Page 111 of Delicate Storm

“Fuck, Paige.”

I move the camera to my face and find her staring back at me as she floats down to earth, her breathing frantic. After shaking herself out, she crawls to the phone and pulls it off the tripod before her eyes lock with mine once more. I expect her expression to be feral or wanton, but her gaze is soft, her eyes full of a warmth that has my heart racing and a new fear taking over me.

I think I’m falling for her.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Paige

Ihadn’t meant to call Easton while he was at an away game. I got his phone number so I could tease him when I was in his apartment, but after my shitty day, I realized he was the only person I wanted to talk to. Whether I told him about my day or not, I knew he’d make it better, simply by hearing his voice. Only this waswaybetter.

“How do you do that?” I ask as my breathing slows, an incredulous smile on my face. “How do you make me feeleverythingfrom a million miles away?”

“I don’t think I’m that far.” He shrugs and I laugh.

“Thousands, whatever. The point is that you’re nothere,and yet, I have never felt so close to a person.” My cheeks heat and I glance away. I’ve never been one to get embarrassed like that. But while I’m not directly saying I have feelings for Easton, I’m not exactly being subtle. And that’s crazy. Because I’ve never felt like this before. Never wanted to call a guy when I was down, never hoped that the sound of his voice could improve my day.I’m a strong, independent woman. I can look after myself. But God, it’s nice to think about having someone to share that with.

After hearing that Austin still hadn’t found any information on the Mikkleson family, I’d hung up to find a text from Christian, reminding me that he’d be in town soon, offering me another chance to go out with him and his fiancée. But like every other time he’s asked, I told him to fuck off—in nicer terms—and he once again got angry.

I should just tell him what’s going on, but while I may not be any closer to finding evidence, I’m not giving up. I had planned to keep quiet to protect him—so he wouldn’t know anything if he was questioned, but the more he pushes for this stupid meeting, the more I change my mind. And now I have another worry taking over—what if I tell Christian what I know and he freaks out. I can’t have him ruining it for me by running to his dad. And I have no doubt that he would. He’d tell them what I know. Whether because he was angry that they were keeping things from him or he already knew himself, there is no way he’d keep that quiet.

Easton runs a hand down his face and I bite my tongue. God, what am I doing speaking so openly? This is a casual fling. We both know that. We made it clear from the start.

“I know that’s not part of the deal, but I’m saying it because—"

“You’re one in a million, Paige,” Easton cuts into my admission. “And since you arethousandsof miles away, I’m going to use this screen as a shield and admit…” He trails off and my heart stops while I wait for his confession. “You’re getting under my skin too. I think about you all the time, but I don’t know what to do with that information.” His voice drops to barely above a whisper as he takes the phone off video. My heart slams against my rib cage and I have to fight not to say anything, in case he has more to add. And he does. “You’re a fucking goddess, D’Angelo. I wish I’d met you in another time.But I didn’t. What if this is all I can give you?” His voice breaks and I shiver.

“Then I’d say, you and I are alike. I can’t give you any more than you can,” I whisper the unfortunate truth, staring at the phone even though his face is no longer staring back at me. “But is it okay if I tell you I want to?”

If it was another time, I think I’d be all-in and that’s goddamn terrifying.

“Yeah.” Easton’s quick with his response. “You can tell me anything.”

Butterflies flood my chest and I smile through my words. “Thank you. I better let you go. It’s getting late there, right?”

“It’s not too late, but I do have to be on an early flight.”

“Talk tomorrow, maybe?”

“Sounds good. And maybe I’ll see you Wednesday? You know, if you ever decide to use my gift.”

“Your gift?” I laugh and my chest warms. Even after the heavy conversation, he still wants to see me. “I would have thought that me being naked in your apartment when you got home would be a gift toyou.”

Easton chuckles. “Has anyone ever called you a brat?”

“All the time.”

“Well, Brat, I want you there. Wednesday. No excuses.”

“Or what? Would you have to punish me?”

Easton groans and I laugh. “Goddammit, Paige, now I’m hard again.”

“Well, if you turn the video back on, I’m still practically naked.”

“Even if you weren’t, I could easily picture it. But the next time you’re screaming my name, I’m going to be inside you. That’s a promise. And it better be Wednesday.”

“Do you mean this one or will any Wednesday do?”

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