Page 49

Paige

M y eyes bounce between Easton and the sketch in his hand as he waits for me to respond. I’m not even sure he’s aware of the complexity of his question, but I have no doubt he’ll understand when I tell him. He gets me in a way I never thought anyone could. I always assumed it was me against the world. I never considered the possibility that I’d fully commit to someone else. That I’d ever share that big a piece of myself. I’ve seen the way relationships crumble, taking down everyone around them. I’ve experienced it. How could I ever believe in something that’s about as strong as a sandcastle?

My parents are divorced, my grandparents are divorced. My Mom’s having an affair with my ex’s dad, so clearly his relationship—that I always assumed was rock-solid based on their shared disregard for other people’s feelings—is a sham.

The thought of splitting my heart in two and giving up half of it used to make me nauseous. It wasn’t something I ever wanted to do. Yet now, I’ve split it in three. And I’ve never felt more complete.

Easton must see something in my gaze because he lowers my sketch and his face drops with it. “Fuck, I’m sorry. This is clearly personal and—”

“No.” I rush forward, placing my hand on his heart. “I want to share everything with you. You momentarily caught me off guard because I’m not used to talking about that part of me. But I want to.”

“You don’t—”

“I want to,” I cut in. “I’m all in, Easton. You’re stuck with me now.”

Easton smiles before his eyes drift to my sketch once more. “Have you drawn me?”

I grimace but when he raises an eyebrow, I laugh. “I have.”

“How? When? The only time I’ve ever seen you sketch was by the pool when you didn’t know I was watching you.”

“I kind of sketch from memory.”

“You what?” His eyes widen before he raises the sketch in front of me as though I don’t know what’s on there. “This is Isaac,” he whispers in wonderment. “You’ve captured the cheekiness in his gaze, the dusting of freckles on his nose that are heavier on the left, his crooked smile.”

My nose scrunches as my cheeks heat. “That wasn’t my first try,” I admit. “I’m kind of obsessed with getting him right. I needed something in case this all went wrong.”

Easton’s gaze softens. “We really made a mess of things, didn’t we? If only we’d realized how important this was from the beginning.”

“I’m not sure we’d have ended up in the same place. I needed the time, and I think you did too.”

“You’re right.” He puts the sketch down and wraps his arms around my waist. “I’m happy we finally got there.”

“Me too.” I palm his cheek and lean back to stare into his eyes. “Only we still have a lot to overcome.”

“True, but we’re going to do it together.” Mimicking my move, Easton grabs my face and gently caresses my lips, his mouth perfectly molding to mine. It’s a short kiss, but it packs so much emotion that I feel it down to my toes. He smiles as he pulls back, and my heart races. Until his smile morphs into a smirk.

“So, can I see the sketch?”

I exaggeratedly cringe as my racing heart changes to more of a pounding. “You can. But I haven’t spent as much time on you as I have on Isaac.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Okay.”

I rush off to the spare bedroom, otherwise known as my office, and search through my pile of sketches until I find one of Easton that I’d be willing to share.

With his mussed hair and serious expression, he’s staring into the eyes of the viewer, his penetrating gaze drawing you in, making you feel like you're the only person that matters, like you’re all that he sees. It’s my favorite look of his. And one I keep close to my heart.

“Wow. This is… God, who am I staring at with that much intensity?” He laughs a little awkwardly.

“Me.” I scrunch my nose again. “That’s how you look at me.”

His eyes lift to mine, and a moment of understanding passes between us. This is it. We both feel it. And it’s time we let ourselves enjoy it. He smiles but doesn’t say as much about his own sketch as he did about Isaac’s and I don’t call him out on it. I get it. I’m as awkward about it as he is. And after he’s had a good moment staring down at my vulnerabilities on paper, he places the sketch next to the other one and nods. “These are phenomenal, Paige. You’re phenomenal.”

“Thanks.” I smile shyly. “They’re like my own form of therapy in a sense.”

“I like that. And I’m glad you have something that gives you that.”

“Do you have something?”

“I always thought it was football. But honestly, football has been more stressful lately because I’m always thinking about Isaac. Mom had another fall yesterday and—”

“Oh my God. Is she okay?”

“She says she’s fine. But she was with Isaac, and he didn’t take it too well. I think he’s a little scared to be alone with her now. And I don’t blame him. I don’t know what to do.”

“Yet another thing we’ll figure out together.” I curl my fingers through his and give his hand a squeeze. “And speaking of that, we should go. You promised me a Thanksgiving Day feast.”

“I don’t think I said feast.”

“I’m kidding. But maybe we can feast later. When we’re back here?”

Easton groans, running his free hand through his hair. “Thank you for making this day so much longer.”

“Any time. You know I love to tease.”

“And you know I love you.”

“I do. I’m lucky.”

“Nah, it’s not luck.” Easton grabs my chin, tilting my head to face him, and the look in his gaze floors me. “You’re my person, Paige. Always have been. We just hadn’t met yet.”

E aston tells me about his mom on the way to her house, and my heart breaks, making me even more determined to be there for him and Isaac. I’m tense as we pull up in the driveway, but when his mom greets me warmly, most of the tension washes away.

Until Keeley rounds the corner and my guilt returns.

“Well, well, well, fancy seeing you here, Paige.” She smirks, her brows raised, hands folded over her chest. I cringe until she laughs. “Relax, I’m joking. I get it. We all keep secrets. My issue is that I’m not sure which one of you I want to protect more. On one hand, East’s my brother, but I really like you, Paige. So, how about both of you work hard not to mess this up and we won’t have a problem.”

Easton chuckles as though not at all surprised by Keeley’s comment, while I sigh in relief. Once I’ve committed to something, I’m usually so open about my life, so it felt strange keeping this from her. But like everything else, I don’t regret it. I had my reasons. Though I do owe her an apology.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but at the time, I made the best decision for the situation.”

“I’m not sorry,” Easton adds before Keeley can respond. “She’s my sister; she doesn’t need to know every single detail of my life. She’s nosy enough.”

Keeley rolls her eyes, but her smile widens. “I have no ill will toward you, Paige. But Easton, you’re annoying as ever. And now that’s out of the way, there’s a little boy very eager to see you.”

I glance at Easton, and he lifts his shoulders in a shrug before pointing my way and smiling. I’m confused until Isaac calls my name, the excitement in his voice warming my heart as he slides around Easton to get to me, wrapping his arms around my legs.

I drop to my knees to hug him properly, basking in his happiness. “You’ve been gone,” he complains, and I open my mouth to respond but he keeps talking. “Dad said you were with your other family, but you’d be back with us. Who’s your other family?” He frowns and I can’t help but laugh.

“He was talking about my mom and dad.”

“Can I see them?”

“Of course you can.”

“Now?”

I bite back a smile while Easton comes to my aid. “Not today, Buddy. I think it’s almost time for our dinner.”

“Yes! I made it.”

“Wow. I bet it’s delicious.”

“Elisish,” he repeats and I laugh. I have never thought about having my own kids… Actually I’ve never given much thought to kids in general. And now I know why. I was saving my heart for Isaac, because I couldn’t imagine not having him in my life.

W e spend the afternoon like a family—or at least what I assume a family would act like, because our holidays were always over-the-top and staged. Perfectly curated for a magazine. Yes, we shared a meal. But there wasn’t laughter and teasing. People talking over one another. Banter.

I always felt love in my home, but this is different. And I like it.

Easton’s more relaxed than I’ve seen him lately, but he still has an edge to him. He hasn’t lost his grumpy nature, and I wouldn’t want him to. I fell in love with that part of him, just as much as I fell in love with his serious and sensitive side. And maybe even his alpha bedroom persona. Maybe. Just a little bit.

When dinner’s finished, I offer to wash the dishes and Rochelle chuckles. “We are a rinse-and-throw-in-the-dishwasher kind of family. Time is precious and shouldn’t be wasted on dishes.”

I laugh along with her. I like the way she thinks. We had a dishwasher at home. Two of them, in fact. But mom insisted all dishes were to be hand-washed, so we also had someone for that. “Can I rinse then?” I ask, needing to do something since I basically imposed on them and ate all their delicious food.

“How about we do it together?”

Easton watches me as I follow his mom into the kitchen, and when she notices, she shoots him a wicked smile, making me laugh out loud. “How can that man be so grouchy when you’re all so bubbly and kind?” I mean for my comment to be lighthearted, but Rochelle sighs.

“Has he told you about his dad?”

“A little. Yes.”

“He left when Easton was young. It hit him hard.” She frowns while my mind spins. Here’s yet another reason for me to not believe in true love, but with the way I’m feeling right now, it’s hard to deny it. “He’s happier with you in his life. And that makes me happy. On top of knowing that he’s out there panicking about what I’m going to say to you.”

I laugh again when I instantly picture his scowl. “What does he think you’re going to say?”

“That I’ll either give you ‘the talk’ or embarrass him somehow.”

“But you’re not?”

“No, I don’t think I have anything to stress about when it comes to you. He mentioned that you were worried about him and Isaac. The fact that he voiced his feelings was already a big deal, but when he said you were putting them first, a sense of ease washed through me. Like they’d be okay, even if I…” She trails off and tears prick my eyes. I can’t think about her health and not get choked up.

“I’d like you to stay around for a while, please. I think I might need backup in the future.” I keep things light and Rochelle laughs, but it’s easy to see that the future is playing on her mind. And why wouldn’t it be. I couldn’t imagine knowing my body was giving up on me and not being able to stop it. “I’m here, Rochelle,” I add, needing to put her mind at ease. “I’m here for anything you and your family need.”

“That’s enough for me, but if you could get rid of Macy before I go, I’ll bless you from above. Or maybe below—I’m not sure yet.”

She chuckles to herself while an unease settles inside me. I have no idea what to do about Macy. But if we need to share custody, I’m going to be there to make it work. And to make sure Isaac knows that he’s loved, even if his mother doesn’t show it.

Isaac falls asleep on the couch while watching a movie, so Easton decides to stay at his mom’s house, making the assumption that I’ll stay too.

“The spare bedroom is at the other end of the house,” he says in a whisper and my eyes dart to his. “I still expect my second dinner.”

“That’s not happening. I was planning to go home.”

“Believe it or not, Mom knows we’re having sex.”

“It’s still a no.” I cringe, shaking my head.

“Fine,” Easton grumbles. “But you’re staying. That’s nonnegotiable.” He raises an eyebrow in challenge, and I immediately give in. I’m done fighting, and if I’m honest, I don’t really want to be alone tonight. If I’m here, I can pretend I’m not thinking about my own family problems. Dad called me earlier tonight, letting me know he’s still busy, when he promised he’d changed.

“Okay, I’ll stay. But only because you asked so nicely.”

Easton smirks, and like always, it makes me giddy. I love everything about this man. And I’ve got to believe that’s enough to get us through the next few months. Because with Macy and my crap with the Mikkleson family, life is going to be challenging.

But no matter what happens, I won’t let him down again. We’re a team.

D ad texts to say he’ll be in New York for business on Friday and Saturday, but I refuse to let it get to me. If I’m going to make San Francisco my home, I need to feel that way without my dad, so I’m looking at this as practice.

On Sunday morning, Isaac and I are eating breakfast while Easton gets ready for his game, and a feeling of déjà vu hits me. As though I’ve been here in another life. Or perhaps, it’s the universe telling me I’m where I’m meant to be.

Easton’s saying goodbye when my phone buzzes with a text from Christian, and as I read the message, I audibly gasp, drawing his attention.

The A-hole: Is this what you’ve been hiding? Call me. Now

Breaking News: Billionaire twins and owners of Mikkleson Equity, Gabriel and Angus Mikkleson, were arrested in New York this morning on suspicion of extortion. We’ll keep you updated as the story develops.

“What the f—?” My wide eyes lift to Easton’s to find him watching me in concern.

“What’s wrong?”

“Christian’s dad was A.R.R.E.S.T.E.D.” I spell out arrested so that Isaac doesn’t ask questions, but he does anyway.

“What’s that mean?” he says, his eyes bouncing between mine and Easton’s.

“It’s something for adults, Buddy,” Easton says, giving him a smile. “Have you finished breakfast?”

“Yes, can I go and play?”

“Of course.”

Easton waits until Isaac’s out of the room before turning my way. “How do you know?”

I show him my message and a growl rumbles in the back of his throat. “Want me to stay while you call the dick?”

“No.” I laugh, pulling him into a hug. “You have to go. He’s harmless.”

“He has the power to hurt you, so he’s anything but harmless. I’ve got a few minutes. Call him.”

“East—”

“Please.”

“Okay. But I don’t want you to be late.”

“I won’t be.” He kisses my head and sits down beside me, pulling his phone from his pocket. “Put it on speaker.” He opens a message to me and holds his finger over the record button, as though Christian’s going to say something incriminating. While I agree that he’s not the greatest example of a decent human, when it comes to this, I’m still certain he’s innocent.

Easton nods when he’s ready, and I smile at his protectiveness as I press call.

I’m lost in thought while it’s ringing, until Easton’s eyes shoot to mine and he reaches for my hand. “When you’re done, you should call your dad.”

“Wh—”

“Dammit, Paige,” Christian answers, stopping me from questioning Easton. “Was that you? Is that what you knew?”

He’s straight to the point and I’m grateful. Now is not the time for small talk.

“Yes.”

“Then why the hell didn’t you tell me?”

“Uh… Like I said, I was trying to protect you.”

“Why?” he snaps and Easton’s fists clench.

“Because, A-hole, despite what you believe about me, I do have a heart. I just never wanted to give it to you.”

“A-hole. What’s that about?”

“This is a little ears warning. I’m around someone who doesn’t need to hear your potty mouth.”

“Who?”

I sigh and shake my head. “That’s none of your concern. We’re talking about your family.”

“Then explain it to me because all I know is that my business could be fu— you know, and my dad’s been arrested.”

I sigh again, telling him what I overheard and what his mom was trying to do to me, leaving out specific details about Easton and Isaac. And to my surprise, Christian’s shocked, clearly having no idea what his parents were capable of.

“Fu— Jesus. I knew she was cold but that’s brutal.”

“Yep.”

“I get that you were scared or whatever. But I had the right to know.”

“Scared? I told you—”

“Cut the crap, Paige. You didn’t do it for me. Giving me a heads-up would have been helpful. You—”

“Hey. Shut your mouth,” Easton interrupts, his anger growing. “She did you a favor. Say thanks and move on.”

“Who the fuck are you? Her latest fling? You’re that Easton guy, aren’t you?” He laughs like he has no idea who Easton is when I’ll bet he looked him up. “I’ve got some advice for you,” he continues and I roll my eyes. “Run,” he says. “She’s heartless. Take this as an example of that. She could have helped me and she didn’t. Now the—”

“You know what?” Easton cuts him off again, grabbing the phone from the table. “I have some advice of my own. Lose this number. Because if you ever call Paige again, or speak to her, or about her, to anyone, I’m coming for you. Grow the fuck up.”

Easton disconnects the call before standing up and pacing. “That little—”

“Little ears warning. You’ve already cursed once.”

“God.” He pauses and looks my way, clearly frustrated. “What the hell did you see in that guy?”

“What did you see in Macy?” I raise an eyebrow and Easton laughs.

“Touché.”

Dad calls before I can say anything more, and when Easton sees the screen, he laughs quietly.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“Answer and he’ll explain.”

My brows furrow but I do as he says and answer rather than questioning him again. “Dad?”

“Hey, Kid. How are you doing?”

“I’m…” I trail off, suddenly remembering what Easton said before Christian answered his phone. Telling me to call my dad. My dad.

“Was it you?” I ask and Easton smiles, confirming he had the exact same thought.

Dad laughs and his absence over the past few days starts to make sense. He didn’t want me involved. “I helped. But your mom should take most of the credit.”

“Mom?”

“Turns out, her affair wasn’t the bad thing we thought it was. It proved quite helpful.”

“Are you saying he told her about it?”

“She’d had suspicions for a while, but she wasn’t going to push the issue. Until she found out you were involved. It seems her mama bear instincts kicked in.”

“Wow.”

“That’s what I said when she first called me. Anyway, I’m coming over.”

“I’m not home,” I rush out before he hangs up. “I’m at Easton’s. I’m looking after Isaac today.”

“Can I come there? I’d really like to see you and meet the little guy.”

I glance at Easton and he nods.

“Okay. That would be good. It’s 16A. I’ll see you soon.”

“Thanks, Paige.”

He hangs up, and when I look back at Easton, his eyes are wide. “Jesus Christ.”

“Jesus. Indeed.”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m happy that they’ve been caught. But I’m also freaking out.” My heart slams in my chest as I admit that out loud. “They only mentioned Christian’s dad and uncle. And Christian’s mom isn’t going to take this lightly.”