Page 112 of Delicate Storm

“Paige,” he warns.

“Okay, I’m hanging up. I’ll see you Wednesday.” I can’t help but giggle as a feeling of contentment takes over. I wanted him to make me feel better and mission accomplished.

“Bye, Paige. Sleep well.”

He hangs up but I don’t move. I just stare into the ether. “Sleep well.” It was a throwaway line, but do you think my heart took it that way? No, the little romantic fucker just skipped a beat because his tone was softer than usual. It doesn’t mean anything, but the feelings Ishould notbe feeling keep getting stronger. It’s not just about sex anymore. And like him, I don’t know what to do with that.

I’m busy Monday and Tuesday, meeting with the youth foundation to run through the charity event. We’ve got two weeks to go, meaning we’ve had almost double the time I had to organize the Storm event, and yet, we’re still behind on things. The women running the charity are lovely, and I’m also working with a San Francisco news presenter who volunteers her time with youth services around the state. But while we all get along well, I wonder if it’s a case of too many hands in the pies. I think that’s the saying. All I know is that whatever we’re doing, it’s not working and it’s driving me crazy.

On Wednesday, I wake in a good mood and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m giddy at the prospect of waiting for Easton in his bed. Only, I still have to get through the day and it’s currently out to mess with me.

I’ve just hung up from talking to my agent, when one of my so-called friends calls me from New York.

“Hi Janie,” I answer nicely. “It’s been a while.”

“Too long. But honestly, we all thought you’d be back by now. It’s been months.”

“Well, I thought you didn’t want to be friends anymore since you ghosted me after I left. I’ve called a few times and—”

“No. My God. I’d never. Life has been crazy. I had to take over running the Youth Voices annual event and I stepped up to help your mom with a few of her events too. You left quite a few people in the lurch.”

Bullshit. If she stepped in or up to help out with anything I had previously worked on then she did that all on her own. I made sure my positions were covered. I’d never leave them with no one. Especially my mom.

“Why are you calling, Janie?”

“I’m calling for two reasons. One, because a little birdy told me you were running the Youth Voices event in San Francisco, and I wanted to attend so I could see you. Do you think you could put me on the list?”

“You can come any time. You don’t need to use the event as an excuse.”

“I know, but this is a two birds, one stone situation. I get to see you and mingle with the who’s who of California.”

Ugh, she doesn’t want to see me at all.

“I’m so sorry,” I say with a sadness in my tone. “I think we’ve sold all our tickets.” I’m lying. The event space is huge; we’d gladly accept more guests.

“I’m sure you can get me in. We’ve done it for each other in the past.”

“That was the past. This is now. I don’t see how it’s possible.”

“Ugh, fine. Can you at least tell me where it is? I know the date because Evelyn’s going.”

Evelyn’s the director of the overarching charity. She works out of the New York office but oversees all the US branches. If shedidn’t give Janie any details, it’s because she didn’t want her there.

“It’s at the Belford Studios,” I offer reluctantly because it wouldn’t take much for her to find out online.

“Thank you. You’re definitely going to be there, right?”

“I am.”

“Good. That will be fun for you.”

“What was the second thing?”

“Huh?”

“You called for two things?”

“Oh, yes.” Janie’s voice bounces with excitement and I internally groan. “I can’t believe you never told me about your games with Christian. It’s all everyone’s been talking about over here. What a thrill it must have been. Shame the media found out.”

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