Page 13

Easton

W e said no strings, but there are so many fucking strings we could be at a kite festival.

What are the chances? And why are those words constantly rolling around in my head when it comes to Paige? If I believed in fate, this would be the moment I discovered it was out to fuck with me. She’s the owner’s daughter. Salvatore D’Angelo’s pride and joy. The woman he jokingly—or not so jokingly—told us all to stay the fuck away from after I’d already tasted her.

This is not going to end well for me.

“Anyway, I won’t take up any more of your time,” he continues while I spiral. “I trust you’ll all be as welcoming to Paige as you have been with me. Thank you.”

I wonder if he’d consider my time with Paige as welcoming. I did assist her with her needs.

But Goddammit .

“Sorry, one last thing.” Sal grabs the mic again and everyone falls silent. He seems like a genuine guy, but we haven’t figured out if he’s to be trusted yet, so everyone’s on their best behavior around him. “I’d like another Super Bowl win this year if you can work on that,” he adds, making the guys all crack up laughing again. Except me. “Thank you. As you were.”

He walks away and the general chatter picks up. While I stand frozen.

Paige is off-limits.

I finally found someone to take my mind off the crazy in my life and she’s about to be taken away from me.

We lock gazes again and her expression confuses me. Is that guilt? Did she know?

All this time I was sure she had no idea I played football, but was she playing me?

I’m lost in thought, my anger simmering, when someone slaps me on the back.

“Wilder, you’re looking more pissed off than usual. What’s going on? What did Zane do this time?”

Luke-fucking-Bennett.

He smirks and I want to punch him. “Is that actually funny, Bennett? You know, I thought you’d grow up after having a kid.”

His face drops and he steps closer. “Sorry, man. It’s been a day and humor is my go-to. But you know we’re here for you, right? In all seriousness, you were there for me when I needed it, and I’ll always be happy to return the favor.”

The sincerity in his eyes throws me a little because as he said, humor is his go-to, although Amelia must have seen something in him so maybe I can give him a shot. “Thanks, man. I’m fine. Just having a day myself.”

Luke and I walk back to the locker room together but keep the conversation on football. Despite his offer, I can’t see myself opening up to him, or anyone for that matter. It’s just not something I do.

Ever.

Though I can see the benefits. When Luke spoke to me about his situation with Amelia, he managed to come to some kind of epiphany after something I said. That could happen to me. Or…it could be no help at all and instead, I have a teammate feeling sorry for me. Actually, sorrier for me, because they already think I’m broken after Macy’s cheating scandal with Zane. And that’s more annoying than the cheating was.

Sal walks past us when we reach the door of the locker room and my stomach knots, half expecting him to call me away so he can personally tell me I need to end things with Paige. But of course, he doesn’t. Instead, he smiles and lets us know it was a good practice.

Again, he’s genuine. There’s just something about the way the management acts around him that has us all on guard. But maybe, like us, they're just getting used to the change.

T he next day, I run into Paige three goddamn times, but never get the chance to talk to her. The first time, I was driving out of the parking garage as she was walking past. The second was in the crowded lobby in the middle of the day. And the third was at the swimming pool while I had Isaac with me. She was getting out of the water when we arrived, and it took everything in my power not to stare at her dripping body. Thankfully, I had a little reminder tugging on my shorts, keeping things innocent in my mind.

After Isaac falls asleep that night, I try to distract myself with TV and music, but it doesn’t work. My head is a chaotic web of issues that I can’t control, and it’s impossible to determine what’s worse—my imminent chat with Paige or Macy’s arrival tomorrow. Or more specifically, Macy canceling tomorrow and me having to pick up the pieces of my son’s fragile little heart. Again .

I’m calling this her last chance. If she fucks it up, I’m done. I’ll have no guilt finding the best, most expensive lawyer out there so I can ruin her.

I’m sure Luke knows a guy. I remember him mentioning he had to rush Amelia’s divorce so they could get married. I had to listen to that fun little story while seated next to him on the bus to our last away game. At the time, I was hating life, but now, he might be useful.

And he said he wanted to help.

I try another tack, reading in bed, and I must fall asleep at some point because when I next check the time it’s four a.m and I feel groggy. Macy isn’t coming for hours and our practice isn’t until the afternoon, so I have no reason to be awake this early. But since it took me hours to fall asleep last night, I can’t imagine it’s going to be any easier now.

Accepting my fate, I get up and workout on my balcony so I don’t wake Isaac, but at around five thirty there’s a soft knock on the glass door, and his sleepy little smile greets me as he waves.

“Good morning.” I smile back after walking inside. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.”

“What would you like? Pancakes, waffles, or eggs?”

“Pancakes.” He runs into the kitchen and crawls up onto his stool near the counter.

“Okay. Done.”

“Annnd waffles and eggs,” he adds with a pleading smile, making me laugh.

“Woah, Buddy. That might give you a stomachache before the zoo.”

His face drops at my response. “Is Mom really coming?”

Fuck . This kid is barely three and yet he’s acutely aware that he has a shitty, unreliable mother.

I swear to God if she cancels—

“Do you think I’ll see a snake eating today?” He changes the subject before I’m able to respond and it’s lucky he did, because it stopped me from having to lie to him. The truth is that I don’t know if she’s coming. But for her sake, I hope she does.

While I make pancakes, Isaac and I talk about all the animals at the San Francisco Zoo, with him telling me his favorites and the ones he thinks Macy will like. My chest burns when he gets her favorites wrong because it’s just more proof that she doesn’t see him enough to bond with him.

“When we go, I’ll let you see the wolves. I know you like them.” He smiles and it warms my heart. Of course, he’s right. Because I’ve told him that. Because we spend time together. And bond.

God, she makes me crazy.

As Isaac’s pickup time arrives, so too does my headache. The clock ticks over to eleven and then eleven ten and eleven fifteen, while my heart slams in my chest, waiting, pretending everything is fine, while Isaac plays happily.

When the time ticks over to eleven twenty, I’ve had enough.

“I’m just going out to the balcony for a minute, Isaac. I’ll be back.” I keep my voice light, but I’m beyond pissed off. Only, I’ve just stepped outside to call Macy when my intercom buzzes.

She’s here. God, I hope that’s a good thing.

I don’t say anything to Isaac until our concierge confirms it, then it’s go time and I suddenly feel worse.

“Come on, Buddy. Your mom’s here.”

Isaac smiles brightly and I both love and hate it for him. He deserves to be happy, and I’m glad Macy stuck by her word. But a little part of me hoped she’d mess up because how long can he handle the ups and the downs before it scars him for life?

No matter what, Isaac is my priority. I know kids need their moms but not if they’re messing with their kids’ mental health.

After grabbing Isaac’s bag, we meet Macy in the lobby before traveling down to the parking garage. The code to the garage was all I was willing to give her. I wasn’t going to tell her which floor I was on, and I definitely wasn’t letting the concierge buzz her up.

I chat with Isaac as we go, and it’s not until he’s settled in his seat that I turn to Macy with a forced smile, my credit card in hand. “If he doesn’t come home with the biggest fucking grin on his face,” I grate almost under my breath, “you will never get another dime from me.”

“We’re going to have a great day.” Macy smiles cheerily back at me, and we both wave when Isaac glances our way. “You don’t have to worry about us.”

Understatement of the year. That’s all I’m going to be doing. She may not have been a bad mom in the early days, but now, I don’t trust her at all.

After walking over to the driver’s side, Macy shoots me a wink, which I glare at until I remember what I had to tell her, my mood lifting. “Oh, and Macy, I reduced my credit card limit. You’ve got three hundred for the day; use it wisely.”

Her jaw drops as I suppress my smirk and turn away, waving at Isaac one last time before Macy drives away with my world in the back seat of her rental, the high of ruining her plans fading away.

God, I hope I made the right decision. She’s his mom and if she’s trying, I have to respect that, for Isaac’s sake. But what if I messed up?

My head aches and I’m feeling dejected as I step into the elevator from the parking garage, and when it stops in the lobby, I internally groan. I just want to get home. I’ve only got a couple of hours before I have to be at the stadium, and I need time to detox from Macy before I leave.

Resting my head against the mirrored wall, I release a slow drawn-out breath and close my eyes.

They’re going to have fun. Macy’s going to be a good mom. He’s safe. He’s cared for. He’s—

“Are you okay?” A familiar voice seeps into my consciousness, drawing my attention. And when I open my eyes, I find Paige’s beautiful gaze staring back at me.

A breathy laugh rushes from my lungs though I’m not sure this is a funny matter. “I should have known,” I say, my voice more gravelly than I expected.

“Known what?” she asks, her expression puzzled.

“That you’d appear. You always do.”

“Just think of me as your guardian angel.” She thinks she’s joking, but she’s not that far off. Lately, when I’m having a shitty day, she’s there. Chatty as always. Cheering me up. Though this time, she’s part of the reason I’m so fucked-up.

The doors close and when we’re the only two in the elevator, Paige sighs. “Since we only have a short ride together, let’s get right to it.”

“Okay. Did you know?” I hit her with the burning question, and when her body deflates, I feel a little bad.

“I knew you’d think that, but honestly, I had no idea. I’m sorry to say I don’t follow football. I’m not really a sports girl at all.” She cringes and I laugh.

“That’s what I liked about you.”

“Oh, too bad.” She smiles. “Because that’s how I felt until yesterday. Now, after watching your team practice, I think I’m missing out.”

“Figures.” The first time I find someone I can be myself around and now she’s on the bandwagon.

“What does?”

“Nothing, never mind. Back to the issue at hand. You’re the team owner’s daughter. And now off-limits to me.”

“Apparently so.”

The elevator stops and when the doors open to no one, I assume it’s Paige’s level and hold the doors open so we can finish our chat.

“I guess it would be crazy to keep seeing each other,” she continues, her expression pinched as she looks to me for answers. “Right?”

It pains me to say it, but… “Right.”

“It’s messy.”

“And things are fucked-up enough at the moment.” For me at least.

“Exactly.” Paige snaps her fingers like that’s some big revelation. “Goodbye then?” Her face contorts. She’s clearly not happy about this outcome. And neither am I. But it is what it is.

“Yep. Goodbye.”

“Unless we happen to run into each other,” she adds before I can release the doors. “I can say hi, right?”

“Sure.”

“And if we happen to be in the gym at the same time, you could help me stretch.”

I raise an eyebrow and she smiles. “I guess. If you need it.”

“Thanks. And if by some strange coincidence we end up locked in a storeroom together with no way out and nothing to do?”

The fuck? I stare at her deadpan until she laughs. “What? You never know.”

“Then in that case, I would fuck your brains out until you don’t know what day it is let alone how long we’ve been trapped.”

“Okay.” Her pitch rises. “Thank you. It’s good to set boundaries. You know. Just in case.”

“Of course.”

Paige moves to step out until we both realize it’s my floor. She never pressed the button. I pause for a second and then without departing, I press the number for her level and watch as the doors close before turning to face her.

“I missed my stop,” she says coyly, biting her lip.

“You did.”

“And you didn’t get off,” she states the obvious.

“I didn’t.”

We stare in silence until the doors open again. This time at level twelve. Paige’s floor.

I hold my hand across the entry and allow her to pass by, drinking her in, her scent lingering after she’s gone. And I make a split-second decision to follow her.

We can’t keep this up. Whatever it is. But one last time can’t hurt anyone. Can it?

Paige doesn’t say anything as I trail behind her, but her body stiffens when I get close.

When she finally stops in front of what I assume is her door, she spins to face me. “When I first got in the elevator, you had this pained expression, like you were…broken.” Again, it’s not a question—she knows something is not right.

“I’ve had a rough morning,” I confirm, giving her nothing more.

“Want to talk about it?” She smiles wide in anticipation and I huff out a laugh.

“Definitely not, but I could use something to relieve the built-up tension.” I step forward, walking into fire, but ready to feel the burn. I’ve already crossed the line.

Paige shrugs, trying to appear unaffected, but her heaving chest gives her away. “Mmm,” she says, curling a finger through her long brown hair, her eyes locked on mine.

“Know of anything?” I ask in challenge.

Paige raises a brow and I know instantly that she’s about to sass me. “There’s one of those destruction places around the corner that—” I slam my lips to hers, cutting her off as I push her against her door.

I might take her up on that the next time I’m seeking a release, but for now, Paige is the only thing I need. And there’s no way I’m going to resist it.

We said no strings, but there are so many fucking strings we could be at a kite festival.

What are the chances? And why are those words constantly rolling around in my head when it comes to Paige? If I believed in fate, this would be the moment I discovered it was out to fuck with me. She’s the owner’s daughter. Salvatore D’Angelo’s pride and joy. The woman he jokingly—or not so jokingly—told us all to stay the fuck away from after I’d already tasted her.

This is not going to end well for me.

“Anyway, I won’t take up any more of your time,” he continues while I spiral. “I trust you’ll all be as welcoming to Paige as you have been with me. Thank you.”

I wonder if he’d consider my time with Paige as welcoming. I did assist her with her needs.

But Goddammit .

“Sorry, one last thing.” Sal grabs the mic again and everyone falls silent. He seems like a genuine guy, but we haven’t figured out if he’s to be trusted yet, so everyone’s on their best behavior around him. “I’d like another Super Bowl win this year if you can work on that,” he adds, making the guys all crack up laughing again. Except me. “Thank you. As you were.”

He walks away and the general chatter picks up. While I stand frozen.

Paige is off-limits.

I finally found someone to take my mind off the crazy in my life and she’s about to be taken away from me.

We lock gazes again and her expression confuses me. Is that guilt? Did she know?

All this time I was sure she had no idea I played football, but was she playing me?

I’m lost in thought, my anger simmering, when someone slaps me on the back.

“Wilder, you’re looking more pissed off than usual. What’s going on? What did Zane do this time?”

Luke-fucking-Bennett.

He smirks and I want to punch him. “Is that actually funny, Bennett? You know, I thought you’d grow up after having a kid.”

His face drops and he steps closer. “Sorry, man. It’s been a day and humor is my go-to. But you know we’re here for you, right? In all seriousness, you were there for me when I needed it, and I’ll always be happy to return the favor.”

The sincerity in his eyes throws me a little because as he said, humor is his go-to, although Amelia must have seen something in him so maybe I can give him a shot. “Thanks, man. I’m fine. Just having a day myself.”

Luke and I walk back to the locker room together but keep the conversation on football. Despite his offer, I can’t see myself opening up to him, or anyone for that matter. It’s just not something I do.

Ever.

Though I can see the benefits. When Luke spoke to me about his situation with Amelia, he managed to come to some kind of epiphany after something I said. That could happen to me. Or…it could be no help at all and instead, I have a teammate feeling sorry for me. Actually, sorrier for me, because they already think I’m broken after Macy’s cheating scandal with Zane. And that’s more annoying than the cheating was.

Sal walks past us when we reach the door of the locker room and my stomach knots, half expecting him to call me away so he can personally tell me I need to end things with Paige. But of course, he doesn’t. Instead, he smiles and lets us know it was a good practice.

Again, he’s genuine. There’s just something about the way the management acts around him that has us all on guard. But maybe, like us, they're just getting used to the change.

T he next day, I run into Paige three goddamn times, but never get the chance to talk to her. The first time, I was driving out of the parking garage as she was walking past. The second was in the crowded lobby in the middle of the day. And the third was at the swimming pool while I had Isaac with me. She was getting out of the water when we arrived, and it took everything in my power not to stare at her dripping body. Thankfully, I had a little reminder tugging on my shorts, keeping things innocent in my mind.

After Isaac falls asleep that night, I try to distract myself with TV and music, but it doesn’t work. My head is a chaotic web of issues that I can’t control, and it’s impossible to determine what’s worse—my imminent chat with Paige or Macy’s arrival tomorrow. Or more specifically, Macy canceling tomorrow and me having to pick up the pieces of my son’s fragile little heart. Again .

I’m calling this her last chance. If she fucks it up, I’m done. I’ll have no guilt finding the best, most expensive lawyer out there so I can ruin her.

I’m sure Luke knows a guy. I remember him mentioning he had to rush Amelia’s divorce so they could get married. I had to listen to that fun little story while seated next to him on the bus to our last away game. At the time, I was hating life, but now, he might be useful.

And he said he wanted to help.

I try another tack, reading in bed, and I must fall asleep at some point because when I next check the time it’s four a.m and I feel groggy. Macy isn’t coming for hours and our practice isn’t until the afternoon, so I have no reason to be awake this early. But since it took me hours to fall asleep last night, I can’t imagine it’s going to be any easier now.

Accepting my fate, I get up and work out on my balcony so I don’t wake Isaac, but at around five thirty there’s a soft knock on the glass door, and his sleepy little smile greets me as he waves.

“Good morning.” I smile back after walking inside. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.”

“What would you like? Pancakes, waffles, or eggs?”

“Pancakes.” He runs into the kitchen and crawls up onto his stool near the counter.

“Okay. Done.”

“Annnd waffles and eggs,” he adds with a pleading smile, making me laugh.

“Woah, Buddy. That might give you a stomachache before the zoo.”

His face drops at my response. “Is Mom really coming?”

Fuck . This kid is barely three and yet he’s acutely aware that he has a shitty, unreliable mother.

I swear to God if she cancels—

“Do you think I’ll see a snake eating today?” He changes the subject before I’m able to respond and it’s lucky he did, because it stopped me from having to lie to him. The truth is that I don’t know if she’s coming. But for her sake, I hope she does.

While I make pancakes, Isaac and I talk about all the animals at the San Francisco Zoo, with him telling me his favorites and the ones he thinks Macy will like. My chest burns when he gets her favorites wrong because it’s just more proof that she doesn’t see him enough to bond with him.

“When we go, I’ll let you see the wolves. I know you like them.” He smiles and it warms my heart. Of course, he’s right. Because I’ve told him that. Because we spend time together. And bond.

God, she makes me crazy.

As Isaac’s pickup time arrives, so too does my headache. The clock ticks over to eleven and then eleven ten and eleven fifteen, while my heart slams in my chest, waiting, pretending everything is fine, while Isaac plays happily.

When the time ticks over to eleven twenty, I’ve had enough.

“I’m just going out to the balcony for a minute, Isaac. I’ll be back.” I keep my voice light, but I’m beyond pissed off. Only, I’ve just stepped outside to call Macy when my intercom buzzes.

She’s here. God, I hope that’s a good thing.

I don’t say anything to Isaac until our concierge confirms it, then it’s go time and I suddenly feel worse.

“Come on, Buddy. Your mom’s here.”

Isaac smiles brightly and I both love and hate it for him. He deserves to be happy, and I’m glad Macy stuck by her word. But a little part of me hoped she’d mess up because how long can he handle the ups and the downs before it scars him for life?

No matter what, Isaac is my priority. I know kids need their moms but not if they’re messing with their kids’ mental health.

After grabbing Isaac’s bag, we meet Macy in the lobby before traveling down to the parking garage. The code to the garage was all I was willing to give her. I wasn’t going to tell her which floor I was on, and I definitely wasn’t letting the concierge buzz her up.

I chat with Isaac as we go, and it’s not until he’s settled in his seat that I turn to Macy with a forced smile, my credit card in hand. “If he doesn’t come home with the biggest fucking grin on his face,” I grate almost under my breath, “you will never get another dime from me.”

“We’re going to have a great day.” Macy smiles cheerily back at me, and we both wave when Isaac glances our way. “You don’t have to worry about us.”

Understatement of the year. That’s all I’m going to be doing. She may not have been a bad mom in the early days, but now, I don’t trust her at all.

After walking over to the driver’s side, Macy shoots me a wink, which I glare at until I remember what I had to tell her, my mood lifting. “Oh, and Macy, I reduced my credit card limit. You’ve got three hundred for the day; use it wisely.”

Her jaw drops as I suppress my smirk and turn away, waving at Isaac one last time before Macy drives away with my world in the back seat of her rental, the high of ruining her plans fading away.

God, I hope I made the right decision. She’s his mom and if she’s trying, I have to respect that, for Isaac’s sake. But what if I messed up?

My head aches and I’m feeling dejected as I step into the elevator from the parking garage, and when it stops in the lobby, I internally groan. I just want to get home. I’ve only got a couple of hours before I have to be at the stadium, and I need time to detox from Macy before I leave.

Resting my head against the mirrored wall, I release a slow drawn-out breath and close my eyes.

They’re going to have fun. Macy’s going to be a good mom. He’s safe. He’s cared for. He’s—

“Are you okay?” A familiar voice seeps into my consciousness, drawing my attention. And when I open my eyes, I find Paige’s beautiful gaze staring back at me.

A breathy laugh rushes from my lungs though I’m not sure this is a funny matter. “I should have known,” I say, my voice more gravelly than I expected.

“Known what?” she asks, her expression puzzled.

“That you’d appear. You always do.”

“Just think of me as your guardian angel.” She thinks she’s joking, but she’s not that far off. Lately, when I’m having a shitty day, she’s there. Chatty as always. Cheering me up. Though this time, she’s part of the reason I’m so fucked-up.

The doors close and when we’re the only two in the elevator, Paige sighs. “Since we only have a short ride together, let’s get right to it.”

“Okay. Did you know?” I hit her with the burning question, and when her body deflates, I feel a little bad.

“I knew you’d think that, but honestly, I had no idea. I’m sorry to say I don’t follow football. I’m not really a sports girl at all.” She cringes and I laugh.

“That’s what I liked about you.”

“Oh, too bad.” She smiles. “Because that’s how I felt until yesterday. Now, after watching your team practice, I think I’m missing out.”

“Figures.” The first time I find someone I can be myself around and now she’s on the bandwagon.

“What does?”

“Nothing, never mind. Back to the issue at hand. You’re the team owner’s daughter. And now off-limits to me.”

“Apparently so.”

The elevator stops and when the doors open to no one, I assume it’s Paige’s level and hold the doors open so we can finish our chat.

“I guess it would be crazy to keep seeing each other,” she continues, her expression pinched as she looks to me for answers. “Right?”

It pains me to say it, but… “Right.”

“It’s messy.”

“And things are fucked-up enough at the moment.” For me at least.

“Exactly.” Paige snaps her fingers like that’s some big revelation. “Goodbye then?” Her face contorts. She’s clearly not happy about this outcome. And neither am I. But it is what it is.

“Yep. Goodbye.”

“Unless we happen to run into each other,” she adds before I can release the doors. “I can say hi, right?”

“Sure.”

“And if we happen to be in the gym at the same time, you could help me stretch.”

I raise an eyebrow and she smiles. “Okay. I guess, if you need it.”

“Thanks. And if by some strange coincidence we end up locked in a storeroom together with no way out and nothing to do?”

The fuck? I stare at her deadpan until she laughs. “What? You never know.”

“Then in that case, I would fuck your brains out until you don’t know what day it is let alone how long we’ve been trapped.”

“Okay.” Her pitch rises. “Thank you. It’s good to set boundaries. You know. Just in case.”

“Of course.”

Paige moves to step out until we both realize it’s my floor. She never pressed the button. I pause for a second and then without departing, I press the number for her level and watch as the doors close before turning to face her.

“I missed my stop,” she says coyly, biting her lip.

“You did.”

“And you didn’t get off,” she states the obvious.

“I didn’t.”

We stare in silence until the doors open again. This time at level twelve. Paige’s floor.

I hold my hand across the entry and allow her to pass by, drinking her in, her scent lingering after she’s gone. And I make a split-second decision to follow her.

We can’t keep this up. Whatever it is. But one last time can’t hurt anyone. Can it?

Paige doesn’t say anything as I trail behind her, but her body stiffens when I get close.

When she finally stops in front of what I assume is her door, she spins to face me. “When I first got in the elevator, you had this pained expression, like you were…broken.” Again, it’s not a question—she knows something is not right.

“I’ve had a rough morning,” I confirm, giving her nothing more.

“Want to talk about it?” She smiles wide in anticipation and I huff out a laugh.

“Definitely not, but I could use something to relieve the built-up tension.” I step forward, walking into fire, but ready to feel the burn. I’ve already crossed the line.

Paige shrugs, trying to appear unaffected, but her heaving chest gives her away. “Mmm,” she says, curling a finger through her long brown hair, her eyes locked on mine.

“Know of anything?” I ask in challenge.

Paige raises a brow and I know instantly that she’s about to sass me. “There’s one of those destruction places around the corner that—” I slam my lips to hers, cutting her off as I push her against her door.

I might take her up on that the next time I’m seeking a release, but for now, Paige is the only thing I need. And there’s no way I’m going to resist it.