Page 92 of Delicate Storm

“I think I might be the only person.”

“Shame it’s not mutual.” His brow raises but I know better than to take the bait.

“I’m real with you, Dad. This is who I am,” I lie. Yes, I love my public persona. But there’s so much more to me. No one is that happy all the time. No matter what they project to the world. Thomas and his charity is a good example of that. He announced he had depression a few years ago, and he’s been fighting to reduce the stigma around it ever since. I admire him for that.

I have a feeling this team is going to grow on me. But there’s one player in particular that I want to see right now.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Easton

Iwatch Paige standing proudly next to her dad, and the reality of what we did sinks in. We could have been caught, but for the life of me, I can’t bring myself to care. Not for me anyway. If getting caught affected Paige’s relationship with her dad then I’d put a stop to it.

But if she’s holding back because she thinks I’ll be dropped from the team, I’m willing to take the risk.

The problem is… this thing between us is complicated by more than just Paige’s dad. And if it really wascasual sex, I’d be all for it.

But we moved past that when Isaac decided to get attached to her. He’s only met her twice and thinks the sun shines out of her ass.

And while he’s not wrong, it makes life difficult.

What if we continue on this casual path and it ends badly? Will Paige ignore him when he walks past, his smile wide as he waves to her?

Deep down I can’t imagine she will, but can I really risk that?

As she walks off the stage, Paige’s eyes scan the crowd, and I know she’s looking for me. But I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to say when she finds me.

Since having Isaac, my world has consisted of two things—football and him. I was an ass to Macy. I’ve had time to reflect on our relationship and I know she’s not the only one that changed after Isaac was born. I don’t know if I have room in my life for more than that. My headspace is jam-packed with enough of Macy’s drama, meaning I struggle to think more than a few days ahead.

And yet, I keep making space for Paige.

Because when I’m with her, a little part of the pain and drama melts away.

I’m not sure I can give that up, but at the same time, I’m worried we’re playing with fire and there are more than two people that could get burned.

“East.” Reed nods as he joins me, a warm smile on his face. He’s a nice guy, one of the good ones, and if I had the capacity to let someone else into my life as a friend, it would likely be him. But the most I can afford is teammates. “Are you having a good night? I saw you got stuck with Pierce for a while. Any chance he decided to spill his thoughts on the new GM?”

The new GM. A sore point that I have no intention of touching, not even with a ten-foot pole. They’re still looking for someone. And while we’ve heard many names thrown around, the one everyone seems to be excited about is Wes Johnson. Former player turned coach, turned college football GM. He’s the perfect candidate. But the word is that he’s reluctant.

And I don’t blame him.

In the weeks since Tray left, there’s been a strong divide between management and coaches. Some are openly pissed off about his departure, while others seem relieved.

When I finally asked Keeley about it, she didn’t give me much—she never does—but she did say that the team was better off, even if we couldn’t see it. She can be annoyingly cryptic sometimes, but I believe her. Not only because she’s my sister, but also because of Paige. I can see parts of her in her dad, and I can’t fathom him firing Tray for weak reasons—or as some people have said, so he can claim the role for himself.

But if the teamisbetter off without him, it begs the question, what’s the new GM walking in to? What mess is he going to be left with?

Reed raises a brow in anticipation and I actually smile. It seems everyone’s jumped on the gossip train since this mess began.

“He didn’t say a word. We didn’t even talk about football.”

“You didn’t?”

“No, he was asking about Isaac and that led to us talking about schools in the area.” Yet another thing that’s going to be made harder thanks to Macy’s need to weigh in on every decision when she doesn’t even live here anymore.

“Oh yeah?” Reed nods, seemingly interested though I have no clue why. “Did he offer any good advice?”

“Got a kid coming, Reed?”

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