very golden boy-esque. “Now, boys.” Luke spins my way. “This is the one and only Hayley Jackman.”
As if trained to do so, they all wave in unison while I bounce on my toes just as Thomas joins us. “Oh, and you know Thomas. No intro needed.”
I do know Thomas and it’s nice to see another friendly face.
