Page 114 of Delicate Storm

Easton

Iwake to Paige’s naked body wrapped around me while the events of last night play on repeat in my mind. Like Paige, I could get used to this, and that’s a dangerous notion.

I’ve spent so long concerned about Isaac getting attached to someone else and losing them, like he did with Macy, that I never stopped to think about what would happen ifIgot attached to Paige… and lost her.

Reaching for my phone, I switch off my alarm before it wakes Paige and allow myself another minute to bask in her warmth.

The situation we’ve created for ourselves is so delicate it could break at any given moment. If it’s a crack, I’m sure one of us could fix it. But what if it shatters beyond repair, and we’re all destroyed in the process?

When the sun peeks through the gap in the curtain, I reluctantly get up. Paige stirs when I move but thankfully doesn’t wake, mewling as she rolls over. It’s so adorable, I can’t stop myself from pressing a kiss to her cheek, wishing I could stay longer.

She’s still asleep when I have to leave, so I write a note and sneak out, closing the door softly behind me.

Other than Macy, I have never had another woman in my bed. I’ve never wanted to. But with Paige, I could happily spend every night lying next to her. It’s so easy between us. Which is a comfort considering God knows both our lives are complicated as fuck.

Not that we’ve ever really spoken about the details.

She doesn’t need to hear about Macy. I’m not stupid; I know no one wants to know about their partner’s ex. The problem is that Macy’s not going away, and at some point, I’m going to have to face that.

I’m early for practice, as usual, and as I pull into the parking lot, Coach Pierce pulls in behind me.

“East. Any luck with the school situation?” he asks, waiting until now to bring up our conversation from the event, somehow knowing that I’d never want to talk about my business if any of my teammates were around.

“Honestly, I haven’t given it much more thought, because when I do, it’s closer to being real.”

“Ahh, I know that feeling. It’s hard when they grow up.”

“It is. But at the same time, I love the little man he’s growing into.”

“How’s things with your mom? Is she still looking after him?” I spoke to Coach about my situation as soon as Macy left. He’s the only one I opened up to, other than my mom. And that was because I had to. I wasn’t sure if I’d have to miss practices or bring him to away games, but Mom’s been an angel and I haven’t missed a thing.

“She’s a godsend. And I have no idea how she does it.”

“She’s a mom. They have superpowers.” He laughs until he realizes what he said. “At least, most do. Fucking Zane.”

I laugh at his attempt to correct what he said and shake my head. “At some point I have to stop blaming him. Macy fucked up long before that, and I just refused to see it. Or maybe I was the problem.”

“Either way, that kid needs to grow up. Zane, I mean. He’s a hell of a player, but he’s too cocky for his own good.”

“Kind of like Luke was?”

“Still is. But at least he doesn’t get himself into trouble with the other players.”

“True, but if things had worked out differently with Amelia and she’d ended up with one of our teammates, that may have changed.”

Pierce laughs. “Always so much drama. Here’s hoping that D’Angelo really does improve things for the team. I may have been against the change in the beginning, but the guy is growing on me.”

“Really?” That’s interesting. Maybe he’s not worried about his job like some of the other coaches are. “You think he’s going to help the team?”

“I fucking hope so, or we’re doomed.”

“Something tells me we’ll be okay. It’s just going to take a bit to get used to the change.”

Practice runs smoothly, so I’m on time to pick Isaac up from Mom’s, and when I arrive, she has dinner on the table and a smile on her face.

“We’ve had another busy day; this little man should sleep well tonight.” She kisses me hello and ruffles Isaac’s hair. “Any news?”

I know what she’s asking but it’s been radio silence. Macy’s yet to askmeif she can take Isaac for the holidays. “Not yet, but I’m looking into my options.”

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