Chapter 52
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 the open door.” 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 his warmth.
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.”
“What?” My breath hitches as the love in his eyes settles me.
“I’m falling in love with you. And it’s about time I said it out loud, even if I am whispering.”
My heart gallops in my chest, his words swirling through me like oxygen. I attempt to suck in a shaky breath before clasping his hands and smiling. “I’m falling in love with you too, Sal.” More than I thought was possible.
Sal sighs before kissing me again, and when we part, his eyes fill with apprehension. “I’m here. Okay?”
“Thank you. I don’t plan on being too long.”
“Good. I’m not sure I can handle much.”
I smile as I pass him, making my way toward Wes’s office with Sal close behind me, and I’m surprised to find that smile doesn’t fade.
I never would have thought it would make a difference, and yet, with Sal’s love coursing through me, I feel invincible as I enter the room, coming face-to-face with Vance.
The man I had no idea affected me so much.
“Vance.” I nod, hiding my joy when his face contorts with confusion. He’s quick to recover and hides his shock as a smug expression takes its place.
“Keeley. I’m surprised they have you involved in my negotiations.”
“They don’t.”
“They don’t?”
“No. There are no negotiations, Vance. Wes was nice enough to give me the honor of telling you we won’t be offering you the coaching position. We’ve decided to go with someone who isn’t a piece of shit.”
“You’re hilarious. My reputation is squeaky clean.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re a decent human being. It just means you have friends in high places that can cover it up.”
“Fuck off. You know nothing about me.”
“Nothing?”
“No. We knew each other…what? Over ten years ago? I think it’s time for you to get over whatever infatuation you have and move the fuck on.”
“Infatuation? You sexually assaulted me, Vance. You didn’t listen when I said no, and forced yourself on me. And as if that wasn’t enough, you played the victim and got away with it, making me lose my job.”
“Is that what you think happened? Because I remember it a lot?—”
“I don’t need to hear what you think you remember.
I know what happened. I have the mental scars to prove it.
I’m no longer playing the part of your victim.
You deserve to pay for what you did, but it’s too late for that.
Instead, I’m going to ensure that no one falls victim to you again.
I wanted you to be the first to know, I’m going to make a statement as part of the Women in Sports fundraiser this year.
You know, the one that’s always covered by media outlets from around the world.
And I’m not afraid to name names. I hope you’ve enjoyed your fame up until now, because it’s all about to change. ”
He steps forward, his eyes dropping to my ankle as he invades my personal space. “That’s a big threat for someone that can’t run away.”
“I’m not scared of you. Try your worst. It’ll only make me fight harder.”
Vance’s nostrils flare, and for the first time since I walked into the room, fear takes over me, but I refuse to show it. Instead, I stand tall, holding his gaze.
“Fucking bitch,” he snarls, throwing a chair across the room before storming off, and a sense of relief and pride takes over me.
I did it. I faced a fear that had been unknowingly haunting me for years. I feel amazing.
Sal’s through the door before Vance is fully out of the room, his eyes wide as he rakes them all over my body, his fists clenched, undoubtedly searching for damage. His eyes lock on the chair against the wall, and a growl vibrates from the back of his throat before he turns to chase after Vance.
“Stop. It’s okay. He didn’t hurt me.”
Sal closes his eyes as his head falls back, his expression pinched with torment. He sucks in a breath and jogs toward me, pulling me into his arms. He holds me in silence, his rapid breathing the only sound between us until I pull away.
“God, you’re so pale.” I brush my thumbs across his cheek, and he shakes his head.
“What do you expect when the women in my life are trying to kill me? I’m so proud of you, Keeley, but fuck, it was hard to stand outside and listen to what was going on without being able to see you. At one point, I thought I was going to have to physically restrain myself.”
“If it helps, I appreciate it. I feel better now that I’ve done that. It’s as though I not only closed that door, but locked it for good and threw away the key.”
Sal smiles, the curve of his lips twisting until the creases meet his eyes. “That helps a little.” He kisses my head while his heart pounds against me. “But if that door ever gets unlocked, I’m going to have to kill him.”
“I know.” I giggle. “Thank you for helping me find closure.”
“You’re welcome.”
We stay like that for a beat, until a throat clears and we break apart to find Wes.
“Wes.” Sal nods, unperturbed at being caught in an intimate embrace.
“Sorry to interrupt. I thought you’d like to know that he’s gone, and I’ve let him know he’s not welcome here at the Storm.”
“Thank you, Wes.” I smile softly and he nods in return.
“Are you okay?”
“I am. I needed that to move on.”
A somber expression passes over Wes’s face before he schools his features. “I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. If you ever need to talk to anyone, let me know.”
“Wow. Ah…” I would never have pictured Wes as someone to offer an ear but?—
“Jesus, sorry. I meant Lucy. Not me. I wouldn’t know what the hell to say.” His wife, of course.
“Oh, right. Yes. Actually, I’d love to catch up with Lucy. Even without needing to talk.”
“Great.” His expression brightens and I have to wonder if there’s a story there. “I’ll let her know.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll give you two a moment. I’m going to head out to make sure he’s left the premises.” Wes waves before leaving us alone in his office, and while I’m feeling significantly lighter, Sal still has a shadow hanging over his head.
“Is everything okay?”
“You mean, other than standing by while my girlfriend confronted the man that attacked her?”
“Yes. Other than that.”
Sal sighs, cursing softly. “Camilla texted me while you were in there. She agreed that Paige should testify. She was on my side until she spoke to Paige. Now she’s jumped ship.”
He sounds so defeated that my heart aches for him, but at the same time, I feel the need to play devil’s advocate. “Maybe Paige’s reasons make sense to Camilla since she’s also testifying. If she’s going anyway, with or without your blessing, wouldn’t it be better to help her out?”
“Of course. I’ve already made arrangements for travel and security, but I’d be more comfortable if your brother was traveling with her.”
“He’s not?”
“No.”
I frown, confused. I didn’t think he’d let her go alone. “Maybe you should go with her?”
“Ahh.” He scratches the back of his head. “That’s the other reason I’m stressed.”
“Oh, yeah?” Why don’t I like the sound of this? “I have to go on Saturday afternoon. I’ll be there when Paige arrives, but I can’t travel with her.”
“Why?”
“I have to meet with the advisory board about the unsafe work practices first thing Monday morning, and I have a few loose ends to tie up before then.”
“Loose ends?” Why does that sound so final?
“Yeah. I promise I wouldn’t be going if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”
“I know.” I smile while my frantic heart gives away my lie. I believe that he believes that, but I also have to wonder if he considers most things in his business to be absolutely necessary.
God, is that what I’m like?
My mind flashes back to my talk with Paige, and I internally curse myself. Sal and I are one and the same. I’ve been turning into Mr. Hyde because I’m not allowed to work. Who am I to judge?
Sal closes his eyes, his expression ashen as he talks to Paige on the phone.
“Jeffrey will pick you up around ten a.m. on Monday. Are you sure you won’t let Easton go? I’d feel better knowing he was there with you.”
Paige responds, and from Sal’s expression, I can guess she’s sure. It turns out I was right about Easton. He wants to go; Paige won’t let him.
“I know I’m there, but I’m not traveling with you, and I’ll be at D’Angelo Construction until I meet you?—”
Paige must cut him off because he pauses, running a hand through his hair.
For a man that likes to be in control, he’s been thrown a lot of curveballs over the last twenty-four hours, and he’s not coping well.
On top of having to watch me with Vance yesterday while standing on the sidelines, he’s now being forced to stay back when it comes to Paige.
And he has no idea whether or not her life is in danger.