If I wasn’t so pissed off at being told I have to stay home for the next two weeks, I’d probably consider overexaggerating my pain so he stays longer, but I need to play it down if I want to get back to work anytime soon.
I smile as I crutch my way inside, ignoring the ache caused by the blood rushing to my foot.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Sal gives me a side-eye as he walks around me, making his way into the kitchen. “You can hide your pain as much as you want. It doesn’t change anything.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You don’t even realize you winced just now, do you?”
“Goddammit.”
“Come here.” He holds his arms out as I slowly move toward him, smiling when he meets me halfway. Actually, more likefour-fifths of the way since he’s that much faster than I am. He puts his phone and keys down on the counter before taking my crutches from my hand and resting them against the wall, pulling me into a hug, supporting my weight as he holds me.
We stay like that for a minute before he pulls back, his gaze bouncing between my eyes. I’m about to ask him what’s going on when he maneuvers me around until I’m balanced against the wall, and cups my cheek with one hand, his other still holding my weight.
“I should have done this in the hospital.” He presses his mouth to mine, his touch like a whisper, eliciting a soft mewl from within me. He groans in response, deepening the kiss, and I quiver at the feel of him, bringing me back to the last time he kissed me, with the promise of what was to come.
After devouring my mouth, he drops his head to my shoulder before peppering my neck with slow, shivery kisses. And just when I think it’s going to lead to more, he pulls away. All too soon.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
“No apology needed. I’m up for more of that.” I shift slightly and cringe when my cast hits the floor.
Sal lifts me higher, the lust gone from his eyes, now replaced with concern. “Maybe later.”
“Ugh. What else am I going to do?”
“I know I’m the last person that should be allowed to say this, but it’s only a week off of work. After that, they said you can work from home providing you keep your feet elevated. You can get through this. It’s a nanna week instead of a nanna night.”
“You’d think that would sound appealing…” I trail off as I pout, thinking about how much I have to do between now and the beginning of the season. I’m going to miss the first game, the opening night function…
“I’m not sure if this is going to be helpful, or if I just signed my own death certificate, but I asked Wes to find someone to… Ahh, how do I word it?”
“You had me replaced?” I push him backward and grab the wall behind me for support.
“I definitely didn’t have you replaced.” Sal chuckles. “We’re getting someone in to help in your absence, so you don’t return with more work than you can handle.”
“I can handle anything you throw at me, thank you very much.”
“I know you can. This is a good thing, Keeley.”
“Doesn’t feel that way.”
Sal smiles, and I wish it didn’t give me a buzz when I want to be pissed off.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re cute when you’re angry?” he asks, bopping me on the nose.
“No. I don’t want to becute. I want to be better.”
“I know. Come on. Let’s get you off your feet so we can get that recovery moving.”
With a nod, I hold out my hand to take the crutches, but Sal surprises me by scooping me into his arms and carrying me over to the couch. He positions me lengthways and props my foot up on some pillows, his eyes on my face to gauge my reaction.
“How’s that?”
“Good. But where are you going to sit? I can’t see you if you sit on the armchair.”
“Easy fix.” He lifts the coffee table out of the way and moves my armchair in front of the couch, close to my head. “See?”
