Page 98 of Delicate Storm

My body aches as I slump into the mirrored wall of my building’s elevator, two Halloween truck tees in hand. My need to forget about Macy, Luke, and the goddamn group chat meant that I pushed myself to my limits today and I’m feeling it.

But at least I was smart enough not to goovermy limit—even while stressed—so recovery shouldn’t take long.

The elevator doors open again, and I look up to find that I’m still in the goddamn lobby. I’ve been so caught up in my head that I never even pushed the button for my floor.

Good one, East.

I curse myself for being so mentally fucked until Paige steps in, immediately changing my mood.

With her nose in her phone, she’s completely oblivious to her surroundings, smiling at something she sees as she brushes a hair off her face. I watch her, my eyes grazing over her skintight black pants and loose-fitting top until she looks up, her eyes widening when she sees me.

“Oh,” she gasps, reaching out to press the button for her floor, the happy surprise in her expression matching my own.

If I wasn’t so busy, this could have been one of those moments I was thinking about. After all, if the opportunity presents itself, who am I to say no? In fact, my cock twitches just thinking about it.

But now is not the time.

I raise an eyebrow and open my mouth to speak when another person rushes in before the doors close.

“Paige. I’m so glad I caught you,” our elevator companion grins as she reaches out to pat Paige’s arm. “I forgot to get you to sign.”

To sign? While their conversation intrigues me, I’m more pissed that I’ve lost my alone time with Paige. I’ve only got a few minutes before I need to be home, and it would have been nice to spend that time talking with her.

Paige throws a smile my way before the two of them exit on the next level and my good mood fades.

At least it does until I walk inside to find Isaac’s expectant gaze staring back at me, and I know that unlike his mom, I didn’t let him down.

“Hey, Buddy. How was your day?”

“Good. We played monster trucks.”

My eyes flash to Mom’s to find her rubbing the base of her spine. “Did Nana get on the floor again?”

Isaac’s nose scrunches. “The trucks don’t fly, Daddy.”

“Very true. So—”

“Can we get my Halloween shirt,please?”

Luckily,Ididn’t bank on him forgetting about it like Macy did. If she bothered to get to know him, she’d quickly discover he never lets things go. “Of course, we can, but I want you to remind me what color it is.”

“Black.”Shit. This is going to be tricky. “And green.”Yes. Got it.

“Thanks, I’ll go and check. You wait here.”

I make a show of going into the laundry room and opening the dryer door before producing the green-and-black Halloween top and hiding the purple-and-black one back in the bag.

“Here you go,” I say, holding it up as I re-enter the room.

“That’s it.” Isaac runs forward and launches himself into my arms. “You found it.”

“I did. How about you go and put it on your bed for the morning?”

He runs off again and Mom raises a brow. “What’s in the bag?” She grins knowingly.

“Another top.” I shrug.

“Just the one? You did well.”

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