Page 39

Easton

I stand up with Paige still in my arms and walk her to my bedroom before laying her down on my bed.

The intensity of her gaze as she stares up at me has my pulse racing, and I feel it too. Something has shifted between us. My feelings were already big, and I told her as much…but now, I want to show her.

Sitting her up, I slowly drag the tee over her head before kissing her shoulder while I undo her bra, letting my lips linger as I kiss a path toward her neck, sucking the flesh into my mouth as we both fall back to the bed.

Paige mewls as her arms tighten around me, but I don’t stay like that for long, brushing my lips across her skin, making my way toward her navel.

Slipping my fingers under the waistband of her leggings, I drag them down her legs and leave her panties in place, my gaze locked on the see-through material as I fight to keep things slow.

When I reach her pussy, I blow on the fabric covering her clit, loving the way her body lifts to get closer to me and the soft moans that escape her.

“God, East,” she whispers, her voice shaky. “You haven’t even touched me.”

I kiss her clit through her panties, once, twice, squeezing her thighs as she jolts, and just when I think she’s going to beg me for more, I guide the material to the side and lick a path through her folds, needing her tonight just as much as she needs me. I’m past the teasing; I just want to be with her.

As I switch between licking and sucking, Paige squirms beneath my touch, fighting for the control she’s used to. She grabs the sheets before lifting her hands to her pert breasts, squeezing her nipples while I pleasure her.

Her orgasm builds while I work her pussy with my tongue, and I’m about to add my fingers to the mix when she calls out breathlessly. “Stop,” she rasps. “I’m close but I want you inside me. I want to finish together.”

I pause, glancing up at her through her open legs, my brow raised in question. “Please, East,” she giggles as she pleads again.

As if I could say no. “Done.”

I strip in record time, sheathing myself before I crawl onto the bed, hovering above her. Paige sits up, her face flushed, her hair a mess, and I’ve never seen her more beautiful. “How do you want me?” she asks, a hint of nerves in her tone.

“I want you like this. I want to watch as I slide into you, and then I want to see you, all of you, as you come apart.”

Eyes wide, she nods as she spreads her legs farther, welcoming me between them, watching our connection while I line up with her entrance. There’s already tension in the air, but when I push inside her, we both pause, our eyes meeting as all the emotion comes to the surface.

I groan as I fill her, my eyes never leaving hers, catching her throat bob as she swallows. And a sad reality hits me. I have never made love before now, because this is so much more intense than anything I’ve ever experienced. This connection with Paige is beyond anything I’ve ever felt. And that’s as terrifying as it is thrilling.

When we finally move, it doesn’t take long to find our rhythm.

With my arms braced on either side of her head, I cage her in as I rock, meeting her thrust for thrust as the pressure builds inside me.

“God, East…” she trails off but…

“I know. Fuck. I know.”

Her walls tighten around me and I pick up speed, pounding into her as she bucks her hips, chasing the high, ready to fly over the edge.

She cries out and my balls tighten, the sound of her moans sending a spark through me as my release hits.

“Oh God,” Paige gasps and her body spasms, her orgasm hitting as my cock jerks inside her.

I grunt as my arms shake, slowing my movements until her body stops convulsing, dropping to the bed beside her.

We’re both silent for a beat until Paige lifts to her elbow and runs a finger down my cheek, her gaze soft. “You were quiet,” she whispers as her breathing slows.

“I was taking it all in.” Processing my feelings.

“I like you telling me what to do…but I also loved that.”

“Me too. I’ll take both.”

Paige giggles before tucking herself into my arms and laying her head on my chest. “We’ll have to do it again sometime.”

I smile but don’t respond, not that I have to. With the way I feel about her and her about me, I think this might just become a regular thing for us. And God am I happy she’s with me.

“Thank you for today, Paige. For everything.”

“You don’t need to keep thanking me, but you’re welcome. Though, I am about to say something that might piss you off.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. I think you should talk to Macy.”

“I—”

“ Without yelling at her. Have a proper conversation. You said you think she might be doing things to spite you. Be nice and maybe she’ll stop.”

“Goddammit.” Paige giggles because she knows she’s right. “It’s not a bad idea.”

“Of course it’s not.” She smiles triumphantly. “It’s a good one.”

“Fine, but if I’m talking to Macy, then I want you to do something for me.”

“Oh-kay?” she tentatively agrees.

“Stay out of your dad’s plans with Austin. Let them handle it. And before you say anything, I know you’re more than capable, but I can’t protect you and—”

“Okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. I’ll let them handle it.”

“Thank you.”

“I don’t want to make your life harder, East. At least not on purpose.” Her voice is soft, and maybe a little saddened, so I twist in bed until I can see her.

“Paige, I—”

She laughs, cutting into my panic. “I get it. I do. You’ve got a lot going on and while we have to keep this thing to ourselves, I know you care. Thank you.”

“You really are going to be the death of me.”

“I hope so. But let’s make it a billion years from now.”

I open my mouth to respond when Paige sits up and shuffles to the edge of the bed. “I’m going to go.” She stands next and searches for her clothes, her eyes flashing to the door. “I shouldn’t be here when Isaac wakes up.”

I cringe because she’s right but at the same time… “I really want you to stay the night. You know that, right? This is—”

“Different? I know. But we have to take things slowly for Isaac’s sake.”

My chest fills at her concern for my son. She’s always thinking of him. Almost as much as me. “You’re an amazing human, Paige D’Angelo.”

“I know.” She winks and I laugh. “Which is why I really have to go. I’ll be back in the morning to look after Isaac again.”

“You don’t have to do that.” I smile, watching her move around the room. “I’ll call Coach and—”

“I’m coming. Believe it or not, I like spending time with him. I’m looking forward to it.”

She turns her back to me and I get up, taking two strides to reach her, wrapping her up in my hold. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

“I know.” She spins in my arms, taking my lips in a chaste kiss. “I’m happy to help. Anytime.”

“Again. Thank you. But I’ll have to figure out what I’m doing long-term. I’m close to retirement anyway and—”

“No.” She pulls back, staring up at me.

“What?” I raise an eyebrow as a small laugh escapes me.

“You’re not retiring yet. I need to see you win one of those Super Bowl things.”

“Super Bowl things,” I repeat and Paige laughs.

“My dad needs you. And so does the team. I think. You’re good, right?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Then you can’t retire. Please. Let me help.”

“ Paige… ”

“I’m not taking no for an answer. So don’t even bother.”

“Why are you so good to me?”

“I’m not doing it for you.” She wriggles out of my arms and slips her tee over her head braless, before stepping into her leggings. “I’m doing it for that gorgeous son of yours. This is just a bonus.”

“Ah, so you want a kid. Is that it?” I laugh, but Paige pauses, her brows furrowed.

“Actually, I haven’t really thought about having kids.” She shrugs like that’s no big deal and resumes getting dressed. “I just happen to like Isaac.”

She giggles to herself, probably thinking her words were meaningless, when in reality, they mean everything. That’s all I ever wanted for him. For someone to love him for him. I thought he needed Macy for that. But all this time, I’ve been wrong. He just had to wait for Paige.

“Have a good sleep.” Paige kisses my cheek when she’s dressed. “I’ll see you in the morning.” She opens the bedroom door and tiptoes down the hall before disappearing out of sight, and I don’t move until I hear the front door click shut.

What a fucking day.

I think I’ve felt more emotion today than I have in my lifetime. And I don’t exactly hate it.

A s promised, Paige knocks at seven the next morning while I’m on the phone with the hospital, asking if I can visit on my way to the stadium. The answer being no. I’m still frowning as I open the door.

“Everything okay? Is it your mom ?” She whispers the word “mom” and I’m grateful for that.

“The nurse said she had a good night, but they won’t let me see her until later today. I thought I could sneak in early.”

“Ugh. I’m sorry. Want me to ask the team owner if he can cut you some slack today?” She raises a brow and I laugh.

“Thanks, but that’s okay. Keeley’s heading to the hospital when visiting hours begin, so if I go on my way home, at least she’ll have more company that way. And Keeley can take over from you later on today so you get some time to yourself.”

“I don’t need time. I can stay until you get home.”

“You’re not working at all?”

“Nope. My next modeling job isn’t for a few weeks, and I’m not needed for the charity event this week.”

“Okay. But honestly, you don’t have to.”

“What? Really? I thought you had a gun to my head.”

“Okay. Okay. I’m being a D. I. C. K,” I say as I hear movement from Isaac’s room. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now where’s my little buddy?” Paige raises her voice and Isaac hears her, calling her name as he runs down the hall, the nice moment breaking my heart. This is how he should be greeting his mom.

And while I’m thinking of Macy, I better call her before she turns up at the apartment again. I think it’s time we had a proper conversation. But first, I need to find a lawyer.