Page 95 of Delicate Storm

I shrug.

“What if he drops you for a month?”

I shrug again, though in reality that would be his loss as much as mine. The team needs me.

“Okay, what if he gives you that look of disappointment that makes you squirm every time you see him? I bet you know the one. I think they hand it out when you have your first child.”

I know the look she’s referring to. I’ve seen it many times. But I’m willing to take that risk.

“Bring it.”

Paige laughs before running back over and pressing a kiss to my cheek. “I’m almost afraid to ask, but even if my dad’s not a concern…what about Isaac? And all the other complications we had before we realized my dad connected us?” She frowns and I feel it in my chest even before she adds, “Has anything really changed? Think about it, okay?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Easton

Paige’s parting words linger in my mind long after she’s gone. “Think about it, okay?”

It’s been over twenty-four hours. In fact, we’re pushing thirty-six, and I’m still doing as she asked—thinking about it—and it’s driving me fucking crazy. It makes sense to walk away. It’s casual sex, and we don’t need it fucking up our lives, but at the same time, walking away doesn’t feel like an option anymore.

Yes, I have Isaac to think about. And I’ve been thinking about him 24-7. He’s usuallyallI think about. But I’ve got to believe that as long as it doesn’t affect my time with him, and Paige doesn’t disappear, then it’s not hurting him. Right?

Or wrong?

Fuck, I don’t know. But what I do know is that it shouldn’t be this complicated for a casual fling. Maybe we’re putting too much stock into it. Maybe it’s best to just see what happens. We just fuck if we find a moment that presents itself, and don’t if we don’t.

It worked with us in the beginning. It could work again.

When I pull into the parking lot at the stadium Monday morning, it’s suspiciously empty. But who am I to complain? I’d much rather work out alone than listen to the guys go on and on about the event Saturday night—we were all there; we know how it went.

Taking my time, I’ve just made it to the door when my phone rings.Mom.

“Is everything okay?” I ask as I answer. I only left them thirty minutes ago.

“We’re fine but Isaac wants to wear his Halloween T-shirt and I can’t find it.”

“His what?”

“His Halloween T-shirt. He said he’s got one with a truck on it.”

I rack my brain, but for the life of me, I can’t picture what he’s talking about. “I don’t think-”

“Mom said she got it for me,” Isaac calls out in the background, his voice shaky. I pause, my eyes falling shut as I try to remain calm. It’s not them I’m angry at.

“Can you please put Isaac on the phone?” I ask before taking a deep breath.

“Of course. I’m sorry, he didn’t say that before.”

“You haven’t done anything wrong, Mom.”

Isaac comes on the phone but stays quiet.

“Are you okay, Buddy?”

“No.”

“Can I help?”

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