Page 186 of Fierce Storm
“Yes,” she whispers after what feels like a lifetime. “Yes, I’ll stay with you.”
I almost whisperforeverbut hold back, instead rushing forward to meet her, wrapping my arms around her waist. “Thank you. I was never actually going to move in here alone. It’s too big for one person.”
“If we’re being honest, it’s too big for two…and I didn’t say I was moving in.”
“Not yet.”
“Not yet?”
“You heard me.”
Keeley snorts out a laugh before her expression softens, and the smallest of frowns lowers her lips. “I wish I could do yoga. Or any kind of exercise. I’m going to lose my stamina.”
“It’s only about six more weeks. In the meantime, I’m sure we can think of other ways to burn energy.” I glance to the bed and Keeley laughs.
“I’m sure we can.”
After a quick tour upstairs, with a few more oohs and ahhs from Keeley, I carry her back down and get her settled comfortably on the lounge chair outside, making her promise me she’ll stay downstairs for the next few days if I’m not home to help her. Thankfully she agrees.
The early afternoon sun reflects off the glistening water, and with the sound of the waves and the breeze surroundingus, Keeley finally looks happy. Peaceful. At ease. And my body warms because of it.
“You were right,” she says after a period of silence. “This is exactly what I needed.”
“Thank God.” A loud breath expels from my lungs. “I wasn’t sure I was going to survive the rest of the week with the way you were glaring my way.”
“Stop. I’d never actually hurt you. And I still want to work as soon as I’m allowed. But this is nice in the meantime.”
“Good.” I smile until Vance comes to mind, and I hate that I have to ruin the moment. “We probably have another hour before we need to leave. Do you want to stay out here? I could bring you a book.”
Keeley blows out a breath, smile gone. “I might head in to watch TV. I’m not sure I can concentrate enough to read.”
“Sounds good.”
I should be working, but instead, I sit down next to her once she’s settled on the couch and lift her legs onto my lap, making sure her ankle’s supported, wanting to be here if she needs to talk.
We watch one of her true crime shows in silence, my hand on her thigh, my heart pounding harder the closer we get to having to leave.
While I don’t want her to go anywhere near that asshole, I’m prepared to suck it up because that’s what she wants.But…if his hands go near any part of her body, even by accident, I’m going to intervene.
I’m only human after all, and there’s only so much I can hold back, so much pain I can endure. And with Keeley, that level is low. She’s already been hurt enough. It’s her time to have a happily ever after.
Chapter Fifty-Two
KEELEY
We move slowly through the halls of the stadium, my crutches clacking against the floor as we make our way toward Wes’s office. His door comes into view and Sal pauses, carefully pulling me to a stop.
“You are a strong, incredible woman, Keeley, and I know you’ve got this. But if at any point you want to leave, if he touches you, or you decide you would like me to kick his ass, please don’t hesitate to call out for me. I’ll be right outside theopendoor.” His gaze locks to mine and I laugh softly.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. But I’m going to be fine.”At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
I turn to hobble away again until Sal’s palm curls around my waist, prompting me to pause. “What are you doing?” I ask as he comes to stand in front of me, amusement in my eyes.
“I just want to do this.” He cups my face and slams his lips to mine, his kiss more urgent than any of our previous kisses, and it fills me with comfort. I meet his fervor, pouring everything I have into the kiss, while taking everything I can from hiswarmth. And when he finally pulls away, it takes a second to catch my breath, my eyes widening as I do.
We’re at work.
My gaze darts from one end of the hall to the other while Sal’s eyes remain on me. “It doesn’t matter, Keeley,” he whispers. “I’m done pretending I’m not falling in love with you.”
