Page 150 of Delicate Storm

I huff out a laugh because I bet she’d think that about me and football. “I guess that’s a good thing. Is Hayley still there?”

“She is but she’s off chatting with… Dammit, he’s coming back.”

“Put him on.” My fists clench by my sides.

“I’m not putting him on. I can handle it. I just thought you should know that he’s here. In case someone decides to mention it in the media. Or you see a photo.”

“I’m sure that will happen. But I trust you, if that’s what you mean,”

“It is. Sorry. I guess I always assume people will think the worst of me.”

“Paige—”

“I’m on the phone,” she says abruptly, her voice a little distant like she’s no longer talking to me. “I get that you want to talk, but you can wait.”

“Paige?”

“I’ll meet you at the bar.”

She’s silent for a second before she groans and her voice becomes clear again. “God, I’m sorry. He just started talking to me, ignoring the fact that I’m on the phone.”

“Is he still there?”

“No, I’m meeting him at the bar. You said you trust me, right?”

“I did.”

“Good. Because I need to go. Can I call you back? I’m going to drink myself stupid so I can deal with the rest of tonight.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I’m joking. Sort of. I think.”

“Paige?”

“I promise, I’ll call you when I’m on my way home…I mean, to your place.” My pulse spikes when she says the word home but I try to ignore it—that’s not what’s important right now.

“How about you call me when you’re done with your conversation?”

“I can try.”

“Please.”

“Okay. I better go. Bye.”

She hangs up, and the second I turn back to Keeley, she demands answers. “So there’s nothing going on between you two?”

“Nope.”

“So why do you sound like a jealous boyfriend?”

“I don’t…and why are you listening to my private conversation?”

“Bit hard not to when we’re in the same room.”

“You could have walked away.”

“So couldyou.”

---