Page 145 of Delicate Storm

Ispend the next week bouncing between my apartment and Easton’s, watching Isaac whenever Keeley can’t, and I have to admit, I’m way beyond falling for that kid. I’m there. And it blows my mind to think that I love someone else’s child when I don’t even know if I want my own.

Spending time with Isaac isn’t helping my cause with Easton either. We’re supposed to be taking things slowly, but every time I see them together or Isaac tells me a story about something they’ve done—showing me a different side of Easton—I fall even harder. And I barely get to see him.

When Saturday arrives, I’m leaving Easton’s midafternoon when Hayley texts me about the event.

Hayley: You better be ready for a HUGE night. We both deserve some fun

We’ve been talking a lot this week and while I held back from telling her about Easton and Isaac in the beginning, when she invited me to go dress hunting—her words not mine—I had to tell her why I couldn’t go. Though I didn’t mention my relationship with Easton, she assumed my dad had asked me to help and I didn’t correct her.

Another text comes through before I’ve responded to the first and I laugh.

Hayley: You better not be lying about the hot guys either. I’m ready to get my flirting on

“What’s got you smiling?” Easton asks as he walks me to the door, the only time we’re able to sneak a moment to ourselves.

“My date.” I shrug with a laugh, watching his eyes widen.

“Your date?”

“Yep. I’m taking a gorgeous, blonde Australian and—”

“You’re taking Hayley?”

“Dammit. Couldn’t you just pretend to be jealous for a second?”

“You want to make me jealous?”

“No. I don’t.” I laugh. “I was joking. But I wouldn’t say no to seeing you all feral for me.”

Easton glances down the hall before stepping closer and wrapping his hand around my throat, pushing me against the open door, his lips hovering an inch from mine. “I’m not jealous because I like the thought of you out there without me, looking hot while guys ogle what’s mine, thinking they have a chance. But trust me when I say Iamferal for you. All the fucking time. And when we’re finally alone, I’m going to worship every inch of your body until I’m all that you think about, ruining you for any man that dares to try and take my place.”

“Jesus.” I fan myself as my legs clench. “You’re brave, sending me off when I’m feeling like this.”

“I trust you.”

“Good.”

“But if you’re really struggling with the pressure between your legs, find a room and call me. I’ll help ease the pain.”

“Dammit, Wilder.” I shove him backward and glance down the hall like he did, making sure Isaac’s nowhere in sight. “That’s mean.”

“I seem to remember you love the anticipation.”

“I do. When you’rethere.” I shake my head and turn to leave, but Easton catches me by the wrist and pulls me into him.

“Maybe you should come back here.” The playfulness in his voice is gone, and I freeze.

“What?”

“When you’re done, don’t go home. Come here. You’ve got a key.”

“But what about Isaac?”

“He’ll love seeing you in the morning. As will I.”

My pulse spikes as I stare into his eyes, looking for clues to his true feelings. “Are you sure?”

“One hundred percent. Now go before I change my mind and make you cancel the event again.”

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