Page 23 of Delicate Storm

For all her faults, and Macy has many, she was always home while I was away. That was a deal we made. And until she decided she’d had enough and cheated, it was working. Although I guess I never really knew what they got up to. He always seemed happy, but was she really looking after him?

Either way, she’s keeping us in limbo now. KeepingIsaacin limbo. And it’smyfault.

The elevator comes to a stop on another level, and I’m snapped out of my head as the doors open. Dropping my gaze to the floor, I step back and watch as a woman joins me inside, her long legs covered in tight black leggings that appear painted on, paired with red strappy shoes complete with a heel that could kill a man.

It’s fucking hot.

And I don’t have to see her face to know who the legs belong to.

“Hey, you,” Paige’s voice enters my mind as I glance up, her expression bright as she settles in opposite me, leaning back against the mirrored wall. “We meet again.”

“We do.” I nod before lifting my cap higher so I can see her properly, taking in the rest of her outfit. And immediately regretting it. She’s wearing a white lace top that’s basically a long bra made to look like clothes, revealing a strip of toned skin across her navel.

She’s clearly dressed to impress and it’s working. Though I wish it wasn’t.

“Where are you off to on this fine day?” she asks, drawing my attention to her painted red lips as I watch her mouth move.

She looks like she belongs in a magazine rather than an apartment elevator. And I want out.

“I’m going to work,” I answer swiftly, not bothering to elaborate. “You?”Dammit.Why did I ask?

Paige blows out a breath, appearing stressed, but her signature smile remains plastered on her face. “I’ve got a hellish day. I’m already running behind. I have a photo shoot forSilver and Stripesmagazine in my apartment. Have you heard of it? They mix high-end fashion with business. What am I saying? Everyone’s heard of them.” I haven’t… But that’s not what has my brows furrowing.I’m wondering…is she a model? A businesswoman? Or is she the photographer?“Anyway,” she continues, thankfully stopping me from asking since we’re almost at the lobby, “I’ve got that, and then I’m meeting my dad for dinner—not dressed like this, obviously. I mean, I love it, but not for my dad. Then after that, I plan on curling up on the couch with a glass of wine and a good book. That’s the part I’m most looking forward to. Do you read?”

“Ah—” When my mind catches up, I’m about to tell her that I do when the elevator dings and the door opens to the lobby.

“Ooh. This is me,” she says before I have a chance to answer. “I’m meeting the crew here to take them upstairs. Have fun. Don’t work too hard.”

She waves as she walks away, and I can’t stop myself from watching her leave, my gaze drawn to her every move until the doors shut again, cutting off my view.

And I literally shake off my thoughts.

What was that?She threw me off with the outfit and the talking…

She’s doing that a lot. Throwing me off.

When I reach the parking garage, I jump in my truck with thoughts of Paige running on repeat in my mind. And I actually smile. Pausing with my hands on the steering wheel, I almost laugh.

She distracted me. I was spiraling, and Paige pulled me out of my head with her endless chitchat and perfect legs.

Sherescuedme.

Does this mean I owehera drink now?

CHAPTER SIX

Paige

“Can we try one more by the window?” the photographer asks and I move toward the window. “Actually, stop. No, that won’t work. What about something a little edgy? In the bath?”

I laugh and follow her into the bathroom. I’m not sure how sitting in a bath isedgybut—

The photographer’s assistant turns on the tap, testing the temperature of the water as he fills the bath, cutting me off mid thought.

She wants me in the water.That makes a little more sense. Especially when I glance down at my white top and instantly regret my decision to go braless. Pick your own clothes, they said.Dammit. This is about to get interesting.

“I’m ninety-nine percent sure this top will be see-through when wet. How does that work for the magazine?” I ask, while also contemplating how that’s going to work forme.

“It’s fine with us. If it turns out to be your best shot, we’ll cover your tits with some text.”

---