Page 146 of Delicate Storm

Easton lightly slaps my ass as I walk out the door and I instantly melt. Who is this man and what has he done with my Easton?

I planned to walk away without looking back, but a thought hits me and I turn to call out before he shuts the door.

“I almost forgot…I hope it goes well with the lawyer tonight. Let me know, yeah?”

“Thanks. I will.” Easton smiles but it’s impossible to miss the stress behind his expression. He’s at a loss with what to do at thispoint, and it’s taking a toll on him. We’ve got to hope something changes moving forward or he’s only going to get worse.

After rushing to the venue to double-check that everything is set up, I race home to get ready. When I’m dressed, I stare at myself in the mirror and curse. Dammit, East. The dress is perfect without panty lines and yet I can’t bring myself to walk out the door without panties—his words from the last event running through my mind.The next time you go sans panties, you better be sure that I’m going to be there.

He’s not going to be there. And even if he wanted to, he can’t be.

With a groan, I slip on a barely there pair before crossing my fingers and glancing up at my reflection, squinting in the hope that makes it better. But to my relief, it’s fine. The panties really are barely there, because even I’m struggling to notice them under the shine of the burgundy material.

Letting out a sigh, I grab my bag and shoes and run to the elevator, putting my stilettos on while I travel to the lobby. After a short cab ride, I’m back at the venue again, arriving just as Hayley steps out of a cab in front of me, looking stunning as always.

A wave of flashes announces her entry, and I smile from behind her as she drinks in her moment, posing for the cameras. I try to sneak in, hoping to go unnoticed, but of course, that doesn’t happen, and I offer the photographers a smile and a wave.

I knew they’d be here; I arranged them in the hope that the photos would bring exposure to the youth charity. Exposure equals money, and we need every cent we can get.

When I catch up to Hayley, she’s smiling wide. “I always wanted to be an actress, but I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

“You will. And you’ll probably come to resent it.”

“I hope not. I chose this life knowing what I was getting myself into, but I guess who knows what the future will bring. Are you ready?”

“I sure am. Let’s do this.”

We’re barely inside for a minute when I hear my name and a shiver makes its way down my spine. Not the good kind. I turn slowly, hoping I imagined it, but no such luck. Christian is here in San Francisco and he’s walking my way.

“Holy shit,” Hayley says beside me while I glare in his direction, not even bothering to hide my disdain. “Did you know he’d be here?”

“I didnot.” If I had, I wouldn’t have come.

When he reaches me—a beautiful blonde attached to his arm—he winks as he smiles. “Paige. Nice to see you.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

He rolls his eyes and turns to Hayley, offering her his hand. “Hi, I’m Christian and this is my fiancée, Nicola. Nicola, this is Paige and…” He trails off for Hayley to answer but his fiancée cuts in.

“You’re Hayley Jackman,” she says with a squeal of delight. “Oh my God.” She covers her mouth with her hand and gasps. “You’re starring as Riley inJaded Beginnings.” Her voice lowers to a whisper as though it’s some big secret, and she leans in with anticipation.

But Hayley gives her nothing. “I am?” she questions and a laugh bursts out of me.

Nicola’s jaw drops until Hayley laughs. “I’m kidding. That’s me. It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Oh.” Nicola pauses before she giggles. “Is that Australian humor?”

I don’t think it’s Australian humor so much as Hayley sticking up for me, but still I wait for her response. “Sure.” She shrugs and I laugh again.Thank you, Hayley.

“I’m going to get a drink,” Hayley says before turning my way. “Are you coming, Paige?”

“I am. It was nice seeing you both. And nice to meet you, Nicola.”

“You too.” She waves as we both turn away, but I don’t get far before Christian calls out again.

“Paige, wait.” I ignore him, following Hayley toward the bar as she laughs beside me.

“So…that was fun.” I perch onto a bar stool and drop my head to my arms, resting on the counter.

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