Page 170 of Fierce Storm
“Anything else you want to tell me about?”
“No, you pretty much… Oh, actually.” I grimace as I remember the only other thing I hid from him.
Sal stiffens, quickly trying to hide it. “I’m listening.”
“Remember the first GM you fired? Tray.”
“I do…” Sal draws out the words, his voice hesitant.
“I told you I agreed with your plan to fire him because he was a sleaze. He hit on me and pretty much every other girl who worked for him.”
“Motherfucker.” Sal jolts and I have no doubt that if I wasn’t sitting in his lap, he’d be up out of the chair. “I knew he was a piece of shit; I just couldn’t work out why.”
“Yeah, well, you’re the only man who noticed that. Most of the guys thought he was amazing. One of the boys.”
“Fucker. I wish I could fire him again with that knowledge. I wouldn’t have given him such a nice send-off.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re cute when you’re angry?” I throw his words back at him and he laughs incredulously.
“Funny. Is that it?”
“I think so. What about you?”
“Nothing,” he rushes out, his pitch rising, making it seem like a lie. Only when I study his features, he seems calm.
“Good.” I give him the benefit of the doubt. “So…are you going to take me to bed now?”
Sal half coughs, half laughs, and I hope I never lose the ability to fluster him like that.
“Not a chance,” he rasps, shaking his head. “You heard the doctor. Limited movement for at least another twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”
“You’re joking, right? Please tell me you’re joking.”
“I’m not. You need to rest, and I need to work for a couple of hours.” He stands with me in his arms and positions me back on the couch. “I promise I won’t be long.”
At the mention of work, excitement builds in my chest. “Can you bring me my laptop?” I hit Sal with a wide smile while he raises a brow, his gaze questioning, giving me my answer.
“Ugh. You suck.”
“I’m not actually going in. I have my laptop in my bag.”
“What? And you didn’t get mine?”
“Nope. But you love me.” He smirks and I laugh like he’s joking, even though I think I do. At least I would if he’d take me to work, instead of leaving me here to suffer.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes, making him chuckle until his expression turns serious again.
“Thank you for sharing your story. I promise to never question your feelings, but at the same time, if those feelings change, I want you to know you can talk to me about it. I don’twant you to feel like you’re trapped, if you ever change your mind.”
“I can promise you that’s not going to happen. But also… I’m not the kind of girl that would ever allow myself to feel trapped. You don’t have to worry.”
“I will always worry.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“Want me to put on one of those crime shows you like?”
“Nah, that’s okay. I’ll find something.” I stretch to reach the remote, and Sal rushes to grab it, passing it over.
