Page 51

PAIGE

E aston’s brows furrow as he watches Isaac grab Dad’s hand and walk away, but he doesn’t ask me to explain and I have no doubt it’s because he trusts me. Still, I feel the need to tell him. “Dad was with me today and he helped Isaac when he was scared. I think he’s still a little nervous and feels like Dad will protect him.”

Easton hisses as his face drops. “And he thinks I can’t? Because I wasn’t there?”

“No, not at all. He clung to you like a lifeline the second you walked in. You know him; it’s just going to take time.”

“Tell me what happened. Please . I need to know everything. Isaac hasn’t said a word. Is he okay? Is he hurt?”

“He’s not hurt and he will be okay, I promise. He’s just a little shaken.”

“From what? I feel sick, Paige. I knew I shouldn’t have played. I—”

“You were where you were supposed to be. Sit down and I’ll explain everything.”

Easton nods before he sits on Dad’s couch, his eyes boring into mine. My chest tightens because I have no doubt this is going to hurt, but he needs to know.

“So, after you called…”

My heart races as I hang up from Easton and pack Isaac’s bag, ready for the game, making sure to keep a warm smile on my face. Meanwhile, the panic in Easton’s voice runs on repeat in my mind, as do his words.

“Macy’s on her way to our apartment, and something is off. She’s more determined to take Isaac than usual.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“I’ve spoken to Luke. Can you get Isaac to the game? Amelia will look after him.”

“Do you want me to stay with him?”

“No, I want you to stay with your dad. You have your own problems to deal with.”

“East, you and Isaac are my priority.”

“I know. But—” He trails off and I panic.

“But what?”

“But your name has been released to the media in line with Mikkleson's arrest.”

Jesus. That was fast. “And you’re worried I’ll bring unwanted media attention to Isaac?” My stomach knots as I once again let him down.

“No.” Easton's conviction cuts into my self-loathing. “I’m worried about you . I’m worried about you and Isaac, and this is the only way I can protect you both.”

“God, I’m sorry, Easton. If—”

“No ifs. We’ll work this out. I promise, but… Fuck. What am I doing? Isaac needs me. I’m going to talk to Coach. I’ll—”

Now it’s my turn to say no. “I’m going to hang up and pack Isaac’s bag. He’s going to love watching you play in the suite. He knows them, right?”

“He does. Mom took him to one of my games and they watched from the same suite.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about. I’ll have him there as soon as possible. He knows you have a game today. He may only be three but he’s so smart, East. I think it’s best if we keep things relatively normal. I told him we were going to watch the game. He’s just watching it live.”

Easton sighs, and I picture him running a hand through his already mussed hair. “You’re right. Thank you.”

“Don’t stress about us. We’ve got this. Okay?”

“Thanks, Paige. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

After sneaking inside from the balcony, I find Isaac still playing with his monster trucks and I explain the new plan, loving when his face lights up with excitement.

Dad smiles from his position on the floor next to Isaac, and I thank the stars that he was here when Easton called.

“Do you want to bring your Superman Teddy, Isaac? I think he’s in your room.” He rushes off without a word, and I explain as much as I can to Dad.

He glances down at his watch and curses. “I better call Pierce. Easton should be warming up by now.”

“I don’t think he’d want you to get involved.”

“Maybe not. But I’m going to be.”

He disappears into the kitchen while I finish packing, and when we’re all done, we head off. “I’m coming with you. We can discuss work in my office,” he says as we ride the elevator, referring to my Mikkleson situation as work.

It doesn’t take much for me to agree because despite what Easton said, I’d prefer to be closer to Isaac. I’d prefer to be close to them both.

As the elevator doors open to the parking garage, the nervous energy coursing through me finally starts to ease until Isaac calls out for his mom and I freeze.

“Paige, Mom’s here.” He lets go of my hand and rushes toward her, stopping short of giving her a hug.

“Isaac, I missed you.”

Isaac nods but doesn’t return the sentiment while I watch on with horror, my gaze zeroing in on a car seat through the window of the car behind her, confirming Easton’s suspicions.

“Hi.” I walk over, resting a hand on Isaac’s shoulder, feeling Dad’s presence without having to see him. “Macy?” I say with a smile while inside I panic. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“You must be Paige.” She smiles back but there’s something sinister about it. “Isaac’s told me so much about you.”

“Likewise.” Dad steps forward, perhaps sensing Macy’s disguised animosity, and comes to a stop beside me. “Macy, this is my dad, Sal.” I introduce them just as a huge mountain man gets out of what I assumed to be Macy’s car, lifting a hand in a wave as he settles behind her.

“This is my friend Rocky,” Macy says but she’s no longer talking to us—her gaze is locked on Isaac. “Isaac, Rocky and I wanted to take you to Disneyland. How does that sound?”

Before I can think things through, the word no is out of my mouth as I reach for Isaac’s hand. “While that’s a lovely offer, we’re on our way out.”

Macy’s lips thin, but she forces a smile and drops to her knees, surprising me by getting on Isaac’s level. “Isaac, baby. You want to come, don’t you? Remember we talked about this.”

“I think—” I begin but Macy cuts me off.

“Let Isaac speak. I’m his mother. If he wants to come with me, he can.”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing.” She smiles through slightly gritted teeth. “Rocky, get the car ready.” To Macy’s credit, she manages to get her feelings across without once raising her voice and even Rocky seems to be buying it. But despite keeping things happy for appearance’s sake, Isaac peers up at me, and I see a change in his eyes the moment he catches my concern.

“I want to stay with Paige,” he whispers, squeezing my hand.

“I’m sure Paige is lovely. But I came all the way from Florida to see you. We both did. So we’re going to Disneyland. I bought you new clothes and a car seat. We can stay in Mickey’s room and—”

“He said no, Macy. Why don’t you call Easton tomorrow and—”

“No!” Macy finally snaps, grabbing Isaac’s hand to pull him away from me. “Come on, Isaac. It’s Mommy. We always have fun. Let’s go.” She tugs on his arm, and he visibly shakes as he tries to pull back.

And it’s that moment the protective anger takes over me. “Macy, stop .”

“Let him go!” Dad yells, and I should have seen it coming but I was so wrapped up in keeping Isaac safe that his booming voice makes me jump.

I expect Isaac to panic from the obvious anger in Dad’s tone, but when Dad steps forward, Isaac pulls his hand away from Macy and jumps into his arms.

“Isaac, no,” Macy calls out, and it’s only then that I see panic—not coming from Isaac, but coming from her. “Don’t do this. Come with me.”

Isaac’s eyes fill with tears as my dad whispers something in his ear, walking away without a backward glance as soon as Isaac nods in return.

Macy moves to run after them, but I call out at the same time Rocky does. “Macy—”

“Stop!” Rocky yells, and at first I think he’s talking to my dad, but when my gaze flits to his, he’s looking at Macy. “Leave them be and get in the car.”

She shakes her head frantically. “He’s not himself, Rocky. I just need to talk to him. She’s brainwashed him against me, I know it.”

Panic courses through me as my gaze bounces between Macy and Rocky. Is this for him? Does he want Isaac?

I grab my phone to call the police but stop when his face drops and he shakes his head. “You’re not the mother I thought you were. You lied to me. Get in the car. We’re going home.”

“Rocky, no. I love him. I swear. We can be a family like I promised. Your girls will love him.”

Holy shit. Easton was right. Macy’s using Isaac. But not only to get back at Easton. She’s also using him for her own gain.

“Please, Macy. Get in the car,” Rocky sighs before getting in and turning the ignition. A car that I’m just noticing is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. And I feel sick.

Macy turns to walk away, but something propels me to rush forward and stop her. “Wait. Please.”

She pauses but doesn’t turn around, so I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, barely stopping for air. “You don’t have to do this, Macy. You don’t have to pretend for him. There are so many men out there. Men that would love you whether you had a child or not. This isn’t the life you want. Find someone that loves you for you. Take it from me, your life will be much better for it.”

She doesn’t respond, but her shoulders drop and I know she heard me. She’s still for a beat before walking away, not even glancing back at Isaac.

And it completely shatters my heart.

Easton stares at me, his grief-stricken gaze boring into mine. “Fuck,” he whispers under his breath before shaking off his thoughts and jumping up. “Fuuck.” He speaks louder this time and it’s enough to make me check the hallway for anyone listening in. “I should have been there. I—”

“ I was there, East. I will always look after him.”

Easton sighs, his shoulders dropping. “I know. Thank you. I know.” His lips pull into a soft smile but he doesn’t let it fully form. “God, she’s unhinged. What if she finds another guy that wants kids?”

“No.” I shake my head and rush over, stopping him from pacing. “I think she’s an awful human. I’m disgusted by her behavior. But I also think she’s lost. And probably a little bit broken.”

“That doesn’t excuse—”

“I’m not excusing her actions. But I think you should call her.”

“What?”

“Call her. Please . I don’t think she wants full custody. Hell, I don’t think she wants any custody. Deep down. She’s just lost.”

Dad, Keeley, and Isaac arrive back at that moment, and I give Easton a pointed look before smiling their way.

Easton nods, forcing a smile, and lifts Isaac into his arms, giving him a squeeze before the two of them chat with Keeley. I watch on for a moment until Dad pulls me away, moving me out of earshot.

“Are you okay?” he asks, subtly grabbing my arm, likely checking to make sure I’m not still shaking. I told Easton everything except for how much that entire exchange affected me. I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared in my life.

The four of us sneak out before the game ends, with Keeley going back to work, and Isaac falls asleep on the way home, which isn’t surprising considering the day he’s had. When we arrive at Easton’s apartment, I give him some space to call Macy and head back to my place, getting a quick shower before grabbing us both a late dinner on my way back to see him.

I’ve only just put my key in the door when Easton opens it for me and pulls me into his arms as he closes it behind me.

“Thank you,” he whispers, his voice choked with emotion. “You failed to mention that you convinced Macy that she didn’t want this life. She’s considering offering me full custody. I thought you said she walked away.”

“She did. I had no idea that I’d done that. But I could see the resolve in her body language.”

“Well, she said it was you.” The relief in his tone mixes with awe, and I don’t quite feel like I deserve it. “She hates you by the way,” he adds with a chuckle. “Even though she never wanted to be a mother, she still feels like you stole her life. Despite her fucking it up long before I met you.”

“I can understand that. I get the feeling she just wanted you . Your attention. Your love. Your money. And I got those things without really trying.”

“Oh, you tried. Nobody sucks my—”

“Easton, I’m being serious,” I admonish, but can’t hide my growing smile as he laughs.

“I know and I’m sorry. I needed to escape from the heavy, even for a moment.”

“You should rest. It’s been a crazy—”

“Don’t bother finishing that sentence, D’Angelo. I know what you’re about to say, and you’re wrong. You’re not leaving. I don’t need alone time. I need you .” He grabs the takeout from my hands and intertwines our fingers, walking me to the bedroom. “I want to eat, shower, and then fall asleep next to you, so we can wake up tomorrow and make plans for a future together. A future without anything else standing in our way.”

“That sounds nice. There’s only one flaw in your plan.”

“Yeah?”

“I didn’t bring any pajamas.”

“You can sleep in one of my tees tonight. And then tomorrow, we’re moving you in here.”

“Easton, we can’t.”

“Why? I love you. Isaac loves you. This is it for me. Why wait?”

I think about it for all of a second before my racing heart convinces me. “Okay. I’ll move in. After we ask Isaac.”

“Deal.” Easton heads over to his dresser and grabs me a handful of his T-shirts, throwing them my way. “Try these. One of them should work.”

He drags his own tee over his head, drawing my gaze to his abs before falling back onto the bed and making himself comfortable. “I’ll get dinner ready; you get changed.”

Dragging my eyes away from his mesmerizing body, I do as I’m told, disappearing into the en suite to get changed before washing my face.

When I’m done, I call out, “Sorry, Easton,” as I run my fingers through my hair. “I don’t think I’ll be bringing any of my clothes here. I much prefer yours.” I walk out in nothing but his white tee and my black thong, lifting my arms so he gets a good view.

His eyes roam my body as he groans. “Take them all. They’re yours. I don’t want to see you in anything else. Ever.”

He jumps up from the bed and curls his hands under the tee, grabbing my ass before kissing my neck.

“I thought you said you wanted to sleep. And what about dinner?”

“Sleep is overrated. We’ve got a lifetime to catch up.”

“And dinner?”

“I’m still eating. I’ve just changed what’s on the menu.”