“You’re right. Good idea. Thanks, Keeley.”
He smiles before jumping up and walking outside, the strange conversation pulling another laugh out of me as he disappears around the corner.
“I see you met Marc.” Sal appears out of nowhere and I startle, almost spilling my wine. And yet, I’m not entirely surprised that he’s here.
“I did. He’s afriendlykid.” I’m careful with my words and Sal groans.
“God, what did he say?”
“Nothing. We just spoke about whether or not it was appropriate to hook up with someone who’s almost like family.”
I smile while Sal chokes on nothing, a similar reaction to what I had. “Because of…” His eyes widen as he trails off, and I bark out a laugh.
“God, no. Not us. Me and him.”
“You and… Did he hit on you?” Sal refuses to meet my eye, turning to face the rest of the room.
“Not exactly. Would it matter if he had?”
His head snaps to mine so fast, I startle again, until he shakes, glancing away. “No, it wouldn’t.”
“Okay. Good. I told him about a club he should go to later. I might meet him?—”
“Do not finish that sentence, Keeley.” Sal smiles as he seethes, and my heart races as a tingling sensation has me clenching my legs. I like seeing Sal jealous. A lot.
“So it does matter?”Jesus. So much for my panic over Paige almost catching us. It’s like I’m addicted to him.
“We can’t have this conversation here. But yes. I’ll let you enjoy the rest of the night in peace; no more work talk. I promise.”
Work talk?
I turn to find Luke and Amelia joining us at the bar, smiling when Amelia grabs my hand. “I need to borrow you for a minute,” she says, her eyes full of apology. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course. I’ve got my drink. I’m good. See you both later.” I wave to Luke and Sal, and follow Amelia over to the couches, sitting down on the armchair next to her. “Everything okay, Ames?”
“Everything’s fine, but I noticed that other than scarfing down your meal, you’ve barely had a chance to sit, and I know you’re not going to acknowledge that yourself. Take a second. Everything is running smoothly. We’re all having a great time. You deserve a moment to enjoy it. I’ll leave you be.”
“Thank you, Amelia. You’re right. But I don’t want to be alone.”
Because I’ve already taken a moment. I took a moment to shove my tongue down Sal’s throat, and I should not have done that here.
I need to distract myself or I might try and do it again, and relaxing on the couch is not going to work.
“Tell me what’s been going on in your life, Ames. How’s Juliet?”
Amelia smiles, and I know I’ve bought myself at least thirty minutes talking about her daughter. Just in time for the rehearsal to begin.
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.
