Page 37 of Delicate Storm

Jesus. What the hell am I doing? If Paige isn’t questioning things or making it into a big deal, why am I? We had sex. We fulfilled an urge and she walked away, happy and satisfied.

I’m going to consider it a little break from reality, and now it’s time to get back to my life.

Thank you, Paige. I feel good.

After getting in a bit of a workout, I’m on a high for the rest of the morning, and at practice, I’m a formidable machine. Even when they team me up with Zane again, I barely flinch. Nothing could affect me right now. I thrive on this feeling of power.

Mom leaves as soon as I get home, and I fill Isaac in on Macy’s plans for the weekend, noting that the sting I usually get when I talk about my ex is conveniently missing.

Turns out, I needed a distraction… A certain release that the gym or football couldn’t provide me, because right now, I’m unstoppable.

“Can we get ice cream, Daddy?” Isaac asks while I’m tidying up, his small hand tugging on my shorts. “Nana said I couldn’t because I had some yesterday, but we only had vanilla.”

“Vanilla. Ew.” I pull a face and Isaac laughs. “We need to get some more flavor in your life. You run to the bathroom and I’ll grab my wallet. Let’s meet back here in five. Go.”

Isaac laughs as he rushes off, and I smile knowing he’s about to ask for help.

While I wait, I glance down at the time and almost do a double take at how late it is. It’s five forty. I’m supposed to be getting Isaac’s dinner and getting him ready for bed. In an hour I’ll need to—

“Ready,” he calls out, interrupting my spiral, making me pause. It’s one night. Yes, I just told Macy she couldn’t do it, but maybe I could skip the bath tonight to make up time. “I’mcoming,” I call back, moving in search of my son. And when I find him, his face lit up like it’s Christmas, I can’t say no. “Okay, Buddy. Let’s go.”

With Isaac’s hand in mine, we rush through the lobby, his infectious laughter echoing through the space. “Faster, Daddy. It’s almost nighttime.”

I check the time again and curse under my breath. He’s right—the ice cream parlor closes in nine minutes, and with Isaac in tow, we’re at least six minutes away. Something I didn’t consider when I agreed to this plan. “I promise, we’ll make it.”

Without stopping, I grab his hands and spin him around, lifting him over my head until he’s positioned on my shoulders. He holds onto my hat and ducks down when we reach the doorway, as do I, in a move we’ve perfected since moving in here.

We’ve just stepped through the threshold and straightened up when I almost slam into someone, rocking back on my heels as I brace the wall for balance.

“Jesus, sorry.”

Paige spins to face me, and I rush out something between an incredulous laugh and a groan.

An image of her panting in the gym has me shaking off my thoughts and internally cursing. This isnotthe best time for our next face-to-face. And it’s not just because we’re running late.

Her eyes widen and I wait for her to launch into her usual chatter, but instead her gaze flits to Isaac before she mutters a quiet “excuse me,” and shifts around us, disappearing into the building without offering her signature smile.

And I frown.

That was weird. I glance back in the direction she went, but before I can process my thoughts, Isaac shakes my head. “Giddyup. We’ve gotta go.”

Taking off on a run, I dodge the crowds of people enjoying a walk in the early evening air, and we make it to the parlor with a minute to spare.

Isaac chooses strawberry and mango flavors, and after making a mess of eating it, we head back for a quick dinner.

“I lub you, Dad,” he says when he’s tucked in bed and I’ve read him a story. “Can you take me to the zoo instead of Mom?”

My heart seizes but I keep a smile plastered on my face. “How about I take you to the zoo another time. So you get to go twice. Your mom really misses you.”

My stomach knots as I speak. Macy better fucking come through on Saturday because if she made me lie to my son—

“Okay, Daddy.” He cuts into my thoughts. “We can go together the next day.”

Isaac smiles brightly and I can’t help but laugh. “We’ll go soon. I promise.”

Pressing a kiss to his forehead, I say goodnight and switch off his lamp. After turning the monitor on, I make myself a drink, and by the time I sit down, he’s asleep.

Only fifteen minutes after his usual time. And God, am I relieved. I’m not quite ready to completely change our routine. Especially after I just told Macy she couldn't. But I'm okay with a few minutes here and there.

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