Page 210 of Fierce Storm
“Actually…” I grimace, my teeth clenched in an awkward grin. “I gave her the heads-up.”
“What? How?” Sal asks while Easton’s jaw drops.
“Why didn’t you giveusa heads-up?” he complains.
“Because Mom and I can speak in code.”
“Code?”
I nod while everyone else stares at me like I’m crazy. “After Dad left, we were watching a show about a group of kids that often stayed home alone. They had a secret word they could use to alert their parents if something was wrong. Mom and I jokingly came up with something we could use. And I used it, but in reverse.”
“What does that even mean?” Easton frowns while the smallest of smiles pulls at Sal’s lips. He gets it.
“Our word, or phrase in our case, was ‘yellow flip-flops,’ because, for one, I’ve never really liked the color yellow. And two, I don’t wear flip-flops; even back then I never wore them, unless I was at the beach. Anyway, I called Mom and told her I left my yellow flip-flops at her place. And that if she sees them, it’s okay; I don’t need them. I’ll grab them when I see her very soon. She didn’t ask any questions, we had a quick chat, and all was good. I knew that if she saw the news, she’d know I was okay.”
Paige and Sal nod, their almost matching expressions showing their awe. Easton, on the other hand, stares at me dumbfounded. “Only you and Mom.” He shakes his head.
“You should still call her back.” Sal passes my phone over, his awe making way for nerves. It’s still going to take time for everyone to be completely comfortable with the two of us dating.But my mom isn’t one of them. And before long, everyone else will be shocked they ever questioned it. Our relationship will be old news.
“I will. First, I love you both.” I look between Easton and Paige. “But I’m tired, my ankle is killing me, and my bed is calling for a nap. It was a long night.”
“Of course.” Paige stands up to give both me and Sal a hug. “Call me if you need me. Is it okay if I bring Isaac over tomorrow? While Dad’s at work?”
“I’m not going to work,” Sal answers before I do. “I’d love to see him too.”
“Oh. Okay. Great. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
Easton offers me a soft smile before shaking Sal’s hand and saying goodbye. I hold my breath until the door shuts, then almost collapse back onto the couch, sighing dramatically. “What a crazy twenty-four hours.”
Sal sits beside me, pulling me onto his lap. “Understatement of the year. My heart is still a chaotic mess. Easton’s not the only one that needs a moment to move on from what happened. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
“Sorry.”
Sal huffs out a chuckle. “I still can’t believe you changed the plan on me. Actually, I can believe it, Miss Independent. What I mean is that it kept me up last night. I still can’t help wondering what if I hadn’t made it? I don’t have the best track record for doing the right thing and?—”
“I knew you’d make it. I never once doubted you.”
“Keels.”
“No, Sal. I knew you’d be checking your phone every time it went off. I knew you’d be on the next flight out of there as soon as you got that alert, and I knew you’d be here when I needed you. Even if the detectives arrived first, I knew you wouldn’t be too far behind them. I trusted you completely. It’s time you starttrusting yourself. You’re not the same man you used to be. The husband Camilla got is not the boyfriend I have now.”
Sal stares at me for a beat before cupping my face and pressing his lips to mine. “Thank you. As corny as this sounds, it’s you that makes me want to be a better man.”
“And Paige.”
“Her too. And she’s okay because of you.”
“Andyou. Let’s face it. If I hadn’t come up with that plan, you would have come up with something else. You’re Salvatore D’Angelo. Instead, you get to spend that time worshipping your girl.”
“Something I plan to do all day, every day.” He smirks before his tongue pokes out to wet his bottom lip, making me clench my legs.
“Are you reallynotgoing to work tomorrow?” I ask with a raised brow, almost certain I’m going to call him on his bullshit to Paige.
“I’m really not.” He chuckles lightly. “Not tomorrow, not the next day. Not until the doctor clears you to go back with me.”
“Sounds possessive.”
“Good. I’m not leaving you alone in this house. Ever again.”
