Beautiful Storm (San Francisco End Game #1)

CHAPTER ONE

Amelia - Age Thirty Two

TWO MONTHS EARLIER

It’s time to get back out there. Let’s hope I know what the hell I’m doing. If I’m honest, I’m terrified.

I tap my foot against the leg of the chair and mindlessly stir my espresso martini. The same drink I’ve been staring at for the last hour. I don’t even like coffee…yet somehow, I’m addicted to the smell and thought this would be a good idea.

“What about him ?” my friend Hayley says as she sits down beside me, immediately knocking back the remainder of her drink, pointing to the fit-looking man in a business suit busting a move on the dance floor. “He looks like he could satisfy some needs ,” she adds when he thrusts his hips.

“I’m not having sex with some random guy.” I huff out a laugh and roll my eyes. Not to mention, I’ve never really been attracted to well-groomed businessmen, and lately, I’ve found myself drawn to men who are a little more rugged. But I digress. “Just because I’m single—”

“Okay.” Hayley cuts me off as she lovingly squeezes my leg, knowing all too well the rant I was about to launch into. “I get it. I won’t suggest…” Something catches her eye and she trails off, peering over my shoulder with a giddy smile replacing her sympathetic expression. “What about a guy you do know?”

“What?” I foolishly spin around to find Luke Bennett, infamous tight end for the San Francisco Storm football team swaggering our way. Yes, he’s more of the rugged type I was referring to, despite currently wearing a suit, but he’s also a former friend. One I’d prefer to keep in the past. Actually, I’d prefer he didn’t exist.

I don’t want to notice the way his lips lift in a half smirk as he raises an eyebrow as if to say “I see you watching me”—ever the cocky asshole that he is—and I don’t want to notice his mocking wave before his smirk turns into a scowl. I don’t want anything to do with him.

“Ugh, I’d rather sew myself shut,” I mutter under my breath as he turns away.

“Amelia, geez. That’s not a visual I need when I’m only two drinks in.”

My eyes flash to Hayley’s and I can’t help but laugh. “Oh…but more drinks and it would be fine,” I joke, shaking my head at the woman who has recently become my rock.

Hayley stares at me, deadpan, or maybe a little confused. “Yes. No issues.”

It might be the alcohol coursing through my veins after Hayley insisted my first drink should be a shot, or the need to prove to Luke that I’m having fun, but either way, I throw my head back and laugh out loud. God , I love her. She came into my life at the best possible time after moving to America with her actor boyfriend. They’d met when they starred together on an Australian soap opera, and when he was cast in a sitcom to be filmed here in San Francisco, she followed in the hope that she’d get her big break too.

Long story, short… I was working as an assistant at the studio where they were filming and we met waiting in line at the cafeteria. It took half a cup of coffee for her and three bites of a donut for me to convince us we were going to be friends, and we’ve been close ever since, bonding over the harsh world that is the film and television industry along with our love of sports.

Although I’m still trying to figure out how Aussie Rules works.

That aside, what really cemented our friendship is that both our relationships imploded at the same time. Hayley caught her douchebag boyfriend cheating on her with his co-star, and I made the hardest decision of my life by suggesting my husband and I take a break. Safe to say, he wasn’t happy about that request, and our marriage ended shortly after.

Hayley got back on the horse right away, or horse rider in her case—literally riding a cowboy within days of her breakup—while I’ve been taking my time. I wanted to let my heart heal a little first. I’d been in a relationship since I was seventeen. I needed a break. For me. But now…

“What’s wrong with Luke I-could-melt-your-panties-with-one-look Bennett?” Hayley says, cutting into my thoughts, her eyes following Luke as he walks toward his teammates at the bar. “He’s hot…he doesn’t like strings…at all—he’d probably let go of a balloon if you gave him one—and he has the body of a god.” Her eyes flash to mine, catching me looking in his direction. “If nothing else…” She grins. “He’s nice to look at, and his experience might mean you learn a thing or two.”

What? My gaze shifts her way and I frown. “ Or he could be lazy in bed knowing he can move on to the next girl before the night's through.”

“True. That’s a possibility but it’s not what I’m hearing around the traps.”

“What traps? What does that mean?” I raise an eyebrow and scoff. “Is that another Aussieism?”

Hayley frowns as she tucks her long blonde hair behind her ears. “You don’t say that here?”

“Nope.”

She hums to herself. “Then yes.” She nods, straightening up in her seat. “Yes, it is. It basically means it’s not what I’ve been hearing. Point is…he’s a good option.”

“I can’t.”

“Why? You love football.”

“Nah,” I lie. “I’m more into hockey men…”

Hayley shushes me with a gasp. “No, you’re not. We don’t play favorites when it comes to football or hockey men. You can’t bullshit me.”

“Ugh.” I’m going to have to tell her. “I—”

“You’re a relationship girl, right?” She cuts in before I can speak. “You don’t want your next relationship to be shadowed by the fear that he’s a rebound guy. And you said so yourself—you and Preston had a vanilla sex life. It’s time to put yourself out there. Fuck the no-strings guy that you know will be great in bed. Then search for your soulmate later.”

A little part of me comes to life as she speaks. Yes, I said that. I said our sex life was vanilla, but at the time I was okay with that. Now I want to try more, and it makes sense to try it with someone I can easily walk away from. But it has to be someone else.

“If I were to take your advice…and I’m not saying I am…yet. But Luke is not the right choice. I’ve known him for years, and if I’m being honest, I wouldn’t cry if he was hit by lightning.”

Hayley laughs out loud, her twinkling eyes moving in the direction of the obnoxious players as they chant by the bar. “Poetic considering he plays for Storm.”

I bite back my smile as she grins from ear to ear. “Point is…” I say, using her words to tell her I mean business. “I’d rather stab him while he slept than let him touch me.” Again .

“Okay.” She claps her hands together, her eyes lighting up like it’s Christmas. “ One .” She raises a finger. “I need that story. And two.” Her second finger lifts. “Hate sex is highly underrated. It could be exactly what you need.”

“I’m not having hate sex.”

“Why?”

I try to take her seriously but the deep furrowed brow and confusion set in her features makes me burst out laughing again. “Because…” I begin confidently, but pause. “Because…” Jesus. Why is hate sex a bad idea? “I don’t know. Let’s talk about that after I have some mind-blowing feelingless sex first.”

“Deal. We’ll revisit this conversation tomorrow.” She nods and I laugh again, her confidence and positivity always bringing a smile to my face.

After one more glance toward the football players, I ignore the way my chest tightens at seeing Luke after all this time and steer the conversation in another direction. I’m not going to sit here and pretend he’s not God’s gift to women because I’d be lying to myself. That man is fine. But I am more than capable of pushing that from my mind simply by remembering what an ass he is. And the hurt he caused me. It does the trick every time.

“We need to dance,” I say, straightening my crimson dress as I stand, hoping by some miracle it’s suddenly less revealing. “I’m never going to find someone if I remain tied to my chair.” I'm not completely conceding to her mission to find me a one-night stand, but if I keep drinking without moving, I’m likely to start making bad decisions.

“I agree,” Hayley nods. “But…we?”

“Yes. You’re coming with me. I need at least three songs before you disappear with some guy.”

“Three?” Her eyes scan the room, undoubtedly searching for said guy, her lips pursed ass he considers my request. “Okay. I can do that.” She bounces on her toes as she stands. “Let’s go.” She knocks back her drink and straightens her shoulders before grabbing my hand to lead me to the dance floor. “We’ve got this.”

I laugh as I’m dipped back until the tips of my fingers brush against the floor, and when I’m lifted again, my new friend, Chase, whispers in my ear. “And that’s how it’s done.”

I give him an impressed nod but hold back my smile, making him work for it.

“Ahh, like that, is it?” He chuckles. “What more do you want?” His eyes narrow, jokingly trying to read my mind. “Flowers.” He clicks his fingers. “Every woman wants flowers.”

He’s been trying to “woo” me—his word, not mine—for the last thirty minutes and I’m surprised to say I’m enjoying it. In fact, tonight has turned out to be much more fun than I expected.

When I mentioned I wanted to try a dating app, Hayley insisted on taking me out first and dragged me to the hottest new bar at the Westerly hotel. She said I should try things the old-fashioned way. And she may be right. It’s not hard to imagine how a night of passionate dancing would be enough to consider taking someone home—or in my case, taking someone to a room upstairs since I’m spending the night here at the hotel. Only, I’m not convinced I’m that type of person.

“I actually loathe the giving of flowers,” I admit with slightly clenched teeth.“ My ex used to bring them home every time he had bad news or after he’d been gone for an extended period, and now just the thought of them makes me shiver.”

“Noted.” Chase cringes. “No flowers. But also… What a dick.”

I laugh but Preston wasn’t a dick. Back then. He was a great husband, and he hated that he was always leaving me alone. He assumed he was softening the blow. He wasn’t ; he was actually making it worse.

Chase and I continue to dance, with him whispering ideas in my head, each one more impressive than the last but still doing nothing to light a fire inside me.

There’s not even a spark.

After a few more minutes, I catch Hayley’s eye and she smiles proudly. Despite promising me only three songs, she’s still dancing close by, keeping an eye on me like I’m a lost child. And maybe, when it comes to this one-night stand business, I am.

I’m generally strong enough to take care of myself, but I have no idea what I’m doing here. And Hayley knows it. Still, I wink back pretending to be more in control than I am and give her a nod of approval for the guy she’s dancing with. A guy I swear I’ve seen on a billboard somewhere advertising men’s cologne…or was it underwear… or is he that new golfer ?

Here in the darkness, surrounded by the strobe lights and outfits that cost more than what I make in a year, he could be whoever he wanted to be. Maybe he’s famous, or maybe he’s no one at all. And that’s what worries me. Not the fame thing—that actually goes against a guy when it comes to me—but the fact that anyone can fake it. Even me to a point. I’m flirting and giggling like I’m a sure thing, but I’m not. I’m still undecided. And as soon as Chase figures that out he’ll drop me like I’m hot, forcing me to keep up the charade until I’ve made up my mind. Just like everyone else here.

“I’ve got it,” Chase says suddenly, snapping his fingers as he cuts into my thoughts. He waits until our eyes lock before delivering his line devoid of sarcasm. “How about I take you out back and rock your world?” Yep, he really just said that.

“Excuse me?” I pull away, my gaze puzzled as I wait for him to laugh and tell me he’s joking. Please, please be joking. He bounces his eyebrows similar to how Hayley did and I cringe. Not a joke then.

“Does that ever work?” I ask seriously. I know I’m sort of here for exactly what he’s proposing, but surely, people don’t talk like that.

Chase laughs. “Surprisingly, yes.”

“So this is all part of your act? The nice guy wooing?”

Chase’s previously friendly expression morphs into a cocky grin, and I get my answer. Though, wasn’t I doing the same thing—acting? God, this is hard. I work in the world of make-believe, and toward the end of my relationship with Preston, we were both playing pretend.

For once, I want something to be real , even if it is only a one-night stand. Is that too much to ask?

Chase’s friend returns from the bar and I use the distraction to make an escape. “I’ll be back,” I yell over the music, already backing away. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

Hayley stops dancing and leans in as I squeeze past. “Want me to come with you?” she asks, her brows furrowed at the confusion on Chase’s face. I get it—despite the blatant ploy to get in my pants, he’s been fun. I shouldn’t be walking away.

“Nah.” I shake my head. “You keep dancing. That guy is smoking.”

“Right?” She bites her lip as he wraps his arms around her, waving me off when I walk away. I may need a breather, but that doesn’t mean I have to ruin her fun.

The line for the bathroom is relatively short, but it gives me enough time to think, and… What the hell am I doing? Thinking is my problem. It’s a one-night stand, for fuck’s sake. I shouldn’t be thinking; I should be living in the moment. Enjoying myself and letting the night flow. So what if he’s faking it? As long as he gives me a very real orgasm and helps me get over my reluctance to get back out there, why should I care?

Mind made up, I fix my hair and stand tall, ready to lose my mind and have fun. After straightening out my dress, again , I confidently stride back to the main room, ready to make a move.

It’s my time. I deserve this.

I’ve just reached the dance floor, my eyes searching the sweaty masses, when I’m spun around and a familiar body blocks my view.

Luke.

“Ugh.” I don’t bother to hide my groan.

“You dodged a bullet,” he says, his gaze drifting over my shoulder as he smirks.

“What do you want, Luke?” For over ten years I’ve managed to avoid him and now…

“I’m saving you from humiliation.”

Stepping back, I fold my arms over my chest and pop my hip, smiling when Luke’s eyes flash to my cleavage. “Eyes are up here, asshole.”

“You know what, Joy ? Dance away. As you were.” He spins me back around before I have the chance to outwardly react to my nickname. God, I hate that name. He started calling me that when our friendship first began to crumble, reminding me that of all the students at our school, he alone knew me intimately. I despised my middle name—Joy—preferring to call myself Amelia J, and he used that against me. He said it was fitting, since I was such a joy to be around.

As a twelve-year-old, the sarcasm still dripped from his words.

I shiver when he moves to stand beside me, his hands barely touching my arms as he repositions me, putting Chase directly in our line of sight. And he’s sucking face with someone new. Great .

I smile like it’s no big deal. There’s no one to blame but myself. I may have told him I’d be back, but I know my expression screamed “you blew it, buddy.”

“Oh well.” I step out of Luke’s grasp. “You win some, you lose some.” I shrug when in reality… I am not cut out for this.

“Told you,” Luke gloats, his smug expression boring into the side of my face.

My smile widens while I mentally flip him off, imagining myself slamming the heel of my stiletto down onto his foot. Then, satisfied with that visual, I walk away, beelining to the bar to buy myself some time.

But of course, Luke follows behind me, never one to let something go.

“Go away, Luke,” I call out over my shoulder, hoping he can hear me over the noise. “I’ve had enough of douchebag strangers for one night.”

“So we’re strangers now?” he rasps into my ear, making me jump as his breath warms my skin, with him much closer than I thought he was.

“We haven’t seen each other in years ,” I say without turning around, refusing to give him any more than I have to. “And we haven’t spoken for longer than that. So yes, I would consider you a stranger.”

I keep walking, as if I don’t know him, but he doesn’t take the hint, and when I reach the bar, he settles in beside me, casually resting his elbows on the counter. His biceps bulge and my stupid traitorous eyes flash to the strained muscles, noting the hint of a tattoo peeking out from below his rolled-up shirtsleeve. My heart races, and for some messed-up reason that can only be explained by a complete lapse in my sanity or maybe alcohol, I picture him pressing me against a wall as I squeeze my legs shut, silently cursing Hayley for putting the idea in my head.

“But I tried to help you,” Luke responds with a raised eyebrow, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking, and I hate that he usually does. At least, he used to.

“Oh please.” I huff, keeping my cool. “You wanted to be there to witness my embarrassment. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m fine . I don’t need anyone’s help. Especially yours.”

“Yeah. You made that clear,” he snaps out of nowhere, startling me.

“What?” I shake my head before I continue. I’m supposed to be ignoring him. True, that’s harder with the sudden venom in his tone, but still, I need to try. I can’t let him get to me again.

The server comes over, and I use that as my excuse to turn away. “I’ll take a cider, please,” I say with a warm smile. “Whatever you have closest to you.”

He reaches below the bar and grabs me a bottle from Australia, making me giggle, before handing over the card reader and smiling. The second I’ve paid, I turn to walk away, preemptively readying myself to give Luke one last scowl.

But he’s gone. He disappeared without a trace. And I’m alone. Just like I wanted.

I stay by the bar, my back against the counter as I slowly sip my cider, and after finishing, I move back to the dance floor, swaying on the edge until I’m ready to call it a night. My heart’s not in it anymore. Not that it really was to begin with.

I want to move on. I do. But the thought of starting over after all this time is a little crippling and really freaking annoying. I was married. We talked about having kids. And now I’m getting offers to have my world rocked in a parking lot. Oh, how my life has changed.

“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” Hayley whispers, clasping my hand as she sidles up beside me.

“Huh?”

“You have a defeated look about you. But single life is supposed to be fun. Instead of looking at it like you’ve lost something, take a leaf out of my book.”

“You mean a page?”

“Nope.”

I laugh, gesturing for her to keep going.

“What I’m trying to say is that being single is a good thing. Embrace it.”

I stare at her for a second, letting that idea sink in. I loved Preston, but I lost myself along the way. Being single gives me the chance to find myself again. To finally live the life I always wanted. On my terms. “You’re right. I’m looking at it all wrong.”

Hayley’s eyes light up just like they did at the mention of hate sex earlier. “So can I find you—”

“Not tonight,” I cut her off. “But I’m going to look at this whole single thing differently from now on. I promise.”

“Okay. I’m calling that progress . Talk to you in the morning then?”

“After my massage.”

“Deal.”

She gives me a tight squeeze before making her way back to her man, laughing when he lifts her into the air.

I can do that. I’m a strong, confident woman, and I can be carefree and wild. Just like Hayley. I know it. I’m going to be.

Tomorrow anyway.

Tonight, my bed’s calling me. I’m done.

The music fades as I walk away, and I can’t stop my growing smile. Life doesn’t have to be trying. All I have to do is be more positive. Tomorrow’s a new day.

I tap my foot in time to the music as I wait for the elevator to arrive, and as the doors open, I'm met with a group of attractive men, all dressed in business suits, making me giggle to myself. Hayley would be in her element right now. And maybe with this new outlook on life, I need to think about men differently, too. What’s wrong with a man in a suit? Especially if it’s only for the night.

They’re deep in conversation until they spot me and pause, all eyes flashing my way. “Going up?” one of the guys asks with a relaxed smile and sparkling green eyes, making me grin in return. Guess I can see the appeal .

“I am. Thank you.” The guys move back to give me some space and I step inside.

A wave of relief washes over me as the doors begin to shut, bringing me one step closer to my new beginning.

“Busy night?” I ask, reaching out to press the button for my floor at the same moment a hand juts through the gap in the doors, startling me as they fly open again. Jesus Christ.

Silence falls over the space, and when the owner of the hand reveals himself, I hold back a groan as Luke slips in, immediately moving to my side.

“What are you doing?” I ask, my teeth clenched as I peer over my shoulder, my smile back in place.

“I’m calling it a night,” he says, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, his fingers dancing across my skin. “I couldn’t bear to think of you alone in our bed, so I’m coming with you. Surprise .”

Surprise? Wait. What?