Page 40 of Fierce Storm
“I don’t know. I was answering emails, trying to get ahead before a meeting for D’Angelo Construction tomorrow, and I had this urge to get out of my office.”
“And you ended up here?”
“I did. I saw the light under your door.”
“I’m here. As always.” A slight twinge nags at my stomach and I internally wince. Luke’s right. I really do spend all my time at work. It’s nine p.m. Why am I here?
And Callum asked if I was dating. Yeah, right.
“I was actually about to come and look for you.”
“Oh, yeah?” His face lights up and I smile because of it, knowing I can always count on Sal to make me feel wanted.
“Yes. I just got off the phone withSports Unfiltered. They want to do a puff piece on you. What should I say?”
Sal’s face contorts into an expression I haven’t seen before, and I’m thoroughly amused. “What the hell is a puff piece?”
“Come on.” I bite back a grin. “I thought you were smart. I’ll give you an example. Storm owner Salvatore D’Angelo is not only one of the youngest owners in the league today but also the most hands-on. He’s the first in the office and the last toleave, and always willing to get his hands dirty. While facing rumors and criticism head-on, he’s transformed the team into the family-oriented franchise you see today. Etcetera. Etcetera.”
“Please go on. You forgot to mention my power and charm.”
Idid. But the magazine certainly won’t. “Do you want to do it or not?” I press my lips together and Sal chuckles, pushing off the wall to make his way inside my office, sitting back on the edge of my desk.
“Honestly? It sounds like hell. Are you asking me to do it or recommending I do it?”
I raise my hands in the air. “Neither. I’m just presenting the question.” I close my door and take a few steps closer.
“That’s a strange reaction.” Sal frowns when I reach him. “Do you know the journalist?”
“I do.”
“And…”
“And, what?”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing.”Why am I acting so weird?Why do I care if he does it or not? I should be thinking about what’s best for the team. “I owe her a favor which is why I’m bringing this to you. It’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to do it.”
“Is she honest?”
“Yes.” Sometimestoohonest.
“So this isn’t something else disguised as a puff piece?”
“No. I asked the same question. She said their readers are interested in you and how this all came to be.”
“To ask why I decided to neglect my business in New York City to play around in San Francisco?”
“What? I don’t think anyone’s thinking that. Are you?”
“Sometimes.” Sal releases a sigh, and I walk closer, pushing him over so I can sit beside him.
“I thought your business was thriving?”
“It is. But it’s doing it without me. Growing on its own. Like another child that blossomed without needing my influence.”
“Is this really about your business?”
