Page 130 of Delicate Storm

As I read, Isaac starts off staring at the pages, but it’s not long before he rests his head on my shoulder, and then when I’m only halfway through, his breathing slows as his head lolls to the side. I smile as I readjust him on the bed, making him comfortable before tucking him in.

Today may have been completely out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed every second of it, and I don’t want to leave him alone. But I do.

Tiptoeing out of the room, I gently close the door and switch on the monitor before cleaning up. When I’m done, I curl up on the couch and close my eyes, needing a moment to rest.

The door rattles sometime later, snapping me awake as I jump up. I hadn’t even realized I’d fallen asleep, but judging by the crick in my neck, I’ve been out for a while.

I check the time on my phone and find a text from Keeley, my heart breaking.

“You’re home?” I say as I greet Easton in the entry. “I was waiting for you to call and—”

Without a word, he strides forward and throws his arms around me, pulling me into his hold as he buries his face in my neck. His body shakes as I curl my arms around his waist, emotion clogging my throat while I comfort him. “I’m here, Easton. I’m here.”

He shakes his head before pulling away. “My life is falling apart, Paige. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing anymore.”

“Tell me what you need. I’m here to help. Put me in, Coach.”

The smallest of smiles tugs at his lips before he grabs my face in his hands and kisses the life out of me. Or maybe he’s hoping to kiss away the pain. He walks me backward until I hit the wall and then sinks a hand under the waistband of my leggings, immediately running a finger through my heat.

My body melts for him, just like it always does, but I fight to keep a clear head. Despite what he may think, this isn’t what he needs right now, and he’d never usually risk Isaac walking in on us.

“East.”

“I just need to forget.”

“Easton, you—” I gasp as one of his fingers slips inside me, and my traitorous body bucks against him.

“Fuck, Paige. You’re always so ready for me.”

“Stop,” I rush out, ignoring the heat taking over me. “You’re not thinking clearly. Isaac’s home and you’ve got a lot going on. Let me help in another way.Please.”

I prepare myself to push him off me, but I don’t have to, because the second I say please, he stops and takes a step back.

He stares at me for a moment, unmoving, until emotion wells in his eyes and he breaks down, falling into me once more.

“She’s sick, Paige. Really sick. And I’m so fucking scared.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Easton

Iwas sure the reality of Mom’s condition and her future had sunk in while I was at the hospital. But the second I saw Paige, it hit me like a freight train and my entire world came crashing down.

“What if it doesn’t stop there, Paige?” I ask, as if she’ll have all the answers. “What if Isaac gets sick…or you? Meanwhile, I’m here playing a game that takes me away from my family all the fucking time.”

Paige shakes her head as she walks me to the couch and pushes me to sit before making herself comfortable beside me, grabbing my hands, the warmth of her touch bringing me a moment of comfort.

“It’s your job, Easton,” she says, squeezing my hands when I try to rebut. “Lots of people have jobs that take up their time,” she continues, not allowing me to speak. “Some do night shifts and sleep all day, some travel. Some people don’t have a choice.”

“But I do.” I pull my hands away and point to my chest. “I chose this. I’mstillchoosing it despite having more than enough money to support Isaac for the rest of his life.”

“You’re hurting. Emotions are high. Now is not the time to make life-changing decisions. We’ll get through this.”

“We?” I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Yes, we.” Paige smiles and I wish more than anything that our life was simpler. “I’m here to help with whatever you need.” She grabs my hands again and stares into my eyes, making sure I believe her.

“Even if that means letting me in?”

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