Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
SALVATORE
Laughter rings out around me and I chuckle along, pretending to pay attention as Camilla regales a few of the guests with stories of Paige as a child.
“And then she would…” Her voice fades into the background as I lose focus, once again drawn to Keeley, watching her as she floats around the room, shining like she always does.
My pulse races as I study her, smiling at the way her lips quirk when she’s politely exiting a conversation, and the way she brushes her hair behind her ears, even when it’s perfect. Maybe an unconscious habit from when her hair was long.
Keeley spins suddenly, knocking into Reed, and the two of them laugh out loud, with Keeley throwing her head back before jokingly burying her face in her hands.
She’s beaming with happiness, and I want to be over there, soaking it all up, sharing in her joy.
“Do you remember that, Salvatore?”
“Of course. What?”
Camilla laughs, her eyes lifting toward where I was looking just as Isaac steps into my line of sight. Perfect timing, little man. Camilla’s laughter softens and her lips curl into a knowing smile. “He’s a pretty amazing kid, right?”
“He sure is. And you didn’t think we’d have grandchildren.”
“I didn’t. But I’m very happy Paige found Isaac.”
“He was definitely meant to be a part of this family. I mean, look at him in his cute little suit.”
“Like grandfather, like grandson.”
“Absolutely.”
“There’s a lot of love in the room,” Easton’s aunt adds, the warmth in her tone making me smile.
She’s not wrong. Everyone I love is in this room right now.
I smile at Paige pulling Isaac onto her lap, her eyes bright as Keeley drops down onto the couch beside them. A spark of something new ignites in my chest and I quickly glance away, launching into a new conversation to distract me from whatever the fuck it is.
Now is not the time to process it.
The night ends much later than planned, and it’s safe to say Keeley’s not the only one that got emotional.
My apparently cold heart melted at the sight of Paige walking toward Easton during the rehearsal, and I’m not ashamed to admit it had just as much to do with his reaction as it did hers.
That man is completely smitten with my daughter, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.
Yet, here I am, potentially fucking things up by messing around with his sister. With the way things are going, that secret is not going to be a secret for long. We’re not being careful enough.
Keeley’s still buzzing around as the guests depart, and when I offer to help, she waves me away, letting me know she’ll see me tomorrow.
Her tired eyes make me anxious, and I almost demand that she lets me stay, until Rochelle catches up with me, linking her arm through mine to walk with me outside.
“Can you believe our kids are getting married?” She smiles warmly, her eyes locked on Easton and Paige. “You know I told Paige not to marry him?”
“You what?” My eyes bulge until I remember a conversation Paige and I once had, and it all comes back. “Are you referring to the day she had her epiphany? The day she decided she wanted to get married after being anti-marriage for so long?”
“That’s the day. I’m glad she didn’t listen to me. She’s going to make the most beautiful bride and a wonderful daughter-in-law.”
“She is. She’s lucky to have you welcoming her into the family.”
“Thank you. We all love her. I’m sorry about Easton.”
“Easton?”
“Yeah, I’m not so sure he’s going to make the best son-in-law, but he’ll be a good husband, that much I know.”
I chuckle when she winks, both of us turning to watch Easton grumble about something like he always does, while Paige’s happiness never wavers. “They’re a good match, that’s for sure.”
“They are. Two down. One to go.” Rochelle nods toward Keeley, and I swallow a lump in my throat. “One day she’ll put work aside and focus on her personal life. I hope.”
“Want me to fire her?” I joke to hide the uncomfortable knot forming in my stomach, and Rochelle laughs out loud, drawing attention our way.
“Shhh. She’ll kill you for even suggesting that. But even so, I’m going to say no. I’ve never seen her happier than she has been lately. And since she never leaves the office, that must be what’s bringing her joy.”
“Well, the guys are back. She’s in her element.” I pause as the words leave my mouth, shaking my head. “That came out wrong. I meant that we’re all back in the swing of things and?—”
“I knew what you meant.” Rochelle smiles, a soft laugh bubbling out of her. “Keeley swore off athletes a long time ago. It’s not the guys that are lighting her up. At least not in that way.”
My brows furrow, but I hide it before Rochelle turns my way, my expression morphing away from confusion. Though my thoughts still linger. Keeley mentioned not being interested in dating the players on the team, but I always assumed it’s because they work so closely. Is there more to it?
I walk Rochelle to her car and wait for Phil to arrive before saying goodbye, all while my eyes linger on the exit, waiting to see if Keeley comes out.
She hasn’t surfaced by the time I make it to my car, and I’m about to go back inside when I notice Paige and Hayley waving goodbye to the guys before meeting Keeley in the doorway and heading inside together.
My driver, Jeffrey, jumps out when I walk toward the back of the car, but I wave him off, getting the door for myself. “Did you have a good night?” he asks when I’m settled inside, his eyes finding mine in the rearview mirror.
“I did, thank you. Everything was perfect.”
“Good to hear.”
My thoughts drift back to my moment with Keeley, and my lips tingle as a reminder of our kiss.
I hadn’t planned to do anything tonight, but the spell she has me under is getting stronger by the day, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.
I’m not a casual relationship kind of guy. If I was, I would have been fucking around long before now. But with Keeley, I don’t think it’s casual at all. Which is a terrifying concept. There’s so much at stake. And I don’t know if I’m ready to take that step for either of our sakes.
If I got thirty minutes of sleep last night, I’d consider that a win. I can’t remember the last time I tossed and turned so much, thoughts running on repeat through my mind, my anxious heart unable to slow down.
I’m up well before my alarm, and I’ve already worked out and showered before the sun’s even risen to meet the clouds. I’m doing all that I can to keep myself busy, and still my mind won’t stop whirring.
When it’s finally a reasonable time to text Keeley, I ask her to meet me in my office and then pace in front of my windows. The practice field fills while I wait, a sea of turquoise and black painting the turf, as the players line up for practice.
My phone rings just as someone knocks on my door, and I check the screen to make sure it’s not Keeley seconds before she pokes her head inside.
“You wanted to see me?”
“I did.”
“What’s up?” She wanders in and closes the door behind her, making her way over to the couch, smiling as she sits down. Her relaxed demeanor puts me at ease for what I imagine won’t be an easy conversation. But I have to get it all off my chest.
“I wanted to talk,” I blurt and Keeley nods, turning to give me her full attention.
“About us.” I clear my throat awkwardly, and Keeley’s smile turns sympathetic.
It’s been decades since I’ve had to have “a talk” with anyone romantically.
Camilla and I didn’t even “talk” when we ended our marriage.
There was yelling. Lots of yelling. But we managed to avoid the “let’s sit down and talk about our future” conversation.
Keeley and I are past the point of avoidance. At least, I am. Now that it’s keeping me up at night. And I’m praying we’re on the same page.
“Why don’t you come and sit down?” Keeley waves to the space beside her on the couch as my eyes drop to where I’d picked up my pacing again. I hadn’t even noticed I was doing it.
“Sure. I can do that.” I grin as I sit, angling my body to face her way, while still giving myself the option to avoid eye contact.
“What would you like to talk about? In terms of us,” Keeley asks, her voice holding a warmth that instantly calms me.
“I guess I want to know what you’re thinking. What you want.” My voice comes out stilted compared to her smoothness, and I almost groan until she smiles reassuringly.
“I’m going to be completely transparent here.” She twists to face me, sitting tall and confident, and I actually laugh.
“You mean you’ve been holding back up to now?” I stare at her deadpan until her eyes widen comically, and she laughs along with me.
“Fair point. I’m going to continue to be honest then. I want more of what we’ve been doing, Sal. I want us to have fun.”
“Fun?”
“Yes. It’s been a long time since I’ve been intimate with anyone other than you.
The last time was before we met. I’m far too busy to date, apart from the few Luke set me up on, and they were never going to end in the bedroom.
That man cannot matchmake to save himself.
Anyway, I digress. I’m too busy to date.
I tried fucking apps disguised as dating apps but even that was too much effort.
I have a friend that works wonders, hitting the right spot every single time, but I need variety and there’s only so much my hand can do. ”
My muscles tense as words escape me. There was a lot to process there, and I’m sure I should be responding about where this conversation is going.
Only I’m stuck on her friend. Who the fuck is he?
Or she. Didn’t she just say she hadn’t been intimate with anyone since we met?
Is it not intimacy in her mind if it’s a quick fuck?
It sure as hell felt intimate to me when we were hiding out in the changing room.
“Are you okay?” I jolt at Keeley’s soft touch, her words interrupting my thoughts as her hand curls around my wrist. “I know that was a lot, but I wanted to put everything on the table. So you knew exactly where my head was at.”
What about where my head’s at?
“I appreciate your honesty. Always. Only… I’m confused. What exactly does that mean?” It sounds a hell of a lot like a casual relationship which is what I was worried about.
“It means that I think we should help each other out. I’m busy; you’re busy. We don’t have time to get it elsewhere, so why not?”
Jesus Christ. Why does that sound worse than a casual relationship?
“If I’m helping you, are you prepared to lose the friend?”
“What?” She frowns, confused. “Why would…” She pauses, and a glint of humor sparkles in her eyes before she schools her features and straightens her posture. “I can’t. Leo means too much to me.”
Leo. Jesus. “I didn’t need to know his—” Keeley’s laughter cuts me off and my brows furrow. “What?”
“Have I told you I like seeing you jealous, Mr. D’Angelo? Sir.”
“Keel—ley.”
“Leo is my vibrator. You don’t have to be jealous. We can share him.”
Fuuck. I groan, dropping my face into my hands.
“I don’t know if I’m cut out for this, Keels.” She opens her mouth to speak, but I lift a hand to signal for her to wait. “Full transparency?” I ask, standing slowly, struggling to counter my erratic pulse.
“Please,” Keeley whispers, the humor leaving her eyes.
“I don’t want some kind of casual arrangement with fleeting preorganized encounters and strict boundaries.
I don’t want you to use me as a replacement for Leo, waltzing into my office so I can get you off.
” I pause as the thought of that pops into my head.
“Okay, maybe I’m not opposed to that last one.
But I want more. I can’t do casual. Not with you.
Only, I’m not sure I can do a relationship either.
I’m at a loss here. There are far too many factors at play.
I know I’m overcomplicating what I’m sure you thought would be relatively simple.
I apologize for that. But this is bigger than us, Keels. As shitty as that is.”
She’s quiet when I’m done, and I have a feeling that’s the first time I’ve ever made her speechless while she’s been fully clothed. “Are you okay?”
“You want more?”
Fuck, yes. I think I want it all. “What I want doesn’t matter.
We have other people to think about.” I blow out a breath as I glance away.
I can’t do casual because I’m already in too deep to pretend.
And I can’t ask for more, because I’m setting us both up for heartbreak when this undoubtedly ends in explosive fashion.
“If only our relatives weren’t getting married, right?” Keeley whispers, pulling my gaze to find her suppressing a smile. “I’m kidding.”
Her laughter brings me out of my heavy thoughts, and I smile back at her.
“You’re kidding?”
“No, not really. It would make our situation a hell of a lot easier. I was kidding about bringing it up during a serious moment. I just wanted to cool the room a little.”
“Thanks. Sorry. I really killed the joy of it all.”
“No, you didn’t. You were honest and real. Which is something I’ve always valued about you.”
“Thanks, Keels. Why does this have to be so goddamn complicated?”
“It doesn’t have to be. It is what we make it.”
She locks me with her stunning gaze, trying to appear strong while a shaky breath gives her away, offering me a rare moment of vulnerability.
Something tells me it’s too late for us both. We flew past casual in the private jet everyone seems to think I own.
And I don’t think either of us know where to go from here.