Page 106 of Fierce Storm
“I refuse to ruin this outfit. Have you seen yourself?” He spins me toward the mirror and settles behind me, trapping me with his arresting gaze.
Ihavelooked at myself, obviously, and yet when his eyes lower to my dress, I follow, and it’s like I’m seeing it for the first time. Through his eyes. My olive-green silk number clings tightly to my body with the V neckline dipping just below my breasts, the Hollywood tape working its magic to keep the material in place. The skirt falls below my knees, showing off my five-inch nude heels, the fit leaving no room for panty lines. Not that Sal would think about that.
“You’re a vision, Keeley,” he whispers, drawing my attention back to his eyes as I smile in thanks. “It’s been a struggle not to stare at you since I arrived, and I’m afraid to say I’m failing.”
“And now you’re here.”
“Now I’m here.”
Sal slides one of the thin straps from my shoulder and gently kisses a path across my skin, his eyes closing as he lets out a strangled groan.
“Why is it impossible to stay away from you?” he whispers, the heat of his voice warming my skin while also making me shiver.
“God, if you find out, please let me know because I’ve been thinking the same thing all week.”
I spin to face him, and we’re so close our noses almost touch, and yet, Sal doesn’t step back. He doesn’t pull away like I expect him to.
I take in a shallow breath, and Sal’s eyes drop to my mouth, his hooded gaze making me shudder.
“Sal?”
“We can’t do anything tonight, Keeley.”
“I know.”
“But I can’t walk away.” His pained expression hits me in the chest, and I know how he feels.
“Me either.”
We both fall silent as Sal gently cups my face in one hand, his other wrapping around me to settle on my back. “What are you doing to me?” He whispers the words as he leans in, gently pressing his lips to mine, his touch so soft, you’d think I wouldn’t feel it. But I feel iteverywhere.
My heart races as I slide my hands around his waist, under his jacket, pulling him closer.
He groans against my mouth, his lips caressing mine, his thumb curling under my chin to lift my face higher, deepening our connection.
The kiss is soft and purposeful, explorative and raw. And when it ends, it’s over much sooner than I would have liked and yet it couldn’t have been more perfect.
“Sorry, I…” Sal trails off as he steps back, running his hands through his hair. “Actually, I’m not sorry, only we probably shouldn’t have done that at my daughter’s rehearsal dinner.” He cringes comically and I laugh.
“No, probably not. And now you’ve gone and messed up your hair.” I walk forward and lift to my toes, tousling his locks until it’s stylishly messy as opposed to the I-just-finished-kissing-my-daughter’s-best-friend look he had going.
“Thanks, Keels. Your hair still looks perfect.”
“I noticed you keeping your hands away from it. Always so thoughtful.”
“I try.” He shrugs and I laugh, straightening his jacket, as I smile up at him.
“Shall we get back to it?”
“Yes. We should.”
“You go first and I’ll slip through the kitchen. Our secret will be safe for another day.” Sal nods, his eyes locked on mine as he brushes his thumb across my cheek.
“See you out there.”
“You will.”
He stares my way for another few beats before laughing to himself and heading for the door. “Oh, and Keeley. Why don’t you get yourself a nice glass of wine, sneak out onto the balcony, and have a moment to yourself. You deserve it.”
