Page 24

Easton

I t’s a short week for me with the bye this weekend, so I make the most of my time with Isaac, packing as much into my days off as physically possible.

This morning—the movies. Which I’m still uncertain about, but he’s been desperate to go, so I figured it was worth a shot, and I’m hoping the early screening will be less busy.

On our way down to the parking garage, we stop off at the lobby to check for mail, and I instantly regret it when I find Paige walking through the glass doors at the front of the building, heading in our direction.

I smile, but my expression remains cool and definitely doesn’t reflect the fact that I am still cursing myself for walking away the other night. Isaac was at my mom’s ahead of a game against our biggest rivals—which we won—so I had no reason to go home, and fuck… I wanted her. But I would never take advantage of the situation when she was obviously drunk.

Our eyes lock, and I can tell instantly that she remembers as her nose crinkles adorably. As though she’s embarrassed. But she has nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m the dick that rejected her. I should be embarrassed.

Each step brings us closer together, and I’m grappling with what to do or say when she turns toward the building’s restaurant seconds before we’ve reached her, making the decision for me.

I’ve barely taken a step toward the front desk when Isaac tugs on my hand, pulling me in Paige’s direction.

“That’s my friend, Dad.”

“Your friend?” I scan the lobby looking for other kids but there’s no one around. “Who?”

“Paige.”

“Paige?” My voice is louder than I planned for it to be, and Paige pauses before spinning around to face us. And when she spots Isaac waving her way, a warm smile lights up her features, gutting me in the chest. With her smile still locked in place, her eyes lift to mine before she slowly walks over, perhaps giving me the chance to escape the situation. We haven’t directly spoken about Isaac, but I’m sure she knows he’s the reason I’m holding back from us. And while I should be mad about the fact that they clearly know each other—and on a first-name basis—I’m not.

It feels oddly comforting to know there’s someone else in this building that cares about him.

Isaac tugs on my arm until I walk with him, but when we reach Paige, he shies away, trying to hide behind my leg. Unsurprisingly though, Paige doesn’t let him. It seems to be her thing.

“Hi Isaac. How are you?” She squats down to his level, peeping around my legs to see him.

Isaac nods his head, but otherwise remains silent.

“I like your sneakers,” she says as she keeps trying. “Are you going out with your dad?”

At that, Isaac’s confidence returns. His mom bought him new shoes—with my credit card—and it’s like he’s never been given a present before.

“They’re red and Mom says that will make me go faster. Like this. Zoom. Zoom.” He runs to the door of the restaurant and back again like he has super speed, and Paige laughs, but not before giving me a sympathetic smile.

“I think she’s right,” Paige says, her face scrunching when Isaac glances away. “You were so fast I couldn’t see you at one point.”

“Really?” He smiles so wide it’s infectious. “Was I, Dad?”

“You sure were, Buddy. I thought we’d lost you.”

Isaac shakes his head and reaches out to grab my hand. “Don’t worry, Dad. I wouldn’t go away. Never.”

My smile internally drops but on the outside it remains strong, hiding my true feelings. And the truth is that I’m breaking for him. His mind shouldn’t “worry” like that. At his age he shouldn’t even know the feeling of someone disappearing. But he does. All too well. And I hate that for him.

And I hate that she keeps sucking him back in. Buying his love when he’s too young to know better. I want Macy to fuck up, but at the same time, I don’t. I know what it’s like to grow up in a broken home. Especially one where the party that walks out never fully gives their kids the love and attention they deserve. Like my dear ole dad. Keeley may have forgiven our father, but I haven’t. I was only a year older than Isaac when Mom had to go it alone. Raising us with barely any help except the rare pop-in visits and minimum child support. Keeley and my older sister Addison accepted it easily, claiming they loved the second birthdays and Christmases—the only time he ever showed up. But I just wanted my dad.

They were at school when he left. And Mom never cried around them. I was home. And whether she thought I was too young to remember or too busy playing with my toys, she was wrong on both counts. I heard it. And I‘ve never forgotten.

I will never put Isaac through that.

Over the last month, Macy’s only visited once and called twice. It’s not enough. I’m giving her another couple of months to get her shit together and then I’m seeking legal advice. I’m not naive; I know the courts usually side with the mother. But a little part of me hopes it will be too much effort for her and she’ll give up the fight. She’s never been big on commitment.

Paige asks Isaac if he thinks her red-soled stilettos are as fast as his new ones, changing the subject, and I smile when he laughs out loud. “No.” He covers his face with his hand. “They’re not like mine.”

“You’re right. I think I need to get some red sneakers.”

“Dad can take you.” Isaac straightens on the spot, the excitement obvious in his stance. “He said he knows where Mom got them.”

“Oh, really?” Paige stands tall, hitting me with a mischievous grin. “Do you think you can help me?”

I don’t have to look to know Isaac’s expectant eyes are gazing up at me, waiting for a response. I can feel it. But what the hell do I say to that? And why is Paige playing with fire?

“I think they only sell kids’ shoes,” I say as a buffer, knowing neither Isaac nor Paige will let me get away with that response, but at least it gives me a second to come up with another excuse.

Deep down, I know Paige is joking. But even so, I’m not ready to joke about us yet. Even now we shouldn’t really be talking to each other. Her dad lives in this building, and I know some of the guys frequent the restaurant here. We’re on dangerous ground.

“That’s too bad,” Paige says, instead of calling me out like I expected her to do. “I’ll have to keep an eye out when I’m shopping. In the meantime, I don’t mind you beating me in a race.”

“Do you want to race?” Isaac asks, arms locked, ready to take off.

Paige bursts out laughing at the same time Isaac does, and the sound is so beautiful it warms me. My heart bleeds for how badly I want Isaac to be this happy all the time.

My phone buzzes in my hands and I realize the time. “We have to get going, Buddy,” I say reluctantly. “We’ll miss the movie if we don’t leave now.”

Isaac pouts until I remind him what we’re going to see and then he’s tugging on my arm again, ready to go in the opposite direction.

“Let’s go.” He takes a few steps before pausing and turning back around. “Want to come, Paige?”

“Oh.” A strange expression washes over her but in an instant it’s gone, replaced by her warm grin. “I would love to, but I have a meeting.” She glances down at her phone and cringes. “Which I am running late for. Maybe another time?”

“Yes. Okay. Bye.”

Isaac moves on, making Paige laugh again, but it doesn’t surprise me. When he’s a man on a mission, nothing will slow him down. Kind of like Paige.

And I like that.

W hen the charity event rolls around, Mom insists on adjusting my tie like I’m heading off to my junior prom, while I stare at her deadpan. “You know this isn’t my first rodeo, right? I’ve done this before.”

“I know that. But I want you to humor me. I miss these moments.”

“What moments? I never let you do up my tie.”

“Exactly, that’s why I missed it.”

“You’re so funny that I have stitches from my internal laughter.”

Mom rolls her eyes and pulls my tie a little tighter. “I love you, son. How does that feel?”

“Perfect,” I lie, stepping away without further response.

“I lub you, Nana,” Isaac says when I don’t return her sentiment out loud. She knows I love her; I’m just not one to say it all the time. Except with Isaac.

Mom gives me a friendly shove before turning to Isaac and dropping to her knees to get to his level, like Paige did, only Mom’s legs are shaking as she does it.

“Mom, sit on the couch, would you? You’re not getting any younger, and you don’t have to get on the floor with Isaac. He understands.”

“I tell her to get up, Dad,” Isaac says proudly, as though we are a team trying to help my mom.

Mom, on the other hand, scoffs. “I’m fine and if I want to sit on the floor with my grandson, I will.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ve got to go. Can I have a hug, Little Buddy?”

I do exactly what Mom just did and lower myself to his level, waiting for him to run into my arms. And he does. Right on cue. “You’ll be good for Nana, won’t you?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“Yes.”

“And go to sleep when she asks you to.”

“Yes,” he repeats but his eyes flash to Mom conspiratorially, making me shake my head.

“And you’ll ask him to go to sleep on time?” I turn to Mom, sensing they’ve made some kind of late-night deal since I won’t be home until the early hours of the morning.

Stupid charity events. Why can’t I just hand over a bag full of cash or my credit card and be done with it? I’m all for raising funds as long as I’m not expected to do anything.

Mom nods with thin lips, and I can practically see the lie forming in her mind. “Just not too late, please.”

“He’ll be asleep before you get home. That’s a promise.”

Uh. I know she’s joking but still… “It better be well before that.”

After saying my goodbyes again, I head down to my truck, releasing a slow breath.

I know it will be an unpopular opinion, but I decided to drive. I’ve got a big morning planned with Isaac tomorrow and I don’t want to be hungover for it. Plus, I think it’s better to keep my head clear around Paige. If I drink, I’m likely to do something I’ll regret. Or don’t regret but still shouldn’t do.

Paige leaves my mind for barely a second before an image of her and Isaac pops up. I spent most of the movie with Isaac replaying their little interaction, and I still don’t know how to feel. On one hand, fuck, it was amazing to watch, seeing the way his eyes lit up when Paige smiled. And the shared affection they had for each other. But on the other hand, it makes me nervous because if she disappears, I’m not sure how much more heartbreak he can take.

He’s never that happy when he’s talking about his mom but wouldn’t shut up about Paige on our entire drive, and when the movie ended, he asked if I thought she would have liked it. Paige, not his mom.

After two goddamn interactions.

I know Paige is great, I get it, but it makes me sad to think that it takes so little to make his heart soar and Macy still can’t do it.

She barely even tries.

The sun’s setting as I pull into the circular drive on the venue, and I have to admit, it’s pretty fucking epic with its grand structure and incredible view. Even if it does look like I’m arriving for a wedding.

It seems I’m not the only one with the idea to drive, because there’s a line for the valet so the journey to the front entry is a slow one, giving me the chance to really take in the scenery. And I know where I’ll be spending my time. Outside. Away from the crowd. I must remember to thank Paige for giving us a venue with space. There’s nothing worse than being cooped up inside with everyone drinking and dancing and acting like they’ve never had more fun in their lives.

When I’m second in line, a sleek black car with dark windows drives past me, coming to a stop in the drop-off zone closer to the door. It’s the type of car you’d expect to be hosting someone famous, obscenely wealthy, or private. Or someone in love with themselves. So it’s likely to be either Luke, Zane, or—

A female alights from the backseat and my internal questions stop, knowing immediately that it’s Paige, her long legs giving her away. I’ve pictured them wrapped around my shoulders on more than one occasion since we were last together. And it’s been awhile.

Other than our little interactions over the past week, we’ve been like ships passing in the night, seeing each other regularly but never getting the chance to speak. Which is probably a good thing.

As fun as it was, being with Paige was never going to work. We were keeping things casual before we found out about her dad, and with the season starting, I don’t have time to be sneaking around. If I didn’t have Isaac, things might have been different, but then I wouldn’t have Isaac and that’s not a reality I would ever entertain.

While I wait for my turn in line, I take advantage of the view, my gaze gliding from Paige’s sky-high stilettos to the split in her dress, the fall of the material showing off way more skin than I’d like, and my cock twitches.

What I wouldn’t give to be slipping my hand beneath that dress, to feel her wet for me. Desperate for my touch. Aching for it.

Fuuck . I need a distraction. We agreed to cut ties. It makes sense to cut ties. But after the other night… God, why am I still thinking about her a month later? Why is she always on my mind?

Paige is slow to get out of the car, so I’ve reached the valet stand by the time she finally steps out and— god-fucking-dammit . She looks like sin. Pure sin. Deliciously hot sin that I’m supposed to avoid at all costs.

I cannot let Paige get under my skin. I can’t. I won’t. It can’t happen. I’ve established that. And yet, she’s already fucking there. Buried deep like my co—

Fuck this. I groan, my mind replaying our conversation from the night she was drunk. She wants me. I want her. And now she’s here. Looking like that. Fuck it. I can’t hold back any longer.

Jumping out of my truck, I toss my keys to the kid and jog to catch up with her, throwing a glance over my shoulder before grabbing her hand and pulling her around the corner, out of sight of the driveway and away from any windows.

Paige gasps at my attack, throwing her free hand out to stop me until she registers who I am and gives up the fight, a soft sigh passing from her lips.

“What are you doing?” She half laughs, shaking her head, and her gaze bounces around.

Grabbing her chin, I still her, turning her face toward mine, locking her with my stare. “You expect me to spend the next five hours pretending I haven’t been inside you? And dreaming about doing it again? After the way you were aching for me the other night.”

Paige’s eyes widen but she quickly recovers, hitting me with a coy smile. “Yes.” She shoves me back and takes a step away, her hands raised to stop me from moving closer. “That’s exactly what I expect you to do. How else could this possibly play out? We’re at a work function.”

“I know. I fucking know. But I can’t get you out of my head, and if I don’t do anything, tonight will be torture. Well worse than I thought it would be.”

Paige blinks and I can tell she’s warming to the idea.

“The way I see it, you have two choices. Let me fuck you now, against this wall as the party guests arrive. Or be ready for me to steal you away sometime during the night. And it’s likely to be when you least expect it.”

Her breath hitches before she licks her lips absentmindedly, and I have to admit it’s good to know I affect her as much as she affects me.

“Well, D’Angelo.” I make a point of enunciating her name and she rolls her eyes. “What’s it going to be?”

Headlights illuminate our path as another car pulls into the driveway, but it’s so far away, there’s no chance they saw us. And judging by Paige’s thoughtful expression, she didn’t notice.

“Decisions, decisions,” she sasses, making me chuckle.

“You have ten seconds before I make the decision for you.” And I’m going with option C—All of the above.

“I thought we agreed this was a bad idea?”

“We did. But that was before you decided to put yourself in my path, looking like the personification of a goddess, after offering me the world the other night. I know why we made our agreement and I’m not saying we break it. Think of it as an addendum. One night. We have a bye this weekend. We could pretend I don’t even play football.”

“And tomorrow?”

“Back to normal but a little more satisfied.”

Paige glances away so I step forward, looking to seal the deal. There’s no fucking way I can walk away from this right now. I want her too much. And I’m desperate to escape. “I know you want me, Paige. Even if you hadn’t told me, I can feel it every time we share a space. The tension. The need. I have never wanted to sink inside another woman like I do with you. Right now.”

“In that case, I’m choosing option B. Inside.”

Fuuck. “ Are you sure about that?”

“Yes. But only because the anticipation will kill you and it’ll make it all the more fun for me.”

Jesus Christ. I groan, my proposal backfiring. How the fuck am I going to walk away? “As you wish,” I say reluctantly. “Be ready. It could be any given moment.”

With my teeth clenched, I turn to leave but Paige stops me, her fingers curling around my bicep. “Wait. Before you go.”

She drags me backward until she hits the wall behind her, not letting go until only a breath of space divides us. Lifting to her toes, her lips meet my ear as she moves my hand to her waist and glides my palm down her silk dress, stopping when we reach the slit.

She lets go and I take over, my hands snaking under her dress, lifting the material as I skate my fingers across her skin. I’ve just reached her ass when she whispers, “If I have to suffer, so do you.” Her timing lines up with the moment I find her skin bare, and I can’t hide my groan.

“Miss D’Angelo …” I grate as I pull away, my eyes locking with hers. “Are you missing something?”

“Nope.” She shakes her head, batting her eyelashes innocently. “This dress fits me like a glove and highlights my curves to perfection.” I’m not going to argue yet —I happen to agree with her—but it’s coming. “I have a motto when it comes to gala events like this. Never let a pair of panties get in the way of a good dress.”

“Noted.” A brief wave of jealousy floods my chest, but I bite my cheek to stave off another guttural groan. Since it’s working to my advantage tonight, I shouldn’t be mad about it, but I am really fucking livid. “Here’s the thing.” I squeeze her ass, letting my hand fall until my fingers settle between her legs from behind. “I’m going to reap the benefits of your outfit choice tonight, but the next time you go sans panties, you better be sure I’m going to be there.” As if anticipating my next move, Paige spreads her legs and I plunge a finger inside her, then a second, and a third, completely filling her as I step closer, crowding her in. “I want this pussy to be mine, even if I can’t use it.”

Paige melts against my hand before her body jolts and her eyes fall shut. Her head drops back to the brick wall as I slowly work her with my fingers, careful not to give her too much before the main course later. Her breath picks up and I want more. But before I get the chance to do anything, she wraps her fingers around my wrist and stills me, her eyes opening to pin me with her stare.

“I’m sure you can feel how much your assertiveness turns me on. But I draw the line at fashion. Don’t tell me what to wear and I’m yours.”

My cock twitches. Every time she pushes back, I want her even more, and maybe she knows that. “Fine, but don’t expect me to be happy about it.”