Page 119 of Delicate Storm

“It’s not. I…” I trail off as I think about Easton and Isaac. I know without a doubt that Easton would do anything to protect Isaac, so how can I deny my dad the same? “Okay. But you have to keep me in the loop. If you don’t, I can’t be held responsible if I do something stupid.”

Dad groans before his lips purse. “You are going to be the death of me, Paige.”

I smile. “Thank you. I love you too, Dad.”

He shakes his head but curls his lips into a warm smile and I'm not sure I've said that allowed to him for a while, even in jest. “On another note," he changes the subject. "You're not going home for Thanksgiving, are you?”

I cringe because I hadn’t decided yet, but Mom’s been asking. “I…ah…”

“Your mom called me.”

“What?” My jaw drops. “Is that the first time you’ve spoken since…” I trail off because he knows what I mean.

He laughs out loud. “No. We used to talk all the time. But only about you kids.”

“Oh. Okay. And?”

“She asked if I’d convince you to go home for a few days. In return for her letting me have Christmas.”

“Letting you? Like I’m a kid that has no say in the matter?”

“Pretty much.” He shrugs. “I get that she misses you. A lot. And I was going to help her. But given the new information I have…”

All I hear is the part about Mom missing me and I feel guilty again. “Maybe I should go. Can I take your jet?”

“My what?” His brows furrow, making me laugh as I think about my call with Easton last week.

“Never mind. You convinced me. I’m going to go home.”

“What? No. I said I didn’t want you to go.”

“I know, but you also made me feel guilty about Mom missing me. I’ll tell her you helped and you’ll get brownie points.”

Dad rolls his eyes as he groans. “You’re killing me, Paige. It better be a short visit.”

Ispend an hour with Dad, and when I get home in the early evening, I change into more comfortable attire before dropping to the couch, ready for a night of TV. I’ve just found the remote when Easton texts.

Easton: Isaac’s not getting home for another hour

I bark out a laugh as my body heats.

Paige: Are you booty-texting me, East? Is that how this is going to go now?

Easton: So what if I am? Got a problem with that?

Paige: Definitely not. I’m impressed. What time will you be here?

I assume that he’s coming to me since it’s not a Wednesday, but when the three dots appear and disappear a few times, I second-guess myself before he finally responds.

Easton: Five minutes

Five minutes? Jesus. I stare down at my yoga pants and oversized hoodie. In the past, I would have spent that five minutes racing around the house, putting something sexy on, freshening up, ensuring I look my best. I would have taken the time to be perfect. But with Easton, I pause. He’s not like the other guys I’ve been with. He doesn’t expect perfection. We’ve been together after a sweaty workout. And I don’t want to be someone I’m not when around him. Instead, I remove my yoga pants and use the rest of the time to rehydrate instead. I’ve just finished a glass of water when he knocks on the door, and my chest tightens with a new kind of euphoria. Not that I allow myself to process it.

“I’m coming,” I call out as I make my way to the door, picturing Easton’s smile at my choice of words.

“Hi,” I say as I open up, my next words getting caught in my throat. “You—”

Easton’s leaning against the wall opposite my door, his ankles and arms crossed, his hat pulled low and a wicked smirk plastered on his face. When he sees me, he stands tall and strides toward me in two quick moves, pinning me to the door as his lips crash to mine.

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