Page 4 of Fierce Storm
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but sometime over the last almost year and a half, Sal became my confidant, and I, his.
We clicked from the very first meeting in his office, getting along like we’d been friends for years, despite the twenty-year difference in age between us, and along the way, it became more than that. Our relationship blossomed into something much deeper, and now, I don’t know what I’d do without him. Which is not exactly something I need to worry about considering Sal’s daughter is engaged to my grumpy-ass baby brother, and they’re raising my beautiful nephew together.
Not only do I see Sal every day at work, he also lives in the same building as Easton and my mom. Not to mention he pops up occasionally at our family functions, like my mom’s birthday and Christmas last year.
Despite all that, we’ve managed to keep our close friendship mostly to ourselves, convincing everyone we’re nothing more than colleagues. The only person I’ve told is my oldest friend, Callum. But since he lives in Scotland, he’s not about to give the game away.
In this chaotic and sometimes messed-up world, it’s been nice having this little secret between us. Something away from the headlines constantly surrounding our team, and away from our family and friends. Something just for us.
Here, he’s Salvatore D’Angelo, team owner and boss man, while I’m Keeley Reynolds, Storm media liaison, sometimes known as Easton’s sister. And that’s the way I plan to keep it, for as long as we can get away with it. Inside these walls we’re brief, courteous, and always professional, but once we’re alone, shoes come off, hair comes out of its tight hold—for me anyway—and we can both be ourselves, calming each other in this otherwise hectic world.
“Last,” Sal finishes up, and I wave to our security officer, signaling that it’s almost time to open the gates for the general public. “Please send all your good vibes Coach Pierce’s way as he recovers from food poisoning, and be prepared to show him you care by proving you don’t actually need him in order to succeed.”
Sal steps away from the mic and immediately joins my side, walking with me back to our offices. “How’d I do?” he asks when we’re away from the masses, raising an eyebrow.
“You nailed it.” I can’t help but laugh. “The perfect mix of dad humor and the famous Salvatore D’Angelo charm.”
“Dad humor and charm?” Sal draws his lips into a frown and my laughter increases.
“Yep.”
“I was going for serious but cool.”
“Oh. Well, you did that too. Good job.” I jokingly pat him on the back, and he scoffs under his breath.
“Keel-ley.”
“I’m kidding. It was perfect. The guys were all listening intently. Especially for your ‘we’re going to win’ speech. They’re as determined as you are. Can’t you feel the energy in the air? They want this. It’s going to be our year.”
“Fuck, I hope so.”
“I know so. We have Wes at the helm. Coach Pierce is happy, when he’s not sick. You might even be able to relax those shoulders a little after this weekend.”
Sal makes a show of lowering his shoulders, and I suck my lips into my mouth, suppressing my reaction. “You noticed?”
“I did.” I grin through a wince. “No one faults you for being stressed lately. There has been a lot going on. Especially with Zane. But he played incredibly last weekend, and he’s all smiles now that he has Blair in his life. Even if they won’t admit they’re together.”
“I’m not interested in my player’s love life, Keels. Just his well-being.”
“You’re a good guy, Sal. Better than most. Coach is ready to write him off because he keeps disappearing, and you’re worried about him.”
“Yeah, well, I hate that he’s still in limbo. Hell, the entire team is in limbo. It’s going to be a media circus if and when anything changes with Landon. No matter what happens.”
Landon.Fucking Landon. I don’t usually speak ill of anyone that can’t stand up for themselves, but I made an exception for our rookie last season, Landon McKenna. He may be in a coma right now, and that in itself is devastating, but he pulled a knife on my friend Hayley and stabbed one of our players—her boyfriend, Reed—after stalking both of them for almost a year. If it wasn’t for Zane’s heroics, God knows what else he would have done.
Now, Zane’s suffering because of it. He’s been hounded by the media and forced to face the dark truths of his past.
He doesn’t deserve it, and like Sal, I hate that it’s still affecting him months later, and likely to continue messing with him until something happens with Landon, one way or the other.
“I’m ready for whatever we have to face. Zane won’t have to deal with it alone. And you know I’ll make sure the team doesn’t suffer.”
“I have no doubt. Thanks, Keels. Do you need anything from me for the media meeting tomorrow?”
“Nope. I’m good. You’re free to take the rest of the day off.”
“How very kind of you.” Sal smirks and as always, it’s delicious.
“Someone has to tell you what to do. You’re far too powerful.”
